Specific question about GXR + A12 50mm performances

[fabuchan]

Hello all,

I have been waiting for a long time for the announcement for the A12 28mm module and finally... is almost here...

I really want to upgrade from my GRD II to the GXR+28mm - but before I do it I would like to ask you in this forum about three specific performance question about GXR + A12 50mm (because I am assuming performances between the 50mm and 28mm wouldn't vary much).

1) When in Manual Focus or Snap focus mode (I almost always use these modes), how does the shutter delay perform? I really wish for a almost zero shutter delay. The GRD II (always in MF or Snap) is quite good but not perfect. Is the GXR+50mm shutter delay better/same/worse?
2) When shooting RAW, how many photos can I take before the buffer fills up and therefore the camera doesn't allow me to take any more photos? (I know it depends on the writing speed of the memory card, but a rough idea would do - eg I use Extreme III SD cards) - with the GRD II it is 2, and many times I have 'lost' a potential good photos becuse the camera was busy writing the previous 2 photos....
3) How about the 'off --> ready to shoot' delay? (again, I am not afer a precise number. but a rough idea)

If you could let me know based on your experience, it would greatly help me with my decision.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Fabrizio

 

[odklizec]

Hi Fabrizio,

I did some measurements and here are the results...

1) I tried to measure the shutter lag using the www.online-stopwatch.com. I tried it several times to eliminate errors but the shutter lag appears to be unmeasurable? In any case, it's very fast in Snap/MF mode.

2) Unfortunately, only 4 photos. This is, from my point of view, one of the few areas where Ricoh engineers or managers incomprehensibly underpowered the GXR. As if the price of doubled or tripled memory buffer would ruin the company? It's definitely inadequate for camera of GXR quality and price. I would like to see buffer for at least 10 consecutive photos. And even better, a dual buffer, which would allow to take another batch of photos while the first batch is being processed/written to SD card.

3) From OFF to first taken shot it takes around 2.8 secs. From OFF to LCD ON it's about 2.4 secs.

Hope this helps?

 

[fabuchan]

Hey Pavel,

Thanks a lot - comprehensive and precise as usual!!

1) and 3) excellent - very good performance! As I hoped.

2) a bit disappointing - I agree with you - how much can a larger memory buffer cost?? But 4 is already much better (double) than what I get with my GRD II so it's an improvement...

So, before I posted the message I was 80% sure to buy the GXR+28mm.

Now, thanks to your information, I am almost 99% sure! ;-)

Thanks a lot again!

Fabrizio

 

[odklizec]

I'm glad I could help Fabrizio!

I too don't understand what's the problem with larger buffer? Fast RAM does not cost a fortune in these days. 4 frames is always better than 2, but honestly, it's way below the today's standards.

From what I've read, A12 28mm AF performance is greatly improved over the 50mm unit. So I guess it will be an ideal street combo. I still hope there will be also 40mm/f2.0 (non-macro) pancake announced anytime soon. As you may remember, 40mm was always my most favorite focal length with GRDII and I really miss it with GRDIII. And 40mm should allow to make this lens relative small and fast. Just dreaming as always...

 

[fabuchan]

... of course I remember your passion for the 40mm!!! I have been using the 40mm adapter myself quite a lot as well!

My 'next' dream instead is the interchangeable lens module (M mount? but not necessarely) ... (but maybe a bit more than a dream given the rumors on the japanese website you linked a few days ago...maybe I have to wait only 1 year?)

I think I'll be getting the GXR+28mm+VF-2 when I go to Japan in December... cannot wait!

Take care and thank you again!

Fabrizio

 

[Joshua]

1. I focus mostly on street photography and the shutter lag is non-existant when using snap mode. I've never missed a shot with the GXR/A12!

2. I've never reached the limit... probably because I'm not photographing action, which an SLR is going to be better for.

3. I'm surprised you're saying that long Pavel! Using the stopwatch site you linked to above, my GXR/A12 has powered up and taken the first shot (in snap mode) by 2 seconds.

I love the GXR with the A12 lens unit (and am anxiously awaiting the release of the new 28mm lens unit, which the camera store I purchase my Ricoh gear from has already pre-ordered for me, though no details of the delivery date yet). I only have one complaint and that's in macro mode the whole camera sometimes locks up and has to be switched off and on again. It's not a deal-breaker for me though as street is my thing

 

[odklizec]

3. I'm surprised you're saying that long Pavel! Using the stopwatch site you linked to above, my GXR/A12 has powered up and taken the first shot (in snap mode) by 2 seconds.

Maybe it's just a specific setting in my camera that causes a bit longer delay? Or maybe the Panasonic card I'm using slows the start a bit?

I only have one complaint and that's in macro mode the whole camera sometimes locks up and has to be switched off and on again. It's not a deal-breaker for me though as street is my thing

I did not experience this in Macro mode but I experienced some lock-ups in MF mode. Unfortunately, it's hard and inconsistent to reproduce problem. Fortunately, it does not happen too often. On the other hand, if it would happen more frequently, Ricoh engineers would be able to fix it.

 

[fabuchan]

Thanks a lot for your information, Joshua. I will be using the GXR mostly for Street Photography as well - so your information is very useful...

 

[tlucmpla]

Hi,

I am so glad to find a wealth of information in this forum. Kudos to the forum team and forum founder.

I recently purchased the GXR S10 kit. And I am a happy owner.

I have a few questions about shooting with different Ricoh lens.

1. What's the difference with shooting S10 at 50mm in macro mode and shooting A12 50mm Macro?
2. I have serious thought of buying the A12 50mm, but the price is putting me off. I like to shoot objects up-close. Would S10 suffice or should I really consider A12 50mm?

Thank you in advance for your opinions.

Terence

 

[odklizec]

Hi Terence and welcome on the board!

The difference between the S10 and A12 Macro is big. Some time ago, I did a quick Macro comparison of all current Ricoh cameras. You can find it here:
viewtopic.php?p=21525#p21525

I later redid some shots and GRDIII looked much better on the second batch of photos (hmmm...I should definitely process and upload them). A12 wins because of excellent ISO performance. But in my humble opinion, CX2 was much easier to use in Macro mode, because of its very fast continuous mode and focus bracketing. With all other cameras is much harder to keep the things in focus (at least without tripod).

All in all, if you don't want to spend that much money for A12, P10 could be a great alternative. As you can see in the above test, CX2 macro performance is not THAT far from the A12 Macro (except the ISO performance of course). And since the P10 shares the same optics as CX2/3, I would expect the same good results with P10. The bonus is that with P10 you can use RAW so you should be able to extract even more details that I was able to extract with CX2. Hope this helps?

 

[tlucmpla]

Hi,

Thank you for your opinions. I have read your comparison and will give it due considerations.

Thank you once again.

Terence