owenSoft.net http://owensoft.net/ en http://owensoft.net http://owensoft.net/favicon.png owenSoft.net http://owensoft.net/ http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3484/ Watch Dogs for Xbox 360 Review (Video Games) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3484/ 1906 <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3484/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7394.jpg" alt="related image" /></a><p>I finally popped this in and was instantly hit by the clean UI and colour scheme. I love lines and wireframes. Most of it seems to be video running in the background but it looks slick none the less. The game itself is pretty clean although I did spot skill tree systens which I find super annoying. Classic Ubisoft trash. I dislike over complicated skills that block you from unlocking things until you complete specific branches. Why not allow me to get the things I actually want instead of walking through pointless upgrades. Might as well just auto upgrade me instead of make me interact with a fixed tree.</p><p>The interiors look good. The game UI takes a bit getting accustomed (press/long press) but it all runs slick and colorful. Driving in the city is sluggish like its 30fps. This is the best UI I have seen in a 360 game so far.</p><p>In this play session I finally got let lose on the open world and I dicked around for like 3 hours doing side missions and running around. Its fun. The police are really annoying to shake off. Even more annoying than in GTA. I really should head to the main story mission but this world is sucking me in.</p><p>I met some guy selling drugs which turned out to be minigames which I played for a did that for a little while but the first mini-game I chose over stayed its welcome - its the one with where you bounce on the flowers. I played a couple rounds of this then ducked out for the night.</p><p>In this session I finally made it to the next story session. It seems that every time you get into a car they give you a random side mission and I say to myself; &quot;hey why not&quot; which causes me to never reach the mission. I eventually get to the main mission after running from the cops for like an hour. The world is fun to mess around in and the controls are simple. I did find another mini-game called spider tank - its like the best the thing ever. Why isnt there a whole game based on this spider tank minigame? </p><p>I am not sure how many hours I am into the game but I am loving this game - all the hate about the graphics is just a distraction from a competent GTA+Assassins Creed mashup. It is kinda the same ubisoft stuff with a mix of Assassin&#039;s Creed Parkour but one you get the controls its fun to run around and listen to music on your walkman. This game is going to be in my rotation for a while so I will end the review here.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>The game is fun. The game got alot of hate back in the day for the downgraded graphics but in 2025 this is retro. Sometimes its 30fps most times its 25 but as long as I am having fun it doesnt really matter. There is alot to do and lots of random ways to do it. 8/10. Open world fun. Time suck but fun. </p><h4>Strategy</h4><p>I mostly just runaway from everything. Use the cameras to bounce from building to building like spiderman.</p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3484/#comment">comment</a></p> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:59:00 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/ Sunset Drive (Drive By) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/ 1906 <p>Heading to portmore in the evening. Oct 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7390.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7391.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7392.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7393.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3483/#comment">comment</a></p> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:43:25 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3482/ Jerk Chicken (And the Sign Says..) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3482/ 1906 <p>Helshire, August 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3482/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7389.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3482/#comment">comment</a></p> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:37:20 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/ Kingston, Earthquake, Oct 2023 (Blog Jamaica) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/ 1906 <p>This was a workday earthquake which cause some disruption in the usual hustle and bustle</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7382.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7383.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7384.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7385.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7386.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7387.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7388.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3481/#comment">comment</a></p> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:57:41 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/ Birds (Gallery Wall) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/ 1906 <p>Downtown, Kingston, Nov2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7378.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7379.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7380.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7381.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3480/#comment">comment</a></p> Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:47:52 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/ Cross Roads, Sep 2023 (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/ 1906 <p>Out and about.</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7368.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7369.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7370.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7371.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7372.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7373.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7374.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7375.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7376.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7377.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3479/#comment">add comment</a></p> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:59:26 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3478/ Thief xbox 360 review (Video Games) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3478/ 1906 <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3478/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7367.jpg" alt="related image" /></a><p>The game is weird. You go around opening draws and stealing letter openers for money. It has a little learning curve at the beginning but it is not complicated. it is mostly stealth and sneaking around in dark alley ways or roof tops. Its linear but has stats at the end of each level so if you are a completionist and you like the old vibes, replaying levels at your own pace you will like this game. but I wont be doing that. I will play it to the end.