Ricoh GR IV It can boast of being a faster, slimmer and more adaptive compact camera from the GR series, which offers impressive image quality and sharpness, as well as exceptional portability. The GR IV features a new 25.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, a reworked lens with a 28 mm equivalent, improved AF and Shake Reduction, more built-in memory, a new battery, and updates to the specialised focusing and shooting modes. In addition, there is a completely new dedicated GR WORLD app for wireless control of settings and image sharing.
New BSI CMOS Sensor and GR Processor
The GR IV features a new 25.7MP APS-C back-illuminated CMOS sensor for cleaner image quality and reduced noise. This sensor is paired with the updated GR ENGINE 7 processor, which helps achieve better low-light performance, along with a faster startup time of 0.6 seconds, faster focusing, ISO up to 204800, and the same versatile 14-bit DNG and JPEG recording as its predecessor.
Faster and More Accurate Autofocus
One of the key improvements of the GR IV is faster focusing. Supported by the new GR ENGINE 7 processor and the reworked lens, which is lighter, AF performance is more responsive than its predecessor's, focus hunting is significantly reduced, and face recognition and subject tracking are improved. In addition, combined with the improved low-light image quality, low-light focusing is faster and more precise when shooting in difficult lighting conditions.
When shooting with autofocus, this AF system recognises the subject's face or eye with precision, focuses on it, and shows the focus position on the LCD display using the AF frame. When the camera detects multiple faces, it automatically distinguishes the main subject from secondary ones and indicates this on the focus frame.
The Full Press Snap function lets you instantly bypass autofocus by fully pressing the shutter button, and the lens immediately focuses at a preset distance. This unique shooting and focusing function is ideal for street photography and eliminates any delay when capturing decisive moments.
Stabilisation
Another advantage for low-light use is the new 5-axis stabilisation system, which compensates for up to 6 stops of shake. Improving on the 3-axis system of the previous generation, this new stabilisation compensates for more types of camera movement and is more effective at reducing camera shake when shooting handheld.
Image Control
The image control function offers 12 different preset look modes, along with a new Cinema mode with a choice of yellow or green tone for a more nostalgic, filmic look.
The saturation, contrast, tone, key and graininess parameters for each mode can be adjusted to suit the desired effect, and the selected settings can be adjusted in strength and size for an even more personalised look. Settings selected by the user can be added to the 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 speed priority. A Snap Distance-Priority AE (Sn) mode has also been added to the exposure mode options. This mode emphasises the depth of field of the scene and adjusts the exposure settings to prioritise the desired depth-of-field effect.
The sensor has a design without an anti-aliasing (AA) filter, which maximises sharpness and resolution in most shooting conditions. However, in certain circumstances, such as when shooting certain fabrics and other high-frequency patterns and colours, the shake reduction mechanism can simulate the effects of an AA filter to reduce moiré.
Integrated Multiple Exposure Mode
The camera offers multi-segment, centre-weighted and spot metering options, as well as highlight-weighted metering options, which prioritise preserving highlight values within the dynamic range and allow shadows to become darker and moodier.
In addition to capturing photos, the GR IV can also record Full HD 1080 video at frame rates of 60p, 30p and 24p.
Reworked Lens
The GR IV retains the fixed-focal-length lens design with a 28 mm equivalent. This wide-angle lens is ideal for everyday shooting, street scenes and travel, and is paired with a reasonably bright maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is both fast enough for low-light shooting and helps keep the camera's overall size and weight low.
The entirely new optical design significantly improves sharpness compared with previous generations. The 7-element, 5-group arrangement 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 allows faster focusing and quicker deployment.
Specialised Macro Mode
The built-in ND filter reduces exposure by two stops, allowing you to use wider-than-normal aperture settings or slower shutter speeds for creative depth-of-field or motion blur effects. The built-in crop modes simulate the fields of view of 35 mm and 50 mm lenses, offering an even narrower field of view without needing to change lenses.
Convenience
The layout of the control buttons and dials has been reworked for easier access, and the ADJ lever has been changed to a dial for more intuitive control. The rear 3'' touch-screen LCD is designed with technology that reduces reflections and improves visibility outdoors. The external monitor setting function increases brightness to make it suitable for shooting at midday, and there is also a new automatic monitor brightness setting, which self-adjusts the brightness level according to the ambient lighting.
Wireless Connectivity and the GR WORLD App
A new dedicated GR WORLD app has been developed for easy use when shooting with GR series cameras. The app allows transferring files from the camera to a mobile device, remote shutter control, and transfer of location data. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections can be used for easy and stable connection to mobile devices.
