Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I’m so thankful that “DSLR quality” can now basically fit right into your pocket. In fact, though it has a few limitations, my Ricoh GR II has better image quality than any of my previous DSLRs…and at a fraction of the cost.

However, the Sony RX100 III is close behind, and is the clear winner in a few important areas. Well, each has its pros and cons. Here’s my detailed, real world comparison of these tech wonders  (it almost seems unfair to simply call them pocket cameras, right?). All sample images were taken by me.

You may be wondering why I chose to review the Sony RX100 III instead of the newest version, the RX100V. It’s because the Mk3 is the best ND Filter option for those looking to spend around the same as a Ricoh GR II. The Ricoh has come down in price, and at the time of writing can be found for just around $599 on Amazon.

Of course, the RX100 III has a wider 24mm lens than the GR II’s 28mm, but for me that was a benefit. I mostly shoot landscapes, and I suspect that *most* general consumers interested in the RX100 would also prefer the wider lens. Besides, you can always zoom to 28mm, the lens is still pretty fast @ f2.5 .

*I’m going to leave a “video” section out of this photography review, because if you’re after a pocket camera with serious video capabilities, you’re not going to find it in either of these…especially not the Ricoh. If you have the money, I say go for the RX100 V.

Build Quality – Look, Weight & Feel

Both cameras feel quite solid and well made, but I would say I like the build and feel of the Ricoh GR II better. The Sony RX100 doesn’t feel cheap, though…and is actually quite heavy for its tiny size. It’s solid as a brick.

With the Ricoh GR II’s simple ergonomics, useful handhold, and rubber grip, it’s much more DSLR like. In fact, I’ll say this right now: If you’re a picky DSLR user looking to add a killer pocket camera to your lineup, there’s no question. You need the Ricoh GR II. You’ll just have to get used to some limitations that I’ll touch on later.

One other thing to mention is the looks. In my opinion, the Sony has a more sleek and modern look. It’s not exactly screaming for attention with its small, classy logo. By contrast, the Ricoh….well…how do I put this?

It kind of looks like a toy camera from the 80s. It has no visible brand logo, and it doesn’t look particularly valuable. For my tastes & lifestyle, these are all HUGE selling points. Haha.

“The Ricoh GR is not for the image conscious; it’s for the image perfectionist.” – Nathan Allen

Size & Pocketability

This is one of the most important factors for me: Being highly mobile. I want a camera on me at all times….and yes, for me, a compact camera must be able to fit in a pants pocket. Even though the Ricoh GR II looks much larger at first glance, it is actually MUCH more comfortable in a pants pocket.

See how deceptive that is? The Sony looks much smaller, but where it counts, it’s not.

This is because the Ricoh GR II is not thicker, but instead, taller + skinnier (think smartphone shaped). For example, even though it’s quite a bit wider & taller than those old Nokia flip phones, a skinny iphone feels much better in your pocket, right?  Same concept (though of course the Ricoh is not as skinny as an iphone).

The Sony RX100 has a skinny (ish) body, but its lens protrudes a good 6mm more than the GR II, and it’s enough to feel (and see) the difference.

Sensor Size & Resolution

Let’s face it. The Ricoh GR II is just amazing in this respect. It has a full on DSLR sized sensor packed into it. It’s an APS-C (crop sensor), literally over 3 times the size of the one in the Sony RX100 III (which is already a 1-inch, and not too shabby).

However, considering the the Sony’s sensor is 3 times smaller, I doubt anybody would say the quality is 3 times less. The image quality and resolution produced by the RX100 is very impressive. Still, overall…the Ricoh GR II takes the prize.

As far as resolution, at first glance, you would think Sony’s 20.2 megapixel resolution would be a huge benefit over Ricoh’s 16.2MP.

The funny thing is…for me it’s not. This is because I shoot up to 10,000 RAW images a month, and I literally keep running out of space on my storage. Haha. It’s nice to fit that many more photos on my SD cards and hard drives, and I rarely seem to need more space for cropping.

Note* the RAW file sizes are smaller on the Ricoh, but the JPEGs are actually a tiny bit larger…

(Something I love is the built in horizon level on the GR II, I trained myself to use this for every shot, so that I don’t have to sacrifice some of my image by cropping and straightening. I believe the RX100 III has one too, but I can’t get it to display on the live screen.)

JPEG & RAW File Quality

Of course, both cameras offer full manual controls, and also RAW capabilities. As mentioned earlier, I shoot RAW, not JPEG. The Ricoh is awesome because it creates universal DNG files that recover quite a bit of detail. However, Sony’s ARW files also handle editing very well, and seem to import into my editing programs easily.

Both cameras have nice JPEG effect presets built in, and from what I’ve seen and heard, the Sony produces more pleasing “out of camera” JPEGS.