</p><p>I got stuck in the old library level and had to watch a youtube video to figure it out. Bad level design or maybe I spent too much time running around in the dark looking for stuff to steal? Not sure. I got stuck a second time on a sidequest looking for a voicebox. It is definitely easy to miss stuff in the environment but the game is enjoyable once you get into the act of checking every draw and steal everything thing not nailed down.</p><p>The game definitely has a vibe. If you like Deus Ex you will like this in a old english/irish world that is permanently night time.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>Initial score 7/10. Its definitely a unique game. Combat is disincentivized but still possible. The more you play it the move you will like the vibe. Watch out for the confusing library level. The game has a unique world that you probably wont find anywhere else. After 21 hours I completed the game and I still feel the urge to go back and search for more loot. Its a fun game. 8/10.</p><h4>Strategy</h4><p>Of course I am playing on easy. Buy all the tools from the shop as soon as possible. There is nothing more annoying than being on a mission and the game saying that you need X tool to open a path or deactivate a trap.</p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3478/#comment">comment</a></p> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:15:43 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/ Downtown, Kingston. November 2023 (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/ 1906 <p>#freepalestine</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7359.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7360.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7361.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7362.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7363.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7364.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7365.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7366.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3477/#comment">add comment</a></p> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:17:39 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/ Street Walk, Downtown (The people project) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/ 1906 <p>Outside on a sunny day. These are from an event hosted by Kingston Creative Hub. Sept 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7348.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7347.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7349.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7350.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7351.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7352.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7353.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7354.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7355.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7356.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7357.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7358.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3476/#comment">add comment</a></p> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:12:24 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/ Burger, Oct 2023 (Food and Eats) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/ 1906 <p>I often stop in to a random deli or restaurants to support the real people. The food business is a struggle but what is life without struggle?</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7342.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7343.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7344.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7345.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7346.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3475/#comment">comment on this food</a></p> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:56:35 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/ Cross Roads, Sep 2023 (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/ 1906 <p>I am still posting old pictures but I am catching up.</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7336.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7337.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7338.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7339.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7340.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7341.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3474/#comment">add comment</a></p> Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:36:58 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/ Pre-seasoned Meat (Food and Eats) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/ 1906 <p>In some supermarkets you can get pre-seasoned everything. Sept 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7326.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7327.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7328.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7329.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7330.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7331.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7332.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7333.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7334.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7335.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3473/#comment">comment on this food</a></p> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:03:35 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3472/ Portal 2 Review Xbox 360 (Video Games) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3472/ 1906 <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3472/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7325.jpg" alt="related image" /></a><p>I hate how you cannot place the portal on any surface that you desire. I guess its really just to keep you from trying all the wrong things. I like the game. the aesthetic is clean. I do see some people getting stuck on some of these early puzzles if they are unable to think with &quot;portals&quot;.</p><p>Some levels are clear as day, when you can see everything by just looking around. While other levels are more vertical which requires some amount of experimentation and 3d thought. Sometimes I smile when everything comes together magically and you complete the level. I can see the developers spending quite a while ensuring that the puzzles are solvable without having too many fail states. Fail states i why you are not allowed to open a portal on every surface. By limiting the portal points it makes it easier to teach the player the solution.