Ricoh is launching its GR IV compact digicam in mid-September for $1,499.95, accompanied by a tiny new GF-2 add-on flash for $119.95. As initially announced in May, the GR IV will characteristic a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, barely redesigned 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, new autofocus and stabilization techniques, and 53GB of built-in storage to complement its microSD card slot.
It’s been over six years for the reason that first incarnation of the GR III launched, again in 2019, with simply the GR IIIx and HDF variants following since then. The a lot anticipated sequel digicam follows within the footprints of its predecessor with an ultra-compact physique and lens combo that’s ultimate for avenue images and on a regular basis picture-taking.
For those who’re extra conversant in Fujifilm’s wildly widespread X100VI than a Ricoh GR, the Ricoh is an much more compact tackle the same method — one you’ll be able to match right into a pocket. The GR IV has the identical dimension sensor however with a extra modest decision, a barely wider lens than an X100, a slower f/2.8 aperture, and no viewfinder (GR cameras depend on the rear display screen for composition, or an old-fashioned optical finder you mount on high).
That’s all par for the course with earlier GR cameras too. Although, a method the GR III set itself other than Fujifilm was a sub-$1,000 value when it launched in 2019. The brand new GR IV will promote for $600 greater than that — and $350 greater than the most recent GR III variant. Many cameras from the likes of Fujifilm, Nikon, Canon, and more have gone up in value this 12 months because of US tariffs. Among the many hardcore photograph crowd, the Ricoh GR line was recognized for being the reasonably priced choice of fastened focal-length avenue cameras. They clearly weren’t impulse-buy territory, however they have been cheaper than an X100 and less expensive than any Leica Q. Now, with the GR IV at $1,500 and X100VI running $1,800 (and presumably climbing greater) this fashion of digicam appears like a a lot pricier affair.