Why the Ricoh GR is Better than a Phone

[@iangrant3615]

If I have my Ricoh GR on me, I prefer to use it. If I only have my phone to hand, then I use that happily. With my phone I'm just taking the shot and the phone does the rest. With my camera, I feel it's up to me to be more artistic. I feel more like a photographer. Also, this video makes me want to visit Japan. I love the peacefulness and pace of life in that place!

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, that makes sense to me! Thanks! :)

[@gn2727]

13:03 Who else thought there was a car crash? This video is so calming and then I jumped out of my couch lol.

[@EYExplore]

Oh haha, right! It was some kind of construction going on. But not a car crash or I definitely would have commented on it. :)

[@TheScarnak]

That bicycle shot is beautiful, great observations with the rust from the roof too!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@kimchikidbear]

I love This video. I recently got a GRD1 from 2006 and it’s photos, in my opinion, are just as good as a phone’s images now. The major difference is that I can manual everything and I love that so much

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Glad to hear that!! :)

[@Kevon420]

This is one of those cities you can walk around forever and discover so much, just amazing.

[@EYExplore]

Totally agree! It's why I can't leave! :)

[@marcinmalinowski7285]

Another video that have confirmed that I need to buy the 40mm Ricoh GRIIIx. It is good that they have produced this version. Thanks Łukasz for the video. Greetings from Poland. Waiting for more videos.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! Glad to hear that! :)

[@waltercardenas8727]

Good luck finding one. With the chip shortage it'll be a while.

[@filippodordoni6380]

I don't believe you need to buy is more you like to buy but it is good and sane either no matter what I do not really believe we always need latest geeky stuff launched on the market, we can probably manage with our already own gear but that what it is... 🤙🤙🤙 Forgot to mention always great job from eyeexplore team

[@EYExplore]

@@filippodordoni6380 This is absolute truth! :)

[@marcinmalinowski7285]

I already have an old camera and I’m planning to upgrade it to a newer one - used - Canon M3 or M6. The GR I’m planning to buy as a second camera in 2022 or even 2023. It will be a camera that will always be with me and will be easy to carry. As a beginner in photography it is always like to get information from experienced photographer as Łukasz

[@iDipTest]

Using a camera and a phone here. And the way i use my phone to capture some interesting moments is when my camera is in my backpack and i see something who catch my eyes. It's pretty quick to go to camera mode ( 2 clicks on power button ) and then to take the snap. I guess the approach is different, having a small camera in your pocket can be great too and offer more, as you said, when it come to handle the different features ( EV, shutter speed...) So, when you plan to take pictures as you wander around and have your small camera powered on, that great, for quick unexpected shot, phone can be handy. Also, having a camera as the Ricoh all the time in your pocket is a great option too and allow to have another alternative than just the phone as it's light and don't take much places. In any case, the best option is the camera you have when you take the shot ... to know which one didn't matter much after all :) It all depend in what situation you are and what kind of options are available to you. Thanks for the tour.

[@EYExplore]

I totally agree! Gotta be ready with whatever tool you have at your disposal. :)

[@glennsak]

I like how the car slowed to let you take the shot. Japan is such a polite society.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah it surprised me every time! :)

[@weisserth]

Couldn't agree more. My iPhone budget has actually transformed into my GR budget. Instead of upgrading my iPhone every year or two, I spend the same amount of money on GR cameras. I am still using my iPhone 8 Plus (and will until it is out of the update cycle) and have added a GRII and a GRIIIx to my possessions. I never leave home without my GR but I have sometimes forget to grab my phone.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah!! I still have a Pixel 3 which is like 3 or 4 years old and I got it for free for changing phone providers. To me a phone is a utility device. A camera opens the door to my individual expression! :)

[@hendrixg]

GR photo quality... it's something else altogether. It's tasty! Also it's less conspicuous than using your phone. He did a great job showing how quick you can be. Dial in your setting for the light that day, set it and forget it.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@ftlbaby]

I'm glad you did not think to change the shutter speed... the motion blur makes the photo, especially the skirt...

[@EYExplore]

Glad you think so! :)

[@StewartChambers]

Another very enjoyable and informative walk and talk Lukasz - thanks for all your time putting these together along with Axl. Please can you clean the sensor on your camera used for the video though - that dirty mark middle right of screen kept grabbing my attention! :D

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much!! We already cleaned it after shooting this video. :)

[@Lydomina]

How do the final photos at max resolution from the Ricoh compare to modern phones and full sized DSLRs? I see a lot of videos online about how iPhones are so great that you don't need a standalone camera anymore, but they never show the max resolution photos, they are always shrunk down to like 1000px. In my experience, photos from phones(including iPhones) at max resolution are kinda ugly, like you can tell there is some AI work going on because of how the colors are getting smudged around. DSLRs seem to have a lot of noise at max res, but at least it's always very sharp, not all smudgy.

[@EYExplore]

I cannot say for sure because I don't have a fancy new phone. My phone is a Pixel 3 from a few years ago and the GR images are much much better. There is no comparison in my opinion. Newer phones might have even better pure image quality that of the GR (because of computational methods) but it's not the main point for me. Image quality matters less and less these days since pretty much every sensor can create high quality images.

