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A Comprehensive Review of the Ricoh GR Series and Its Electronic Viewfinder Capabilities

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For a long time, the Ricoh GR line has been the portable camera of choice for street photographers due to its great imaging capabilities, large APS-C sized sensor, and a fast fixed lens – all packed in a small form factor. But one of the recurrent criticisms that has been leveled against the whole GR range is that they come without a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Some photographers, especially those who are used to shooting with big mirrorless or DSLR cameras, find the absence of an EVF quite limiting.

In this extensive review, we will examine the importance of an electronic viewfinder in the Ricoh GR series, the available alternatives and the overall shooting experience without an EVF. Then, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of mounting an external EVF when working with the GR series, how it is different from other compact cameras that have such viewfinders built-in and finally, try to rationalize Ricoh’s decision not to put an EVF in the GR series so far.

Benefits of EVF

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a key component for most of the photographers for very important reasons:

Greater Vision in the Daylight: The ability to look through an EVF especially under the bright sun is quite beneficial since it allows the user to see all the details of the image without any glare or reflection as experienced while using an LCD screen. This is more important in outdoor photography where illumination is not that predictable.
It Is More Stable: Most users find that using an EVF and bringing the camera to one’s eye allows for better stability than trying to hold the camera up at arm’s length and watching the LCD. This in turn may result in clearer pictures especially in darker situations where shutter speeds need to be increased in order to achieve results.

Shooting Experience: Work on an Image in an EVF – For many, the need of squinting into the camera and composing the shot through an EVF figure is an advantage that helps them concentrate on the framing and composition of the image in much closer range. The use of a viewfinder also helps to exclude distractions from the external surroundings making it easier to concentrate on the subject.

Battery Usage: To minimize battery usage, most practitioners prefer to use an EVF that helps in composing the image as the rear LCD screen tends to drain the battery faster, especially in prolonged shooting situations with small battery pack cameras like the Ricoh GR that is rather short-lived in battery power.

The legacy of Ricoh’s GR series cameras.

The Ricoh GR series has seen several developments over the years with each new version building on the previous one but still holding on to a shared design principle; that of a small lightweight camera, APS-C sensor and a fixed wide zoom lens. The latest entrants, the Ricoh GR III and the Ricoh GR IIIx boast of powerful imaging capabilities and make up for the absence of the built-in EVF which is a desirable feature in most cameras owing to the shooting conditions most photographers come across.

While Ricoh has made an art of not providing the GR series with an EVF one gets the feeling they are motivated by a wish not to alter the proportions of the camera to the extent of providing it with a usable device. Obviously, if an EVF were to be provided, it would mean making the camera larger and heavier, thus removing its key advantage; portability.

On the other hand, although this stance is consistent with Ricoh’s aversion to the introduction of anything extraneous to the design, it has raised some controversy among the users, especially those who admit the merits of the EVF. An EVF, in particular, is helpful for many street photographers who often opt for discreet shooting. This is especially true where composing the image on an LCD panel can elicit too much attention.

External Viewfinder Accessory Options for Ricoh GR

The Ricoh GR series does not include any internal electronic viewfinder, which can be inconvenient for camera users who like using viewfinders. For this reason, there is the option to use external devices for that purpose. Ricoh provides two External Optical Viewfinders (GV-1 and GV-2) that fit into the in-built hot shoe of the camera. As such, they, again, provide optical viewfinders but not electronic and come along with some concerns.

GV-1 and GV-2 Optical Viewfinders

The GV-1 and GV-2 are designed to work with the Ricoh GR Series cameras and can be used to compose images rather than using the back LCD screen. Here is the information of the two accessories.

GV-1: This is an external optical viewfinder that fits the GR with 21mm and 28mm lenses respectively (in 35mm equivalent). It comes complete with framelines for both focal lengths so can be used in varying shooting situations. Carrying the GV-1 is like carrying a large clear plastic tube fitted with a condenser lens on one side. Instead, the user cannot see the level of exposure or focus or any other information regarding the camera settings as this is simply an optical viewfinder. GV-2: The GV-2 is basically a GV-1 that is made smaller and more compact towards the heads-up display. It does this specifically for the 28mm lens (in 35mm equivalent). It’s an optical viewfinder just like the GV-1 which lacks the information or the precision of an electronic viewfinder of course. However, this small size allows it to complement the sleek design of the Ricoh GR while maintaining its lightweight properties and providing an option to keep the rear screen off.

These optical viewfinders may come in handy while taking photographs outdoors due to the sunlight, however; one cannot use live exposure, focus peaking, or shooting information, which are features of an electronic viewfinder. This would be rather a disadvantage to photographers who are used to modern mirrorless cameras.

Those Who Offer External Electronic Viewfinders.

