The compact camera world has been waiting six years for this moment. Ricoh’s GR IV arrives this September, carrying forward a lineage that dates back to the company’s 1937 entry into camera manufacturing. Built on nearly nine decades of imaging expertise, this latest iteration refines the formula that made the GR series a favorite among street photographers and enthusiasts who demand DSLR-quality images from a truly pocketable form factor.
Refined Engineering Without the Bloat
Where other manufacturers might add bulk to accommodate new features, Ricoh has somehow managed the opposite. The GR IV’s body measures slimmer than its predecessor while delivering enhanced performance across the board. The newly developed 18.3mm F2.8 lens (equivalent to 28mm in full-frame terms) features seven optical elements in five groups, including large-diameter aspherical glass-molded elements that deliver edge-to-edge sharpness while minimizing the distortion that ultra-compact cameras often have issues with.
The back-illuminated 25.74-megapixel APS-C sensor upgrades the GR III’s 24-megapixel count, and is paired with the new GR ENGINE 7 processor that handles everything from improved autofocus algorithms to better high-ISO performance up to ISO 204,800. Five-axis image stabilization provides up to 6.0 stops of correction — a significant improvement over the three-axis system in previous models.
Speed Where It Counts
With an improved startup time, Ricoh has addressed one of the most frequent complaints about previous GR models. The optimized lens barrel and startup sequence now get you shooting in approximately 0.6 seconds — the fastest in GR series history. Face and eye detection AF is a welcomed new feature, along with Full Press Snap functionality which instantly shifts focus to preset distances with a single button press, eliminating the half-press lag that can prevent you from capturing something fleeting.
The grip has been redesigned with a deeper profile and optimized thumb rest, while the control layout receives thoughtful refinements including ADJ mode integration on the main dial. Even the storage solution sees an upgrade with 53GB of internal memory supplementing the microSD card slot — a massive improvement over the GR III’s modest 2GB.
A Pricier Market
At $1,499, the GR IV commands a significant premium over its predecessor’s sub-$1,000 launch price. This pricing shift reflects broader industry trends but also positions the camera closer to competitors like Fujifilm’s X100VI.
And yet, the camera maintains some deliberate limitations such as no built-in flash, no tilting screen, and no viewfinder. These are design choices that preserve the minimalist ethos that GR users have come to expect. The optional GF-2 flash accessory provides illumination when needed while adding about half an ounce to the overall package.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ricoh GR IV
Sensor: 25.74MP back-illuminated APS-C CMOS
Processor: GR ENGINE 7
Lens: 18.3mm F2.8
Image Stabilization: 5-axis, up to 6.0 stops
Startup Time: Approximately 0.6 seconds
Display: 3.0″ touchscreen LCD, 1037K dots
Storage: 53GB internal + microSD
Dimensions: 4.3″ × 2.4″ × 1.3″
Weight: 9.3oz (with battery and card)
Battery Life: Approximately 250 shots
Pricing & Availability
The Ricoh GR IV will be available starting mid-September for $1,499.95, with the GF-2 flash accessory priced at $119.95. Pre-orders are currently live through authorized retailers.
Recap
Ricoh GR IV Camera
After a 6-year wait, Ricoh’s GR IV delivers refined engineering with a slimmer body, faster 0.6-second startup, and improved 25.74MP sensor performance, but commands a significant $1,499 price premium that reflects the camera’s evolution from affordable street photography tool to premium compact competitor.
