Ricoh GR IV Overview

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Sensor	25.74 MP APS-C BSI-CMOS (23.3×15.5 mm)
Lens	18.3 mm F2.8 (28 mm full-frame equiv.), 7 elements/5 groups (3 asph.)
Aperture	F2.8 – F16
Image Processor	GR ENGINE 7
Stabilization	5-axis sensor-shift SR IBIS (≈6 stops)
ISO Range	100–204800 (standard)
Shutter	1/4000–30 sec (mechanical/electronic); X-sync 1/180 sec
Continuous Shooting	4 fps (JPEG burst up to ~30 frames)
Autofocus	Hybrid AF (image-plane phase + contrast detect); Face/Eye Detect
LCD Screen	3.0″ fixed touchscreen, ~1.04 million dots
Viewfinder	None (optional external optical finder available)
Internal Memory	~53 GB built-in (intended as emergency backup)
Card Slot	microSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) – note MicroSD only (no full-size SD)
Video	1920×1080 at 24/30/60 fps (MOV/H.264)
ND Filter	Built-in 2-stop neutral-density filter
Connectivity	USB-C (PD charging, DisplayPort Alt), Micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Battery	Rechargeable DB-120 Li-ion (approx. 6.9 Wh); ≈250 shots (CIPA)
Dimensions	109.4 × 61.1 × 32.7 mm
Weight	~262 g (body + battery + memory)

The GR IV packs a new back-illuminated 25.74 MP APS-C sensor and the updated 18.3 mm F2.8 GR lens (28 mm equiv.) . It adds 5-axis in-body stabilization (~6 stops) and a much larger 53 GB internal memory (up from 2 GB on the GR III) to its slim metal body.  The standard ISO range is 100–204800 , and stills can be shot at up to 4 fps with continuous AF.  Video is limited to Full HD 1080p60 .  Overall the specifications are an evolution of the GR III: the sensor and processor are new, but the 28 mm/F2.8 focal length and 3.0″ fixed LCD remain the same . The camera measures 109.4×61.1×32.7 mm and weighs about 262 g with battery – exceptionally compact for an APS-C camera .

Reviews and User Feedback

Professional reviews generally praise the GR IV as a meaningful upgrade for street photographers. Amateur Photographer reports that “while the Ricoh GR IV may look very much like its predecessor, it’s been substantially upgraded inside” .  In testing, reviewers applaud its image quality and fast operation.  AP’s verdict highlights “excellent image quality”, the “massive” internal storage and improved IBIS as major pros. It also notes the quick 0.6 s startup and responsive controls.  Similarly, a PetaPixel review finds the new 26 MP BSI sensor and redesigned lens improve low-light performance and corner sharpness . PetaPixel also remarks that Ricoh addressed past complaints: it restored the old exposure-compensation rocker and increased battery size (yielding about 250 CIPA shots) .

However, reviewers also point out limitations. Both AP and others lament the lack of a finder or tilting screen, citing the fixed 3.0″ LCD and no EVF as drawbacks . Video capabilities (no 4K) and the 4 fps max burst have changed little, which Digital Camera World calls “evolution, not revolution” .  PetaPixel notes autofocus still isn’t fully modern – it lacks advanced subject-detection modes (e.g. pets, cars) and often works best in single-point or zone mode .  In hands-on tests, Fstoppers highlights that GR IV’s autofocus “is far more dependable” than past models and that IBIS even allows handheld 4‑second exposures (a “major step up”) .  But it also warns that the 262‑shot battery life (in practice ~300‑400) and the LCD’s modest brightness/resolution “trail behind” competing cameras .  In summary, reviewers view the GR IV as a refined street camera: it keeps the compact GR charm but with beefed-up internals (sensor, storage, stabilization), while still sacrificing features like 4K video or a viewfinder.

