I received the GR from B&H on Thursday and used it over the long weekend in Montreal. While I hoped to test the camera extensively over the next few weeks, my hopes were dashed when I discovered that the camera had a burnt pixel or dust in the lens or both. At first I tried to clean the lens, but to no avail! I returned the camera today in the full knowledge that I may not receive a replacement for as long as a month.

Despite my disappointment, I have used the camera to form some initial impressions about the versatility of this piece of equipment and have personally been able to compare the same with the GRD IV (which I still own). The few dimensions that I have laid out below are in comparison to the IV, and not (I don't own either unfortunately) the Coolpix A or the X100s.

1. Startup speed: Much faster. It's on and ready to go before you raise it to eye level.

2. Weight and tactile assessment: Seems (somehow) a little larger, but also a little less substantial than the IV. I kept waiting for the weight to sit more comfortably in my hand. I think I lost a lot of shots as a result! Maybe this is just a getting-used-to issue and will eventually disappear.

3. Autofocus: In good light, years ahead (pun intended). In situations where the ISO is at 1600 or greater, not much faster (especially if you are using multi-point or subject tracking AF)

4. Sharpness: Lens is still tack sharp and the sharpness is not just restricted to the centre of the frame.

5. Image Quality: Compared to the GRD IV (which is no slouch), simply outstanding. And the files are really easy to work with it in LR4.

6. High ISO noise: I almost never take the camera beyond 1600. Till 800, no discernible noise. At 1600, the noise is just about present but (as with the GRD IV at 600) film-grainy and pleasing. When the replacement camera arrives, I will try shooting between >2000 and up to 3200.

7. JPeg versus RAW: JPeg images are really good, but the RAW files are excellent.

8. Colours: Punchy especially the yellows, greens, blues. And I didn't necessarily see too many issues with the reds. But I defer to more critical eyes than mine on this topic. When I get my replacement camera, I will test more extensively.

9. Image stabilisation: None. And the short answer to what difference this makes is this: You can use the GRDIV at 1/13 or 1/10 of a second and get a sharp image. I would urge you to restrict your speed to 1/30 when using the GR. Because the maximum aperture is 2.8, carry a gorillapod or small tripod/ monopod when shooting in dark interiors. Even ISO 1600 may need a shutter speed faster than 1 second.

10. Snap Focus: Still works well but you need to "unlearn" the way you use snap focus on the IV. For one or both of these reasons: first, if you were used to the Auto option on the IV, you may need to learn to quickly use the DOF scale and/ or set hyper-focal distance on the fly or default to 2.5m. However, you have to remember (in the latter instance) that you now "HAVE TO" keep about 8 feet between your subject and the lens. Secondly, given the larger sensor, DOF becomes an issue as you increase aperture. At anything less than f9 (and sometimes higher), you are unlikely to get an entire scene in sharp focus.

11. Overall operability: Still fantastic. If you have used a III or IV, the interface and menu systems will be second nature to you. If you have not, it still takes only a few days to appreciate and respect the customizability of the camera. I must confess that there were many new additions to the menu system, but I never really got much of a chance to explore.

All in all, I think Ricoh has produced a winner here that, if nothing else, will certainly make its loyal patrons happy, and will probably result in winning over some new customers and erstwhile sceptics. I intend to more fully review the camera in the future but look forward to making this my main camera for 2013. To my less than professional mind, it's that good. Perfect for street, interiors, photojournalism or as a visual notebook/ sketchbook. For more comprehensive assessments, visit Jorge Ledesma's GR microsite (actually pretty compelling) or read Ray Sachs' commentary on dpreview.com.

Below are a selection of photographs that were taken before the camera was returned. You will notice the dark spot near the top right hand corner of the frame ... the only real blemish that I could make out during my short period of ownership and assessment.