[@mrgnu1659]

No comparison between the GR and any phone, the GR is miles better. The GR is as good as a cropped sensor DSLR or mirrors camera with a cropped sensor. The real comparison should be between the GR and any other APSC camera not a phone.

[@wearetheunknown8162]

Nice 40mm lens, but 28mm for street is what I prefer currently. Cool video though.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! :)

[@GrainyWorld]

I really enjoyed it. every week please make a video.

[@EYExplore]

I'm trying but it's so hard to keep up. We have 2/3 more videos in the pipeline and then I'm going to go on a vacation. :)

[@GrainyWorld]

@@EYExplore Best vacation is street photgraphy! Have fun.

[@itsJoshV]

I don't know if you'd like to make a video on this question but there are no good straightforward resources on KZbin or the internet: what makes a camera "good" at photos but "bad" at video or vice versa? I've seen plenty of camera reviews that will say "you're better off using your phone for video". Is it just codecs? Bitrate? Controls? Or is it something about sensors? Are cameras that are "better" at video, worse at photos?

[@EYExplore]

I think it just comes down to specs and features geared for video. For example, a Sony A7S is meant for video, so comes with many features geared for that. But it only have a 12mp sensor, which is a bit low for photos these days. Honestly, 12mp used to be plenty, but it seems that around 24mp is standard now. However, I'd say it's rare for a camera that's good at video to be ill-suited for photos (unless it's an actual video camera like a Blackmagic 4k or something). However, to be called 'good' at video these days, a camera must be able to output 4k30p at least, preferably in a Log profile or better yet in raw. But, honestly I'm not suuuper well versed in video which is why I never really talk about it on the channel. :)

[@itsJoshV]

@@EYExplore thanks for the response!

[@babettesfeast6347]

It’s walking around the set of Blade Runner. Tokyo looks amazing

[@EYExplore]

Hehe, it is amazing! :)

[@cssplayer91]

10:39 random japanese lady running 😆

[@EYExplore]

Sometimes people got somewhere to run to...

[@feklee]

Love the picture with the house and the plane, and kind of sad that you skipped the funhouse mirror. Indeed, the GRⅢ put me into the zone, almost too much. Especially when I was in Hong Kong, I “wasted” a lot of time taking and processing photos. So I don’t mind so much anymore that it was taken from me during my time in Honduras. Using the GRⅢ and watching your videos taught me a lot about digital color photography, though. I am now back to an old Panasonic DMC-ZX1 for the occasional snap. As the GR, it can be operated one-handedly, it powers up almost instantly, it has built in storage, and it easily gets dust on the sensor. Of course, image quality is not great. However, at ISO 80 and underexposed by about ⅔EV, I can get pleasant colors in good light, especially using subtle ACR processing that I learned in this channel. As for modern phones: I find these devices way to distracting, which is why I switched to a PinePhone with a bare-bones UI.

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear most of that, except the part where your GR was taken from you. That's too bad, but I'm happy you learned a lot from our channel and are still making your art! :)

[@bradl2636]

Yes

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@ntc4544]

Were you shooting with the standard preset or you adjusted them after?

[@EYExplore]

I always shoot in raw and edit them afterward. I enjoy editing, but also don't edit too heavy-handed, especially for daytime photos. :)

[@paulm8157]

Valid points. Re: touch screen on phone vs GR. GRIII has active touch screen (menus and shooting, etc.) - vid kinda glosses over this feature, implies touch only on phone. Newer flagship phones sport multiple lenses that enble different focal lengths (GR has but one.) Cam makers, IMO, should add a few smartphone features like Cellular and Wi-Fi Internet connection and wireless, device to device, image transfer. Agree? This walk appeared to feature “Bar Ber” shops 😁. Nice. Had an idea you were aiming to capture the lady w/umbrella.

[@EYExplore]

Well, I was making the point that touch is inferior to physical controls. The GR has touch but I never use except to move the focus point (which I rarely do). Some phones do have multiple lenses, that is a nice plus, but still far outweighed by the poor ergonomics, in my opinion. GR does have Wifi connectivity. Pretty much every camera does these days. And yeah, I like that 'Bar Ber' as well haha. I didn't mention it as it speaks for itself. :)

[@MrPeddy]

Great video! I used to have Nikon D7500. I loved the image quality, but I decided to sell it since it was too big and bulky for me to take it outside. RICHO GR series might be the best camera for me to take it wherever I want to go… Which would you recommend for travel photography, GR3 or GR3x?

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! For travel I recommend the GR3. It's a bit more versatile and in addition to street photography, it's better for landscapes and architecture (which I tend to shoot a lot of when I travel). :)

[@ricokowalsky898]

Ive watched most of your movies and I must say that they are a great learning experience! I like that youre very specific and to the point, I find it a great value and I wanted to thank you for what you're doing. I have a question to you, or rather I would like to ask of your opinion - I saw that youre shooting with nikon in your other videos - I own canon rp and sigma 35 1.4 and I often find myself a bit shy or disturbed by the size of this equipment -I often think of buying a rather smaller camera like x100v or GRIII but I dont know if its worth it just for the size of it. I dont want to indulge in Gear Acqusition Syndrome as well. Whats your take on carrying bigger camera in the streets? I dont know if I should work on just accepting it or should I buy a small camera and dont think about it too much. The problem is that I just love the image from sigmas

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much for the kind words! As you know, I often use a big camera on the streets. In my experience nobody cares at all about what camera you are using. It's all in your head! If you love using the camera and love the images that the lens produces, then use them! Who cares what other people might think?

