Ricoh Unveils Powerful New GR IV Pocket Camera

Ricoh has confirmed that its highly anticipated GR IV compact camera will hit shelves this autumn, offering street photographers an enticing blend of classic design and modern performance. Though it retains the pocketable form factor and speedy 28 mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens of its 2018 predecessor, the new model brings a host of refinements that promise sharper images, faster autofocus, and smoother handling for on-the-go shooting.

At first glance, the GR IV looks almost identical to the GR III, with its signature oval shutter release, mode dial, and minimalist button layout. Yet Ricoh has subtly redesigned the controls: the four-way pad now sports redesigned buttons for more reliable tactile feedback, and the adjustment dial has been upgraded to a full rotary wheel for quicker exposure tweaks. Small ergonomic tweaks on the grip and the repositioning of key controls also make one-handed operation more comfortable during long street-photography sessions.

Under the hood, the GR IV steps up from a 24 MP to a 26 MP APS-C sensor, offering extra resolution for large-format prints or cropping flexibility. Its ISO range now stretches to an impressive 204,800, enabling cleaner low-light shots when you need to capture dimly lit streets or nighttime cityscapes. Ricoh has also upgraded the stabilization system to five axes, helping to reduce blur when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds or when recording 4K video on the move.

The lens itself receives an optical overhaul, with a new seven-element design that adds an aspherical element for improved edge-to-edge sharpness. Autofocus has been turbo-charged with face and eye detection, so the camera can track moving subjects more reliably—ideal for candid portraits or fleeting moments in busy urban environments. And while many manufacturers are moving toward large memory sticks, Ricoh has opted to downsize from full-size SD cards to microSD, freeing up internal space while still accommodating up to 53 GB of built-in storage for quick captures even before you pop in a memory card.

Ricoh’s timeline confirms that production of the GR III will wrap up in July 2025, though the longer-focal-length GR IIIx will remain on sale for now. Photographers who love a softer, dreamier look can look forward to a Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) variant of the GR IV, slated to arrive shortly after winter 2025. This optional filter promises to soften highlights and lend images a classic, film-inspired glow.

While Ricoh has yet to announce official pricing, industry insiders expect the GR IV to launch near the GR III’s original MSRP of around $900, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to higher-end compacts like the Fujifilm X100 series or Leica Q. Early hands-on reports from Ricoh’s showcase events in Tokyo and Shanghai praise the camera’s snappy handling and intuitive interface, suggesting it could become a new favorite for photographers who value speed, discretion, and image quality in a truly pocket-sized package.

With its blend of proven design and meaningful upgrades, the GR IV looks set to reinforce Ricoh’s reputation for delivering high-performance compacts that cater to the demands of modern street and travel photography. As sample images from Ricoh’s preview events start to circulate, anticipation is already building for what may become the most talked-about camera launch of fall 2025.