Ricoh GR IV Is Here: New Sensor, Sharper Lens, GR App, and a Bunch of Accessories

Ricoh GR IV has been announced, the latest addition to Ricoh’s GR series. It arrives with a better sensor, a sharper lens, upgraded stabilization, and even its own app. But there’s also a bit of a goodbye – the GR III has officially been discontinued.

A New Sensor, Engine, and (Still Fixed) Lens

The Ricoh GR IV brings a brand new 25.7MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor. It has the highest resolution we’ve seen in a GR so far, and the company pairs it with the new GR ENGINE 7 processor. The combo promises a stop better low-light performance, cleaner images, and faster operation, with a startup time of just 0.6 seconds.

The 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens remains, but it’s been redesigned. Ricoh says it’s sharper, lighter, and faster to focus. It’s still fixed, still compact, and now includes elements that minimize aberration and flare.

Autofocus also sees a significant boost compared to the GR IV’s predecessor. The new engine, paired with the redesigned lens, results in more responsive AF, better subject tracking, and improved face/eye detection. But in addition, Full Press Snap returns. It lets you override AF and snap at a preset distance the instant you press the shutter. Perfect for street photographers, isn’t it?

Better Stabilization, Smarter Modes

Shake Reduction in the Ricoh GR IV gets a meaningful upgrade, moving from a 3-axis to a 5-axis system with up to 6 stops of compensation. Image Control now offers 12 modes, including a new “Cinema” look, and supports deep tone, grain, and color customization. There’s also a Snap Distance Priority AE mode, which optimizes exposure based on your preferred depth of field – a clear nod to the GR’s street shooting roots.

And yes, it shoots video – 1080p at 60, 30, or 24 fps. I mean, it’s nothing to write home about, but it’s still nice to have.

GR Shrinks Again, Gains New Battery and App

The GR IV is slightly slimmer than its predecessor. However, the insides are a bit bigger. Internal memory has jumped to 53GB, and the new DB-120 battery now gives you around 250 shots per charge (compared to the GR III’s 200). USB-C charging is in, as is a microSD slot.

The rear LCD is still a 3″ 1.04M-dot touchscreen, but now features an air gapless design for better outdoor visibility. A new auto brightness setting also adjusts the screen depending on ambient light.

But the biggest non-hardware addition might be the all-new GR WORLD app. It handles remote shooting, file transfers, and even location tagging. It’s a welcome update that brings the GR experience closer to the smartphones many of us already use to share our shots.

Ricoh GR IV Specs

Imaging

Sensor Resolution	Effective: 25.74 Megapixel (6192 x 4128)
Image Sensor	23.3 x 15.5 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Image Stabilization	Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

Lens

Focal Length	18.3mm (35mm Equivalent: 28mm)
Digital Zoom	1.8x Maximum
Aperture	Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/16
Focus Range	Normal 3.9″ to Infinity / 10 cm to Infinity Macro 2.4″ to 5.9″ / 6 cm to 15 cm
Optical Design	7 Elements in 5 Groups

Exposure Control

Shutter Speed	Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Seconds
Bulb/Time Mode	Bulb & Time Mode (Up to 20 Minutes)
ISO/Gain Sensitivity	Native: 100 to 204,800
Metering Method	Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi, Spot
Exposure Modes	Aperture Priority, Auto, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation	-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance	Presets: Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Shade, Tungsten
Interval Recording	Yes
Self-Timer	2/10-Second Delay

Still Image Capture

Aspect Ratio	1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Image File Format	DNG, JPEG
Bit Depth	14-Bit

Video Capture

Internal Recording	H.264/MPEG-4 AVC 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
Recording Limit	25-Minute Maximum
IP Streaming	No
Built-In Microphone	Stereo
Audio Recording	2-Channel

Interface

Media/Memory Card Slot	Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (UHS-I)
Internal Memory	53 GB
Video I/O	No
Audio I/O	No
Power I/O	1x USB-C Input
Other I/O	1x USB-C Data Output (Shared with Power Input)
Wireless	2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 Control
Mobile App Compatible	Yes: Android & iOS App Name: GR WORLD
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)	No

Monitor

Display Size	3″
Resolution	1,037,000 Dot
Display Type	Fixed Touchscreen LCD

Viewfinder

Type	Dedicated Viewfinder Available Separately

Flash

Built-In Flash/Light	No
External Flash Connection	Shoe Mount

General

Environmental Resistance	No
Battery	1x DB-120 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.85 VDC, 1800 mAh (Included)  • Approx. 250 Shots
Shoe Mount	1x Hot Shoe
Dimensions (W x H x D)	4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3″ / 109.4 x 61.1 x 32.7 mm (Without Protrusions)
Weight	8.0 oz / 228 g (Body Only) 9.2 oz / 262 g (With Battery, Recording Media)

Optional Accessories

As with previous models, Ricoh is offering a handful of accessories. The slim GF-2 flash ($119.95) matches the body, runs on its own battery, and offers automatic TTL exposure. There’s also a new dual-battery charger ($59.95) and the GA-3 lens adapter ($49.95). The adapter allows 49mm filters or adding the wide-angle GW-4 conversion lens ($246.95) for a broader field of view.

Pricing and Availability for the Ricoh GR IV

The Ricoh GR IV will ship on September 12, priced at $1,496.95. Whether the GR IV lives up to its “ultimate snap shooter” billing remains to be seen. On paper, however, it looks like a worthy successor to the GR III with meaningful upgrades that GR fans will appreciate.

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