Ricoh has finally released its next-generation photographers’ compact camera, the GR IV.
It’s the latest and long-awaited successor in a beloved line of enthusiast cameras that have long held a cult status among photographers, especially street shooters who prize speed, stealth, and simplicity over flashy specs.
First introduced as a compact film camera in the 1990s, the GR quickly became known for its sharp fixed 28mm lens, discreet design, and intuitive controls.
Over the years, that DNA carried through to digital versions, and the GR earned a reputation as the anti-DSLR: a camera small enough to disappear in a pocket, but powerful enough to capture pro-grade images on the fly.
Part of the line’s allure is that it’s always felt like a shooter’s camera, not a gadget. Unlike phones or bigger mirrorless rigs, it asks photographers to commit to a focal length and rewards them with speed, sharpness, and rich, dynamic images in the right hands.
That focus has built a loyal base of fans — many of whom evangelize the GR as the ultimate everyday carry, a tool for photographers who want to be ready when life happens.
Here’s what you need to know about the new GR IV and how it differs from its predecessor.
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