Wow. You made me curious about G9 now. I used do go for birds shots in different points of planet in my past days. I always used Canon 7d M2 for that type of work. But as you said it's pretty heavy and bulky. So, it's just sitting there now. I am emotionally attached to it to sell it.
For streets I use Sony and Fuji, and mirrorless Canon. Now Ricoh...
Never tried Olympus
Never ever used Nikon

Unfortunately, I don't know answers yet. I now that assigning AF to Fn button does not remove it from the shutter button but it makes it toggle between AF and snap focus (I think). And that is exactly what happened when I thought I used auto focus but it was a snap 1m instead and I screwed shots. In Ricoh one full press of the shutter button leads to a snap focus. Half press of the shutter button is regular auto focus.
Ricoh has 3 UI buttons when you can customize 3 different versions but I still search the best approach and learn about the camera.
You sound very skeptical about Ricoh.
What is your favorite camera?

Yes, you can assign AF to Fn button which I did. You can un assign AF from shutter button (which I did not try). The trick is to balance your shots between AF and zone (snap) focusing. ( which I try to figure out).

It was interesting to read your insights about justification of buying this camera. Yes, it's mainly for streets. That is is what I bought it for. The price is a relative notion. I buy because I can. I try and explore different systems and cameras. Do I want to become another Cartier Bresson? No, rather Helen Levitt. And in our days the discretion on streets is a huge plus, especially if you work with children as your main subjects. That is where Ricoh becomes very handy.
I was surprised myself of the quality of pics it takes (don't judge on a sample photo as I just wanted to make a point). I'm still exploring this little thing and try to love it.
Thank you for your messages. I loved them.

Thanks. There is only one Fn button on Ricoh, indeed. I guess to maintain the camera small size. I experiment by trial and errors. Thank you for your insight. I made me search...

Thank you for you reply. As I understood, when I assigned AF to Fn button, it removed that function from the shutter button. As a result when I thought I focused on the subject it was a snap focus 1m distance in effect. Correct?
What if I assign any other function to Fn button? (Let's say AEL). Will the camera always be able to focus correctly when I half press the shutter button?
Than you again for your help. It's very valuable.

Hi. I just started using Ricoh GRIII. I don't completely understand how autodocus and snap mode work. I assigned Fn button to AF and snap mode to 1m. Now when I want my focus to be on a distant subject I use auto focus, right? I half press and focus and it;s supposed to be sharp. If I want to focus quickly on something within 1 m I full press focus button and the subject has to be in focus.

In this image I intended to focus on a man on a bench and I half pressed and I thought I focused. However, in a very bright day it's hard to see clearly the result. At home I discovered that the object is not in focus. I assume that I pressed Fn button and it switched to snap. Is tat right?

Can anyone explain this to me, please.

Thank you for your input. I own Sony A7rII which I use if I need to print nice quality images. I think of selling Tamron super zoom lenses. Too heavy, too bulky. The idea of having all in one camera seems very appealing to me. I read very nice reviews about this camera. I would like to see some sample pictures.

I rarely use Canon 7d m2 now. But I have many Canon lenses. Would it be wise to sell them all and buy Sony rx 4 which is bridge camera with small censor? Thank you for your advice.

What does it mean? What magnification will make a larger image of a small object? Thank you

It's a very fine black and white!

Sony a7rII

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Thank you all for your input. Truly, this community is the only place where I can learn from experienced photographers. It never disappointed me.

I see what you are saying. It makes more sense to me now. Thank you. It was valuable advise. I will do it next time. Thanks a lot.

Thank you for your reply. Shutter speed for seagulls can be a little slower that 1000, I think, as they are pretty slow birds. But the problem is not birds themselves. They are sharp enough as you can see. But the sky is just washed out. Should I make shutter speed higher for just make the sky better exposed?

I tried spot metering but it came out junk. When I shoot the entire scene it just looses all details. It was a horrible experience.

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