Ricoh GR IV Compact Camera

Ricoh GR IV Compact Camera Summary

The Ricoh GR IV is the next generation GR-series, continuing the hugely popular line of Ricoh compact cameras that are brilliant for everything from street photography to everyday storytelling. This mark 4 model was originally announced on 22 May 2025, and arrives with a newly designed 18.3mm f/2.8 lens, a new 25.74MP back-illuminated APS-C sensor, and the latest GR Engine 7, which are all packed into an even thinner magnesium alloy body with improved handling.

This update is a complete overhaul of the internal architecture, developing on from the widely respected GR III and GR IIIx, which are still sought-after among enthusiasts.

While the GR IV has the same 28mm full-frame equivalent field of view, the updated lens optics include three aspherical elements, high-refractive glass, and a large-diameter rear element to enhance sharpness, reduce distortion and improve edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens is joined by an upgraded 5-axis SR stabilisation system and improved hybrid autofocus, which means that the GR IV can capture fast-moving moments even more quickly, as well as starting up in just 0.6 seconds, so you never miss a shot.

Connectivity has also been improved, with Ricoh introducing dual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and a brand new GR WORLD app which enables file transfer, remote control and more. There are a host of usability upgrades too, which includes a new Snap Distance Priority exposure mode, front and rear e-dials, an enhanced macro mode, and a redesigned thumb grip for a better hold on this highly portable point-and-shoot camera.

Ricoh GR IV Key Features

• Upgraded 18.3mm f/2.8 GR lens (28mm equivalent) that’s even sharper across the frame
• Newly developed 25.74MP APS-C back-illuminated CMOS sensor
• Latest GR Engine 7 image processor with improved noise handling
• Upgraded 5-axis SR stabilisation with up to 6 stops compensation
• Faster hybrid AF with phase detection and contrast detection
• Startup time reduced to 0.6 seconds
• Snap Distance Priority AE exposure mode
• New cinema image effects with film-style presets
• Slimmer magnesium alloy body with an updated grip and mere 262g weight
• New dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• 3.0-inch LCD with air gapless construction for better visibility
• Built-in 53GB memory plus a microSD card slot
• Updated battery with improved battery life
• USB-C with DisplayPort and PD support
• Compatible with GF-2 flash and GW-4 wide converter
• Record Full HD 60p video with stereo sound

Ricoh GR IV Camera in More Detail

Redesigned High-Resolution GR Lens

The GR IV compact camera features a newly designed built-in 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm full-frame equivalent), which includes seven elements in five groups. The optical formula features three aspherical lens elements, a large-diameter rear element and high-refractive, with low-dispersion glass to enhance contrast and resolution across the whole frame.

Distortion and chromatic aberration have been further reduced with this upgrade, while the slimmer profile contributes to the camera’s even more compact form.

New Sensor and Improved Image Quality

A new back-illuminated APS-C CMOS sensor with approximately 25.74 effective megapixels works together with the updated GR Engine 7 image processor to deliver better dynamic range, finer tonal gradation and even higher ISO sensitivity.

Ricoh’s dedicated accelerator unit feeds high SNR image data to the processor, allowing clean results at up to ISO 204800 for superb low light performance. A built-in AA Filter Simulator helps to control moiré, with adjustable settings for strength in order to maintain the highest possible sharpness.

Upgraded Image Stabilisation

The five-axis SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism now provides up to 6 stops of stabilisation at the image centre, or 4 stops at the edges, which is based on 2024 CIPA standards. The system reduces pitch, yaw and roll during normal use and compensates for shift shake in macro shooting. Additionally a new anti-stain, antistatic coating improves the DR II dust removal system, which continues to use ultrasonic vibration to clean the sensor.

Faster Autofocus and Start-up Time

A redesigned lens barrel and improved start-up sequence result in a 0.6-second boot time, which is the fastest of any GR camera to date. The lens now switches into macro mode and also retracts more efficiently, which also improves handling.

Focus performance is faster and more accurate thanks to the hybrid AF system, which combines image plane phase-detection with contrast detection, offering improved AF speed in low light and enhanced tracking coverage, for greatly improved overall AF performance.

Refined Handling and Usability

The fourth-gen. body is slimmer and more comfortable to grip, with a new thumb contour for better handling, although Ricoh has kept the robust magnesium alloy frame for strength. The ADJ lever is now a dial, and users can now assign functions to the front and rear e-dials, the exposure compensation button, ADJ dial and Fn button for extensive customisation. These can significantly improve usability with quicker access to commonly used features in any exposure mode.

New Exposure Modes and Quick Controls

Program AE now includes a Program Auto Ex mode, enabling quick access to Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority by turning the front or rear dial. A new Snap Distance Priority AE mode is also available, combining subject distance and depth of field to optimise snapshot-style shooting. These additions further extend users creative control without slowing down the spontaneous feel.

Image Control and New Cinema Mode

As well as 12 traditional Image Control options, the GR IV adds two new Cinema modes (Yellow and Green tone), which evoke a filmic, nostalgic look. These can also be refined by using parameters such as Saturation, Hue, Key, Contrast and Grain, as well as two new controls for strength and grain size. All image control presets can be saved as custom modes for quick access to regularly used styles for a consistent look to your content.

Upgraded Connectivity and a New GR WORLD App

The GR IV now supports both Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi for pairing with smartphones and tablets. A newly developed GR WORLD app has also been developed, which provides live view shooting, remote shutter control, wireless image transfer and location tagging. It also allows management of image files and firmware updates so you can keep on top of upgrades over time.

Highly Visible LCD Screen

The 3.0-inch HD LCD features 1.04 million dots and uses an air gapless construction for improved visibility, especially when shooting outdoors, by reducing reflections and glare. A reinforced glass cover improves durability, and Ricoh has updated Outdoor Monitor Settings, which now includes a new Auto mode that adjusts screen brightness automatically to match ambient lighting.

In-Camera Shooting Features

The GR IV offers Full HD movie recording at 60, 30 or 24 fps in compressed H.264 format, with stereo audio support. RAW image files can be processed in-camera with full control over colour, tone and white balance, while JPEGs can be adjusted simply by using a range of editing tools for quicker finalising and sharing.

The camera’s drive modes include content features such as bracketing, interval shooting, multiple exposure, interval composite and the lens features a new crop mode with 35mm (15MP) and 50mm (7MP) equivalents for punching closer in to the action.

Storage and Battery Life

Built-in internal memory has been upgraded to 53GB so you can store lots of images and movies in-camera, although there is also a microSD card slot, which provides additional storage if required.

The updated camera is now powered by a new DB-120 battery, which improves battery life to around 250 shots per charge (CIPA), while playback time is rated at around 240 minutes.

Convenient USB-C connectivity supports charging, data transfer and DisplayPort video output via optional USB PD-compatible adapters. The GR IV also supports the optional Ricoh GW-4 wide conversion lens, which provides a 21mm equivalent (full-frame), and the compact Ricoh GF-2 flash, launched alongside the camera.

What’s in the box

• Ricoh GR IV Compact Camera
• Rechargeable Battery DB-120 
• USB Cable I-USB198
• Hand strap O-ST198

Ricoh GR IV Camera Specifications