Introduction
I've been waiting for this one. The Ricoh GR series has been my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants real camera quality without the bulk, and the GR IV is here to prove that good things really do come in small packages.
Let me cut to the chase: if you're tired of hauling around a heavy mirrorless kit but refuse to settle for smartphone files, the GR IV deserves your attention. It's tiny – genuinely pocketable in regular pants – yet packs a legitimate APS-C sensor and some serious image quality. At Amazon and B&H Photo, it's priced around $1,497-$1,500, which isn't cheap but delivers where it counts.
What's New in the GR IV?
Ricoh took the "if it ain't broke" approach, but that doesn't mean nothing changed. Here's the breakdown:
Sensor: New 25.7MP back-illuminated APS-C sensor (up from the GR III's 24MP)Lens: Redesigned 28mm f/2.8 lens with improved sharpness across the frameProcessor: Updated GR Engine 7 for faster operationStabilization: 5-axis IBIS – a huge plus for a camera this smallStorage: 53GB internal storage (microSD card slot still present)Startup: Ready to shoot in under 0.6 seconds The improvements seem small on paper but show up big when you actually use it. The autofocus is snappier, especially in daylight, and the images look great even in big prints. It's not for landscapes or sports – it's a travel camera, a daily carry that doesn't demand bag space.
Size Matters More Than You Think
Here's the thing that gets me excited every time I pick this camera up: it actually fits in my pocket. Not a jacket pocket – my regular jeans pocket. That's something you can't say about the Fujifilm X100VI or any full-frame mirrorless camera.
I've left larger cameras at home because they felt like too much effort. With the GR IV, there's no excuse. It's always with me, and that's exactly the point. According to Fstoppers, this is still the only true pocket APS-C camera on the market.
The body is 109.4 x 61.1 x 32.7mm and weighs just 262 grams. To put that in perspective, it's narrower than most flagship phones, about twice as thick, and 40% shorter. It's adorably tiny. As CNET noted in their review, this camera is perfect for travel or street photography.
Image Quality: Not Just Another Smartphone
Let's address the elephant in the room – why bother with a dedicated camera when your phone takes great photos?
Here's my take: phones are incredible, but they're multipurpose devices. The GR IV is a single-purpose tool. When you pick it up, you're there to make photos. That shift in mindset changes everything. As WIRED put it in their review, this camera continues the GR legacy that dates back to the film camera era.
The 28mm lens (35mm equivalent) is roughly as wide as the main camera on many phones, but paired with that APS-C sensor and the 5-axis stabilization, it delivers something phones still can't match – natural-looking files with excellent dynamic range. The colors look real, not over-processed like phone photos.
There's also a built-in neutral density filter, which lets you slow the shutter speed or open the aperture in bright conditions for more creative flexibility. I use this all the time for that classic street look.
Street Photography Perfect?
Speaking of street photography – the GR series has always been the king of this niche. The quick startup, the silent shooting, the compact size – it all adds up to a camera that doesn't draw attention.
The Snap mode is great for street shooting. You set a focus distance and depth of field, and the camera locks in those settings for rapid shooting. No fiddling, no missing moments.
I've found that the improved autofocus makes a real difference compared to the GR III. It's not on par with Sony's flagship bodies, but for everyday street photography, it gets the job done.
For more tips, check out our guide to street photography for beginners.
What's Not So Great
I'm keeping it real here – this camera isn't for everyone:
No viewfinder: If you're used to raising a camera to your eye, you'll need to adjust. There's no built-in EVF, and adding an external one defeats the purpose of the compact size.
No built-in flash: The direct-flash look many associate with compacts? Gone. You can add an external flash, but that adds bulk.
Video is an afterthought: 1080p at 60fps is fine for social media, but if you care about video, look elsewhere. This is a still photography tool first.
Autofocus limitations: It's improved over previous GR models, but it won't match high-end Sony bodies for tracking. In fast action, you might miss some shots.
No weather sealing: Ricoh added dust sealing around the lens, but it's not fully weather-sealed. Be careful in the rain.
How It Compares
The GR IV competes most directly with the Fujifilm X100VI. I love the X100VI's film looks. But it's not truly pocketable. The GR IV takes the crown for portability.
If you want the absolute smallest package with APS-C quality, there's simply nothing else like it on the market. For more options, check out our guide to the best cameras for photography in 2026.
And if you're considering the PowerShot alternatives, we've covered the Canon PowerShot 2026 rumors as well. For those who prefer pure photography without video features, our article on where have all the pure photo cameras gone might interest you.
Final Thoughts
The Ricoh GR IV isn't a revolutionary camera – it's an evolution of an already excellent formula. If you value having a capable camera with you at all times without the weight penalty, this is as good as it gets right now.
Is it worth the upgrade from GR III? Probably not. But if you're new to the GR family or coming from an older model, you'll love what this little powerhouse can do.
FAQ
Is the Ricoh GR IV worth upgrading from the GR III?
If you already own a GR III, the upgrade is marginal. The improvements are real but incremental – better autofocus, slightly sharper lens, improved battery. However, if you're coming from a GR II or an older model, you'll love the jump in performance and image quality. The 5-axis stabilization alone is worth it.
Can the GR IV replace my smartphone?
Not entirely – you'll still need your phone for sharing and video calls. But for still photography, many users find they reach for the GR IV instead of their phone because the quality difference is significant. The files have a depth and dynamic range that phones simply can't match.
Does it have good battery life?
Ricoh improved the battery life over the GR III. You should get around 300-400 shots on a full charge, which is decent for a compact camera. The good news is you can charge it via USB-C, so portable battery packs work great for topping up on the go.
What's the price?
Around $1,497-$1,500 USD. It's in line with other premium compacts like the Fujifilm X100VI. Yes, it's an investment – but for many photographers, having a truly pocketable camera is worth every penny.
Should I buy the GR IV or the Fujifilm X100VI?
Choose the GR IV if portability is your top priority – it genuinely fits in your pocket. Choose the X100VI if you want the film simulations and don't mind a larger body. Both are excellent cameras; it really comes down to your specific needs.
How does the GR IV compare to smartphone cameras?
The GR IV's larger APS-C sensor captures more detail and has better dynamic range than any smartphone. The 28mm f/2.8 lens, combined with 5-axis stabilization, performs notably better in low light. Most importantly, the photos have a natural look that doesn't feel over-processed.