Review: Ricoh GR IV – The Street Compact Steps Up to 26 MP

Ricoh has built the GR range on an unchanging principle for years: an APS-C sensor, a fixed wide-angle lens and a body that fits in a trouser pocket. The GR IV follows the same rule. It measures 109 × 61 × 33 mm and weighs 262 g. That is 5 g more than the GR III HDF, a difference imperceptible in real use. The manufacturer’s intention is clear: to produce the most discreet tool possible for street and travel photography, without compromising sensor quality.

The main novelty compared with the GR III HDF is the sensor. The GR IV rises to 26 MP versus 24 MP on its direct predecessor. IBIS increases from 4 stops to 6 stops. The native ISO range extends to 204 800 versus 102 400 on the GR III HDF. These three developments are consistent with the target use: more resolution for cropping in post, more stabilisation for long handheld exposures, and more latitude in low light.

What the GR IV is not: a versatile camera. Burst rate tops out at 4 fps mechanical with a buffer of 8 RAW frames. Video stops at 1080p/60p. There is no viewfinder, no articulated screen and no weather-sealing. These absences are not oversights: they are design choices that keep the body within its target dimensions and weight. Judging them as faults would be beside the point.

Size and physical controls

The dimensions 109 × 61 × 33 mm place the GR IV among compacts that fit in a jacket pocket without distorting the fabric. The front grip is lightly pronounced, a conscious concession to compactness. For extended use, a wrist strap remains advisable. Button layout follows the lineage of the range: mode dial on the front, thumb-accessible ADJ button and configurable function keys.

The screen measures 3 inches with a resolution of 1 037 000 dots. It is touch-sensitive, which simplifies AF point selection. It is fixed, however: no articulation. For hip-level shooting, a classic street-photography technique, you must compose blind or memorise field angles. This is a real constraint, but it is well known to all GR users.

Snap Focus and focusing modes

Snap Focus is the signature feature of the GR range. It lets you pre-set a fixed focus distance (typically 1 m or 1.5 m) and trigger instantly without waiting for AF confirmation. Combined with the natural depth of field of a 28 mm equivalent at f/2.8, it makes focusing almost transparent in most daylight street situations. This is a radically different approach from subject detection: it assumes mastery of the zone of sharpness, but it eliminates any shutter-release delay.

The GR IV also offers contrast-detect AF with 425 points and human-eye detection. Animal-eye detection is absent. The AF triggering threshold drops to -4 EV, covering most urban low-light situations. In practice, Snap Focus remains the preferred method for fast street work; eye-detection AF is more useful for posed portraits or static scenes.

Resolution and cropping in post

26 MP on a 23.5 × 15.6 mm APS-C sensor gives a pixel density of around 4.7 MP/cm². This is a measured advance over the 24 MP of the GR III HDF. In practice, the gain shows mainly when cropping: with 26 MP you can crop to 50 % of the original area and retain roughly 6.5 MP usable, enough for an A4 print at 300 dpi. For street photography where cropping in post is common (removing a distracting element, tightening the frame), this gain is real and usable.

For large-format printing, 26 MP allow clean prints up to approximately 60 × 40 cm at 300 dpi. This is sufficient for the vast majority of uses, including exhibition. The fixed 28 mm equivalent focal length in any case imposes framing discipline that limits the need for heavy cropping.

Dynamic range and colour rendering

Ricoh does not publish a measured dynamic-range figure for the GR IV in the data available to date. Independent sources (DXOMark, Photons to Photos) have not yet released a full measurement at the time of writing. The GR III HDF shows 14.1 EV of dynamic range according to our database. If the GR IV retains a similar sensor architecture with slightly higher density, a comparable value is likely, but we will not confirm it without independent measurement.

The colour rendering of the GR range has historically been appreciated for its neutrality and fidelity. The built-in Picture Styles (Vivid, Natural, Monotone, etc.) allow in-camera JPEG processing without post-production. The Monotone mode is particularly refined: it produces black-and-white JPEGs with a grain and contrast rendering that many users employ directly without Lightroom.

High sensitivity: ISO 204 800 in real use

The maximum native ISO of 204 800 is the most significant advance over the GR III HDF (102 400 native). The extended native range means the sensor uses these values without additional software interpolation. In practice, high ISO on APS-C sensors produces luminance noise that is manageable in RAW and more problematic chroma noise. At ISO 51 200, most modern APS-C sensors produce usable black-and-white images. At ISO 102 400 and beyond, results depend heavily on subject and processing. Without published independent measurements we cannot quantify the exact gain over the GR III HDF, but the extension of the native range is a positive signal.

AF system: coverage and triggering threshold

The GR IV offers 425 AF points covering a good portion of the sensor. The triggering threshold drops to -4 EV, equivalent to a scene lit by a candle at about 1 m. This is a respectable figure for a street compact. Human-eye detection is present, which aids portraits in automatic AF mode. Animal-eye detection is absent, which is not a shortcoming for the target use.

