Ricoh GR GR IV Monochrome Black 2024
A 25.7MP APS-C sensor with 6-stop IBIS produces sharp monochrome photos, and the textured body with comfortable grip feels precise in hand. The fixed lens and customizable menu appeal to purists, while a 228g weight and palm-sized build ensure effortless portability. Best for street photographers who want a dedicated monochrome camera that encourages getting close to subjects without the bulk.
About This Camera
About Ricoh GR IVFEATURED REVIEWSDefinitely worth the price!By julesThe first thing I noticed about my GRD IV was its quality build; the grip is comfortable to hold and the body has a sort of grainy feel (which I love). The LCD screen was extremely clear as well!
Although some people view the lack of zoom as a con, I see it as a pro because (concerning street photography) it allows you to get CLOSER to your subject. I personally prefer fixed lenses over zoom lenses.
The Ricoh GRD IV, however, lacks a viewfinder. But, it can work to your advantage. If a vi...View full ReviewRicoh loverBy KAREN J.I owned the Ricoh GR-1 many years ago and that was my favorite camera ever. More recently I've used the Nikon D80 (which I still own and enjoy) but it's too big to lug around everywhere. I did use a Canon Elph something or other but it died and I disliked the Canon menus. When I saw this camera and started reading about it, I knew it was a contender. The customizable menu is fantastic. There are so many ways you can set it so that the camera operates to your individual liking. High degree of ...View full Review Based on the RICOH GR IV premium compact camera, the GR IV Monochrome is exclusively designed for monochrome photography. With the exceptional image quality, quick response, and outstanding portability that the GR series is known for, the GR IV Monochrome incorporates a monochrome-dedicated image sensor. By eliminating the color filter used to acquire color information, as well as the interpolation process required to generate color images, the camera can fully draw out the capabilities of the high-performance GR lens, delivering refined rendering and rich tonal gradation. A built-in red filter enables more distinctive monochrome photography, while two newly developed Image Control options dedicated to monochrome imaging provide deep and diverse monochrome expressions. Monochrome-dedicated designWith the pursuit of the ultimate monochrome expression, the camera incorporates an anti-aliasing (AA) filterless monochrome-dedicated APS-C CMOS image sensor, capable of producing high-definition images with approximately 25.74 effective megapixels.
Built-in red filter in the lens unitA red filter that can be turned ON/OFF with a single operation is built into the lens unit. By allowing only red wavelengths of light to pass through, it enables dramatic rendering—for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance contrast with white clouds, or by rendering red subjects brighter to make them stand out more clearly.
Diverse monochrome expressionsThe camera features monochrome-dedicated Image Control options to enable a wide range of monochrome expressions. “Solid” uses a hard tonal curve to express a crisp, clean look, and renders edges with refined clarity. “Grainy” delivers a finish reminiscent of silver-halide prints and printed materials by avoiding complete highlight blowout and preventing shadows from being crushed to solid black, while producing grain that is clearly visible even on smart devices.
Carefully crafted exterior design To evoke the world of black-and-white photography by unifying the overall color and texture, the magnesium-alloy body, as well as the shutter release button and ring cap, are finished in matte black. The subdued sheen, deep texture, and softly tactile feel together make the GR’s special nature immediately apparent. Power buttonThe power button illumination has also been changed to white. The monochrome aesthetic is expressed throughout the design.
GR logoThe front GR logo is finished in semi-gloss black, with a luster distinct from that of the body finish. High-speed shootingIn addition to the conventional mechanical shutter, the camera is equipped with an electronic shutter that enables shooting at higher shutter speeds. The shutter speed can be increased up to 1/16000 second, which is effective for creative work that takes advantage of the monochrome sensor’s high-sensitivity characteristics in bright conditions, and for situations where it is desirable to shoot with the aperture open even in very bright environments.
Warranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 12 months.https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/warranty-information800-234-0276Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning, high-resolution photos with the 25.7MP APS-C sensor for exceptional image quality.Enjoy effortless photography with intuitive controls, perfect for both beginners and seasoned digital point & shoot camera users.Record crisp Full HD 1080p videos, capturing life's moments with impressive clarity and detail.Its compact, portable design makes this camera an ideal travel companion for everyday adventures.Experience fast and precise autofocus, ensuring you never miss a perfect shot in any situation.Connect seamlessly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing and remote camera control.What's in the box:Ricoh GR IV Monochrome CameraRicoh DB-120 6.93Wh 3.85V 1800mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for GR IV CameraRicoh GN-3 Ring Cap for GR IV Digital Camera, BlackUSB CableHand StrapHot Shoe CoverRicoh 1 Year Limited WarrantyArticles & VideosRicoh GR Digital IV Camera—AdoramaTV
- Capture stunning, high-resolution photos with the 25.7MP APS-C sensor for exceptional image quality.
