Ricoh GR IV compact camera

Ricoh GR IV compact camera

The Ricoh GR IV is the pocket-sized newcomer to the GR series, designed for street photographers and hobbyists who demand quality and portability. The GR IV continues the series' tradition of first-class image quality in a truly compact format, making it an attractive tool for photographers who value discreetness and creative control. Significant improvements have been made to the model while maintaining the clean, minimalist design that has made previous GR cameras so popular.

Design and usability

The GR IV has a new compact, slim and highly practical body. It is thinner than previous GR models, and the shaped thumb rest on the back ensures a secure and comfortable grip. Several buttons and dials have been relocated, and the mode control lever (ADJ) has been replaced by a new dial that makes operation simpler and more intuitive.

Optics and image quality

At the front of the camera is the new GR LENS 18.3 mm F2.8 lens, which combines excellent optical performance with a slim profile. The lens retains the classic 28 mm (35 mm cinema equivalent) angle of view and F2.8 aperture, but now features a seven-element, five-group construction with glass-moulded aspherical elements, including a large-diameter last element, as well as high refractive index and low dispersion glass. The result is high contrast and sharpness from edge to edge, and minimised distortion and chromatic aberration.

An internally backlit APS-C sized CMOS sensor works in conjunction with the upgraded GR ENGINE 7 engine to deliver better sensitivity and less noise. With around 25.74 effective megapixels and enhanced processing, the GR IV produces detailed and tonally rich images. Ricoh's accelerator unit maintains a high signal-to-noise ratio and feeds clean data to the processor, enabling highly sensitive shooting at sensitivities up to ISO 204 800.

Speed, stability and autofocus

The five-axis image stabilizer compensates for tilt, rotation, twist and shift in close-up and reduces blur by up to six aperture values. A redesigned lens body and optimised start-up sequence reduce start-up time to around 0.6 seconds. Fast lens operation and fast cell readout ensure fast focusing, while low-light performance and a precise and comprehensive image stage detection system enhance autofocus speed and accuracy.

• Thin, redesigned frame for improved handling
• New GR lens 18.3 mm F2.8, 28 mm (equivalent to 35 mm lens)
• Backlit APS-C CMOS sensor, approximately 25.74 megapixels
• Five-axis image stabilisation, up to six aperture values
• Start-up time about 0,6 seconds
• Program Auto Ex and Snap Distance Priority AE (Sn)
• Cinema mode and 12 picture adjustment effects
• Internal memory of around 53 GB and microSD support
• 3.0-inch high-definition LCD screen, approximately 1 037 000 pixels
• Dual wireless connection via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Focal modes for 35 mm (15 MP) and 50 mm (7 MP) angles
• New DB-120 battery
• Full HD video recording 1920×1080, 60 frames / second

Creative controls and workflow

Program Auto Ex lets you change exposure modes in an instant: turn the front e-selector for aperture priority or the rear e-selector for shutter priority. The new Snap Distance Priority AE (Sn) mode allows you to take pictures with depth of field emphasised. In addition to 12 image processing effects, the GR IV has a Cinema mode, where you can choose a yellow or green tone to create a classic film look. A UV/IR filter anti-fouling and anti-static coating enhances dust removal in combination with the DR II ultrasonic vibration system.

Storage and connectivity

Photos can be stored in the 53GB internal memory or on a microSD card. The camera features a 3.0-inch high-definition LCD screen with a resolution of around 1,037,000 pixels. Dual wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi facilitates pairing and data transfer.

Technical specifications

• Connections: USB-C (3.0), HDMI output (Type D)
• Dimensions (SxLxWxD): 109.4 x 61.1 x 32.7 mm
• Screen size: 3 inches
• Features: Bluetooth
• Focus type: autofocus
• Image stabilizer: yes
• ISO sensitivity: 100-204800
• Memory card type: microSD
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Sensor type: CMOS
• USB interface: USB Type-C
• Weight: 262 g
• Video resolution: full HD
• Touch screen: yes
• I'm looking for: no
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Shutter speed: 1/4000 s
• Built-in flash: No
• Lightning attachment: lightning shoe
• Battery: Rechargeable battery DB-120
• Waterproof: no
• Storage media: SD card
• Accessory shoe: Yes
• Built-in microphone: stereo
• Combustion range: 28 mm
• Burning range: 18,3 mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Warranty: 2 years