Sony’s 24-70mm Zoom vs Ricoh’s 28mm Fixed Lens

I’m one of those photographers who looked through my work and realized that 90+ percent of my photos were shot as wide as possible. I have to say, the Sony RX100 lens quality and sharpness at (all focal lengths) is quite impressive, but that comes with extra thickness in the pockets. It’s still not as sharp as the Ricoh GR II – at any focal length.

For me, the tack sharp Ricoh lens, edge to edge, in a truly pocketable body…is worth losing the zoom.

Overall Image Quality

Both of these cameras have exceptional image quality (in good lighting). I probably don’t need to say it, but the Ricoh, with its lack of an anti aliasing filter, pulls ahead with crisp, well contrasted detail across the whole frame. The RX100 III shows some softening near the edges, but much less than any comparable compact zoom that I know of. It’s still quite impressive.

I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that in some ways,  the image quality of the RX100 Mk3 surpasses even the Mk4 & Mk5!

Low Light & High ISO Performance

So far the Ricoh GR II is killin’ it. However, it’s time for the Sony RX100 to come back swinging. Low light and high (er) ISO is where this little camera shines. With a super fast f1.8 lens (a full stop faster than the Ricoh), these two cameras are not even comparable in low light. Especially handheld.

Pretty impressive, right? Just imagine how fun this camera is take out at night. Coupled with another feature I’ll get to below, shots like this in low light (without a tripod) are a breeze.

The RX100 can find and lock focus in surprisingly dim lighting, and it does pretty well with higher ISO (It’s no Fuji, though). Conversely, the Ricoh was terrible to focus in low light initially, and only slightly better after upgrading the firmware.

Let’s just put it this way: I don’t like to shoot above 400 ISO with the Ricoh, unless strictly for web use. I also might go above 1600 ISO if I’m looking for some “artsy grain” in my street photography. Bottom line: Low light is a big win for the Sony RX100.

Image Stabilization + Long Exposure

There’s no way around this – Sony also has unbelievable image stabilization. I have taken long exposure shots handheld with this camera…up to 1.6 seconds!

Sure, they may not be stellar when fully zoomed, but the images look sharp enough for web use for sure. To be able to do this handheld, it’s just incredible to me. I regularly take handheld shots at night, and limit to 800 ISO – thanks to the superb image stabilization (and a steady hand). This keeps my images as clean as possible…without needing to lug a tripod with me everywhere.

The RX100 III was the first in the series to include a built in 3 stop ND filter as well. This means I can take long exposure waterfall shots – even at noon on a sunny day! The shot below was taken handheld as well…a .8 second exposure with no tripod.

The Ricoh GR II also has an ND filter, but NO image stabilization. I keep telling myself that including image stabilization would increase the bulk of the camera, and make it less pocketable. This is how I sleep at night. Haha.

However, if you’re using a tripod, the Ricoh GR II has more long exposure options, and is definitely superior when it comes to image quality @ 100 or 200 ISO.

Minimum Focusing Distance – Macro + Bokeh

The minimum focus distance for macro is 10cm on the Ricoh GR II – twice the 5cm of the RX100. Generally, the closer you can get to the subject, the more bokeh, or blurred background you can achieve. A higher aperture (lower number) also increases the bokeh…so you’d think Sony has it in the bag.

However, the larger APS-C sensor on the GR II also allows for shallow depth of field…so an f2.8 with a larger sensor kind of works out equal to a smaller sensor with an f1.8. I call a tie, and that’s why I didn’t include any macro sample images. They both produce pleasing bokeh in close-up (macro) situations.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Battery Life

These two cameras are said to have the same battery life – 320 shots each on a full charge. In my experience, though, The Sony seems to have the advantage. I just ordered 2 more batteries for my Ricoh, so soon I’ll see if this specific battery is somehow to blame. *Update* – It’s not.

“Snap Focus” + Ability To Customize

These are areas where the Ricoh GR II simply trounces the competition. Snap focus is the ability to choose a focus distance between 1-5 meters (or infinity), and then leave it ready for action. Once you get used to knowing where and when to shoot, you really see the benefit of it.

You can take candid street photos with lightning speed, and the best part is that you can set the shutter to auto focus if only pressed halfway. In other words, a quick full press gives you your set focus distance, but if something falls outside of that distance, you can always press halfway to auto focus – and without changing any settings. Brilliant.

The Sony wasn’t designed so much with street shooters in mind, and it lacks “quick access” features like this.

*Check the “related links” at the end of the page for more of my street photography with these cameras.

As for being able to customize the camera, the Ricoh GR II truly is a photographer nerd’s dream come true. I was simply amazed at both the ability to customize, and the ease of doing so. The quick “memory” settings are especially useful when out street shooting.

There is also a unique “TAv” mode, which the Sony lacks. It’s great because it allows you to quickly change the aperture and shutter speed, while leaving the ISO in auto mode. Perfect for quickly adjusting depth of field, or for contrasted lighting or sports situations when you need to “freeze” or capture motion.

