Overview: Ricoh GR IV

Ricoh is rumoured to release the GR IV in late 2025. Building on the popular GR series, and with the explosion in popularity of compact cameras, many photographers expect the GR IV to be one of 2025’s biggest camera releases.

When Ricoh announced the GR IV back in May, they shared some headline specifications. In this article, we share everything we know so far about the GR IV and explore how it compares to previous models. Plus, we’ll look at a few alternative cameras that could offer similar features. Updated August 2025

Confirmed Ricoh GR IV Specifications

Specs Compared: Ricoh GR IV vs GR III

How will the Ricoh GR IV compare against the Ricoh GR III? Let’s compare them in more detail. 

Sensor and Image Processing

The GR IV will feature a 25.7-megapixel APS-C sensor, a small increase from the GR III's 24.2 megapixels. As the GR III was released in 2019, the minor upgrade in megapixels is a little disappointing. The native ISO range extends from 100 to 204,800, double the Ricoh GR III's maximum ISO. The GR III wasn’t too bad in low-light conditions, largely thanks to its APS-C sensor, so we should expect the GR IV to be even better.

The GR IV is rumoured to include an upgraded processor — the Ricoh GR Engine 7 — so the GR IV should be a little snappier than the GR III.

Lens Design and Optical Performance

Like the GR III, the GR IV will feature an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens. As the camera has an APS-C sensor, the focal length is broadly equivalent to 28mm on full-frame. The GR III's lens was already excellent, but it showed some softness in the corners at maximum aperture. We’re hoping the GR IV’s lens will perform a little better there.  

The 2021 Ricoh GR IIIx has a 23mm (40mm-equivalent) lens, so we could expect Ricoh to release a similar GR IVx model in a few years’ time.

Autofocus

The Ricoh GR IV will offer hybrid phase-contrast autofocus, with focus modes like Auto-area, Zone, Select, Pinpoint, Tracking, Continuous and Manual. There’s face and eye detection, too. 

Snap Focus mode remains, with preset distances at 0.3m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 5m and infinity. Like on the GR III, Snap Focus mode instantly focuses at the preset distance with a full shutter press.

Stabilisation and Shake Reduction

The GR IV upgrades to in-body image stabilisation (IBIS, although Ricoh calls this sensor-shift stabilisation) on five axes, from the GR III with three. Alongside the boost in maximum ISO, we’re hoping the GR IV will help us shoot hand-held and for low light photography.

Storage and Connectivity

Internal storage is nice to have, and 53GB is pretty good from the GR IV. It’s a big increase from the GR III's mere 2GB, but other compact cameras offer much more. The Zeiss ZX1 was released back in 2021, and (as you’ll see in our Zeiss ZX1 review) it sports 512GB internal storage on its SSD. 

Still, the GR IV’s internal memory should be able to store hundreds of RAWs and JPEGs. You’ll want to use microSD cards, a switch from the GR III's full-size SD. 

Connectivity receives a major upgrade with dual-band Wi-Fi, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, including the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard. This should dramatically improve wireless transfer speeds and reliability compared to the GR III's basic 2.4GHz implementation. 

There’s also USB-C, for recharging batteries, supplying power and transferring data, as is now standard.

Design and Controls

The GR IV is pretty much the same as its predecessor, just a little smaller, measuring 109x61x32.7mm and weighing in at 262g. It’s still pocketable.

The 3-inch rear touchscreen remains fixed (non-tilting) with approximately 1.04 million dots.

Battery

It looks like the Ricoh GR IV features an upgraded battery, DB-120, so it should be able to capture 25% more photos on a single charge. We should expect around 250 shots, which is a welcome improvement over the GR III’s 200. You’ll still want to bring a few spares, particularly if you’re shooting all day.

What's Missing

Like the GR III, it looks like the GR IV has compromised on a few features to keep its size nice and small. These are unlikely to be deal-breakers, but still worth keeping in mind. 

• No built-in viewfinder means you’ll have to use the rear LCD when framing up your shot. The GR III was compatible with viewfinder attachments via the hotshoe, so it’s likely the GR IV will too. 

• No tilting screen, which makes it harder to shoot from the hip. 

• No weather sealing means the GR IV does not officially protect against dust or moisture, so you’ll want to keep it dry. 

• No built-in flash, but you should be able to mount an external flash to the hotshoe. 