[@ricokowalsky898]

@@EYExplore Thank you! I needed to hear that, especially from someone who's opinion I value. I believe that as well and now I wont be able to use the equipment card as an excuse to not go out on the streets haha. All the best and be seeing you!

[@EYExplore]

@@ricokowalsky898 Good luck to you!! :)

[@ricokowalsky898]

@@EYExplore thank you! 🤜🤛🔥💪

[@marwansherif6201]

I think there is a significant difference in image quality. Unlike cameras, phones are not meant to produce professional quality photos. At least not at this time.

[@EYExplore]

I think so too, but to me it's not the most significant difference. The ergonomics is what really matters for me. :)

[@Elazarko]

Richo gr vs Fujifilm xe4 or xt30ii is a hard choice for me

[@EYExplore]

Those are great cameras! For me, it comes down to portability. The GR just fits in my pocket better than any camera while still having great ergonomics. :)

[@manuelepasqualini1429]

The main reason why the Ricoh Gr3 is better than any phone is the image quality. I have not seen yet a single phone beating an APC sized sensor camera. The pictures I take with my Ricoh Gr3 are undoubtedly better and sharper than similar photos taken with a photo. I enjoy this type of videos but there is one thing I really don't understand. Most people on videos like yours use high ISO like over 500 ISO or more for pics in broad daylight and that it is definitely not necessary with a camera like the Ricoh Gr3 unless you are shooting a scene with a fast moving subject. I shoot 99% of my photos in daytime using 100 ISO. I simply reduce the shutter speed. Even at 1/20 of a second I normally get very sharp pics. Increasing the ISO does increase the noise. I would never use more ISO 400 in the daytime, not even on a very dark day. I am fine with 100-200 ISO Max most of the time. I love 100 ISO. Photos taken with much higher ISO do not look as good.

[@EYExplore]

I agree that IQ can't be beat! But I do sometimes shoot fast subjects, right? The very first photos I took was one that would not have worked at 1/20. So, I keep my minimum shutter speed at 1/250 so I'm ready for action. Of course, if the ISO gets too high I will switch the M and select a slow shutter like 1/20 or 1/10 and let the ISO fall. But it's tedious to switch constantly, so if the ISO is sub 800 I just don't worry about it. I don't see a huge difference between 100 ISO and 500 ISO anyway. I understand if it matters to you though, so you should keep shooting the way you are shooting. I care much more about speed than noise. :)

[@manuelepasqualini1429]

@@EYExplore Thank you very much for your reply. Now I understand much better why you shoot using a higher shutter speed and higher ISO if required. It makes all sense to me too. I will probably try the 1/250 to capture fast moving subject. ;-) Btw, you are a very nice guy and I love most of the pics you took in this video. Take care, Manu

[@EYExplore]

@@manuelepasqualini1429 Thank you so much!! :)

[@Sarielify]

Also raw in computational photography has no reason to be used

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, I think computational photograph is nice for quick snapshots, but when I want to create my art I don't the machine to get in the way. :)

[@focuszones2815]

Thanks for this. I love the GR. Some of my favorite photographs were taken w the GR.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Mine too! :)

[@KristofferTrolle]

Im so tired of having to explain why cameras are better than phones 😂

[@EYExplore]

Just show them this video, haha. :)

[@willparsons32]

You play a fair hand when comparing the cellular phone against the RICOH GR....The reason for the camera being a better choice is because of the sensor. The phone, unlike the camera itself is because of the crop sensor in the camera vs.pphone

[@EYExplore]

Sure, but the sensor does not change your experience of using the camera, only the results. And the results are not that important to some people because they only post their photos on online, which is a medium where it can be hard to tell the difference. I do talk about the sensor early on in the video, but as I make clear, it's the biggest advantage to me. Think of it this way, maybe it's possible some day to have the same IQ in a tiny phone sensor, even at low light, as from an APS-C sensor. But it's fundamentally impossible to have the same ergonomics with as phone as with a camera such as the GR. :)

[@KuroUnagi]

why is your camera man's sensor dirty

[@EYExplore]

Because it got dirty... I'm sorry but that's an odd question. Why is anything dirty? Things get dirty. We forgot to clean it. Shit happens lol. :)

[@KuroUnagi]

@@EYExplore aha okay, just felt the online troll urge to point it out

[@EYExplore]

@@KuroUnagi I knew it!! :D

[@bamsemh1]

Easy one.! Bigger sensor! Optical zoom instead of the phones digital. Even though it's fixed focal length, it's still optical and not digital. And let's not forget the controllable aperture, where phone again fakes it digitally. The phone on the other hand, is weather sealed 😅

[@EYExplore]

Pretty much!! :)

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻💯

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@FotosyMas.]