There seems to be no external electronic viewfinder designed by Ricoh for use with the GR series range on offer. Moreover, there is no camera feature such as an EVF port for connecting third-party electronic viewfinders. Hence, one can only use the above optical viewfinders or avoid them and compose only through the rear LCD.

A few users have offered suggestions on the use of external monitors or even invented smartphone apps just to provide a similar effect as an electronic viewfinder and these have not been very useful. This is mainly because they are bulky and spoil the sleek design of the Ricoh GR camera, which is meant to facilitate easy portability.

Rating the Effects of No EVF: Actual Experiences

Whenever there is the need to develop a construct on the effects of missing electronic viewfinder in the canon GR series, it becomes necessary to consider viable scenarios. How does the user’s camera usability change with this limitation? And is it such a big problem that naysayers would say it is a deal breaker to those who ‘want’ the GR xx series of cameras?

Street photography

This is where the Ricoh GR-X series really comes into justified. Its small size, no-nonsense design, and the ability to focus quickly makes it perfect for everyday street photography. However, many street photographers will also say that the absence of an EVF can be a serious drawback.

Street photography is often associated with the need to shoot in very difficult and changing environments, where lighting conditions vary a lot in a short time and silence is the best approach. When it comes to shooting in bright sunlight, it is often hard to compose shots because the rear LCD screen becomes almost impossible to see. Here an EVF comes handy as it allows one to see the active scene without thoughts of bright environments/distractions.

Moreover, street photographers also like to shoot with a camera while looking through the viewfinder because of the compensation and the view they get. It is quite convenient to put the camera up to the eye since it aids in reducing camera shake which results to clearer pictures. Camera users without an EVF will have to use the back screen instead which is somewhat uncomfortable and does not allow for proper inconspicuousness which is very important in street photography.

Nevertheless, even quite a few street photographers are successful with the Ricoh GR because of the lack of an EVF, some focusing on the zone techniques while others have simply learned to shoot from the LCD. The lovers of the GR line for its compactness and good quality images regard the available EVF as a compromise.

Travel Photography

As for the travelers that have a wide-angle Ricoh GR series camera, these are perfect because it is slim and produces high-quality images. But an EVF absence could be a limiting factor, for instance, under direct sunlight or when focusing on a quick-moving object.

In cases where the LCD screen is not very visible, for example in very bright sunlight, travel photographers tend to have difficulties in composing the frame. This will cause wastage of captures and or poorly framed pictures which are annoying when one is going on a trip to far and unique places.

In an opposing view, the slim form factor of the GR series provides a great merit to travel photographers since they can able to pack a good camera and still avoid the bulkiness of large mirrorless systems. For many, the inconvenience of not having an EVF with the GR series is far outweighed by the degree of portability and discretion the camera offers.

About Rival Cameras with Built-in EVFs

While mentioning ‘no EVF in the Ricoh GR series’ one cannot escape the attention to be paid to any other compact camera with an electronic viewfinder built into it. Where does the competition lie between picture taking devices that fall under the same brand of Ricoh GR and do its advantage or disadvantage of the built-in EVF matter.

Fujifilm X100V

Fujifilm X100V is another camera that is also believed to come in close competition against the Ricoh GR III model. Like the GR, it has an APS-C sensor and fixed prime lens only that it has a combination of lenses with a feature of lens with the help of a viewfinder and without the lens.

The electronic viewfinder of the X100V is a plus for those who like composing their shots with the eyepiece as it gives a preview of the shot before taking the photo allowing for adjustments in exposure focus and framing. It also aids in shooting in extreme brightness or dark conditions where the rear screen may be ineffective since one has to shoot using the viewfinder only.

On the other hand, the X100V is bulkier and heavier in design compared to the Ricoh GR lens making it unsuitable to be carried in a pocket and less stealthy for street photography. To those that desire a small size camera, the availability of an EVF within the body of the camera does however Inferior the GR.

Sony RX100 VII

Another intriguing option would be the Sony RX100 VII, which is a compact camera featuring a one-inch sensor with a built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder. Even if the sensor of the RX100 VII does not match the APS-C sensor found in the Ricoh GR series, it more than makes up for it with a zoom lens, chip capabilities, video performance, and even a viewfinder that pops up. The RX100 VII’s EVF is most beneficial when it’s very bright or very dark and the rear LCD screen would be difficult to use. It also allows for a more satisfying and steadier shooting experience, one that a lot of photographers do enjoy.

Nevertheless, even with the advanced systems offered, the dynamic range and low-light capabilities are much better with the Ricoh GR series as under the same image quality, the Sony RX100 VII will still have a smaller sensor. And on top of that, the zoom lens may be convenient but the sharpness and rendering of the image is not on par with the fixed prime lens of the Ricoh GR. For many who value maximum quality and a small form factor, the Ricoh GR is hard to beat on the market even without an EVF.