The GR III HDF showed an AF threshold of -2 EV according to our database. The move to -4 EV on the GR IV represents a 2 EV gain, i.e. the ability to focus in four times less light. This is a concrete improvement for urban night photography where deep shadow areas are frequent.

Snap Focus: the alternative to AF for fast street work

Snap Focus pre-sets focus at a fixed distance and triggers without AF delay. At f/2.8 on a 28 mm equivalent, depth of field at 1.5 m covers approximately 1 m to 3 m depending on the exact focus setting. This zone of sharpness is sufficient for the great majority of street situations at conversational distance. The result is near-instant release, without the AF confirmation delay that can miss a decisive fraction of a second.

Contrast-detect AF remains useful for posed portraits, static scenes and situations where subject distance is unpredictable. Human-eye detection improves precision on close portraits. But for the street photographer shooting in motion, Snap Focus combined with good control of the zone of sharpness remains the most effective approach on this body.

Burst and buffer: 4 fps, 8 RAW frames

Mechanical burst tops out at 4 fps with a buffer of 8 RAW frames. At that rate the buffer fills in 2 seconds. For street photography this is not a handicap: the GR technique relies on anticipation and single shots, not continuous burst. A sports or wildlife photographer will be blocked immediately. That is not the target use, and this limit should not weigh in the evaluation of the body for its real-world purpose.

The 8-frame RAW buffer is identical to that of the GR III HDF. It is a constant of the range. The UHS-I SD card limits write speed and slows buffer clearing. A fast UHS-I card (Class 3, 90 MB/s write) reduces clearing time, but the UHS-I ceiling remains lower than what a UHS-II or CFexpress slot would allow. For short bursts (2–3 frames) the buffer poses no problem.

6-stop IBIS: the real contribution of the GR IV

The GR IV’s IBIS compensates for 6 stops of camera shake. That is 2 stops more than the GR III HDF (4 stops). In practice, two extra stops of compensation allow shutter speeds twice as slow for the same probability of a sharp image. If you could shoot at 1/15 s handheld with the GR III HDF, you can theoretically drop to 1/4 s with the GR IV. For urban night photography, dark interiors and low ambient-light scenes, this is a concrete, measurable gain.

Combined with native ISO 204 800, the 6-stop IBIS forms the central technical duo of the GR IV. The two specifications work together: IBIS lets you lower ISO by lengthening exposure, improving image quality. Conversely, high ISO lets you maintain a fast enough shutter speed to freeze subject movement while IBIS handles photographer shake. This is the most useful combination for night street work.

• IBIS 6 stops: +2 stops vs GR III HDF (4 stops)
• Mechanical burst 4 fps, buffer 8 RAW frames: identical to GR III HDF
• SD UHS-I only: write-speed ceiling, slower buffer clearing than UHS-II
• Mechanical shutter max 1/4000 s: sufficient for f/2.8 in daylight with built-in ND if available

Resolution and codec: 1080p/60p, H.264, no Log

The GR IV records a maximum of 1080p at 60 fps. The codec is H.264 in 8-bit. There is no Log mode, no 4K and no unlimited recording. These limitations are consistent with the body’s philosophy: video is a supplementary function for capturing a travel scene or street moment, not a video-production tool.

1080p/60p is sufficient for social-media publication or personal use. For any professional or semi-professional use (YouTube, documentary, wedding) these specs are inadequate in 2026. The Canon PowerShot V1 offers 4K/120p in 10-bit with Log for 999 EUR: if video matters, look elsewhere.

Video stabilisation and practical use

The 6-stop IBIS also benefits video. Electronic stabilisation can supplement IBIS for moving shots. In 1080p the crop associated with electronic stabilisation is less penalising than in 4K. For handheld travel clips in 1080p the result is usable. This is not a reason to buy the GR IV for video, but it is a usable emergency feature.

Storage: SD UHS-I, single slot

The GR IV accepts SD cards in the UHS-I standard only. There is a single slot. The absence of dual slots is a comprehensible compactness choice on this format, but it eliminates any redundancy for professional photographers who shoot with dual backup. The UHS-I ceiling limits write speed to roughly 104 MB/s theoretical, slowing RAW buffer clearing compared with a UHS-II slot. For short bursts or single shots this is not a daily problem.

Connectivity and transfer

USB is USB 3.0 (5 Gbit/s), allowing fast transfer to a computer. The HDMI port is Micro HDMI, requiring an adapter cable if you wish to output to an external monitor. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are present for wireless transfer and remote control via the Ricoh Image Sync app. Wireless connectivity is useful for quick sharing to a phone while travelling.

Battery life: 250 CIPA shots

CIPA battery life is 250 shots. This is a low figure, even for a compact. The GR III HDF showed 200 shots: the GR IV improves slightly. In real use, an intense day of shooting can exhaust the battery. The systematic recommendation on this range is to carry at least one spare battery. Third-party compatible spares are available at reasonable prices and reduce this weakness to a manageable inconvenience.