- Enjoy effortless photography with intuitive controls, perfect for both beginners and seasoned digital point & shoot camera users.
- Record crisp Full HD 1080p videos, capturing life's moments with impressive clarity and detail.
- Its compact, portable design makes this camera an ideal travel companion for everyday adventures.
- Experience fast and precise autofocus, ensuring you never miss a perfect shot in any situation.
- Connect seamlessly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing and remote camera control.
The 30-Second Version
Battery life on the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is shockingly bad at just 250 shots, landing in the 2nd percentile of all point and shoots. On the flip side, its monochrome sensor is a top-tier performer (90th percentile) and the IBIS is best-in-class, giving you razor-sharp B&W photos in a tiny package. Just plan on charging often if you pick this up.
Overview
Right off the bat, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome lands in a strange spot: its 25.7MP APS-C sensor ranks in the 90th percentile among all digital point and shoots, which means it's one of the best on the market for raw image quality. The same goes for its 6-stop IBIS system, sitting at an impressive 91st percentile. So you're getting a pocket camera with near-best-in-class stabilization and a sensor purpose-built for black and white. But the excitement fades fast when you look at battery life, a dismal 2nd percentile that'll have you hunting for outlets after just 250 shots.
The build feels solid in hand, with a textured grip that reviewers keep mentioning. At 228g it disappears into a jacket pocket, and the 3-inch touchscreen is clear if you can forgive the lack of a viewfinder (EVF at a sad 36th percentile). For street photographers who live in the monochrome world, this camera gets the fundamentals right: image output and stability. But the trade-offs are real, and the battery life alone might send you shopping for power banks.
Performance
That 25.7MP monochrome sensor is the star of the show. Without a color filter array, it captures more light per pixel, delivering sharper details and richer tonal gradations than any color sensor converted to B&W. Our database puts this sensor in the 90th percentile for image quality, a standout among compacts. Pair it with IBIS rated at 6 stops, and you're shooting handheld in dim streets without breaking a sweat. The fixed lens forces you to zoom with your feet, something street shooters often prefer for getting closer to subjects.
But performance drops off a cliff for anything that moves fast. Autofocus sits at the 34th percentile, which is disappointing, and burst shooting is only 29th, so action is not this camera's friend. Video is 1080p at a middling 48th percentile, fine for casual clips but nothing to write home about. For deliberate, composed photography, the GR IV Monochrome shines. For sports or wildlife, it's a total mismatch.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Monochrome sensor delivers exceptional B&W detail (90th percentile sensor ranking) 91th
- IBIS rated for 6 stops makes handheld low-light shots easy 90th
- Compact 228g body with a comfortable, grippy build praised by owners 71th
- Deeply customizable menu system, a hit among enthusiasts 66th
- Fixed lens design encourages a pure street photography approach
Cons
- Battery life is a 2nd percentile disaster, just 250 shots per charge 1th
- No built-in viewfinder, and EVF performance is weak at 36th percentile 29th
- Autofocus is mediocre (34th percentile), struggling with fast subjects 34th
- No zoom lens limits versatility, a dealbreaker for many
- Video limited to 1080p, falling behind at 48th percentile
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 25.74 |
| ISO Range | 160 |
| Processor | GR ENGINE 7 |
Autofocus
| AF Type | Auto-area AF, Zone Select AF, Select AF, Pinpoint AF, Tracking A |
Shooting
| Max Shutter | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
| 1080p FPS | 60 |
| Codec | H.264/MPEG-4 AVC |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | No |
Build
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Battery Life | 250 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome pops up at wildly different prices: one store has it at $2,197, while another somehow lists it at an absurd $49,999. You'd be crazy to pay the high end. At the lower figure, you're still spending serious cash for a fixed-lens monochrome compact. But if you're a dedicated B&W shooter, that sensor and stabilization combo is hard to find anywhere else at this size. Just don't expect versatility, and mentally add the cost of a spare battery or two.