When you post pics on social media there’s no significant difference between a modern smartphone and the GR

[@EYExplore]

Probably, but the whole universe does not revolve around social media. Also, you clearly didn't watch the video because I focus on the experience of shooting with a camera vs a phone. This has nothing to do with the results and how they look on social media. If all you care about is how your photos looks on social media, then by all means, use a phone! :)

[@FotosyMas.]

@@EYExplore I owned the GR2. The shooting experience vs my iPhone is not very different because of the lack of EVF. Why carry an extra piece of gear when your phone does the same job and sometimes gives you 3 different focal lengths? Real photography is all about the results and how you present them. That talk of “camera needs to be inspiring” it’s just nonsense we use to justify our GAS.

[@EYExplore]

​@@FotosyMas. I'm not trying to convince you to use a GR. Use your phone! I will use my GR because I hate using my phone. The experience is totally different for me, as I explain in the video.

[@tooltool5824]

Cause it’s a photo camera with a sensor that is 20 bigger than the one on the iPhone and beaches the lens is 100 better than the one in iPhone,it’s like comparing trees with cars.no reason for a comparison.

[@EYExplore]

As I said in the video, which I bet you didn't watch, people asked me for this comparison.

[@jackdai7959]

sure, GR is better than a phone

[@EYExplore]

Yep, but I get this question a lot. :)

[@gojiro3450]

you gotta show us how you edit your photos

[@EYExplore]

I have videos on this channel all about editing! :) Here is a playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4DdqXeqntSqiMk

[@gojiro3450]

@@EYExplore yes thanks!! ima binge watch!

[@404notfoundish]

this guy is a professional waffler

[@EYExplore]

In what way?

[@Maxhuertas]

Why the mask?

[@EYExplore]

I like looking like a bandit.

[@Maxhuertas]

@@EYExplore haha that’s a good reason

[@alhOOO2O]

Good luck phoning an ambulance on your GR...... ;-) It's so ridiculous that you have to spend a portion of the video stating that you aren't bashing phones. Speaking favourably about one piece of technology/camera brand doesn't mean you are trashing others, yet I completely understand why you feel you need to say that thanks to the internet

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, I wanted to preempt any crazy comments. :)

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Please ask the Japanese people in the video, many of whom are wearing paper masks, if they know that their mask doesn't filter out anything but common dust particles.

[@EYExplore]

LOL, yeah right bro, I'm going around asking people on the street about their masks. Why is everyone such an activist about masks? I really don't care one bit if they wear them or not. It's their business.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Nice work! I remember you told me this one was coming out. Also, I do find it funny when people comment about the GR "just use a phone" they never say that in comparison to a Fuji X100 or a Leica Q or a Sony a6000 etc.. but because the GR is so small people psychologically think that means it's a lesser camera than a bigger one and thus not worth using. When in fact it has an APSC larger sensor than Micro Four Thirds sensors. And most of the m43 sensor cameras are much bigger than the GR3. It honestly still blows my mind they got such a large sensor and f2.8 lens thats actually super sharp and retracts into the body. Really amazing.

[@-grey]

Truth. I use the Fujifilm X-70 because I make poor choices, (but I still like it) and people always think it's "extra" to carry for the same photos, and I agree - what they don't know is that I don't bring my phone anymore. 😂

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, it really is so much camera in tiny package. Maybe we camera's had power to weight ratios like cars do, this would be the highest? And yeah, I get this comment/question sometimes, which is what prompted me to make the video. :)

[@zackmejia8764]

I have owned a Ricoh gr and gr ii and I will say as someone who doesn’t print their work i ended selling both and now I just strictly shoot with my iPhone 13pro and I must say… it does pretty well for a phone camera, the Raw files are pretty impressive and for my style of shooting I really don’t need a big sensor considering I only post to IG and Sometimes Reddit. I also found that when I’d post on IG my Ricoh photos never looked that sharp due to compression. But I would abuse the crap out the flash on those cameras for my night outs.

[@EYExplore]

Glad it works for you! As I said, it's not really about technical things, but about ergonomics and how you use the phone/camera. If you are comfortable to shoot with a phone, then that's great! :)

[@gurugamer8632]

@@EYExplore GR has much better image quality than iPhone 14 Pro Max. Since I got the GR IIIx I don’t use the iPhone for important photography.

[@gurugamer8632]

That depends how serious you are with photography.

[@DiegoSanchez-fi9cf]

Carrying a separate camera is also kind of better because you don't drain your phone battery taking pics while touring.

[@EYExplore]

That is a very good point! :)

[@jeremydesalle5926]

Hello. Very good content and big thumbs up for your cameraman. It is very well framed (variety of the angles, following, scale of frames,... )

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Yeah, his name is Axel and he does an amazing job! :)

[@-grey]

I love your tones. You get really nice mids all the time which create such a clean looking balance overall, and I don't know how much you do to the colours in post-processing, but if Ricoh could get close to this look right out of camera I'd buy one tomorrow, even with no flip screen and my fear of dust in fixed lens cameras. Very nice compositions and excellent processing too. ✌️

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much!! I don't do very heavy processing, but certainly I do adjust the exposure, contrast, and white balance for every shot I take. We have a video on the channel in which I talk about my editing process in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Hcn5uiq9hres0

[@JK-eh2jp]

Question: When taking the photo of the two chairs 15:57, what made you expose the shot -1EV? Is it the contrast of the subjects to its dark background that triggered your decision, an instant decision really.

