If I Could Only Have One Camera

I've been asked before if I could only have one camera, which would it be. Well, here's my answer and here's why!

The original APS-C Ricoh GR from 2013. It's an incredible camera, and that hasn't changed just because over a decade has past. It makes the perfect hiking, biking, landscape, family documenting camera when you don't want the extra gear and you just want something in your pocket. (Since I've had kids that has become an increasingly important feature ;) )

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[snappiness]

Because people are asking and I forgot to mention in the video: The star tracker I use is called the Omegon MiniTrack LX2. Apparently replaced with the LX3 and LX4 now. I put a link in the description if you're interested. The analog nature of it and how you set it up is way cool. I love it. Throw any camera on there that'll let you manually change the shutter speed 30+ seconds.

[StephenMcLeod]

Just found your channel and binge watched a bunch of videos. Lots of cool stuff in here :)

[stephencifka]

Spot on. Still have mine from 2013 and have a legacy of amazing photos thanks to it always being with me on trips, with kids and now grandkids. Great sensor, plus amazing lens, plus in your pocket = magic. Love your channel.

[Pharesm]

I still have my old RX100V too
such great shots, even in the dark...

[RealBesty]

Please give more details about the mechanical star tracker!

[MatthiasPitscher]

I feel like the people in this channel would appreciate the GR Digital series of this camera.
I've been taking my 10 megapixel GRD II everywhere now for a couple of years. Love the CCD sensor for black and white pictures but the colors are also nice and nostalgic.
The batteries last me for a WEEK with casual shooting

[StrangelyIronic]

The Olympus E-P5 has served me well for over 5 years as my side camera for work (travelling photographer, mostly in east/south-east Asia in rural/less travelled areas and towns) usually having a 20mm or 15mm f1.7 on a shoulder strap while my main body to still not stick out much is an E-M5.iii with a 75mm f1.8 for intimate portraits from a distance to keep from being a distraction and a G9+12-40mm f2.8 in my bag (I loaned my E-M1.iii to my partner to try MFT, and then gave it to them after). If OM-System could release a new E-P5, or even Panasonic a G100 (I actually like the body a lot even with the bigger 20mm f1.4, they just gimped it on purpose... no IBIS is a mystery for a "vlogging" camera), just updated internally to the same level of specs it had back in 2013 (1/8000 mechanical shutter if no solid e-shutter, toggle for mode/settings, 2 dials, tilt screen, better EVF for the G100, etc.) plus weather sealing, I'd preorder 2 of either right now.

Sadly, the E-P5's have doubled in asking price since I tried to buy a couple more as backups in case mine gets damaged/stolen while traveling. I do have an E-PL8 in my bag and my partner an E-PL7 that acts basically the same as my E-P5. They're a bit lower spec in some areas (1 dial, no toggle switch, 1/4000 mechanical shutter max) but are a still great little cameras for people not wanting the E-M10.ii spec wise for the most part, but are fine without a built-in EVF (all 3 I mentioned can use the fantastic Olympus EVF add-on) or just like the styling (the E-PL7 and E-PL8 are basically the same camera, just the 7 is a baby E-P5 in design and the 8 is another retro-ish design).

[thissidetowardscreen]

Great video and excellent camera! Images look fantastic! Thanks again for adding to my gear list! ;) Always wonderful content here and love seeing older cameras get more of the spotlight!

[colinericphotography]

I definitely think you should give the Nikon Coolpix A a look too! I've been using it as a replacement GR (didn't want to shell out the money) and it offers a very similar experience. Tack sharp Nikon glass, 16mp APS-C sensor, and some pleasing enough noise, I feel comfy using it at ISO 4000! To top it off, it adds a manual focusing ring and there's a gorgeous silver version. I have one of said silver, and would be happy to lend it to ya if you ever wanted to take a look!

[b.]

As Great a 📸 as I think the GR is I just put it down to it having the Ricoh Pentax DNA. I have the KP and the Kiii mk iii I just love everything they allow you to do without having to think about who makes the camera. You are all about photography and that’s what makes you stand out from the crowd. Keep up the good work Sir.

[Alex-fevv]

Finally, a GR review that’s not just about street photography. I’m very interested in buying one, but I was curious how it performed in other environments. Thanks for taking the time to share your insights.

[Deca.Knight]

I appreciate having come across your content. You convinced me that vintage cameras should have as much of a place in the world of photography as modern cameras! I picked up an old Canon 30D with just a 50mm prime and I’ve never had a more fun experience shooting pictures! Keep it up, you are easily my favorite photographer.

[jw]

That's a really nice choice. For me, I'd never be able to choose - it's all about "best in slot", with 11 slots, spanning 35mm film, MF film, and digital. Oddly I do have a favorite lens, and it's an odd one - the Tamron 35-80mm F2.8-3.8 model "01A" macro zoom. Every bit as sharp as my Canon L 24-70, but so much more fun to use:) If forced to pick a pocket camera winner - the Fujifilm X70 gets my vote.

[MrJeremySF]

It's incredible. I had ours sitting in a cabinet for years and brought it back out a few months ago. It goes everywhere with me now.

[duanemcclun]

I always had a love/hate relationship with the Ricoh. I love to hate it! I always wanted to purchase a new or used one but the one thing that always held me back was Ricoh's unwillingness to respond and correct the complaints from their customers on the lens attracting dirt on the sensor which forced customers to send the camera into Ricoh for a very expensive repair. But I am glad to see that you are enjoying your Ricoh and having great luck with it. Best of luck in your photography journey.
Best
Duane

[NielsdeKemp]

As a Ricoh GR ambassador, I approve of this message! 😅😉🔥

[leeny]

If I could only have one camera I think I'd be rather miserable lol 😂😂

[jeffreyrice]

I have the same setup (viewfinder and wide angle lens attachment) for my GR III. It’s a great grab and go camera.

[SkylerKing]

I've said many times that I preferred the original APS-C Ricoh GR over the GR2. I had never heard anyone else echo the sentiment, until now. It's one of those cameras I really wish I had never gotten rid of (especially now that the price on ALL the GR cameras of any sensor size have skyrocketed).

[DaveAdams]

I typically don't take much stock in what others say about various bits of kit and gear but there was something super validating about hearing you say that about the GR. I don't have an OG GR but I do have a GRIII that I love to pieces. Honestly, when I'm on shoots, I'll often bring it out and convince my clients that I'm using it for "proofing" (which literally means nothing in any sense of the word) when I'm actually taking the photos I want with it. It sucks that, as you mentioned, many people don't take that camera seriously. It's because it doesn't have enough sticky-outy bits to be a "real camera" but I've taken pictures with it and have had everyone from the layman to the most seasoned photographer wonder "what did you capture that with" and when I mention the GRIII (and after they have a bit of a Google) they are quite dumbfounder and often wondering why they don't own one!