Hello, I'm Yuka.
I am on a business trip in Japan now (on Mar 29). The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but the pollen (hay fever) is great too!
As a part of our GR III introductory series, I’d like to talk about its mobility-featuring the [Touch AF].
The first thing I do when I have a new camera is to get to know the camera by taking as many shots as possible and and find out my own custom settings.
Comparing with the previous models, you will notice it starts up faster (0.8 seconds from power on).
And the LCD monitor is a touch screen! For me, the [Touch AF] may be the most convenient function.
GR III, F5.6, ISO250, 1/1000sec, EV0.0, Crop 35mm
With the GR II, I assigned the AF Function to [Fn1] and adjusted the AF with my thumb when shooting, but as for the GR III, I focus by touching with my thumb the point where I want to set the AF on the LCD screen.
GR III, F5.6, ISO250, 1/640sec, EV0.0, Crop 35mm
By the way, the AF system of the GR III is a hybrid system of a phase detection type and a contrast type. It’s a fusion between high-speed focusing of the phase detection AF and the accurate focusing of the contrast AF.
There are four settings in the [Touch AF].
AF Point
AF Point + Focus
AF Point + Focus + Shoot
Off
Thanks to this Touch AF feature, the time to shoot has been significantly reduced.
Furthermore, if you select [AF Point + Focus + Shoot], you can shoot by simply touching the LCD screen.
I used to use the Snap mode to photograph moving children and animals, but with the GR III, I use the [AF Point + Focus + Shoot] when I go to the park or something. This is so useful! Such a great function for people like me who have small children.
You can also pinch in and out during playback.
Of course, you can turn off the touch screen operation if you want to.
GR III, F5.0, ISO100, 1/400sec, EV0.0, Crop 35mm
GR III, F5.6, ISO100, 1/500sec, EV+0.3, Crop 35mm
GR III, F5.6, ISO250, 1/500sec, EV0.0
I would say it would be more convenient if the [Touch AF] could be assigned to one of the buttons.
My current customization settings are as follows. I use the default settings for the other ones.
ADJ Mode: Image Control, Focus, AE Metering, Outdoor View Setting, Self-timer
Fn Button: Crop
Spring has finally come to Washington and it's getting warmer! I go out and photograph the abundant green now. The [Outdoor View Setting] is very useful because the sunlight is strong.
Next time, I would like to show you some images of the great nature taken with the GR III from America!
GR III, F5.6, ISO250, 1/800sec, EV0.0, Crop 35mm
GR III, F2.8, ISO125, 1/10sec, EV0.0
See you!
(Yuka)