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>Portal 2 is a solid game. I did get stuck in a few place but after spinning around a bit you will figure it out. Definitely a unique experience. In the end I only go stuck once and became impatient so I looked up the solution. My rating 9/10. A bit too long but every stage feels unique and almost impossible until you figure it out. Hopefully I find the Orangebox for cheap so I can play the original.</p><h4>Strategy</h4><p>Always look for the white wall. And remember that movement physics transfer through portals. Most times there is a small surface that you overlooked - try everything.</p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3472/#comment">comment</a></p> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:25:48 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3471/ Dead Island Riptide for Xbox 360 Review (Video Games) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3471/ 1906 <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3471/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7324.jpg" alt="related image" /></a><p>The game has bad frame rate and some of the weapons are gated behind levels like a looter shooter. There is fun to be had if you enjoy hacking at zombies around every corner.</p><p>The game is like borderlands 1 but with a more confusing menu and upgrade path. Alot of pointless weapon upgrades and weapons that break for no reason. Crafting and repair benches also exist.</p><p>I imagine that you can get accustomed to it after a few hours but it felt clunky even after 3 hours. I chose a character that was good at melee weapons and the game wouldn&#039;t let me pick up bullets.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>Dead Island Riptide gets a 5/10 rating. It&#039;s a A to B zombie game in the far cry 3 jungle. You are mostly stuck on a path doing fetch quests that NPC characters blackmail you into. Going around the objective or off-road is rarely allowed. So you can kinda stuck fighting annoying zombies that you can see from a mile away. Not my kinda a game. I quit like 3 hours into it because I just did not like the setup and the crafting.</p><h4>Strategy</h4><p>There is not much to the game since you are forced down paths filled with unavoidable zombies and everything you collect is a means to a pointless grinding end.</p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3471/#comment">comment</a></p> Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:48:46 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/ Portmore Mall, Oct 2023 (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/ 1906 <p>Rainy day.</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7313.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7315.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7317.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7318.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7320.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7321.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7322.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7323.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7312.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7319.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7314.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7316.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3470/#comment">add comment</a></p> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:46:25 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/ Downtown, Kingston. (Low Life) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/ 1906 <p>Sept 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7308.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7309.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7310.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7311.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3469/#comment">comment</a></p> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:01:21 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3468/ My Thoughts on the new Ricoh GR IV / GR4 (Technology) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3468/ 1906 <p>The gr4 has finally been announced and its dropping September 2025 for a MSRP of $1500 USD. I am not surprised at the price considering how things are nowadays in the economy but it is what it is. At least it has not reach leica levels of expense. Hobbies are expensive and photography is up there on my most expensive hobby. Anyway lets dive into my thoughts on this new release.</p><h4>New MicroSD Card slot</h4><p>MSD cards are tiny and easy to lose. That being said I think you should always have external storage because of you destroy you device you are basically knackered. At lease with a SD card you can remove the card and rescue the data. So I will definitely get a SD card even with the new upgraded internal storage. I am not sure how much the fancy new cards will cost but this is just another expense that I will need to get setup.</p><h4>Slightly more megapixels</h4><p>Getting 1.5 more mp is really disappointing trash. I was hoping for at least 32mp but I guess I will have to wait 10 more years for that. So the GR4 wont be improving the resolution by much if anything. When I purchased by GR3 I was going from 16 mp to 24mp so i saw a big bump in quality. Sucks but not such luck this time around.</p><h4>Faster Processor</h4><p>This is pretty much the only reason to get the GR4. Even the improved battery life does not compare to being able to focus and shoot faster. Less missed shots should translate to higher hit rate but I will have to wait and see how that turns out. Combined with the faster storage this should translate to near instant reaction-shot time.</p><h4>Everything else</h4><p>The thinner camera really doesnt matter much but I wish they kept the old battery form factor so I can keep using the old batteries. Who knows what these new batteries will cost when they comes out. I bought alot of accessories for the gr3 which will no longer work with the gr4. The new profiles dont matter to me as I still to positive or negative film. The new buttons dont matter. The 5 axis IBIS should help avoid missed shots which is good.</p><h4>The Ricoh GR3</h4><p>My current GR3 has served me well with 80k shots over the 4 years that I have owned it from new. The scroll wheel is buggered even though I rarely use it. The hand grip is very soft and feels lose at time. The camera has been through alot, I pretty much carry it in a case every day and have dropped it several times accidentally, including that time I fell into a river and it go submerged for a few seconds. I think I have spare 6 batteries now; half of which hold very little charge. Batteries which cant be used in the new Gr4 so basically e-waste unless I get it sold.