Comparing the new Ricoh GR IV camera with the existing Ricoh GR III
Comparing the new Ricoh GR IV camera with the existing Ricoh GR III model:
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Feature
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(Announced Features)
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Sensor
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24.2MP APS-C CMOS
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New 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor
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Lens
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18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent)
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Newly designed 18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent)
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Image Stabilization
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3-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
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Upgraded to 5-axis IBIS
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Image Processing Engine
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GR Engine 6
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New GR Engine
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Autofocus
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Hybrid phase-contrast AF
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Likely improved hybrid AF (no specific details provided)
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Internal Storage
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None (relies on SD card)
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55GB internal storage (up from 2GB in some prototypes)
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Memory Card
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SD card
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MicroSD card
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Video Capabilities
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Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, criticized for poor quality
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Full HD (1080p), no significant video improvements noted
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Weather Sealing
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None
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Not mentioned; likely none based on GR III design philosophy
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Screen
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3-inch, 1.04M-dot fixed touchscreen
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Likely similar, no mention of tilting screen
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Battery Life
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~200 shots (CIPA), criticized as poor
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No specific data; likely similar due to compact design
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Connectivity
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Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; app criticized for being slow and outdated
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Improved smartphone connectivity
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Size/Weight
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109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm, 257g
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Likely similar (no significant size changes mentioned)
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Price
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~$900–$1,100 (depending on market)
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Estimated ~$1,500–$2,000 based on speculation
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Release Status
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Released 2019
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Development announced, expected Fall 2025
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Sensor and Image Quality
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GR III: Features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, praised for sharp, detailed images with good dynamic range and low-light performance, though some noise is noticeable in shadows at base ISO. It lacks an anti-aliasing filter but has a dust removal system that can simulate one to reduce moiré.
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GR IV: Upgrades to a 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor, suggesting a modest resolution increase. The new sensor, paired with a new GR Engine, is said to pursue “further high image quality”. This could mean improved noise handling or dynamic range, but no concrete details are available.
Analysis: The GR IV’s sensor bump to 26MP is incremental, likely offering slightly better detail for cropping or large prints. Without hands-on data, it’s unclear how significant the image quality improvement will be, but Ricoh’s focus on “high image quality” suggests refinements in processing or noise reduction.
Lens
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GR III: Equipped with an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent), known for edge-to-edge sharpness and pleasing bokeh for a compact camera, though limited for shallow depth of field due to the f/2.8 aperture.
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GR IV: Features a newly designed 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent). No details on optical improvements, but Ricoh emphasizes maintaining the GR series’ compact form and sharpness.
Analysis: The GR IV’s lens redesign might improve sharpness, reduce aberrations, or enhance coatings, but the focal length and aperture remain identical. Photographers hoping for a faster aperture (e.g., f/1.9 like the GR Digital IV) may be disappointed, as Ricoh prioritizes compactness.
Image Stabilization
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GR III: 3-axis IBIS, effective for handheld shots down to ~1/5th second, saving shots in low light or casual shooting.
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GR IV: Upgraded to 5-axis IBIS, which should improve stabilization for handheld shooting, potentially allowing longer exposures or steadier video.
Analysis: The move to 5-axis IBIS is a significant upgrade, especially for street photographers shooting in low light or while moving. It could make the GR IV more versatile for night cityscapes or casual snapshots without a tripod.
Storage and Connectivity
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GR III: Relies on SD cards, with no internal storage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are present, but the app is criticized for being slow and prone to crashing.
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GR IV: Introduces 55GB of internal storage, a major upgrade for shooting without a card. Switches to microSD, which is smaller but less common among photographers. Improved smartphone connectivity is promised, addressing the GR III’s weak app performance.
Analysis: The internal storage is a game-changer for spontaneous shooting, reducing reliance on cards. The microSD switch is puzzling, as it’s less standard, but improved connectivity could streamline image transfers, a key pain point for GR III users.
Video Capabilities
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GR III: Limited to Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, with poor quality compared to smartphones and struggles with focus in low light.
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GR IV: No improvements in video resolution or quality mentioned, sticking with Full HD. This suggests Ricoh continues to prioritize stills over video.
Analysis: The lack of video upgrades is a missed opportunity, especially in 2025 when 4K is standard in compact cameras. The GR IV remains a stills-focused camera, disappointing vloggers or hybrid shooters.
Build and Ergonomics
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GR III: Compact (109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm, 257g), magnesium alloy body, no weather sealing, and a fixed 3-inch touchscreen. Praised for one-handed use but criticized for lacking a tilt screen.
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GR IV: Likely maintains a similar size and build, with no mention of weather sealing or a tilting screen. Control layout is expected to be similar, maintaining the GR series’ discreet, pocketable design.
Analysis: The GR IV seems to keep the compact ethos, which is core to its appeal for street photography. The absence of weather sealing or a tilting screen continues to be a drawback for some users, particularly for outdoor or creative shooting angles.
Battery Life
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GR III: Rated for ~200 shots (CIPA), with real-world tests showing 122–184 shots depending on conditions, requiring multiple batteries for all-day shooting.
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GR IV: No battery life details provided, but the compact design and increased internal storage/processing demands suggest similar performance unless a new battery is introduced.
Analysis: Battery life remains a likely weakness unless Ricoh addresses it with a new battery design. Users should expect to carry spares, as with the GR III.
Price and Availability
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GR III: Currently priced around $900–$1,100, though posts suggest prices may drop with the GR IV’s announcement.
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GR IV: Speculated to cost $1,500–$2,000, reflecting new components and market positioning. Expected release in Fall 2025.
Analysis: The GR IV’s higher price could deter some buyers, especially if improvements are incremental. The GR III may become a better value option if prices fall.
Pros and Cons
Ricoh GR III
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Pros:
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Proven 24.2MP APS-C sensor with excellent image quality.
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Compact, pocketable design ideal for street photography.
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Sharp 28mm f/2.8 lens with macro mode and ND filter.
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More affordable, especially if prices drop post-GR IV announcement.
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Cons:
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Poor battery life (~200 shots).
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No weather sealing.
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Subpar video quality and autofocus in low light.
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Outdated app and connectivity issues.
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Ricoh GR IV (Based on Available Info)
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Pros:
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New 26MP sensor and engine for potentially better image quality.
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5-axis IBIS for improved stabilization.
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55GB internal storage for card-free shooting.
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Improved smartphone connectivity.
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Cons:
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Likely expensive ($1,500–$2,000).
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No video improvements (still Full HD).
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No mention of weather sealing or tilting screen.
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MicroSD card may be less convenient for some users.
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Conclusion
The Ricoh GR IV appears to be an evolutionary update, maintaining the GR series’ focus on compact, high-quality stills photography for street and travel. Key upgrades include a 26MP sensor, 5-axis IBIS, 55GB internal storage, and better connectivity, but video capabilities remain stagnant, and there’s no indication of weather sealing or a tilting screen. The GR III, while older, offers nearly comparable performance at a lower price, making it a strong option if cost is a concern. For those prioritizing the latest tech and stabilization, the GR IV is promising, but its high estimated price and lack of video improvements may limit its appeal. Wait for full specs and reviews to confirm the GR IV’s value, especially if you already own a GR III.
