Ricoh GR IV Launches in September with a Substantially Higher Price Compared to its Predecessor

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Ricoh GR IV Camera: Price Hike Sparks Debate Among Photography Enthusiasts

New York, NY – August 21, 2025 – Ricoh is poised to launch its highly anticipated GR IV compact camera in mid-September, priced at $1,499.95. Alongside this release comes the GF-2 add-on flash, available for $119.95.Originally unveiled in May, the GR IV boasts a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, a refined 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, updated autofocus and image stabilization systems, and a ample 53GB of internal storage, complementing its microSD card slot.

Did You Know? The Ricoh GR series has long been lauded for its pocket-kind size and high-quality imaging – a compelling option for street photographers and everyday users alike.

The introduction of the GR IV marks the first major update to the GR III, which debuted in 2019, followed by the GR IIIx and HDF variants. The new model builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, maintaining a remarkably compact form factor that’s ideal for discreet shooting.

Compared to competitors like Fujifilm’s popular X100VI, the Ricoh GR IV presents an even more streamlined and portable package. While sporting a similar-sized sensor, the GR IV features a slightly lower resolution, a marginally wider lens, a slower aperture (f/2.8 versus the X100VI’s variable aperture), and notably, lacks a built-in viewfinder, relying instead on the rear screen for composition, or an optional external optical viewfinder.

Pro Tip: Mastering the GR IV’s snap focus mode can dramatically improve your street photography workflow, allowing for swift, intuitive shooting.

however, the GR IV’s arrival is accompanied by a significant price adjustment. The original GR III launched in 2019 with a sub-$1,000 price tag, positioning it as a comparatively affordable entry point into the world of fixed focal length street cameras. the GR IV, though, represents a $600 price increase – a $350 jump even compared to the latest GR III variant.

This price surge arrives amidst broader industry trends, with manufacturers like Fujifilm, Nikon, and Canon also implementing price increases in response to US tariffs. For years, the Ricoh GR series enjoyed a reputation as the most accessible option in the fixed focal length camera market. It offered a compelling alternative to pricier models like the Fujifilm X100 and the Leica Q. now, with the GR IV nearing $1,500 and the X100VI hovering around $1,800 (and possibly increasing further), this category of cameras is becoming a far more substantial investment.

Want to learn more about the Ricoh GR series? Visit DPReview’s extensive review for an in-depth look at the camera’s features and performance.

Are you prepared to pay a premium for the enhanced features of the GR IV, or will you stick with the more affordable GR III? let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature	Ricoh GR IV	Fujifilm X100VI
Sensor	26MP APS-C	40.2MP APS-C
Lens	28mm f/2.8	23mm f/2 – f/16
Viewfinder	None (Optional External)	Hybrid (Optical & Electronic)
Price (approx.)	$1,499.95	$1,800

How does the Ricoh GR IV’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) specifically benefit street photographers?

Ricoh GR IV: Price Increase and What It Means for Street Photographers

The highly anticipated Ricoh GR IV is set to launch in September, but the news isn’t solely about its upgraded features. A meaningful price increase compared to the GR III and GR IIIx has sparked debate amongst photographers. This article dives deep into the reasons behind the price jump, the new features justifying the cost, and what it means for potential buyers. We’ll cover everything from the camera’s specifications to practical considerations for street photography enthusiasts.

Understanding the Price Difference

The Ricoh GR III originally retailed around $999. The GR IIIx, with its 40mm equivalent lens, was priced slightly higher. The Ricoh GR IV is launching with an MSRP of approximately $1,499 – a substantial 50% increase. Several factors contribute to this price hike:

Component Costs: Global supply chain issues and rising costs of electronic components, particularly image sensors and processors, have impacted manufacturing expenses.

New Features & Technology: The GR IV boasts several upgrades (detailed below) that necessitate a higher price point. These aren’t simply incremental improvements; they represent a significant evolution of the GR series.

Market Positioning: Ricoh may be strategically repositioning the GR series as a premium compact camera,targeting a more discerning audience willing to pay for advanced features and build quality.

Inflationary Pressures: General economic inflation also plays a role in the increased cost of goods,including camera equipment.

Key Features of the Ricoh GR IV

The price increase isn’t arbitrary. The GR IV introduces several compelling features that differentiate it from its predecessors. Hear’s a breakdown:

Improved Image Stabilization: A newly developed in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system is arguably the biggest upgrade. This allows for significantly slower shutter speeds handheld, crucial for low-light street photography and capturing motion blur creatively.

Enhanced Autofocus System: The GR IV features a faster and more accurate autofocus system, including subject detection capabilities. This ensures sharper images, even when shooting moving subjects.

New Image Processing Engine: A refined image processing engine delivers improved image quality, particularly in terms of noise reduction and dynamic range.

Updated User Interface: The GR IV incorporates a more intuitive and customizable user interface, making it easier to access key settings and functions.

Snap Focus Enhancements: The popular snap Focus mode has been refined for even faster and more reliable pre-focused shooting.

Connectivity Improvements: Enhanced connectivity options,including faster Wi-Fi transfer speeds,streamline the workflow for photographers.

Ricoh GR IV vs. GR III: A Detailed Comparison

| Feature | Ricoh GR III | Ricoh GR IV |

|———————-|————–|————-|

| Image Stabilization | None | IBIS |

| Autofocus | Contrast Detect | Hybrid AF with Subject Detection |

| Image Processor | GR Engine VI | Updated GR Engine VI |

| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $1,499 |

| Weight | 255g | 264g |

| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |

This table highlights the core differences. While the GR III remains a capable camera, the GR IV’s IBIS and improved autofocus represent significant advancements.

Is the Price Increase Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question. For existing GR III owners, the upgrade may not be essential unless IBIS is a critical requirement. Though, for photographers new to the GR series or those seeking the best possible image quality and performance in a compact package, the GR IV is a compelling option.

Consider these points:

Street Photography Benefits: The IBIS is a game-changer for street photography,allowing you to shoot handheld in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing sharpness.

Low-Light Performance: The improved image processing engine and IBIS combine to deliver exceptional low-light performance.

Future-Proofing: The GR IV’s advanced features and technology ensure it will remain a relevant and capable camera for years to come.

Compact Size & discreet Design: The GR series’ hallmark – its incredibly compact size and understated design – remains intact, making it ideal for unobtrusive street photography.

Ricoh GR IV: Practical Tips for Street Photographers

Master Snap focus: utilize Snap Focus to pre-set a focus distance and capture fleeting moments with ease.

Experiment with Shutter Speed: The IBIS allows you to experiment with slower shutter speeds to create motion blur effects.

Utilize the Built-in ND Filter: The GR IV’s built-in ND filter is invaluable for shooting in shining sunlight.

Customize the Controls: Tailor the camera’s controls to your shooting style for faster and more intuitive operation.

* Explore the Crop Options: The GR IV offers various crop options, allowing you to change the aspect ratio and focal length.

Where to Find Ricoh Support & Downloads

If you encounter any issues with your Ricoh camera, or need to download drivers and software, the official Ricoh support website is your best resource:[https://wwwricoh[https://wwwricoh