[@EYExplore]

Great question! There is a lot of contrast in the image, but more dark than light. I wanted to make sure that the highlights (on the curtains and the cushions) are not overexposed. But since there are a lot of dark areas in the scene, the camera might want to exposure more brightly, so to be safe, I dialed it down -1. It was a bit dark in post, but it's no problem to pull up the shadows, especially since the ISO is only 500 (more dynamic range at low ISOs). :)

[@ChritsianBucic]

Interesting point of view, and relaxing tour, it's good to be in Tokyo a very brief period of time, only that, I like it ;-) Thank you Lukaz!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much! :)

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

I agree a stand-alone camera will always out perform a device with a camera

[@EYExplore]

Exactly! :)

[@kopciej2001]

For me there will be always one thing different in phones. Distractions. If you want to take a picture with a phone suddenly you will notice a bunch of notifications on the phone's screen which will pull you back from the composition that had in mind and you will forget what you want it to photograph in the first place. That is why I always shoot with camera.

[@EYExplore]

Yes, I totally agree!! Cameras help being mindful of the moment. :)

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Phones are for people who haven’t a clue about photographer. Real cameras take pictures that are high resolution in the digital world and have superior results. Phone cameras are shit in most scenarios where as the video is bearable… yet apple still have fked lenses that have orbs everywhere at night. My phone is now just a web browser/gps/phone.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, and also I don't enjoy the ergonomics of phones.

[@Seegurke.]

Glad i have some time again to check all your videos i have missed. Love your channel, you two are great, could watch it for hours. You even dont need special topics, just following you doing your urban photography, sharing your thougts, thats it! The city is amazing for that kind of photography, i get so many creative ideas just by watching your videos. Keep it up, much apreciated.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, more and more the videos will be longish walks with some pseudo-philosophical monologuing peppered in haha. :)

[@Seegurke.]

@@EYExplore :)

[@Randuski]

I've actually been curious about this now especially. I sold my gr a while back cause i wasn't shooting as much. The iPhone 14 pro is really blowing me away photo wise. And i was getting ready to pick up a new gr, but in revisiting the low light performance of the gr, I'm really disappointed with it. I might actually hold off on getting a gr until they release a new one. The autofocus, and noise performance is really not great. Some of my ricoh images are pretty sludgy at 6400 iso. I adore using the gr, but idk. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do haha

[@EYExplore]

I dunno, I use it at night up to 6400 ISO and see no major issues. Sure, the sensor is not as good as on my Z6 or Z9, but it's pretty damn good.

[@gainde1137]

I only see better ergonomics as advantage of premium compact cameras over smartphones. Even a large sensor is not a guarantee of better image nowadays compared to newest smartphone generations.

[@Randuski]

@@gainde1137 depends. Smartphone cameras have used computational stuff to improve the image. So if you like that look, then sure. But i dont. Like the iPhone turns every image into hdr. But if you want to over expose something, or under expose something, it's a lot harder to do. Taking silhouette photos is more difficult.

[@redbeard3946]

Oh man, still taking bike shots? Awesome I love framing things in between tree branches. Something I learned from one of your earlier technique vids. Hope you're doing well in Tokyo m8. I'll be back even if I have to float in on a raft.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks man! Doing well! And yeah, the bike shots will never end as long I see cool bikes in cool spots. :)

[@rofi3930]

I absolutely agree with you, although phone is getting better capturing the detail but the look its not natural. Not like the bigger sensor where the detail is very natural and doesnt look oversharpening, and in terms of ergonomic i really agree with you its more comfortable with a camera than a phone.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, no matter how good the phone's get in terms of image quality I will still prefer a camera. I just like using it! :)

[@TMM6900]

13:41. I love the vintage movie look

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! It just kinda came out that way. I love these kind of semi-cloudy soft light days. :)

[@daviddoyle5540]

The one thing about phones is that manufacturers will always try to keep the current form factor or even make them slimmer or smaller which will make it impossible for them to have full size sensors and the glass needed for lens quality which matches an actual camera. Yes there are some phones with 1 inch sensors but take a look at folding phones, you'll have to take a hit on camera quality because they can't fit in the camera technology of flagship phones. Phones will come to rely more upon computational photography rather than lens and sensor quality that resembles a camera. If that suits you that's fine but as a professional or hobbyist it may not.

[@EYExplore]

All that is true, but it misses the point in the video, which is that the ergonomics of phones are just not great and cannot compete with a camera that has dedicated controls and a comfortable grip. :)

[@NinPossible]

A camera just put me in the zone. Man I couldn't agree more. When I have a camera in my hand, it's like I'm in a photographer mode. I just love taking photos and enjoy the scenery around me. I get to see things differently through the camera. Hopefully I'll get the 3x soon! Thanks for the video! It's awesome!

[@EYExplore]

Yes!! Exactly, it's all about mental state and ease-of-use. :)

[@elmaromero8585]

Like where or in what situations is the griiix better over the regular one ? I want to get one but not sure which

[@NinPossible]

@@elmaromero8585 3x can definitely do portraits better than the regular one if you’re interested in those stuff.

