Ricoh's GR IV is on the verge of launch: Check out the latest specifications, capabilities, and design; could it be the most polished compact camera on the market yet?
Ricoh GR IV: A Game-Changer in Compact Photography
The photography world is abuzz with the announcement of the Ricoh GR IV, a compact camera designed to cater to multiple photography styles. From street and travel to documentary, event, close-up, and experimental shooting, the GR IV promises versatility like never before.
The key features and upgrades of the Ricoh GR IV include a 25.73MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, offering a higher effective resolution than its predecessor. This sensor is paired with the GR Engine 7 image processor, newly developed to enhance overall image quality and speed.
The redesigned 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) now boasts 7 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical elements. This results in improved sharpness from center to edges. The lens also comes with a built-in 2-stop ND filter, enhancing its low-light capabilities.
One of the most significant upgrades is the 5-axis, 6-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a feature that promises better handheld low-light performance. This is complemented by a faster autofocus with a new algorithm for improved low-light AF speed, face detection, and continuous tracking.
The GR IV also boasts a reduced startup time of 0.6 seconds, the fastest in the GR series history. The exposure compensation has been moved back to a button operated by the thumb, enabling quicker, more intuitive adjustments.
Form factor improvements make the GR IV slightly smaller and thinner than the GR III, with maintained or improved ergonomics, including an enhanced grip. The quick control dial has been replaced with a cross key layout for greater precision.
The GR IV includes new image control modes, such as a “Cinema” mode simulating film color tones, and additional customizable color filters (green and yellow). The LCD brightness adjustment now uses auto brightness adjustment, and the internal storage has increased dramatically from ~2GB to 53GB, allowing substantial in-camera data storage.
The GR IV also features a new Snap Distance Priority “SN” shooting mode for quick capture suited to street photography. It comes with a high-capacity 1800mAh DB-120 battery for longer shooting times.
While video is limited to 1080p at 60fps, no 4K capability has been announced. No update has been announced regarding the GR IV's burst shooting speed, which was limited to 4fps on the GR III. The question of weather-sealing in the Ricoh GR IV remains unanswered.
Photographer, editor, and writer Kim Bunermann, who holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, has praised the GR IV for its comprehensive evolution, focusing on image quality, usability, and versatility, particularly appealing to street and travel photographers.
A follow-up HDF model is expected to release after Winter 2025. The Ricoh GR IV compact camera is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, with the price yet to be announced. The sensor filter coating has been updated with a new antistatic coating to reduce dust and smudges on the sensor.
The Ricoh GR IV is a testament to Ricoh's commitment to innovation and quality, promising to redefine compact photography for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- The photography world is discussing the Ricoh GR IV, a compact camera designed to cater to various photography styles.
- The GR IV packs a 25.73MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, offering a higher resolution than the previous model.
- The new GR IV lens (28mm equivalent) comes with an improved design, featuring 7 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical elements.
- The GR IV incorporates a 5-axis, 6-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), enhancing handheld low-light performance.
- The autofocus speed on the GR IV is faster, thanks to a new algorithm for improved low-light AF speed, face detection, and continuous tracking.
- The GR IV features a reduced startup time and offers more intuitive adjustments, such as the relocated exposure compensation button.
- Improved form factor design has made the GR IV slightly smaller and thinner, maintaining or improving ergonomics.
- The GR IV includes new image control modes, like a "Cinema" mode and additional customizable color filters, and its internal storage has increased significantly.
- The GR IV features a new Snap Distance Priority shooting mode, a high-capacity battery, and is expected to launch in Fall 2025, but the price remains undisclosed.
