Available soon, the Ricoh GR IV APS-C compact camera has been thoroughly massaged and upgraded over the popular GR III. From all-new components (sensor, engine, lens) to optimized physical controls, this might be the sensation of the year for those seeking an eminently pocketable option (without skimping on image quality). They’ve also announced a complimentary external flash, the GF-2, which is, really, wow, incredibly tiny. Be sure to check it out under the fold!
From the release:
Designed to faithfully evolve the core values of the GR-series—high image quality, quick responsiveness, and portability— the RICOH GR IV is equipped with newly developed key components, including lens, image sensor, imaging engine and enhanced image stabilization. It delivers high-quality, high-resolution images with intuitive, responsive snapshot operation, making it an excellent choice for snapshot photography.
The skeetus (new and notable features)
The GR IV takes it all in through a super-slim, yet plenty-sharp, 18.3mm f/2.8 GR LENS. The aperture is nice and wide and the 28mm full-frame equivalent field of view is an excellent all-rounder option. Ricoh promises high-contrast, high-res images with edge-to-edge sharpness and minimum aberration—nice!
Once the light is carefully ushered inside the camera, it falls on a brand-new APS-C BSI CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.74 MP and improved low-light sensitivity (compared to prior Ricoh GR-series cameras). This sensor is paired with the also-new GR ENGINE 7 imaging engine, including a unique accelerator unit designed to identify high signal-to-noise-ratio elements of your images for faster processing and allow ISO sensitivity to top out at a mind-boggling 204,800. The GR ENGINE 7, being so much faster, makes operation in general snappier, including a record-setting startup time of only 0.6 seconds.
Ricoh’s SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism has also been refreshed and updated, re-engineered to allow for significantly more effective in-body stabilization than prior models—up to six stops. The thoroughly redesigned body is slimmer and offers a more intuitive control layout, plus the mode adjustment lever has been replaced with a more conventional dial. Although slim, the magnesium alloy frame is sturdy enough to inspire the confidence to take this little guy everywhere.
A noteworthy software change is an expansion of the Image Control in-camera color adjustment. Ricoh has added a new Cinema mode (with “yellow” and “green” subsets) to emulate a nostalgic sort of filmic style. There are also two new parameters for custom adjustments (which can be saved as presets): Strength and Size join Saturation, Hue, Key, Contrast, and Grain Effect.
Additional improvements include battery life, autofocus performance (especially in low light), new companion apps, and a dual-communication system utilizing both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for rock-solid integration into the rest of your tech life. Visit a Mike’s Camera near you or click here to place your order today!
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RICOH GF-2 External Flash
The GF-2 External Flash is a compact, slim flash designed specifically for the GR IV. It features a super-compact body for outstanding portability, small enough to carry in a pocket while attached to the GR IV Camera. When the GR IV is set to the ISO Auto Flash mode, the GF-2 allows the camera to automatically adjust its guide-number and ISO sensitivity settings according to the subject’s distance. This flash mode enhances the GR IV‘s snapshot operations in casual flash photography.
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