The Ricoh GR series has built a reputation for being pocket-sized cameras that don’t compromise on image quality. If you want something compact enough to carry anywhere but still powerful enough to replace your phone, this line has been worth watching. The new GR IV continues that tradition while addressing some of the biggest complaints from earlier models.
Coming to you from Mitch Lally, this thoughtful video walks through the Ricoh GR IV and what makes it different from the GR III and GR IIIx. One of the biggest upgrades is the new 1,800 mAh battery, replacing the 1,350 mAh unit from the GR IIIx. That may not sound huge, but the difference is real in practice. Lally reports being able to shoot for several hours without draining even half the charge, something that was frustratingly impossible on the earlier models. The tradeoff is that Ricoh removed the full-size SD slot, replacing it with a microSD slot, though the camera now comes with 53 GB of internal storage. That alone lets you shoot around 1,000 images without ever inserting a card, which makes the GR IV feel more self-contained.
The sensor has also been modernized, moving to a 25.7 MP APS-C CMOS unit. The jump in resolution isn’t dramatic, but it’s less about numbers and more about keeping pace with current standards. The GR IV body itself looks almost identical to the GR III, but there are subtle control changes. The rear wheel has been replaced with a D-pad, while an infinitely scrolling wheel has been added. A rocker switch also returns, letting you map ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to three separate dials. That makes the GR IV feel more like a true manual camera rather than one best suited for aperture priority. Lally highlights how much easier this makes it to shoot without digging into menus.
Key Specs
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Sensor: 25.7 MP APS-C CMOS
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Lens: 18.3mm (28mm equivalent) f/2.8 to f/16
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Stabilization: 5-axis sensor-shift
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ISO: 100 to 204,800
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Video: 1080p up to 59.94 fps
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Internal storage: 53 GB plus microSD slot
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Display: 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD
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Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
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Battery: DB-120, 1,800 mAh, approx. 250 shots
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Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches
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Weight: 262 g with battery and card
Autofocus is another area where the GR IV stands apart. While expectations for compact cameras are usually modest, Lally describes the focusing system here as quick and reliable enough that it felt like a different class of camera compared to the GR III. For street use, this matters more than any megapixel bump. The lens itself remains a sharp 28mm equivalent. That focal length may not suit everyone. Lally admits he prefers the 40mm look of the GR IIIx, but the GR IV’s optics deliver strong results if you like the wider view. The only weakness he points out is flare when shooting into bright light, something that also affected earlier models.
Ricoh has also added small touches like grain simulation for JPEGs, which now works in both color and black and white. It’s the kind of feature that feels aimed at photographers who enjoy shooting straight-out-of-camera. The GR IV, in Lally’s words, feels like the modern digital equivalent of the Contax T2: compact, discreet, and surprisingly capable for its size, though the fixed focal length means it won’t suit everyone. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lally.