Among users and enthusiast communities, the GR series enjoys a cult following of street/travel photographers . Early user comments echo the pros from reviews: they celebrate the extra storage, faster AF, and portability. Some are concerned about the steep new price and missing modern features (e.g. 4K), but most agree the GR IV stays true to the classic GR formula.

Comparisons with Similar Cameras

Feature	Ricoh GR IV	Ricoh GR III	Fujifilm X100V
Sensor	25.7 MP APS-C	24.2 MP APS-C	26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans
Lens	18.3 mm f/2.8 (28 mm eq.)	18.3 mm f/2.8 (28 mm eq.)	23 mm f/2.0 (35 mm eq.)
Stabilization	5-axis SR IBIS (~6 stops)	3-axis SR IBIS (~4 stops)	None
ISO Range	100–204800	100–102400	160–12800 (80–51200 ext.)
Video	1080p60 (MOV/H.264)	1080p60	4K30 (≤10 min)
Screen	3.0″ fixed 1.04 M-dot	3.0″ fixed 1.04 M-dot	3.0″ tilting 1.62 M-dot
Storage	53 GB internal + microSD	2 GB internal + SD	SD/SDHC/SDXC (no built-in)
Battery	≈250 shots (CIPA)	≈200 shots	≈350 (EVF) / 420 (OVF)
Size (W×H×D)	109.4×61.1×32.7 mm	109.4×61.9×33.2 mm	128×74.8×53.3 mm
Weight	~262 g	~257 g	~478 g

Compared to its predecessor GR III, the GR IV gains 5-axis IBIS (vs 3-axis) and 53 GB of onboard memory (vs 2 GB) , with only minor changes to sensor resolution (+1.5 MP) and body size.  It remains at 28 mm equivalent f/2.8, 4 fps continuous shooting, and Full-HD video like the GR III.  The body is fractionally thinner (109.4×61.1×32.7 mm vs 109.4×61.9×33.2 mm) and 5 g heavier .

Among competitors in the premium compact class, Fujifilm’s X100 series is the most-direct rival.  The (rumored) X100VI carries a 40.2 MP sensor and 23 mm f/2 lens , giving far higher resolution and 6.2K/30p video, but in a much larger, heavier body (~521 g) with a hybrid OVF/EVF .  In contrast, the GR IV’s 25.7 MP files are smaller but still very high quality, its body is roughly half the weight (262 g) and true pocketable .  Fujifilm’s X100V (26.1 MP, 23 mm f/2, with 5-axis IBIS in body) is similar in that sense, but the X100V has no in-body stabilization and costs about $1400 at launch. In summary, the GR IV trades sensor resolution and video specs for absolute portability and simplicity. (For example, one comparison notes “X100VI… larger and heavier” and “GR IV is ultra-slim, pocket-first minimalism” .) Other fixed-lens compacts (like the Leica Q2 full-frame 28 mm f/1.7) also exist, but the GR IV remains unique in offering an APS-C sensor in a truly pocketable form.

Pricing and Availability

The Ricoh GR IV was announced August 20, 2025, with first shipments in mid-September 2025.  The US MSRP is $1,499.95 .  Ricoh’s press materials list suggested prices of £1,199.99 (UK) and €1,349.99 (Europe) .  Major retailers (B&H, Adorama, etc.) have the GR IV available for preorder around these prices.  For reference, the GR III launched in 2019 at $899 (MSRP), so the new model is significantly more expensive. As of late 2025, it is sold worldwide (with official Ricoh warranties) but often in limited supply due to its niche appeal.