The Ricoh controls are all perfectly within reach, and incredibility intuitive. This camera is simply a joy to shoot with. To me, here it makes the Sony RX100 III menu and controls seem a bit clunky. To be fair though, I was pretty happy with the Sony before I had the Ricoh to compare it to…

 Click HERE to check out the updated Ricoh GR III on Amazon.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Final Pros & Cons

• The Sony RX100 III has a viewfinder and an articulating screen, but I would much rather it had neither, if it meant I could slip it into my pocket more comfortably. I know others are very happy to keep these features, though. Again, it is incredible how versatile and full-featured this tiny little camera is.
• The Ricoh GR series has a fatal flaw, especially for a pocket camera. It is very prone to dust on the sensor. I have probably taken 50,000 photos with my RX100, and I’ve always kept it in my pocket. Never a single issue with dust.

• This is nitpicking, but the RX100 collects fingerprints on the lens if I let somebody borrow it. I swear it doesn’t handle bright light bulbs at night very well either, unless the lens is VERY clean. (It gets that annoying “fog” halo that iphones with smudged lenses get).  The Ricoh has a deep set lens, which makes it harder to collect fingerprints (but also to clean).
• The Ricoh also has “Pinpoint AF“, which I absolutely love, and would be quite useful on a camera like the RX100 – with its super fast 1.8 lens and shallow depth of field.
• The RX100 has underwater housings available, and again, its fast lens is great for snorkelers + divers wanting to shoot in deep, low light conditions.
• Focus Ring – The Sony has a nice, smooth, focus ring. The Ricoh is missing one entirely, but I don’t find myself needing it too much, honestly.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

So Which Do I Choose? Both.

I believe it’s true what I read somewhere…”The best camera is the one you always have with you. The one that inspires you to take photos.” Since giving up my DSLR and buying the Sony and the Ricoh, I probably take 4 or 5 times as many photos – and I never miss an opportunity. That is priceless. I love having such inconspicuous , unassuming little cameras.

I have to be honest, though. For a second there I thought about selling my RX100 when I bought the Ricoh. I also thought about replacing it with the Panasonic LX10 f1.4.

I’m so glad I didn’t, though. I don’t think the Panasonic lens sharpness and low light capabilities can compare, even though the RX100 III is already over 2 years old. Frankly, there’s no way my Ricoh could compare to the RX100…for night shots around town, anyway.

So basically, if it’s daytime, I bring my Ricoh GR II…and I make sure my hand is steady as hell. Haha.  If I’m going out for drinks or exploring at night, the Sony RX100 III is my go to.

I believe in keeping things simple, but unfortunately there’s no one stop solution yet…I have to have both. I’m looking forward to the Ricoh GR III – with f1.8 and image stabilization…are you listening, Ricoh? Haha.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II Verdict: It’s like choosing between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones – I won’t do it.

Is the 28mm on the Ricoh GR II Wide Enough?

As a landscape photographer (mostly), I was really worried I would miss the wider 24mm lens for most of my daytime shots. However, I was shocked to realize that I hardly noticed the difference! Anyhow, there is an excellent (and affordable) Ricoh 21mm converter available for those who love to shoot really wide. Best of both worlds.

However, the way I’ve come to see it, photographers share most of their work on Facebook and Instagram. A very large chunk of their audiences are viewing their pictures on small phone screens.

A wider lens doesn’t lend itself too well to pictures that will be viewed on smartphone screens. Not that there’s that much difference between the 24 and 28mm lenses.

A note about the images on this page: My hosting company compresses JPEGS mercilessly, but it leaves PNG files in tact. I tried to keep these sample images as high quality as possible, so they were created with the PNG-24 format. It still skews the colors a bit, unfortunately.

As you may have guessed, they have all been edited in post processing. I just wanted to show what is possible using each camera. If you’re curious, the picture at the top (title image) was taken in the Philippines, with the Ricoh.

Which Pocket Camera Is Best For You?

In conclusion, both cameras provide exceptional image quality in a tiny, convenient package. I guess my advice is to be honest with yourself…

Are you very serious about photography AND not too self-conscious when you shoot? Are you a very technical person, a seasoned DSLR shooter, or a “pixel peeper”? If so, you’re going to need the Ricoh GR II. There is no better pocket camera in terms of ergonomics, sensor size and overall image quality. You probably won’t mind working with its limitations, given that fact.

However, if you need a sleek, versatile pocket camera with great image quality…a consistent camera that will function quickly and easily in a variety of situations (especially low light!), then you’ll love pretty much any models in the RX100 series. They are truly impressive little cameras.

Basically, the Sony does many things very well. The Ricoh only does a few things…but those few things are very important, and it does them incredibly well.

Do you own the Sony or the Ricoh (or both)?

I’m curious if your findings are the same.

