Ricoh GR3 Ergonomic score 15 June 2019

 This ergonomic evaluation and score follows my usual schedule which you can read abouthere.

The original Ricoh GR1 was a 35mm film compact released in 1996.

After several iterations in the film line the GR Digital arrived in 2005.

The naming sequence of the digital models has been  somewhat unpredictable so the lineage is a bit hard to follow from the names.

However this year (2019) after many months of teasers from Ricoh the GR2 was finally succeeded by the GR3.

Although the GR3 is actually a completely new model inside and out the characteristic GR shape, styling and basic operation with the trademark snap focus has remained true to form.

It is not surprising therefore that  the GR3 achieved an ergonomic score almost the same as that of the GR2. The GR3 loses a few points for screen appearance and visual user interface but gains points for its more streamlined control layout with fewer modules and for the inclusion of a well implemented touch screen capability.

The GR3 comes with a full printed Operating Manual. All other camera makers should examine this closely. It has only 164 small pages, is clear, concise, illustrated and easy to follow.

The menu system is well designed with photographer-relevant options, clear layout and easy navigation. Menu resume operates by default.

The only thing missing is a My Menu.

The Mode Dial with its three User mode settings, JOG lever/dial  and cross keys provide ample opportunity for re-setting capture parameters to meet changing conditions. This is good ergonomic design. The user has enough control without the need for a profusion of access points.

Here the GR3 works better in practice than you might think from its minimalist appearance and diminutive size.  The handle is comfortable and secure. There is no market for third party accessory handles because the one built right in works just fine. I would like a slightly more prominent thumb support but the existing one is adequate.

All the GR models lose points by not offering a built in EVF (and no option to add one either) and a fixed screen. This is consistent with the GR minimalist design philosophy but the absent EVF can make viewing in bright light outdoors difficult and the fixed screen limits the possible range of angles of view.

The GR3 superimposes camera data over the lower part of the preview image on screen, making this data very difficult to see with some kinds of subjects and outdoors in bright light.

Screen brightness can be increased to 2 EV steps above default and I do this routinely although it reduces battery life which is already a weak point for the GR3.

Two firmware updates since release have improved focus and battery life.

The GR3 has fewer control points than the GR2 but has arguably the better  user interface for streamlined operation. A user new to the GR way of doing things will have to spend some time familiarising themselves with the way in which the controls work. Having done so the camera becomes very efficient and streamlined in operation with few actions each of minimal complexity required to carry out all the tasks required to control exposure and focus parameters in Capture Phase.

I noticed recently a comparison review on the Digital Photography Review site between the GR3 and the Fuji X100F. The thing which impresses me most about the difference between these two cameras is the philosophy implied by the visual design statement.  

The X100F is a lookitt-mee  thing especially in the silver top version, with loads of bling in the form of knobs, dials, rings and levers all over the place. It’s an ergonomic kludge but the Fuji fanatics love it.

The GR3 deliberately goes the opposite way. There is no bling. It is anti-bling, discreet, stealthy. When I am out and about with the GR3 (or any other GR) nobody in the street registers interest in  the camera. It is nondescript in appearance, like a budget compact.  However it works in a more coherent and streamlined fashion than the X100 models and its image quality is far above that of budget compacts.

I don’t usually rate touch screen capability in these ergonomic scores but with very small cameras like the GR3 I can easily touch the screen with either thumb. This makes setting and moving the active AF area very efficient, requiring few actions each of low complexity.

Like most cameras these days the GR3 competently manages all the tasks I require in Review. When I press the JOG-Lever to enlarge the review image it jumps straight to the point of focus which is just what I want it to do. Very nice.