Best Use Cases and Recommended Styles

• Street Photography: The GR IV’s true strengths lie in candid/street shooting. Its 28 mm field-of-view, unobtrusive design, and lightning-fast startup and response make it ideal for “grab-and-shoot” moments. The hybrid AF and snap-focus modes support quick framing from the hip. It excels at travel, urban and documentary work where discretion and pocketability matter.
• Travel and Everyday Carry: Extremely compact and lightweight for its image quality, the GR IV is easy to carry daily. Its built-in Wi-Fi and USB-C charging also suit travellers. The generous internal memory provides a backup if you forget cards.
• Low-Light Stills: The F2.8 lens plus 5-axis IBIS (≈6 stops) help stabilize long exposures for low-light stills and night scenes.  (However, without a finder, low-light shooting may be awkward.)
• Landscape & Architecture: At 28 mm, it captures wide scenes well; paired with in-body IS and high ISO, it can yield sharp cityscapes and interiors.
• Macro / Close-ups: A dedicated macro mode allows focusing as close as ~6 cm, letting you shoot flowers or detail scenes – a unique trait for a street camera.
• Creative Shooting: The GR IV offers in-camera image control (film-sim modes, filters) and a built-in 2-stop ND filter for creative exposures. Its strengths are in stills and composition rather than video.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Unique Features

• Strengths:
  
  • Image Quality: Large 25.7 MP APS-C sensor and GR lens deliver sharp, high-detail photos . The fast F2.8 aperture aids low-light shooting.
  • Pocketability: Truly one of the smallest APS-C cameras, it’s easy to slip into a jacket or jeans pocket (109.4×61.1×32.7 mm) .
  • Improved Stabilization: 5-axis IBIS yields about 6 stops of shake reduction  (up from 4 stops on GR III).
  • Massive Built-In Memory: 53 GB internal storage means you can shoot even if your SD card is full or missing .
  • Quick Operation: Fast 0.6 s startup and responsive controls support decisive shooting. The return of the exposure-compensation toggle and addition of a Snap-focus mode further aid rapid shooting.
  • Stealthy Design: No protruding lenses or viewfinders (unless added), so it remains discreet – a hallmark of the GR line .
• Weaknesses:
  
  • No Viewfinder or Tilt Screen: The rear LCD is fixed and there is no built-in EVF/OVF, which many rival compacts offer. Composing at eye level or in bright sun is harder .
  • Video/Speed Limitations: Only 1080p video (no 4K) and a modest 4 fps burst limit versatility.  Continuous AF for video or sports is basic.
  • Battery Life: ~250 CIPA shots per charge  (~300–400 in practice ) is relatively low for the price. Longer outings require spare batteries.
  • High Price: At ~$1500, it is much more expensive than the GR III or most compacts; buyers expect commensurately advanced features.
  • MicroSD Slot: Switching from a full-size SD to a MicroSD card (for space) may frustrate some due to smaller size and slightly slower speeds.
  • Autofocus Limitations: Although improved, the AF system still lacks advanced tracking modes – it can lose fast-moving subjects and has no animal/vehicle detection .
• Unique Features:
  
  • Snap/Zone Focus Mode: A unique GR feature that lets you preset a focus distance for quick, jump-focus shooting (great for street snaps).
  • Built-in ND Filter: The 2-stop ND filter is rare in such small cameras, enabling longer exposures in daylight.
  • Ultra-Compact Assembly: The GR IV’s design (retractable lens, magnesium body) is optimized so that it remains slimmer than typical mirrorless kits .
  • GR-System Ecosystem: Supports GR-specific accessories (wide-angle converter, GPS, etc.) and Ricoh’s GR app for remote control/firmware, which may appeal to existing GR users.

In conclusion, the Ricoh GR IV is a refined street- and travel-oriented compact. It offers the combination of an APS-C sensor and high-speed prime lens in a very small package. Its strengths are its image quality, extreme portability, and fast performance. Its limitations are mostly by design (no EVF, fixed lens, moderate video) and by price. For photographers who prize pure pocketability and decisive shooting (especially in urban or travel contexts), the GR IV is a compelling, if premium-priced, tool .

Sources: Technical specs from Ricoh and press materials ; professional reviews and comparisons ; industry news ; and Ricoh/Fujifilm official documentation . Each source is cited inline above.