After running two rolls through the Aria, my verdict is... two thumbs up!
First roll was ASA 800, 50/1.4, party at a restaurant. I did not read the instructions, but simply set P mode and matrix metering. With this casual level of usage, matrix metering failed in seemingly common backlight situations. Oh, well, I prefer Av mode, anyways.
Halfway through the party, I switched on the TLA280 flash, while still shooting P mode. This worked, although the camera chose to drop the background into darkness. All pics from roll #1 were fine.
Second roll was 100 ASA, 50/1.4, CWA metering, Av mode, chasing the cat around the yard. Aperture was f/2-2.8 which, with an active subject at close range, meant focussing was tough and DOF critical. Right away, I had to abandon the focus ring (too slow). Zone focus was impossible at these f-stops. I had to pre-focus and then wait for the cat to walk into focus, or move the camera to the right distance (like macro-photography). This worked, and even allowed one-handed shooting.
I also focussed off-center, on the ground glass. This is quicker and more precise than recompose-n-shoot maneuvers that are needed with rangefinders and AF sensors. In fact, the Aria focussing aids (split-image RF, microprism collar) were a distinct hinderance. I may switch to the matte screen.
Shooting pets and children are similar: you need a fast-focus solution, and no shutter lag. The Aria wins big time!
At least with the 50/1.4, VF brightness and focus snap is super. I must try an f/2.8 WA. The VF display, with its digital read-out, is more to my taste than the inscrutable blinking LEDs in the RTSIII and other siblings.
Does the Aria measure up to the RTSIII? In some ways, yes. The oft-maligned Power/AEL switch is stiff, but not flimsy. Camera noise is par: both are louder than the RX. For me, the Aria's light weight was a huge draw, and I'm very impressed. It about hangs off the fingertips of one hand. A wrist strap, rather than a neck strap, is my probable route.
Okay, I do miss some things from the RTSIII: all-metal construction (damn that weight), dials for all controls, the 2-second timer, flash meter. But that's why we own more than one camera, right? The feather-weight Aria is so easy to carry around: the perfect travel cam.
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