Ricoh GR IV Camera Review: A Pocket Favorite Enhanced

Rating: 8/10

Introduction

Among a year filled with numerous notable camera releases, there's one that stood apart as the most awaited – the Ricoh GR IV. Known for being compact and easy to carry, the GR series has held a special place in the hearts of photography enthusiasts for years, tracing back to its origins as a film camera. The newest model in this beloved lineup has certainly lived up to the heritage with its updates.

What's New and What's Not

The GR IV continues the legacy by retaining the same user-friendly size as its predecessor, the GR III, sliding effortlessly into your pocket without any hassle. The control setup has evolved slightly, enhancing usability. You'll find two freely programmable dials, with default settings of front for aperture and rear for shutter speed adjustments – all manageable with one hand for seamless operation.

While the outer design remains largely unchanged, the internal technology certainly does not. Ricoh has made noteworthy improvements to the autofocus system, now considerably faster and more efficient, making it particularly suitable for dynamic street photography. This, coupled with an updated lens, results in sharper images, especially around the edges.

Enhanced Features

In addition to autofocus, the Ricoh GR IV features a new five-axis In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), offering up to six stops of stability. This enhancement is crucial for shooting under low-light conditions, given the camera’s f/2.8 aperture on an APS-C sensor.

Snap focus mode, a favorite among GR III users for its preset focus distance functionality, retains its presence, now with a dedicated mode dial position called Sn, allowing for customized depth of field control.

Other Considerations

For those interested in video capabilities, the GR IV offers limited options with a maximum of 1080p resolution, indicating its primary design focus on still photography. Moreover, the camera incorporates a new microSD slot and boasts built-in memory, accommodating up to 54 GB, sufficient for photography needs.

Conclusion: Worth the Upgrade?

Retailing at $1,497, the GR IV is priced higher than the GR III, which initially was $999. For existing GR III owners, the decision to upgrade largely hinges on the need for better focus performance. If video functionality is a significant criterion, you might want to explore other hybrid photo-video options available.

For purists looking for a pocket-sized camera with exceptional image quality and one-handed operability, the Ricoh GR IV presents an enticing choice. Yet, some may prefer to wait for a potential variant with a different lens, akin to the GR IIIx.