Update for 2024: The Sony RX100VII & Ricoh GRIII are finally here!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

 My Low Light & Night Photography Tests with Sony RX100

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

Street Photography in Singapore w/ Ricoh GR II

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

Have a question or comment? I’d love to hear from you. BTW, I’m not connected to these companies, but you can help support my work by visiting the the links to Amazon on this page.

The post Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Which Pocket Camera is TRULY King? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I love shooting silhouettes against the sunset. Here, a young family is flying kites together at Marina Barrage, Singapore. On the right hand side of the picture you can see part of iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Below is Harana Surf Resort on the island of Siargao, Philippines. This picture was shot during a full moon. It has been edited in post processing, but I am impressed that pocket camera can achieve results like this, nonetheless.

A Fast, Bright Lens That Still Beats the Competition

As far as I know, the only truly pocketable camera that *might* be able to compare in the low light / night shooting department would be the Panasonic LX10 (known as LX15 in Europe & Asia).

However, I did a LOT of research, including speaking to people who have both the RX100 III and the LX10. For extreme low light and sharpness of lens, they told me not even to think about selling the RX100 III. That says a lot, considering the Panasonic’s f1.4 lens is technically faster (and 2 years newer).

In some tests, the RX100 III outperformed even the M4 and M5 models which came after it.

Pictured above is the “Dragonfly Bridge”, looking up to the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. I get some kind of strange photographer-nerd rush taking handheld shots like this. Constantly challenging myself shot after shot…seeing just how low I can get the ISO…while keeping image sharpness. Of course, the steady hand helps immensely…but at the same time, you’d be amazed how forgiving the image stabilization can be!

Above is the spectacular sunset at El Nido, Palawan (Philippines). I noticed the Sony does exceptionally well with sunset hues…and the RAW files process very nicely.

Here is a shot of a live band with some challenging indoor lighting…most cameras (especially compacts) would really struggle in situations like this.

This is definitely one of my favorites. It was a beach wedding that I stumbled upon while walking along the shore in Bohol, Philippines. This was soon after I bought the camera, and this shot left me with the distinct feeling that I had made the right decision…

Below is a city scene from downtown Singapore. I’ve never had a problem shooting at night in any city with the RX100. There is always enough light.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Thanks to Stabilization, Long Exposure is a Blast

I took this picture on the streets of Manila, handheld. I never imagined the man’s shadow would show up on the side of the passing jeep, because I couldn’t even see it with my naked eye. I was in for quite a surprise a few days later when I viewed the photo! The RX100 captured it.

I prefer the RX100 M3, because it has a built in neutral density (ND) filter. This filter allows me to go 3-stops down…meaning I could even take the long exposure shot above during the day if I wanted! During the day without an ND filter, there is way too much light to get long exposure trails. The M4 & M5 models also have this feature, but a much higher price tag.

Another silhouette shot from the beach in Bohol, Philippines. The trick is to get as low as possible, to place your subjects (boy & coconut tree, in this case) above the horizon.

(If you’re considering the RX100, check out  Amazon… These are my trusted partners, and these links will get you the best price. It’s how I continue creating content like this – Thanks, Nathan)

Below is another one of my favorites. Taken at the Boni MRT overpass in Mandaluyong, Manila. If you were wondering, I never use flash. To me, this picture, shot in a very dark environment, is a true testament of what this little pocket rocket is capable of.

The fishing boat below was docked on a rocky beach after sunset…combined with some pretty heavy clouds, this was a real challenging low light situation. I really needed to lift the shadows to achieve this result. It was taken while I first experimented with the camera, and with rather high ISO. I didn’t even have the RAW file to work with!  JPEG only.

Hard to Imagine How Sony Could Top This

Yes, at the time of writing, there are some pretty impressive low light and high ISO cameras out there…but personally, if they don’t fit in my pocket, they’re off my radar. That’s my lifestyle.

The fact that the RX100 technology has already been around for 5 years kind of blows my mind. It really makes me wonder what the next big step will be. Whatever it is, I just hope I can still fit it in my pocket.

Hope you enjoyed.

Update for 2025: The Sony Rx100VII is out now!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

RX100 Street Photography in Singapore’s Colorful Chinatown District

My Detailed Comparison Between Sony RX100 & Ricoh GR II

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

The post Low-Light & Night Photography – Handheld w/ the Sony RX100 appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

 By Nathan Allen

Well that can be good, too…and of course I have plenty of those shots. However, I want this post to be different. My goal was to create a snapshot “time capsule”…a window into the daily life of historic Manila, in 2017.

To accomplish this, I decided to take my tiny Sony RX100III on a photo walk. I went during the week, to experience less tourists and more locals. After lunch, I boarded a packed MRT train in Mandaluyong, and started the long journey to Divisoria.

The Bustling Outdoor Market of Divisoria.

The crowds in the market were thick, even during the week. This place is famous for the best deals – on almost everything. There are pickpockets in Divisoria, so I was careful to avoid them. Knock on wood, I’ve never had a bad experience in 4 years exploring the Philippines.

