Ricoh is continuing its GR line with the GR IV, an updated take on the pocket-friendly GR III. The new model sticks to a compact, pocketable form but sneaks in a bigger APS-C image sensor and a refreshed lens, aiming to improve image quality and stabilization without sacrificing the grab-and-go design fans love.
Key specifications and features
– 25.7-megapixel APS-C sensor (the same size as the GR III, with claims of higher sensitivity and reduced noise)
– 18.3mm fixed lens (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm terms) with an all-new design and claimed edge-to-edge sharpness
– 5-axis image stabilization, up from 3-axis in the GR III, offering up to six stops of stabilization
– 1080p video at 60 fps
– Faster startup time claimed at ~0.6 seconds
– Built-in two-stop ND filter
– 53GB of internal storage plus microSD support
– Wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3
– Size and form factor: roughly 4.3 by 2.4 by 1.3 inches, very pocket-friendly and slightly smaller than the GR III
– Accessories: compact external flash via hot shoe, metal hot shoe cover, wrist strap, and a lens adapter for the GW-4 wide conversion lens used with the GR III
What it means for photographers
The GR IV preserves the core appeal of the GR line—a tiny body paired with a larger-than-smartphone sensor—while sharpening performance in several areas. The new lens, sensor improvements, and six-stop stabilization could translate to crisper shots in low light and better overall image quality when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. The inclusion of a built-in ND filter helps with bright-light shooting and video, while the higher data path and quicker startup reduce the time between decision and capture.
Is it worth upgrading?
On paper, the upgrades are meaningful but not radical: the sensor remains the same size and resolution as the GR III, with higher sensitivity, and the lens sees a fresh design. Some users who hoped for a higher-resolution sensor may be disappointed, particularly those who like cropping later from very large RAW files. Still, for travelers and street photographers who prize portability and improved low-light capability, the GR IV could be a compelling step up.
Availability and pricing
The Ricoh GR IV is slated to launch in mid-September with a price of $1,500. The company has also announced a range of accessories and cosmetic options to customize the camera’s look and functionality, including a compact flash solution for the hot shoe and a metal hot shoe cover.
Bottom line
Ricoh is leaning into the GR IV as a thoughtful, incremental upgrade rather than a wholesale redesign. If you already love the GR III but want better low-light performance, more stabilization, and convenient video controls in a pocketable package, the GR IV looks positioned to deliver. For new buyers, it offers a premium-feel compact with a versatile focal length that’s well-suited for travel and street photography.
Summary
Ricoh’s GR IV updates a beloved pocket camera with a refreshed lens, a higher-stability sensor setup, and practical upgrades like a built-in ND filter and increased internal storage, all while keeping the familiar GR form factor. Availability is planned for mid-September at $1,500, with hands-on impressions to follow. The model promises to keep the GR line relevant for photographers who want high image quality in a compact, everyday carry device.