vs Competition
Stack the GR IV Monochrome against heavy hitters like the Sony a1 II, Canon EOS R6 Mark III, or Nikon Z9, and it's not even a fair fight in specs. Those cameras offer blazing autofocus, 8K video, and burst speeds that embarrass the Ricoh. But none of them fit in a pocket, and none have a true monochrome sensor. The Ricoh's niche is also its strength: if you want a stealthy, take-everywhere camera that produces the finest B&W files straight out of camera, this outdoes every competitor on that narrow ground. For anyone who doesn't specifically need monochrome, the Canon or Sony alternatives are dramatically more versatile.
| Spec | Ricoh GR GR IV Monochrome | Sony a7 a7 V | Canon EOS R6 Mark II R6 Mark II | Nikon Z Z8 | Fujifilm X-T X-T5 | Panasonic LUMIX S1II DC-S1M2BODY9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | compact | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 25.7MP aps-c | 33MP full-frame | 24.2MP full-frame | 45.7MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 24.1MP full-frame |
| AF Points | - | 759 | 1053 | 493 | 425 | 779 |
| Burst FPS | - | 30 | 12 | 30 | 15 | 70 |
| Video | 1080p | 4K @120fps | 4K @60fps | 8K @120fps | 6K @60fps | 6K @120fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 228 | 610 | 590 | 820 | 1624 | 1637 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricoh GR GR IV Monochrome | 33.6 | 36.2 | 65.9 | 29.1 | 47.2 | 90.2 | 1.4 | 56.5 | 63.5 | 70.6 | 42.7 | 90.6 |
| Sony a7 a7 V Compare | 95.6 | 88.9 | 94.9 | 90.9 | 89.9 | 59.9 | 96.6 | 99.5 | 92.9 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 96 |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II R6 Mark II Compare | 98.3 | 88.1 | 94.4 | 88.3 | 84.1 | 49.1 | 98.6 | 84.4 | 83.4 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 98.1 |
| Nikon Z Z8 Compare | 90.5 | 89.7 | 98 | 96 | 99.5 | 64.8 | 88.9 | 84.4 | 63.5 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 84.6 |
| Fujifilm X-T X-T5 Compare | 88.1 | 89.7 | 99.3 | 81 | 88.8 | 97.1 | 95.8 | 84.4 | 0 | 75.5 | 94.7 | 93.4 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S1II DC-S1M2BODY9 Compare | 97.1 | 95.2 | 99.3 | 96.7 | 95.1 | 45.7 | 99.3 | 84.4 | 0 | 93.3 | 66.9 | 98.1 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the autofocus fast enough for street photography?
According to our database, the autofocus ranks at the 34th percentile, which is below average. For deliberate street shots, it will get the job done, but you'll miss fast-moving subjects or split-second moments. If you rely on quick, spontaneous captures, you may find it frustrating.
Q: How does the lack of a viewfinder affect usability in bright light?
The 3-inch LCD is clear, but with the EVF performance sitting at just the 36th percentile, you're forced to rely solely on the rear screen. In direct sunlight, framing can be tough. An external viewfinder is an option, but that adds bulk to an otherwise compact setup.
Q: Is the monochrome sensor worth the premium over a color camera with B&W conversion?
If you shoot black and white almost exclusively, yes. The monochrome sensor avoids the light loss of a color filter array, meaning better detail and tonality. Our data shows this sensor in the 90th percentile for overall image quality, so you're getting a real upgrade in B&W rendering compared to converting color files.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome if you need any kind of video performance (1080p at 48th percentile won't cut it), shoot sports or wildlife (burst and AF are lacking), or expect a full day out of one charge. At 2nd percentile battery life, you'll be nursing it by lunch. Also, if you're not totally sold on dedicated monochrome photography, the $2,197 entry price is hard to justify over a capable color compact with a zoom lens and a viewfinder.
Verdict
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is a specialized tool for a specialized crowd. Its sensor and stabilization are near the top of the charts, and that translates directly into gorgeous black-and-white images you'll want to print. But the battery life is a glaring flaw, and the lack of a viewfinder plus lagging autofocus will frustrate anyone stepping outside the street photography niche. If you live for monochrome and can tolerate carrying extra batteries, this camera rewards with image quality that's hard to beat in a pocket-sized body.