I also popped into a few camera stores while here. Hidalgo Street is also famous for great deals on camera equipment. In fact, this is where my little RX100 came from! I think my baby was happy to be back for some Manila street photography.

The shot below is a good example of what I’m talking about. This street food vendor didn’t notice me until after I took the photo. Then he let out a big smile and posed for a picture. Super nice guy.

I studied the afternoon light, and tried to use the sun / shade drama to my advantage.

I am a landscape photographer at heart, so I actually prefer the wider lens of the Sony RX100III. It’s 24mm, and I guess this makes me somewhat of a unique street shooter. Even 28mm is too wide for most “street ‘togs”.

Quiapo Church – Now Almost 600 Years Old.

This iconic church is one of Manila’s oldest landmarks. As you can see, there are many vendors selling candles to the devotees who attend services there. Originally made of bamboo and nipa, the church dates all the way back to 1586!

Again, I enjoyed how the afternoon light perfectly illuminated the church, while leaving the crowds blanketed in shadows.

Escolta Street, One of Manila’s Oldest.

After Quiapo, I started making my way to Escolta Street, another historic part of the city. There were no sidewalks in this section, so I actually had to walk with the street traffic to pass by. Of course, anybody who knows Manila is used to doing this now and then.

I love to walk. I have explored countless regions of Manila on foot, and at all hours of the day and night. People are quite surprised to see me in areas that are believed to be unsafe, but as mentioned before, I have never had a problem. A friendly smile and bit of Tagalog (the local language) goes a long way.

(continued below)

This is a “Jeepney”, an old military vehicle repurposed for transporting the public. I spotted this one while crossing the Jones Bridge. The Japanese bombed this structure back in WWII. One of the busiest bridges in the country, it was repaired in 1945 with the help of the U.S.

Manila Street Photography – Historic Intramuros

The old Spanish fort of Intramuros is just across the Jones Bridge. By now it was very late in the afternoon, and the sun was just about to dip below the fort walls. Below, I was lucky to capture 2 horse drawn carriages, called “kalesas”, beautifully lit by the sun.

Pictured here is an ancestral house. I love the cobblestone used to paved these streets. It’s one of my favorite part of Intramuros, and even though I don’t have any pictures from this trip, check out beautiful San Agustin church nearby! It’s by far my favorite in all the Philippines.

This is a less touristy street on the outskirts of Intramuros, and I was lucky to catch this moment. The late afternoon sun created a lot of dramatic shadows on the streets.  This my favorite picture from this Manila street photography series.

I also toured Fort Santiago while here (again, no pictures), and by the time the light had all but faded completely, I was starving. There was an eatery nearby, and had a great time sharing a table with some locals.

Fiesta at Sundown

Afterward, I was lucky to stumble upon a fiesta there in Intramuros! People were kind to invite me to join their groups celebrating the event.

We had a lot of fun (perhaps a bit too much)…late into the night, I even got on the microphone and sang Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” right there on the crowded streets! I don’t know if I did OK, or if the locals were just 3 sheets to the wind, but they clapped and cheered as I reached the chorus and belted out the ending.

I’ll never forget those guys, Diego, Juneer, Wendel, Jun, Ian…I don’t know if they’ll ever see this, but thanks for taking good care of me. I told you I’ll return to Intramuros…and I promise you, someday I will.

For those who are curious, all shots were taken with my Sony RX100III pocket camera. . Sony is not a partner of mine. However, if you use the links above, it will help me continue providing stories like this.

In closing, I hope you enjoyed my Manila street photography series. You can also check out my Singapore street photography – it’s a change of pace.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Related Links:

Low Light & Night Photography Tests w/ Sony RX100 III

Sony RX100 vs Ricoh GR II – Which Pocket Cam is King?

Street Photography in Chinatown, Singapore w/ Sony RX100 III

Like my page to follow along with me  – Nathan

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post Manila Street Photography w/ RX100 – The Beauty & The Chaos appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Obviously, one reason is that with an f1.8 lens, I can still shoot at night or in low light. The photo below was taken at Chinatown complex after dark. This group of men is hanging on every move of an intense Chinese chess game.

I shoot RAW and do my own black and white conversions, but the RX100 has nice B&W and effect modes as well.

“Zone Focusing”

My Ricoh has a “snap focus” mode, which really helps with split second street shooting. The Sony does not, but I still found a way to set it up for zone focusing. Basically I set the aperture low, like f8…then use a fast shutter speed, like 1/500 of a second. Then, in manual focus mode, I use “focus peaking”, so I can see where (and how much) of the scene in front of me is in focus.

The shot of the man & temple above was probably focused around 1.5 meters in front of me. With those settings, most of what you see behind him will be in focus as well. Keeping the camera set up like this enabled me to take plenty of lightning quick shots here…and make sure they were all candid.