GR IV vs GR III HDF: does the 430 USD upgrade justify itself?

The GR III HDF is available at 1070 USD versus 1499 USD for the GR IV. The 429 USD difference funds the following advances: +2 MP (26 vs 24), +2 stops IBIS (6 vs 4), +2 EV low-light AF (-4 vs -2 EV), doubled native ISO (204 800 vs 102 400). If you regularly shoot in low light or need to crop significantly in post, these advances are justified. If you mainly shoot in good light, the GR III HDF delivers 95 % of the GR IV’s qualities for 430 USD less.

The GR IV HDF (Hi-Low Dispersion filter variant) is also in our database with specs close to the standard GR IV. The difference between the two variants lies in the optical filter that alters the rendering of artificial lights. If you shoot extensively in urban night environments with point light sources (neons, street lamps), the HDF variant produces softer starbursts. This is an aesthetic choice, not a raw performance difference.

GR IV vs Canon PowerShot V1: two opposing philosophies

The Canon PowerShot V1 offers a 22 MP Stacked CMOS sensor, 30 fps electronic burst, 4K/120p video in 10-bit with Log, 5-stop IBIS and 651 AF points for 999 EUR. It is heavier (426 g vs 262 g) and bulkier. The GR IV beats the V1 on compactness, native ISO (204 800 vs 25 600) and IBIS (6 stops vs 5 stops). The V1 beats the GR IV on burst, video and price. If video or burst matter, the V1 wins. If compactness and low-light stills are priorities, the GR IV is superior.

GR IV vs Sony RX1R III: the full-frame debate

The Sony RX1R III belongs to another price and format category. It offers 61 MP full-frame BSI CMOS, 693 AF points, 5 fps mechanical and 4K/30p video in 10-bit with Log. Its maximum native ISO is 32 000, well below the GR IV. It weighs 498 g versus 262 g for the GR IV. The RX1R III is a portable studio and high-end portrait tool. The GR IV is a discreet street tool. The two cameras do not address the same photographer.

At a launch price of 1499 USD, the GR IV sits in the premium-compact segment. It has no direct APS-C fixed-lens competitor in this price bracket: the APS-C fixed-lens compact market is essentially Ricoh’s property. This absence of direct competition partly explains the tariff. The Sony RX1R III is full-frame at a markedly higher price. The Canon PowerShot V1 is a 22 MP Stacked CMOS model at 999 EUR with a different format and philosophy.

On the used market, GR III and GR III HDF bodies circulate between 600 USD and 900 USD depending on condition. If your budget is constrained, a good-condition used GR III remains a serious alternative: the 24 MP, 4-stop IBIS and native ISO 102 400 cover the majority of street situations. The difference with the GR IV appears mainly in extreme low light and heavy cropping. For an occasional photographer or someone new to the GR range, the used market is a sensible entry point.

The GR IV HDF (Hi-Low Dispersion filter variant) is listed in our database without a communicated launch price. If you are considering this variant, check the price differential at the time of purchase: the HDF filter typically adds around a hundred dollars over previous generations.

Ricoh GR IV

Ricoh GR IV Premium Compact Digital Camera [Focal Length 28mm] [25.7MP APS-C Size CMOS Sensor ] [~ 0.6s High-Speed Startup] [Fast Autofocusing] [ISO 204800] [The Ultimate Snap Shooter]

1 249 GBP · Amazon UK

• Amazon UK1 249 GBP

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The Ricoh GR IV rigorously accomplishes what it is designed for. The 26 MP APS-C sensor in 262 g, 6-stop IBIS, native ISO 204 800 and -4 EV AF threshold form a coherent package for street, travel and low-light photography. The concessions (no weather-sealing, 8-frame RAW buffer, 1080p/60p video, fixed screen, 250-shot battery life) are all design choices that keep the body within its target dimensions. None is a fault for the use for which it is intended.

The only point that merits real reflection is price. 1499 USD for a compact without viewfinder, without dual slots and without 4K is a significant sum. The GR III HDF at 1070 USD offers 95 % of the GR IV’s qualities for the great majority of situations. The decision to buy the GR IV rather than its predecessor is justified if you regularly shoot in extreme low light or systematically crop your images. For everyone else, the GR III HDF or a used GR III remain honest alternatives.

Our score of 7.8/10 reflects a camera that excels in its niche, with a single reservation on price. Had Ricoh added weather-sealing and dual SD slots, the score would rise to 8.5/10 without hesitation. As it stands, the GR IV is the best APS-C street compact on the market, but it commands a premium for a niche that has no direct alternative.

• Buy the GR IV if you regularly shoot in low light and the native ISO 204 800 and 6-stop IBIS are concrete arguments for your use.
• Buy the GR III HDF at 1070 USD if you mainly shoot in good light and budget is a factor.
• Buy the Canon PowerShot V1 at 999 EUR if 4K/120p video or 30 fps burst matter in your use.
• Look at the used GR III market if your budget is under 900 USD and you are discovering the range.