[@NinPossible]

@@elmaromero8585 portraits are better on the 3x. 😊

[@TMM6900]

Wow. S CLASS stopping for u?!

[@EYExplore]

Haha :)

[@ChrisDinGR]

I agreed totally but to be honest compact cameras shouldn't cost more than 600-700 euro.For a 1000 euro camera i prefer to buy a mirroless for example sony a6100 than a compact camera. Any more budget compact cameras? Thanks!

[@EYExplore]

It's not for everyone, but for me the price is worth it! I don't have any other recommendations as I don't really follow the camera market carefully. Maybe a Fuji? :)

[@marshmellowcoffeesoup2627]

Is there any chance that you're going to try Sony RX100 VII? I'm really curious to hear your opinions on it!

[@EYExplore]

I think the chance is 0%. I'm not a camera reviewer. I just share my experience with the cameras that I like to use. I have two main camera system: the GRs and the Nikon Z cameras (formerly D4). I have no interest in picking up yet another system. There is no point.

[@osohista]

I challenged my eye to a yu-gi-oh duel and it beat my ass. turns out having an opponent that can see your cards sucks.

[@EYExplore]

Hahahaha! :)

[@marshmellowcoffeesoup2627]

Been re-watching the video and spotted a bacteria-shaped dark spot in the bottom right corner of the video, clearly visible against the white body of the truck (10:37 - 10:47).

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, it's dust on the sensor. We noticed it after and cleaned it off. :)

[@neilpiper9889]

I use a 2006 8.1 megapixel Ricoh gr digital mainly for black and white at high Iso in poor light. I also have a Huawei P10 plus phone with Leica summilux lenses for colour. I use aperture mode for portraits to get beautiful bokey.

[@EYExplore]

That's great! Sounds like you found a good combo! :)

[@billybolang7052]

12:03 holyshits!.. that was one beautiful Mercedes

[@EYExplore]

Haha, yeah basically a limousine! :)

[@peterreber7671]

A good camera changes people one encounters. In my experience I become a safe person, even for woman, to say a few words, have a very short chat. I think that nowadays if one has a camera one is seen a serious photographer unlike one with a phone.

[@EYExplore]

That is an interesting perspective. People certainly perceive you differently depending on the camera you are using.

[@gnktspnk1334]

That might the only point for me for buying a real camera over my iPhone 13Pro. I shoot on streets and how people perceive me is kinda huge.

[@peterreber7671]

One thing with using my phone for photography is that I never know when the picture is taken. There is something like a 1 second delay between pressing the 'button' and the click sound (samsung A51). Every time it scrambles my mind. There is also a delay between pressing the button and taking a picture, no good whatsoever for moving subjects as one would have in street photography.

[@EYExplore]

@@peterreber7671 Another example of poor ergonomics. To me, 'how' you use a camera is more important than megapixels and other specs. It's all about the experience. :)

[@TaipeiGeek]

T-shirt? Isn't it cold in Tokyo? In Taipei it's around 20 Celsius these days, jacket time.

[@EYExplore]

We shot this in September. :)

[@calcif3r]

Great shot of that woman running but you missed that awesome Taito truck with a little Invader right after! 👾 Anyways, great video! I have the GR3, you're really tempting me to get the X too!!

[@EYExplore]

Good catch! I'm sure I miss tons of cool stuff on any give walk. I am also much more mindful and perceptive when I'm just on my own. :)

[@arcanics1971]

I think the comment about using a camera putting you in the zone is the reason I don't like to use my phone for photography as a rule. It's as if pulling out a camera activates a part of me that pulling a phone out does not.

[@EYExplore]

Exactly!! Photography is a state of mind, not the action of clicking a button. :)

[@zollieuncle9647]

I watched some of your videos taken in Japan and kept wondering what you carry in that small swing bag all the time. Then having a GRiiix myself, realized that it should be fully loaded with spare batteries. When I go for a photo shoot, and keep by camera off all the time when not taking a shot, it still getting flat very fast. What is your experience?

[@Luwispurpul]

I usually dim the screen on my GR a bit and turn off IBIS when I don't need it. That helps, but the battery life on the GR is still too short.

[@EYExplore]

Actually, I just keep my wallet, keys, and the like in the bag, as I don't like having these things in my shorts pockets. If I have my Nikon, I might have a prime lens in the bag, but only very small lenses will fit. In the winter when I wear a jacket with more pockets I usually don't have the bag. Also, I only every carry one spare battery for my GR. Two batteries are more than enough for a photo outing for me. :)

[@neeravnaik]

One thing with new phones even though they are very advanced is that I don’t like the image rendering. They all use computational photography which makes photos very clear and sharp but not in a way I like. That is One reason I have got the fujixf10 which like gr. the ergonomics and size along with shooting experience makes such cameras really good choice for serous photography

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, I totally agree! I want to be creative in my own unique way, not how the engineers at the phone company dictate. :)

[@mrgnu1659]

The Ricoh GR is like having a DSLR in your pocket and is head and shoulders better than any phone. And I’m talking about the GR one. The only time I’ll use my iPhone 13 pro max is for video. And don’t get me started on the horrible hdr output on the new iPhones that makes portraits just look ugly. Other phones have better cameras than the iPhone I know, but they still don’t hold up against a big sensor.

