Ricoh GR IV Review: A Pocketable Powerhouse Gets a Focused Upgrade

The Ricoh GR series has long held a special place in the hearts of street photographers and enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality in a truly pocketable form factor. With the release of the GR IV, Ricoh delivers a focused update that addresses some of the most significant shortcomings of its predecessor while preserving the core philosophy that made the GR III a cult favorite. This isn't a revolutionary redesign but rather a thoughtful refinement that makes an already compelling camera even more capable for its intended use.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

The GR IV maintains nearly identical dimensions to the GR III, ensuring it remains one of the few cameras that genuinely fits in a pocket without compromise. Ricoh has made subtle but important changes to the control layout, replacing the rear rocker switch with a proper adjustment wheel. This modification, combined with the front adjustment wheel, creates what is arguably one of the easiest cameras to operate with one hand in full manual mode. The default configuration sets the front wheel to aperture control and the rear wheel to shutter speed, though both are fully customizable to user preference.

Ricoh has addressed one persistent issue from previous models by adding dust sealing around the retractable lens mechanism. While the camera still lacks full weather sealing, this improvement should prevent the sensor dust problems that affected some GR III units. The rear LCD screen remains fixed, reflecting Ricoh's opinionated approach to camera design—this is a tool for photographers who prefer to shoot at eye level rather than waist level.

Image Quality Improvements

While the sensor increase from 24.2 to 25.7 megapixels seems modest on paper, the GR IV delivers noticeably better image quality in practice. This improvement stems from both the slightly larger APS-C CMOS sensor and a completely redesigned 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent in full-frame terms). The new optical design provides significantly better corner sharpness compared to the GR III, while images overall exhibit greater clarity and depth.

The camera's five-axis in-body image stabilization system has been upgraded, now offering up to six stops of hand-holding capability. This represents a substantial improvement for a camera with an f/2.8 maximum aperture on an APS-C sensor, making it more usable in lower light situations where shutter speeds might otherwise be problematic.

Autofocus: The Game-Changing Upgrade

The most significant improvement in the GR IV is undoubtedly its autofocus system. Where the GR III's autofocus was often described as adequate at best, the GR IV delivers snappy, reliable performance that transforms the shooting experience. The new system includes improved subject tracking and face detection capabilities that, while not matching the performance of larger mirrorless cameras from Sony or Nikon, are more than sufficient for street photography and environmental portraits.

Ricoh has also enhanced the popular snap focus mode, adding a dedicated "Sn" position on the mode dial. This new implementation allows photographers to preset not only the focus distance but also the aperture, providing control over depth of field while maintaining the quick-response shooting that makes snap focus so valuable for street photography.

Considerations and Limitations

The GR IV continues the series' tradition of focusing exclusively on still photography, with video capabilities limited to 1080p resolution. This makes it unsuitable for photographers who need hybrid photo-video functionality. The battery life, while improved to approximately 250 shots per charge, remains a weak point compared to many contemporary cameras, making spare batteries essential for extended shooting sessions.

Another notable change is the switch from full-size SD cards to microSD format, though this is mitigated by the inclusion of 54GB of internal storage. The camera's $1,497 launch price represents a significant increase over the GR III's $999 debut, raising questions about value for photographers considering an upgrade.

Conclusion: A Refined Specialist Tool

The Ricoh GR IV succeeds by improving where it matters most while preserving what made its predecessor special. The autofocus enhancements alone make it a worthwhile upgrade for GR III owners frustrated by that camera's limitations. For new users, it represents the ultimate expression of Ricoh's pocketable camera philosophy—an opinionated, specialized tool that excels at its core mission of delivering exceptional image quality in a truly portable package. While its limitations in video, weather sealing, and battery life may deter some, for street photographers and enthusiasts who value discretion and one-handed operation, the GR IV stands alone in its category.