By the way, I realized that the RX100 has a nice focus ring…my Ricoh does not.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the “year of the rooster”. The photo below shows a massive lantern display, right in the middle of the busy Singapore streets. This gives you an idea of just how serious the Chinese take their traditions.

I used a relatively long exposure setting, so that I could capture the motion of the pedestrians and traffic passing by. It was taken handheld, thanks to the camera’s superb image stabilization. For more about this, you can check out my Low Light & Night Photography w/ RX100.

Below is another black and white evening shot in Chinatown complex. Don’t worry, this old man is only resting.

Singapore Crowds on Pagoda Street

Of all the locations I shot street in Singapore, I think I like my Chinatown the best. I found a never ending stream of people…and from all walks of life. The arc of the sun falls in line with Pagoda street…so there’s nice, even morning and afternoon lighting.

I walked through the shady corridor until I reached the entrance of Chinatown Food Street, another great location for afternoon shooting.

Temple Scenes – Chinatown Street Photography

The Buddha Tooth Relic temple is a striking landmark. I was quite inspired here. I love the way the afternoon sun drops lantern shadows on the walls. The later in the afternoon, the more pronounced the effect is.

After exploring the temple inside and out (a must see), I made my way back to Pagoda Street.

The shadows were growing taller and taller…a sure sign of fading light to come. I returned over the course of a few days, and decided my favorite time for Chinatown Street Photography is about 2 hours before sunset.

The low angle of the sun provides perfect lighting – with a lot of dramatic shadows. 1 hour before sunset might be a bit too late in a big city like this, because the tall buildings may already be robbing your subjects of sunlight.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Before hopping on the MRT, I noticed one last opportunity for a shot. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

Pleasantly Surprised by Shooting Street w/ the RX100

Overall, taking candid shots with the RX100 certainly impressed me. I already knew the camera was versatile, but I realize it more and more every time I use it. Hope you enjoyed my Chinatown street photography series…be sure to check out the 3rd and final chapter of my adventure below.

Update for 2025: The RX100VII is out now! Those interested in this awesome little camera can find it on Amazon HERE

(I am not a partner of Sony, but if you use the Amazon links on my page, it helps me continue to create content like this. Thanks!)

I’m curious if you’ve used the Sony RX100 for street photography?

Do let me know if you have any questions.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
   
3. Little India

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Chinatown w/ Sony RX100 III appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

This is Romblon, Romblon – Don’t Get Confused

Romblon island is the middle of the three islands in Romblon province. The island to the west is Tablas, Romblon, and the one to the east is called Sibuyan, Romblon.

Getting to this island from Tablas was a bit of an adventure itself, but there is a much easier way direct from Manila (I’ll cover that later). I arrived at the port of Romblon Town in the early morning. After a nice, brief rest at my B&B, I headed to JD&G Italian Restaurant. This place was recommended to me, and not only was the food fantastic, but the owner had a motorbike I could rent!

I finished my lunch and hopped on the bike. Within minutes (literally), I was treated to this view:

Yeah, right away I could tell I was going to love this island. Hardly any tourists, with breathtaking turquoise seas and white sand beaches.

About 1km after this overlook, I located the small trail going to a place called Bonbon Beach. I had seen some amazing photos online, so I was excited to check it out.

( If you prefer to use booking.com, you can browse Romblon Hotels HERE )

Well, it delivered. This place was sooo incredible – you can check out my separate Bonbon Beach Post if you’d like.

Colorful Romblon Town

The town itself has a lot of character. Many of the buildings are splashed with vibrant, pastel colors. It gives such a bright, cheery feel. I love it.

“Good Vibes” in Romblon’s Marble?

As you can see in that last photo, marble (the mineral) is Romblon Island’s claim to fame. I noticed many marble shops in town, and quite a few marble sculptures and statues along the countryside roads.  What I also noticed is that, quite simply, Romblon is full of good vibes. Really, there is an unexplainable energy I felt here.

In fact, as I rode my motorbike through the remote parts of the island, my arm literally started to hurt from waiving back at all the smiley locals. There were SO MANY. Don’t get me wrong – the Philippines is the friendliest country I’ve ever visited, but Romblon Island seems to take that friendliness to an exponential level!

Carlos Reyes, owner of Stone Creek House in town, half jokes that maybe it’s something in all that raw marble just below Romblon’s surface. Who knows, stranger things have happened. Whatever it is, I felt it…and it was good.

Fort San Andres

A steep 10 minute climb up some stairs by the market brings you to this historic Spanish Fort. The grounds are lush and well kept, and there are beautiful views of the harbor and sea from the top. You can find some information and history about the fort as well. There will probably be a caretaker who will collect a 20 peso fee (40 cents).

Anyhow, after this I continued south on the motorbike, snapping colorful photos along the way. It was a beautiful day.

