I have owned and used sixteen cameras (excluding iPhones) in my entire life. Of all the cameras, the GR Digital 3 (GRD3) is probably the one camera which I have gotten the most satisfying photos from.
The GRD3 came out in 2009. I purchased mine maybe in 2011. It lasted until 2018. And during that time I had captured some of my best images, of family, of street, of art.
The sensor died mostly from humidity, it seems. And the original X100 I bought and still use today has not replaced it in terms of shoot-ability.
The GRD3 simply had a magic to it. It didn’t have a viewfinder—optical or electronic. The back screen and snap focus was enough. Deliberately getting shots or quick snaps most turn out to be usable or at least interesting.
The thing is, it was pocketable but I preferred using the dedicated case strapped to my belt. It was unassuming. Most people ignore you even when you take a photo with such a tiny camera. Should be thankful it lasted seven years? Maybe. But I would look after it better by storing it in a dry case and hope it would last longer than that.
So, would I buy another GR? Absolutely!
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