Ricoh GR2 Ergonomic score 23 January 2019

The GR series cameras including the GR2 are unusual in that they have a rather spartan feature set yet are highly regarded by users for their handling and operation.

I buy and test very few cameras without an EVF.

The last one was the Panasonic Lumix LX10/15 which was an awful ergonomic kludge, scoring 46/100 on my usual evaluation schedule.

The LX10 got  a lot of things wrong ergonomically and was a big disappointment for me.

The GR2 is about the same size, has on paper a very similar feature set but scored 71.

This is a very good score for a camera without an EVF and with a fixed monitor screen.

It has been achieved because Ricoh got a lot of things right about the user interface and operation.

So while I was pleased to see the last of the LX10 I look forward to taking out the GR2 because it is an enjoyable camera to use. The fact that it also makes very good pictures is a welcome bonus.

This ergonomic evaluation and score follows my usual schedule which I have been using for several years and which you can read about here.

The GR2 is a decently easy camera to set up. It comes with a printed Manual which is well written and laid out and easy to navigate.

There are enough menu items to satisfy an enthusiast user without overburdening the process with excessive choice.

There is no My Menu but menu resume operates by default so the last used item is easy to retrieve.

There is  plenty of opportunity to reconfigure the controls for changing circumstances. Access to the several focussing modes is easy as is access to shooting and drive modes as required.

The MY settings on the Mode Dial allow quick access to pre selected sets of shooting parameters.

The camera is easy to hold due partly to the handle and partly to the light weight. I would prefer a more definite thumb support but the one provided is adequate.

The GR2 loses points here due to the absence of an EVF and the fixed screen.

But what it does provide is well implemented. The screen is easily seen even with the camera held away from the direct line of sight. On screen information can be either comprehensive or minimal as desired. Key shooting data is displayed on a black background outside the image preview.

A very useful level gauge is provided.

Unfortunately there are no zebras.

I would also like the opportunity to adjust the screen for color balance.

The screen is serviceable outdoors with the brightness at max level.

The GR2 scores well on operation. One upside of the limited feature set means the user has a well designed and reasonably simple interface with which to work.

This reduces the number and complexity of actions required to operate the device.

It is easy to switch between the various focussing modes.

Primary and secondary focus and exposure parameters are easily adjusted without having to disrupt the capture flow.

Moving the AF area around the frame is quick and easy.

The GR2 works very well in review phase. In playback images can be enlarged to a user selectable pre-set magnification level centred on the focus point.

Navigation and scrolling in review is fast and easy.

These days most camera makes are trying to tempt buyers with cameras of ever increasing size, cost, capability and complexity.

It is refreshing to have the opportunity to use a small, relatively plain device which is a pleasure to use and makes very good pictures.

A camera like the GR2 will never manage an ergonomic score as high as a more fully featured model like the GH5 or FZ2500.

But the GR2 scores high on Operation which is the most important subscore for user satisfaction.