Talipasak Beach Resort (San Pedro)

As usual, I didn’t really have a plan. When I saw a road veering off the right, I just took it. I noticed what looked like a huge eagle flying overhead, then the road started leading into a canopy of shady trees. There were kingfishers and other tropical birds all around, and the landscape was quite beautiful. I passed a place called Totoys, then the road dead ended at Dumagat Freedive.

I wanted to have lunch somewhere, and the guy at Dumagat said to check Talipasak Beach Resort next door. I’m so glad I did.

Also known as San Pedro Beach Resort, the food wasn’t incredible, but it was pretty tasty…and definitely affordable! The woman there was quite nice, and I loved the feel of the place. I relaxed in the hammock and then went for a swim and some snorkeling afterward (I brought my own mask). Nothing spectacular…but it was refreshing, at least.

The resort bungalows sit in the shade up a small hill, overlooking Talipasak Beach and the sea. Rooms are clean, but basic. Fan only. Last I checked it was just 700 pesos a night to stay there.

Someday I hope to come back and stay for a few nights. Beautiful, secluded place. I noticed that local groups like to come in and pay for day use. They just bring their own food and drinks to the beach.

If you want to stay here (and you don’t have a motorbike), you need a trike (public transportation) to drop you off. That could cost about 300 or 400 pesos ($6-8). You’ll be isolated out there, but perhaps that’s just what you’re after.

Countryside Landscapes

The southern part of the island brought me through some colorful and friendly local communities. I stopped at a few tropical vistas and lagoons – really breathtaking scenery.

(Ricoh GR II photos)

I heard people talk about going “up on the mountain” from time to time…so I asked how to get there. The last photo above was from a hike I took (the dirt road became too rough and dangerous, and I had to leave the motorbike).I believe the road going up is called Sawang-Cogon Shunt Rd.

As you ascend, the scenery really begins to shift to grassy, windswept hills…and the temperature cools off. Again, nothing spectacular, but it is cool and peaceful. Could be a good place to catch a sunset.

By the way, I also checked out the fascinating corals @ Agpanabat Marine Sanctuary while down south. Link is at the bottom of the page.

Beautiful, Rugged Coastline

Check out these views! These lush, grassy hillsides actually remind me home – the beautiful northern California coast.

I parked the motorbike and took these photos near Calabago lighthouse (not pictured).

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Continuing up the east side of the island, I found these colorful buildings tucked away in the coconut trees along the beach.

There was also a native style “bahay kubo”, or hut. These were located very near to Lamao Beach Resort (this place seems to be popular with the locals). It’s a pretty remote area out here.

Why Do I Love Romblon So Much?

If the pictures weren’t enough for you, I’ll elaborate more: To me, Romblon Island is the perfect getaway / adventure. It has everything I love: Stunning beaches / swimming / snorkeling, access to a motorbike for rent, few crowds / little development, tropical jungles, windy coastal roads (with scenic vistas), a lot of friendly local culture, AND it’s small enough to circle on a motorbike in just a few hours.

I call Romblon Island “The Sweet Spot in the Heart Of The Philippines”.

To top it off, there is a tiny but tight-knit community of European and American expats there. They are highly entertaining to chat with, and they have even brought some flavors from home. As mentioned before, you’ll often find some at JD&G Italian Restaurant, which serves excellent pizza and calzones. Probably the best affordable Italian I had anywhere in the Philippines.

Anyhow, now to wrap up my story…on the way back to town, I stopped once more at Bonbon Beach. I caught a magical sunset, and captured these two fishermen bringing their boat in from the sea.

What a great way to say goodbye to my new favorite paradise.

How To Get There

You might be able to find a cheap Cebu Pacific flight to the neighboring island of Tablas, but then you need transportation to the San Agustin ferry port an hour away. The ferry only runs early in the morning and at 1pm each day. I think the best bet is to take the 2GO “party boat”, as I like to call it…

It’s an overnight sleeper ferry that goes from Batangas (south of Manila) directly to Romblon Town. It has a bar with live entertainment playing late into the night. Haha. Awesome.

Where To Stay

If you are looking to get away from it all in rustic fashion (warning: you WILL be isolated out there) check out Talipasak Beach Resort, mentioned above.

However, the best option might be sleek Stone Creek House. It’s located right in town proper, and is beautifully designed – with all the conveniences of home. The reason this is so great is because it’s nearby to excellent food, as well as the BEST beach on the island (Bonbon). In town you can easily rent the motorbike @ JD&G and explore more of the island as well.

Hope you enjoy Romblon’s charm as much as I did!

Also be sure to check out my other related posts:

Bonbon Beach 

Agpanabat Fish and Turtle Sanctuary

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

My Detailed Comparison of the Sony RX100 vs the Ricoh GR II

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Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

For me, there is no better way to explore Palawan than by motorcycle. It is the modern day stallion, providing nomads and wanderers the ultimate freedom and mobility. As a photographer, I especially love the ability to stop along the road anywhere I see something that catches my eye.

Bus rides may be more comfortable, however, they are torture for photographers.