[@EYExplore]

Totally agree! It's so much camera in such a tiny package! :)

[@xxmtfkxx]

i kept wiping below right corner of my phone screen..🤭 great video as usual..😊

[@EYExplore]

Haha, yeah it gets dirty! :)

[@erzsebetvarga8897]

Nem szeretem ! Túlságosan sokat szerepel benne, a képeké kellene lennie a főszereplőnek!

[@EYExplore]

Not sure what you mean. :)

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Not everyone has or wants a phone believe it or not.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, totally. :)

[@L0nkero]

I use both, a "real" camera as well as my phone. I have Sony Xperia 1 II which has great manual controls, maybe not quite DSLR-level but close. Phone cameras are good for stills but you're right that a camera will always do better job overall. I like phone for convenience since it's always with me and will get the job done in emergency but I still prefer to feel myself as a "photographer" with a real thing on my hands. :D

[@EYExplore]

This sums up my feeling on the matter! :)

[@raphael10596]

Would you say this would do well for concerts? Dark-ish setting and im not that far from the stage? I used my iphone 12 pro few days back and was really disappointed that my shots were so blurry and lost alot of details. I did not even zoom all the way. I was thinking of using the GR 3 for concerts (since htey wont allow big cameras) and family trips too.

[@EYExplore]

I think a GR3 can handle them in terms of image quality (IQ), but the AF system might struggle. It might be easier to use snap focus and set to a particular distance. :)

[@raphael10596]

@@EYExplore Gotcha! I'm still deciding between a GR3/3x or a Sony RXVII. have you tried the rxvii yet? I'd love to get your opinion about it! thank you so much ^^

[@EYExplore]

@@raphael10596 I haven't used an RX100 since the III. It's a very versatile little camera though! I prefer the prime lens of the GR, but if you like using a zoom lens then the RX100 is good I think!

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

I love your points. Might I add that a phone is not as responsive as a camera. Great job my friend.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Agreed! :)

[@spirittravels.]

Where was this filmed please

[@EYExplore]

It was filmed around Otsuka station. :)

[@malcolmgpatterson7646]

Hi got me thinking. About to purchase iPhone 13 pro, for the camera, but why not a cheaper phone and Ricoh GR lll? What is the grey shoulder bag you are using please? Malcolm

[@EYExplore]

I'd get a cheap phone and a GR3 1000%. You'll get a new phone some day but a GR will last you years! The bag is from a company called Squallo Works. I don't know if they sell them outside of Japan. :)

[@MasKpt]

Next GR should be a zoom lens version haha 24-70

[@EYExplore]

If they can keep it the same size, I might go for it haha. :)

[@CMVexed]

Cool video! It's a question I wonder myself.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! :)

[@rrosen1]

I have a Canon 80D with 18mm to 135mm. I also have a Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra with great cameras. Today I decided to go back to the 80D. The reasons as you mentioned it just doesn't feel like a camera. I can shoot in manual in it but not as fast as in the camera. I miss the ability to easily use the DOF. I shoot both stock photos and video and I was doing more of it when I was using my "real" camera.

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear that! The experience of photography matters, not just the final image. :)

[@zs-art7141]

I went for a fuji camera (hipster!) after getting fed up with taking pictures on a phone. I had an old crappy and cheap nikon dslr from 2010, but found the image quality to be very limited, especially for night photography. The new camera was a major upgrade. I watch your channel a lot and learning a lot!

[@EYExplore]

That's great! Fuji cameras are excellent! :)

[@raika19eighty6]

Love, the content from this channel! I'm waiting for busy streets to pick up again in my prefecture. Hope all is well. By the way, may I ask where you got your neck gaiter? Thank you!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I bought the gaiter at Oshman's in Harajuku. I have another one with pineapples on it, haha. :)

[@arjunrai9555]

Taking pictures on a camera is much more enjoyable, it feels more deliberate and less about documenting everything and anything before filing it all away in your storage (it’s more personal). It feels like typing on a keyboard, or drawing on a piece of paper - technology definitely helps us but I feel that each innovation takes us further away from the analog experience. On another note, I was very close to pulling the trigger on the GRIII but hesitated. Everyone says that 28MM is versatile and I get that (you get 28, 35 & more), but I don’t find myself drawn to it (18MM/28MM) when using my Fujifilm X-T4 (my ‘real’ camera). Maybe it’s because I only have 18/28MM on my zoom lens and my phone - both not really inspiring my creative mindset. My most used lens by far is the 35MM 1.4 (53MM equivalent) - with that lens I feel like I see the world in that frame and it’s the one focal length I would probably keep in any system. The Fujifilm X-T4 is a lot larger than a phone or a Ricoh though, so it doesn’t go with me everywhere - none of Fuji’s recent camera are truly pocketable once the lens is added, and some places will flat our refuse you if you have an interchangeable lens camera. That’s the dilemma, what do I do if I want to have a real camera experience without carrying a large body and lenses. The more I speak, the more it sounds like the GRIIIX would be a good way of having the (almost) 50ish equivalent in my pocket (and let’s face it, the iPhone tele lens sucks in anything but bright light). Do you find yourself gravitating towards similar focal lengths? Do you use any other cameras in your day to day?

