Ricoh Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Camera Review
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome delivers stunning black and white images straight from its sensor, but its terrible battery life and sky-high price make it a tool for purists only.
Overview
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is a camera for one specific person: the photographer who sees the world in black and white and wants the purest tool to capture it. Forget color. This thing has a dedicated monochrome sensor, which means every pixel is used for luminance detail, not filtered for color. The result is sharper, grainier, and more tonally rich black and white images straight out of the camera than you can get from converting a color file. It's not a camera for everyone, but for its niche, it's basically perfect.
Performance
The image quality is the star, and that sensor lands in the 83rd percentile for a reason. The files have a depth and clarity that's hard to describe until you see it. But the trade-offs are stark. That battery life is in the 0th percentile for a reason—250 shots per charge is laughably bad for anything but a short walk. And the autofocus, sitting at the 45th percentile, is fine for street photography but won't keep up with fast action.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pure monochrome image quality is unmatched by any color-conversion process. 90th
- Incredibly compact and lightweight at just 262g, it disappears in a jacket pocket. 87th
- Build quality feels fantastic, ranking in the 95th percentile. 82th
- The fixed lens is sharp and the 28mm equivalent focal length is a classic for street photography. 76th
Cons
- Battery life is a genuine joke. Buy three extra batteries.
- No weather sealing means you're at the mercy of the elements. 29th
- Video specs are basically an afterthought (36th percentile). 34th
- The fixed screen and lack of a viewfinder won't suit everyone's shooting style.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | 23.3 x 15.5 mm (APS-C) CMOS |
| Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 25.74 |
| ISO Range | 160 |
Autofocus
| AF Type | Auto-area AF, Zone Select AF, Select AF, Pinpoint AF, Tracking A |
Shooting
| Max Shutter | 1/4000 |
Video
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | No |
Build
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Battery Life | 250 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At over $2,100, this is a wildly expensive proposition for a fixed-lens camera with no color. You're paying for a specialized sensor and a cult-favorite design. It's not about value for the masses; it's about paying a premium for a specific, uncompromising tool. If you need color, this is the worst value imaginable.
vs Competition
This camera doesn't have direct competitors because of the monochrome sensor. The closest comparisons are color cameras you'd convert to black and white. The Fujifilm X-E5 offers a similar rangefinder style and Fuji's famous film simulations, including great monochrome modes, for about a third of the price. The Sony ZV-E10 is a better vlogging and video tool. If you want a more versatile travel camera, the Canon R6 Mark II runs circles around it in autofocus and battery life. But none of them will give you the GR IV Monochrome's unique files.
| Spec | Ricoh Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Camera | Nikon Z9 Nikon Z 9 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body | Sony Alpha 7 Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body | OM System OM-1 OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-H2 Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera, Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Compact | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | 25.7MP APS-C | 45.7MP Full Frame | 33MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 22.9MP Micro Four Thirds | 40.2MP APS-C |
| AF Points | - | - | 759 | 1000 | 1053 | - |
| Burst FPS | - | 30 | 10 | 40 | 120 | 20 |
| Video | 1080p | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 262 | 1338 | 658 | 590 | 62 | 590 |
Verdict
Buy this camera only if you are a dedicated black and white photographer who values ultimate image purity over everything else: convenience, battery life, versatility, and your wallet. It's a masterpiece of minimalism for a very specific artist. For literally anyone else, even hobbyists who love black and white, a standard color camera from Fujifilm or Sony will be a smarter, more flexible choice.