Hi All:
I want to chime in with my opinion.
For the past 18 months, the only camera I used was a GR2. I LOVED that camera.
But based on the specs, I sold the GR2 to a good friend and purchased the new GR3 (from PopFlash.com) about a month ago.
Since I am "photo-monogamous", I really like to get used to a single camera and learn all that the camera can do. Furthermore, I only shoot in manual mode and like to control the Aperture, Shutter Speed, Focus and ISO settings. With practice I can very quickly hit the setting I want almost instinctively.
Although, I admit that I often carry a tiny Sekonic Twinmate L-208 light meter to double check to see if I am setting the right exposure in tough lighting conditions (this is probably a bit of a crutch, but I can't help but be influenced by Ansel Adams and his "Zone System" from the classic book "The Negative").
Getting back to the GR3, I am convinced that it is capable of two f-Stops greater sensitivity and since I like to shoot in natural light and in dark situations, to me the new GR3 was worth every penny I paid for it!
That said, it did take me a couple of weeks of constant use to completely get used to it.
Basically what I am saying is that if I had to shoot something really important, I could not do a good job with the new camera right away. I made a lot of over exposure errors in the beginning!
Now, I am thrilled to be able to take low-light shots which I would have NEVER attempted before with the GR2.
My guess is if I chose to set the GR3 to Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority the learning curve would have been a lot smoother.
Just my two cents...
Best regards,
Levent
www.LeventMagic.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16699882@N07/