• No 4K video, probably due to overheating issues. You’re unlikely to use a GR-series camera for video, but 4K is now standard and would’ve been nice. 

As soon as we get our hands on the GR IV, we’ll give the compact camera the full review treatment. Until then, here’s how we think the GR IV will compare to its competitors. These might offer better value for money, too. 

Ricoh GR IV Alternatives

We’ve put together a list of some of the most viable alternative camera options, which are all ideal for both street photography and travel photography. Perfect for when you’re on the go and ready to weather any condition, you’ve got a strong lineup to go at. Let’s take a look.

Ricoh GR III or GR IIIx

We’ll start with the obvious. If you’re eyeing compact street shooters, the Ricoh GR III is the closest match to the GR IV, boasting the same 28mm-equivalent lens and many of the same specs. It’s pocketable and light (257g), and you can shoot in both RAW and JPEG, making it seriously versatile. It’s also quick, ideal for street photography. The upcoming GR IV is expected to reduce start-up time slightly, but for most, the GR III still holds its own. 

We took the GR III to Spain and Portugal to create our in-depth Ricoh GR III review, and it handled just about everything we threw at it. Long exposures, manual focus, playing with dynamic range, you name it, it nailed it. 

Okay, we did need to pack some extra batteries, thanks to extended shooting time. You’ll likely need to do this with the Ricoh GR IV, too.

If you’d rather shoot the 40mm equivalent, then go with the Ricoh GR IIIx.

Other than the lens, the GR III and GR IIIx are virtually identical. Read our full Ricoh GR IIIx review. Ricoh’s other GR-series cameras, like the original Ricoh GR and the Ricoh GR II, are also well worth considering.

Fujifilm X100VI or X100V

If the Ricoh GR series and Fujifilm X100 series were to jump in the ring, it would be too close to call.

The Fujifilm X100V and the GR IV differ significantly in design, handling, and intended use, but they both excel within their own category.

Fujifilm X100VI Advantages

• Built-in hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder

• Wider f/2 aperture provides more light

• 35mm equivalent focal length preferred by some

• 4K video

• Weather sealing possible with filter adapter

• Film simulation modes

GR IV Advantages

• Dramatically smaller and lighter (262g vs 478g)

• Pocketable dimensions

• Wider 28mm field of view

• Snap Focus for instant shooting

• Significantly lower expected price

• Simpler, more focused operation

If you’re after something easily portable and pocketable, the GR IV looks to come out on top. But if you’re after something more robust, with more advanced video capability, then it’s probably best to read our comprehensive Fujifilm X100VI review and decide for yourself. 

Alternatively, there’s the Fujifilm X100V, which offers many similar features to the X100VI, with only a few compromises.

Read our full Fujifilm X100V review, or take a look at other Fujifilm APS-C options in our X100-series guide.

Fujifilm X half

At a similar price and size to the Ricoh GR series, the Fujifilm X half could be a good option for you. However, this camera has proved divisive.

The X half has a much smaller 1-inch sensor, and image quality won’t match the GR series, but it’s still capable of taking some good photography considering its size.

If you’re looking for an equally pocket-sized alternative to the GR IV, take a look through our in-depth Fujifilm X half review.

Leica Q3

The Leica Q3 targets a different type of photographer than the GR series. If you’re ultimate image quality, regardless of cost, the Leica Q3 is a premium option.

The Leica Q3 has a full-frame sensor, which is much larger than the GR series’ APS-C sensor. The Q3 itself is much larger, too.

Leica Q3 Advantages

• Full-frame image quality and low-light performance

• f/1.7 aperture for exceptional light gathering

• Built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder

• Weather-sealed construction

• 8K/4K video capabilities

• Premium build quality

GR IV Advantages

• One-third of the weight

• Truly pocketable

• Much, much cheaper

Read more about the Leica’s performance in our Leica Q3 review.

Sony RX 100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII offers a zoom lens and built-in electronic viewfinder, but with a much smaller 1-inch sensor that can't match the GR's image quality or low-light performance.

The RX100 VII might still be a good option for you, especially as it’s one of the best compact travel cameras.

FAQs

Is it Worth Upgrading to the Ricoh GR IV?

If you already have a Ricoh GR III, then it looks like the GR IV won’t be a massive upgrade. But you might appreciate the improvements in autofocus, ISO and internal storage. We’ll know more when we get our hands on it.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.