Leica Q2

The same can be said of the Leica Q2, another premium compact camera, as it has an electronic viewfinder as well but with a 28mm fixed lens and a full-frame sensor. The EVF of the Q2 is very good, providing a large and clear image with all the required framing, focus peaking and exposure information. For those who want the best picture quality and want to work with an EVF, now there is a solution – the Leica Q2.

Notably, the Q2 comes at a much higher price than the Ricoh GR range which is also quite bulkier and heavier. The internal EVF and the full-frame sensor are of great help but the weight and price of the Q2 would make it less appealing to an on-the-go or out-of-sight photographer who typically enjoys using a Ricoh GR camera.

The Short Answer on Why EVF is Not Found in GR-Series Cameras

Taking into account the advantages that an electronic viewfinder would offer and the increase in the popularity of electronic viewfinders in cameras of modern times, it begs the question why Ricoh has focused on all the problems barring the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder in the GR series. Factors like these and more may explain the company’s rationale:

Cost of Doing Business: One of the most advertised features of the Ricoh GR series is its slim, compact form that fits into almost any pocket. This might make incorporating an EVF difficult as this would most likely bulk up the camera, undermining the most important selling strategy of the camera Ricoh is fresh thinking with their design strategy for him travel and street photographer. RICOH may also consider making the camera less bulky rather than adding an EVF especially with Kodak’s GR series street and travel photographeers use.

Production Cost: The camera production cost for the Ricoh GR would shot up since electronic viewfinders are expensive. Photographers who consider budget are also targeted with the GR series and an EVF might mean more costs hence inaccessibility of the camera to the target market. An attempt to price an EVF camera system based on the performance avoidance of unnecessary costs.

Target Audience: Especially amongst street working photographerondes film, where quick-on-the-draw-photographic action is required and all gizmology should be thrown out the window, the Ricoh GR series has found fans. Street photographers belong to this category and many of them sacrifice an EVF for the sake of the GR’s corniness and picture quality. Maybe Ricoh has decided that its target market does not need the extra weight that an EVF brings about.

Options for External Viewfinder: Some users may frown upon the absence of a built-in EVF. However, for such users who wish to frame their shots with a viewfinder, Ricoh has external optical viewfinders (GV-1 & GV-2) that they can use. These optical viewfinders may lack the real-time feedback characteristic of an EVF, but they serve their purpose correctly to most of the photographers who would like to see clearly in bright lights.

Potential Future Developments

At present, the Ricoh GR models do not come with a built-in electronic viewfinder, but this is not to say that the design evolution of the GR series will not include a request for this feature in due time. Helped by development, camera creating houses are managing to add an electronic viewfinder in smaller and thinner cameras than before without almost increasing its weight or bulk. In marketing terms, if Ricoh produced a GR camera with an EVF viewer built in, it would turn out that many people who have long held back buying this camera because of lack of this feature would be more than happy to purchase it.

Or, Ricoh may consider presenting a high-end electronic viewfinder that can be attached to the camera hot shoe instead. This would allow users to enjoy the advantages that an EVF provides but will allow the GR line to stay slim for those who do not wish to shoot with an EVF.

In concluding, the Viewfinder’s Perspective Disturbance in the case of the Ricoh GR Series.

To pick the final perspective, even though the Ricoh GR series comes without an electronic viewfinder, it is a shortcoming and the same time a design concept which stays true to the most important attributes of the camera – it is very portable, simple and has very good image quality. The absence additional optical viewfinder is, however, understandable for street and travel photographers who appreciate a small, pocketable camera – the Ricoh GR still remains one of the most valid alternatives available in the market.

The GR series camera creators intentionally designed the model structure without an EVF which may be a deal-breaker for users who depend on a viewfinder during the entire shooting process. Although an external optical viewfinder is available (GV-1 and GV-2), it does not enhance the user’s experience as an electronic viewfinder which is more intuitive and precise.

In the end, the importance of an EVF in a camera will largely depend on the way an individual photographer prefers to work. For many it is the shape, the dimensions and the image quality of the Ricoh GR that take precedence over the absence of an EVF. But in other cases, especially for people working in bright or low light, which is where an electronic viewfinder is an asset, the GR would not be the most appropriate camera.

Fujifilm X100V or Sony RX100 VII may be offered as options where user requirements for an viewfinder are more demanding. Its EVF or no EVF, it is still and will be a camera of choice for many pocketable high-quality camera users.

Therefore, the absence of an EVF on the Ricoh GR is but one consideration in the context of a camera that provides an otherwise fantastic shooting experience and this camera is perfect for those who would like to carry around a decent small camera and high quality which can be pocketed.

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