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>Since my GR3 is well used there is no point in selling it because i would have to explain all the quirks/defects that it has developed over the years due to constant use and handling. It is not broken but I doubt I could honestly get more than $400 usd for it. I could pad up the sale with the accessories that I bought but I dont know. I personally dont see the point in re-buying a Gr3 unless you never had a GR camera before. If you never had a GR then the GR3 is fine. The GR4 is really a speed bump release. The differences are not significant enough to warrant the extra cost. For me the GR4 would basically be a hardware refresh. Lets see how long before its easily available to purchase.</p><p></p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3468/#comment">comment</a></p> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:33:01 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3467/ ROK, Downtown, Kingston. (The high life) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3467/ 1906 <p>I seem to be taking pictures here alot. Sept2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3467/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7306.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3467/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7307.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3467/#comment">comment</a></p> Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:17:42 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3466/ Free Palestine (Logbook) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3466/ 1906 <p>The greatest tragedy of my lifetime is the current situation. Some say it is just a part of it. That we must fullfil the book. But in the future when all this death and destruction is no longer being justified and allowed. We will look back and be like wtf. Sing the song of freedom. Sing the song of redemption. No one can do it but ourselves. Only we can free ourselves from this cycle.</p><p>The older you get the more you are aware of the structure on which civilization is based. Everything is entertainment and so no real change is created. Nothing is solved. The struggle is the way we get by. The way we get by. While trying to escape there are structures just waiting to pull you back in.</p><p>Alot of time is spent denying things that are real and promoting fake things that are off into the future that you never reach. Nothing compares to you. It is 100% marketing and promotion so that you just keep living in fear or constant amazement at nonsense. Look out for evil people playing the long game. So here we are now in the represent; #freepalestine</p> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3466/#comment">make a comment</a></p> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:25:48 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/ Market Run, Downtown Kingston (Food and Eats) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/ 1906 <p>Sept 2023</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7300.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7301.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7302.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7303.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7304.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7305.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3465/#comment">comment on this food</a></p> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:05:29 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/ Downtown, Kingston. (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/ 1906 <p>Sept 2023 Downtown, Kingston. Kingston Creative, architecture tour.</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7290.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7291.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7292.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7293.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7294.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7295.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7296.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7297.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7298.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7299.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3464/#comment">add comment</a></p> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:19:14 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/ Hands (BodyShots) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/ 1906 <p>I have not updated this category in years. Sept 2023 Downtown, Kingston. Waterlane, Kingston Creative, architecture tour.</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7281.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7282.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7283.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7284.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7285.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7286.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7287.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7288.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7289.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3463/#comment">comment</a></p> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:01:18 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/ Mothers Sep 2023 (On the menu) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/ 1906 <p></p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7276.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7277.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7278.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7279.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7280.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3462/#comment">comment on this</a></p> Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:14:26 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/ Cross Roads, Sep 2023 (Street Photography) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/ 1906 <p>I am 2 years behind on my posts, lol</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7267.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7268.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7269.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7270.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7271.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7272.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7273.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3460/#comment">add comment</a></p> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:30:39 +0000 http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3461/ Looking Out (Gallery Wall) http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3461/ 1906 <p>Some old pictures I took in Aug2023 at Pelican Bar, St. Eli</p> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3461/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7274.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3461/"><img src="http://owensoft.net/v4/photo/thumb/7275.jpg" alt="related image" /></a> <p><strong>by owen</strong> <a href="http://owensoft.net/v4/item/3461/#comment">comment</a></p> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:24:56 +0000