In the Chinese zodiac, I was born in the year of the horse. According to tradition, this perfectly explains my penchant for wandering. In other words, I need to stretch my legs; gallop far and wide. It’s fitting that I have ended up in Asia the past few years, submersing myself in cultures and climates vastly different than my own.

A Motorbike Trip On Palawan Island, Philippines

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Palawan, it’s a large Philippine island bordering the South China / West Philippine Sea. Palawan has consistently been ranked as one of the top tropical islands – with the best beaches in the world. As you’ll see later, it surely deserves the honor! Along with Boracay island, it’s one of the top tourist draws in the Philippines.

However, the island still has vast stretches of rugged, untouched jungles and white sand beaches. Well off the beaten path. That’s why when rent-a-bike.ph offered to provide me a motorcycle, I jumped at the chance.

Where To Rent a Motorcycle in Palawan

I landed in Palawan’s main hub, Puerto Princesa, and stopped by the motorcycle rental place next door to the airport. I tested out a yellow Kawasaki Rouser, and loved the way it felt. It’s an on road bike, but I’ve had heaps of practice riding off road if needed.

Rent-a-bike.ph is owned by a Russian transplant named Sergey. He offered to take me on a quick ride to some of the nice beaches nearby. I certainly looked forward to seeing this region of Palawan!

The next morning, after a great stay at the Ivywall Hotel, I met Sergey and we made our way out of town. He rode a Honda XR150, which is better for off road. It’s available for rent as well. I figured most of my riding would be on paved roads, so the Kawasaki would be more comfortable for my trip.

The roads in Palawan are nice and windy, – quite scenic as well! We pulled over at a mountainous overlook, and Sergey posed his bike so we could get this shot.

The Rough Road Trip to Kalaodiong Beach

After that, we continued to little known Kalaodiong Beach. The last stretch of road is unpaved, steep and rough. However, the beach at the end is pretty good. It’s probably the nicest, undeveloped beach relatively close to Puerto Princesa.

To clarify, there’s actually nothing on this beach. Just a few locals who might ask for 20 pesos to park your motorbike. We had more to see in this part of Palawan, so after relaxing here for a few minutes, we started back for Nagtabon beach (another gem which we had passed on the way).

There’s a vista point along the way between the two beaches…at least I think that’s where it was. If you want to relax with a fresh coconut and views out to sea, this is a great place in central Palawan.

Nagtabon Beach, Palawan

Nagtabon beach is barely developed. To be sure, there are very few options for snacks, food, and drinks. If you walk to the end of the beach, an American has returned to his roots in the Philippines and opened up a unique guest house there. I think it’s called Caroline’s Secret Resort.

It’s basically a simple beach bar, but there is a giant castle “turret” which you can stay overnight in. However, it has no windows or screens, and is a bit pricey for what you get. I suppose it’s the unique experience you’re paying for?

We were pretty hungry by the time we arrived here, so we stayed for dinner. Drinks and burgers seemed a bit expensive, however, no other options are available on the beach. Prices reflect that. It’s a bit remote, so transporting supplies probably costs him.  In any case, super nice guy.

Nagtabon Beach View, From The Castle

Here is the vista from the top of the castle turret. In addition to nice views of the beach, there’s also an adventurous rope bridge you have to cross to get up here…

Caroline’s is an excellent place for watching the sunset, too. As chance would have it, 2 women from Latvia were there practicing “stick dancing” on the beach. I captured these silhouette shots just before we left…after the sun had dipped below the horizon.

( In photos: 1. Silhouette of 2 women checking their phone on beach 2. Nagtabon Sunset landscape )

In case you’re wondering, I took these shots with my Sony RX100III. A very impressive pocket camera! That link is for Amazon, but in the Philippines or Singapore you can get it here..

We walked all the way back to the motorbikes on the other end of the beach…and of course then I realized I left my sunglasses at the resort. I told Sergey I would just meet him back in Puerto Princesa later, and then I ran back to get them.

Luckily I found the sunglasses, and trekked all the way back to the bike again. I rode back to Puerto Princesa in the dark…the trip seemed to take forever! Without a doubt, I was completely exhausted.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you want to follow along with me on FB)

Once back in Puerto Princesa, I met with a tour operator to get more information about my next stop, the Underground River tour in Sabang (central Palawan). She invited me on the tour as a way of saying thanks for promoting the Philippines. Very kind, and she even told me there was no need to promote her company specifically!

Looking Forward To Day 2 on the Motorbike…

Basically, this short ride was just a warm up for the rest of Palawan. Just wait until you see how much better the beaches get! The ride to Sabang the next day was unforgettable, too I’ll leave that for chapter two…

You can find hotel rates and reviews for Puerto Princesa and Palawan HERE

Pt 1. >  Pt 2. > Pt 3. >  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was provided by www.rent-a-bike.ph.

* Updated January 18, 2021

If you notice anything that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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