TL;DR
Ricoh's GR IV keeps the pocket-friendly form factor of its predecessors while upgrading autofocus, lens design and image processing. It adds a slightly higher-resolution APS-C sensor, improved five-axis IBIS and a dedicated snap-focus setting, but still lacks full weather sealing and advanced video features.
What happened
Ricoh's latest update to its compact GR line keeps the same small body but introduces several notable refinements. The GR IV uses a new 25.7MP APS-C sensor paired with a redesigned 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent), producing sharper corners and cleaner files than the previous model. The camera's physical controls were tweaked — including true front and rear control wheels — to make one-handed manual operation easier. Autofocus and subject tracking were substantially improved, and face detection performs well for street and environmental portrait work. In-body image stabilization has been upgraded to a five-axis system rated up to six stops of compensation. Battery capacity rose to about 250 shots per charge, and Ricoh swapped to microSD cards while also providing 54 GB of internal storage. The GR IV still tops out at 1080p video and does not offer full weather sealing, though there is added dust protection around the retracting lens.
Why it matters
- Faster and more reliable autofocus expands what a pocket camera can handle, especially for street photography and environmental portraits.
- Improved lens and a slightly larger sensor deliver cleaner images with better corner sharpness, reducing the need for heavy post-processing.
- Stronger five-axis IBIS increases handheld shooting flexibility, helping in lower-light situations despite the f/2.8 lens.
- Retaining a genuinely pocketable body and one-handed control layout preserves the GR series’ core appeal while adding useful refinements.
Key facts
- Sensor: 25.7-megapixel APS-C CMOS (up from 24.2 MP in the prior model).
- Lens: 18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent) with a new optical design and improved corner sharpness.
- Stabilization: New five-axis in-body image stabilization rated up to six stops.
- Autofocus: Noticeably faster AF with improved subject tracking and face detection.
- Storage: Uses microSD cards and includes 54 GB of built-in internal memory.
- Battery: New battery rated for about 250 shots per charge (previous model ~200).
- Video: Limited to 1080p capture; not aimed at advanced video users.
- Durability: No full weather sealing; added dust protection around the retracting lens.
- Price at debut: $1,497; reviewer score: 8/10.
What to watch next
- Whether Ricoh will release a GR IVx variant with a longer focal length (40mm equivalent) — not confirmed in the source.
- Potential firmware updates that could further refine autofocus or stabilization performance — not confirmed in the source.
- Long-term real-world durability and any future moves toward full weather sealing beyond the new dust protection — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- APS-C: An image sensor format smaller than full-frame; common in many compact and mid-size cameras, balancing image quality and body size.
- IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): A stabilization system built into the camera body that moves the sensor to reduce blur from camera shake.
- Snap focus: A shooting mode that locks focus at a predetermined distance so the photographer can fire quickly without refocusing.
- Autofocus subject tracking: A camera feature that maintains focus on a moving subject by detecting and following it across the frame.
- microSD: A very small removable flash memory card format used for storage in many portable devices.
Reader FAQ
Is the GR IV weather-sealed?
No. The camera does not have full weather sealing; it includes added dust protection around the retracting lens.
Does the GR IV shoot 4K video?
No. Video capture tops out at 1080p according to the review.
How does the GR IV differ from the GR III?
Key changes include a 25.7MP APS-C sensor, redesigned lens with better corner sharpness, faster autofocus and tracking, upgraded five-axis IBIS, revised control wheels, microSD storage and longer battery life (about 250 shots).
Will there be a GR IVx (40mm-equivalent) model?
Not confirmed in the source; Ricoh would not comment on a GR IVx at the time of the review.
SCOTT GILBERTSON GEAR DEC 26, 2025 7:00 AM Review: Ricoh GR IV Camera Ricoh’s cult-inspiring pocketable camera gets a small update, with important improvements in autofocus and image quality. COURTESY…
Sources
- Ricoh GR IV Review: Everyone's Favorite Pocket Camera Gets Better
- Ricoh GR IV in-depth review: little improvements add up
- Ricoh GR IV review – the legend continues to evolve
- Ricoh GR IV review – Compact Cameras
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