[@EYExplore]

I feel the same about your first point! On the one hand cameras ARE technology, but on the other hand as we consolidated out lives into simple and more versatile devices I feel we lose something. It's all about the craft, the experience, not the outcome. As for focal lengths, I have both the GR3 and GR3x and I find myself reaching for the GR3 most of the time. The reason is that you don't ever hold the camera up to your eye, since it does not have a viewfinder. It's often at arms length, naturally putting it close to the subjects. I also shoot in Tokyo, which has many small lanes, cramped spaces, and also sprawling architecture, all of which benefit from the 28mm FOV. However, I do also use a Nikon Z9 (totally polar opposite from the GR haha) and on that camera I like to use a 26mm or 40mm prime lens. I do also love 40mm a lot! But on the GR is just feels natural to have a wider focal length do the the dynamic way the camera is used in the hand, rather than up to the eye. :)

[@nickfanzo]

The Ricoh griii is the best street camera made imo. It’s so small no one sees it. I can literally get up behind someone and take a photo of their scalp and they don’t see me. Fuji xpro / x100 series is close but it’s still a lot more noticeable. Ofcourse you can use any camera for street, I’ve shot 4x5 on the street, but as far as candid and unnoticed go, Ricoh wins

[@EYExplore]

Well, from behind I could my Z9 and no one would notice either, but I get your point. :)

[@ratgirl13]

My next camera will be a Ricoh GR. At the moment I’m using a Sony RX 100vii and people do think it’s a toy camera and that works to my advantage, it’s compact and the 24mm-200mm is very useful. I enjoyed your video. Bike photos are great I like photographing those also. 🙂🌺 Question: Where did you buy your cool bag, is it part of your merch?

[@EYExplore]

That is a great camera, especially for its size! The bag is hard to find outside of Japan. The brand is Squalo Works. I've only seen it in one shop here and also on Japanese Amazon.

[@gainde1137]

Yes, ergonomics of the photo camera beat every smartphone! Therefor I still use compact and DSLM (APS-C) cameras for shootings. Phone is just for memories/snapshot/family.

[@EYExplore]

Nice! :)

[@songxingmu]

For iPhone you don’t need to change iso shutter speed. It’s smart phone it does everything for you. Some pics looks better in iphone. But main difference for GR can get more DOF

[@EYExplore]

I mean, the GR can do it for you too! You can set it on AUTO and let it do everything. But what's the fun in that? Whether it's a phone or camera, they get it wrong sometimes. YOU are the artist, no your phone/camera. :)

[@Rasmus98]

For me though, I don’t care. I know the sensor is bigger on the GR and that there are many pros to the GR but none of them matter to me. To me it’s about different lenses, good IQ, versatility, weather sealing which is why I like the phone. Also I don’t care about low light.

[@EYExplore]

Great! :)

[@joules531]

I regularly use a pair of Sony RX100 cameras but, since I fitted a Smallrig grip to my iPhone, I find it easier to use the iPhone one handed. And I find I can easily swap between the three lenses too, without having to use my other hand.

[@EYExplore]

That's great! :)

[@smooth111012]

I got the GR3X and testers it at night Took two shots , one with this and one with iPhone pro max. I admit the iPhones was clearer and less noise. I admit I am leading the setting in the gr which is confusing at times but we will see

[@EYExplore]

To me the image quality is not really the main thing. It's about how the camera 'feels' and in the end this is a very personal thing. :)

[@thescotlandeffect3454]

Great video and photos, wonderful location. I am thinking of buying a GR lll for street photography but I'm struggling picking either the 28mm or the 40mm, I have shot with a Canon 80D with 18-135mm lens since it came out but I now need to scale back with my equipment due to health reasons but still want to take pictures when I'm out and about.

[@EYExplore]

I'd say overall the 28mm is a bit more versatile, while the 40mm makes certain kind of shooting easier (e.g. portraits). Check out our video on the topic! :)

[@emgee44]

At 8:00 I’m saying turn around and take a shot of that stairwell, thinking you missed it, but then at 13:45 you went back, saw it and took it. That was like scratching an itch I couldn’t reach, awesome.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, that's great!! :)

[@JimmyGunawanX]

I use Fuji X100 besides my iPhone. But iPhone comes with some pluses too: - live photo - better HDRI - fast - GPS camera location - 3D scanning

[@EYExplore]

It's great you enjoy those features! In that case, a phone is unmatched. :)

[@TokyoXtreme]

What I like on my iPhone is that live photos can be set to “bounce” mode, which creates a forward / backward loop.

[@EYExplore]

@@TokyoXtreme That's cool! :)

[@Briangood55]

Great video! How many Ricoh DB-110's do you normally utilizes when doing street photography?

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! I only bring the one in the camera and sometimes one more in my pocket.

[@desrtfox]

10:38 lucky timing to have her run into your shot, but also wow, running in heels, that can't be easy

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, she's the real hero of this moment haha. :)

[@rothschildianum]

I have GR2 and I know how to use it well. But I do prefer my iPhone 13.

[@EYExplore]

Cool. :)