Ricoh GR IV Launches with Enhanced Features for Street Photography

The highly anticipated Ricoh GR IV camera has been officially launched, elevating the brand’s reputation among street photographers with significant internal upgrades. Priced at £1,499, this compact model retains the same street-shooter appeal as its predecessor, the GR III, which was introduced seven years ago. Despite its similar appearance, the GR IV aims to solidify Ricoh’s position in the compact camera market, appealing to both existing users and new buyers.

Key Features and Improvements

At first glance, the GR IV may not appear drastically different from the GR III. It features the same 28mm equivalent focal length lens with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16. However, the GR IV boasts an impressive 25.7MP APS-C sensor, a modest increase from the 24MP of the GR III, allowing for a maximum file size of 6192 x 4128 pixels. This enhancement provides users the option to create high-quality prints or crop images for social media without sacrificing overall quality.

One of the standout features of the GR IV is its upgraded in-body image stabilization (IBIS), now offering a 5-axis system compared to the previous 3-axis setup. This innovation significantly enhances the camera’s performance in low-light conditions, facilitating smoother shots even at slower shutter speeds.

Another noteworthy advancement is the substantial increase in internal storage. The GR IV now includes 53GB of internal memory, a significant upgrade from the GR III’s modest 2GB. This ensures that photographers have ample backup storage for their files, even if they forget to bring an external memory card. Additionally, the switch to a microSD card slot allows for a more compact design, accommodating a larger battery that enhances overall performance.

Handling and User Experience

User-friendly handling remains a focus for Ricoh in the GR IV. Weighing just 262g, the camera is designed for one-handed operation, making it convenient for spontaneous street photography. The layout of buttons and dials is intuitive, enabling quick adjustments without fumbling. The large shutter button and responsive touchscreen facilitate a smooth shooting experience, while the fast startup time of just 0.6 seconds ensures that users can capture fleeting moments with ease.

Despite its compact design, the GR IV does not compromise on functionality. The fixed 3-inch LCD screen, while not tilting, offers a premium feel, and the touch sensitivity allows for easy navigation and focus selection. The hybrid autofocus system combines phase and contrast detection, resulting in improved speed and accuracy over its predecessor.

In terms of image quality, the GR IV excels in both JPEG and DNG raw formats, providing flexibility in post-processing. Users can capture images with rich tonal data, and the camera’s noise control is commendable, even at the higher ISO settings of up to 204,800.

While the GR IV does not feature a viewfinder or a tilting screen—elements that some may find lacking—it compensates with its discreet design and portability. Photographers looking for an unobtrusive camera will appreciate its aesthetic appeal, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

The Ricoh GR IV presents a compelling option for street and travel photographers seeking a compact yet powerful camera. With its enhanced features, user-friendly design, and impressive image quality, it stands as a worthy successor to the GR III, ensuring that both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers can effectively capture the essence of their environments.