Ricoh has created some of the most memorable street photography cameras of all time, the GR series. Today, after much waiting, the company has launched the GR IV, which offers a plethora of features over the GR III and the GR IIIx. The new camera is said to feature an overhaul in all the major areas, including components, lens, image sensor, and imaging engine. But does it still carry the flash that users wanted? Let’s have a closer look.
Big Sensor, Bigger ISO
The new Ricoh GR IV features a 25.7MP sensor, a minor upgrade from the 24.2MP sensor found in the GR IIIx. The new camera GR Engine 7 processor, which is completely new from the GR 6 Engine seen in the previous model. The ISO sensitivity has gone up from ISO 102,400 to ISO 204,800. One can also develop the RAWs in camera, and there is a crop mode to shoot at 35mm (15M) or 50mm (7M) angle of view. For shake reduction, the company has also updated the original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which has grown from 3-axis to 5-axis for the 2025 model.
Faster Start Up, Sharper Lens
The new camera features an 18.3mm f2.8 GR lens, which is a 28mm equivalent. While this is the same focal range as the GR III, the new 28mm lens features more elements, such as 7 optical elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lens elements. It also features a Macro mode, allowing one to get as close to the subject as 0.06 to 0.15m. At the same time, the Ricoh GR IV also features a much shorter start-up time of 0.6, which is a first in the GR series’ history. The GR III took 0.8 seconds. The autofocus is a hybrid, and there is also face and eye detection this time. Ricoh states that the fast operating speed will also improve the autofocus of the camera. The dust removal technology also has an update, which goes by the name of “DR II.”
More Exposure, Better Creativity
The GR IV also features a new Program Auto Ex function that enables photographers to move the exposure by turning the front e-dial to Aperture-Priority AE. With the rear e-dial, you can set the camera to Shutter-Priority AE. The company also added a Snap Distance-Priority AE (Sn) mode to emphasize the depth of field based on the choice of exposure. In addition to the 12 effect modes, the company now features a new Cinema mode that allows users to create nostalgic videos. One can choose a yellow or green tone, and also work on the strength and size of the colors.
Same, But Improved Design
The camera is slightly compact at 109.4 x 61.1 x 32.7mm, and it has been redesigned. For instance, the mode adjustment (ADJ) lever has been changed to a dial type. The LCD remains the same as the GR III, at a 3.0-inch and featuring 1,037,000 dots. The company has added the Outdoor Monitor Setting function, which enables visibility in brighter outdoor locations, as well as indoors. A new Auto setting also helps to automatically adjust the LCD’s brightness level based on the lighting conditions of the location. One also gets Bluetooth and wireless LAN Built-in, a built-in 53GB storage capacity, and battery life of 200 images per charge cycle. However, there is no mention of weather sealing, which probably means the new camera lacks it.
A New, External Flash
The Ricoh GR IV does not feature an in-built flash, so the company has announced a new external flash, the Ricoh GF-2. The clip-on flash features a guide number of 3 at ISO 100, and when set to ISO Auto flash, the GF-2 will adjust the guide number based on the sensitivity. Overall, it is designed for easy use. When fully charged, one can shoot a flash 270 times, and there is a flash interval of 2 seconds. Since it has built-in batteries, one can charge it via USB Type-C. The GF-2 measures 51 x 31 x 17mm.
Ricoh has tried to advance itself to meet users’ demands. The external flash, for instance, seems like they are trying to listen. However, how will the camera perform? For that, you have to wait for our review. Priced at $1499 for the GR IV and $119 for the flash, the total is certainly more than what the GR IIIx cost (about $1000). But for those who want an APS-C point and shoot, and as compact as Ricoh, their options are limited. The closest competitor is the Fujifilm X100VI, but the updates are not that great for photographers, and it is not available due to a lack of supply.
For more details, head to Ricoh’s website.
