Regarded as "the ultimate snap shooter," the Ricoh GR IV represents the most recent addition to the well-known compact fixed-lens camera series, which is distinguished by its remarkable image quality, a precise prime lens, and exceptional portability. This GR IV features a new 25.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, a redesigned 28mm-equivalent lens, enhanced autofocus and Shake Reduction, increased built-in memory, a new battery, and improvements to specialized focusing and shooting modes. Furthermore, it includes a completely new dedicated GR WORLD app for wireless control of settings and image sharing. New 25.7MP BSI CMOS Sensor and GR ENGINE 7 Equipped with an advanced sensor and processor, the GR IV boasts a 25.7MP APS-C CMOS sensor featuring a back-illuminated design that enhances image quality and minimizes noise. This sensor is complemented by the upgraded GR ENGINE 7 processor, which facilitates a full stop improvement in low-light performance, a rapid 0.6-second startup time, faster focusing capabilities, an extended ISO range up to 204800, and retains the same flexible 14-bit DNG and JPEG recording options as its predecessor. Faster and More Accurate Autofocus One of the significant enhancements of the GR IV is its improved focusing performance. Supported by the new GR ENGINE 7 processing and a newly designed, lighter lens, the autofocus (AF) performance is more responsive compared to its predecessor. The occurrence of focus hunting has been significantly minimized, and enhancements have been made in both face recognition and subject tracking. Furthermore, when combined with the enhanced low-light image quality, focusing in low-light conditions is now quicker and more precise, making it easier to shoot in challenging lighting environments. During autofocus shooting, this AF system accurately identifies the subject's face or eye, focuses on it, and displays the in-focus position on the LCD screen using the AF frame. When the camera recognizes multiple faces, it automatically differentiates the primary subject from the secondary ones and indicates this on the focus frame. The Full Press Snap function allows you to instantly bypass the AF by fully pressing the shutter button, causing the lens to focus immediately at a predetermined distance. This distinctive shooting and focusing feature is ideal for street photography, removing any delays for capturing decisive moments. Additionally, Full Press Snap can be activated by touching the rear LCD monitor. 5-Axis Shake Reduction Another valuable feature for low-light conditions, the GR IV is equipped with an advanced 5-axis Shake Reduction system that mitigates up to 6 stops of camera shake. Building on the 3-axis system found in the previous generation, this enhanced stabilization technology addresses a wider range of camera movements and is significantly more efficient in minimizing the visibility of camera shake during handheld shooting. Image Control The Image Control function provides 12 unique modes that allow users to apply preset aesthetics to a scene, in addition to a new Cinema mode featuring a choice between Yellow or Green tones, which enhances a nostalgic and cinematic feel. The parameters of each mode, including saturation, contrast, hue, key, and grain, can be modified to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, the selected settings also enable adjustments for strength and size, allowing for a more tailored appearance. Users have the option to incorporate their chosen settings into the Image Control menu as a custom mode. Shooting Modes When set to Program AE, the GR IV now has a Program Auto Ex function, which allows instant switching of the exposure mode by turning the front e-Dial for Aperture Priority or the rear e-Dial for Shutter Priority. Snap Distance-Priority AE (Sn) mode has also been added to the exposure mode options; this mode emphasizes the depth of field of a scene and adjusts the exposure parameters to prioritize the desired depth of field effect. Sensor has an anti-aliasing (AA) filter-less design, which maximizes sharpness and resolution in most shooting circumstances. However, for certain circumstances, like when photographing some fabrics and other high-frequency patterns and colors, the Shake Reduction mechanism can simulate the effects of an AA filter to reduce moiré. Integrated multi-exposure mode with no frame limit for compositing unlimited sequential exposures in-camera. Multi-Segment, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options are available along with a Highlight-Weighted options that prioritizes keeping highlight values within the dynamic range and allowing shadows to become darker and moodier. In addition to stills shooting, the GR IV is also capable of recording Full HD 1080 video at 60p, 30p, and 24p frame rates. Redesigned 28mm f/2.8-Equivalent Lens Essential to the GR shooting experience, the GR IV features a fixed lens design equivalent to 28mm; this wide-angle lens is perfect for daily photography, street scenes, and travel uses, and it is complemented by a reasonably bright f/2.8 maximum aperture that is sufficiently fast for low-light conditions while also contributing to the compact size and weight of the camera. All-new optical design greatly improves the sharpness compared to previous generations. The 7-elements-in-5-groups layout includes aspherical, HR, and low-dispersion glass elements, which help achieve greater clarity and resolution, as well as a smaller and lighter physical design that's faster focusing and quicker to deploy. Dedicated Macro mode with a distinct close-up focusing range suits working with subjects within a 2.4" to 4.7" working range. Integrated ND filter cuts down exposures by two stops, allowing the use of wider-than-normal aperture settings or slower shutter speeds for creative depth of field or motion blur effects. Built-in crop modes simulate the fields of view of 35mm and 50mm lenses, offering an even narrower field of view without needing to change lenses. Body Design and Handling Updating the popular and highly portable design, the GR IV is even slimmer than its predecessor to promote a firmer, more secure grip. Additionally, the camera keeps its lightweight-yet-rigid magnesium alloy build. New DB-120 battery is used in the GR IV; this larger capacity battery now affords approximately 250 shots per charge compared to the 200 shots per charge of its predecessor. Internal memory has been increased to 53GB and the memory card slot has been changed to the sleeker microSD format. USB-C port permits in-camera battery charging and data transfer. The layout of the control buttons and dials has been redesigned for easier access and the ADJ lever has been changed to a dial for more intuitive operation. Rear 3.0" 1.04m touchscreen LCD monitor has an air gapless design to help reduce reflections for improved visibility in outdoor conditions. Also, the Outdoor Monitor Setting function boosts brightness to suit midday shooting and there is a new Auto monitor brightness setting that automatically adjusts the brightness level depending on the ambient lighting. Wireless Connectivity and GR WORLD App A new and dedicated GR WORLD app has been designed for a simplified experience when shooting with GR-series cameras. This app enables transferring files from the camera to the mobile device, remote shutter release control, and transferring of location data. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are used for easy and stable connecting to mobile devices. Optional Accessories Top hot shoe supports using optional external flashes, such as the GF-2 External Flash that has a slim design to match the GR IV body and Auto Flash mode for simple, intuitive shooting with accurate auto exposure metering. This sleek flash has a guide number of 9.8' at ISO 100 and has an internal lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via USB-C. For more efficient charging, the BJ-12 Battery Charger can simultaneously charge two of the DB-120 batteries used by the GR IV. Remove the GN-3 Ring Cap that surrounds the lens in order to attach the optional GA-3 Lens Adapter. This enables the use of 49mm screw-on filters as well as the GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens to gain an even wider field of view.
