... if you really need a zoom it's not the camera for you. Look at the GX200 instead which is as good and offers a zoom.
I have a GRDII, tho I killed it so it is with Ricoh being reanimated, and I have a GX200. They are NOT the same camera. I think the GRDII produces cleaner (less noise) pictures. For me the step zoom is a pain in the astronomy (less the tronomy). When I want to zoom, I want to zoom, not zoom-stop-zoom-stop-zoom-stop... Just turn off the step zoom mode, use it like a normal zoom camera. The GX200 has anti-shake but I'm not entirely convinced that is not the source of some of the extra noise the camera produces compared to the GRDII without the anti-shake feature. Haven't taken the time to investigate this, yet.
The big plus on the GX200 is the 3rd My Setting available on the dial, and the second programmable function button next to the flash pop up button, compared to the single function button on the GRDII. I also give huge, huge kudos for the eVF because it works at 90-degs, meaning I can set the camera very low on a mini-tripod and look down thru the top to compose, expose.
There is enough diff between the two cameras that I would say there is somewhat of a learning curve going between the two. Not much, but some, enough. I don't see myself parting with either of these cameras. But as it stands not my preference is the GRDII with the optional 40mm accessory lens thingy. The 28mm and the 40mm get me everything I need. The down side of that combination is the lens flare with the 40mm lens thingy and the sun and no way to mount a lens shade.
The problem with buying a new GRDIII is that you should have waited for the GRDIV. At some point you have to stop waiting and start getting involved in taking pix. There will always be a new camera that you want and don't have. Meanwhile you are stagnant.