Ricoh GR IV Price Hike: September Launch Details
Ricoh GR IV: A Pocketable Powerhouse, But at a Price
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The Return of a Street Photography Favorite
Ricoh is set to release its highly anticipated GR IV compact camera in mid-September, priced at $1,499.95. Alongside it comes the GF-2 add-on flash, a diminutive companion at $119.95. First announced in May,the GR IV builds upon the legacy of its predecessors,offering a compelling blend of portability and photographic capability.
Evolution, Not Revolution
The GR IV arrives more than six years after the original GR III debuted in 2019, with the GR IIIx and HDF models following as refinements. Ricoh has largely maintained the winning formula: an incredibly compact body paired with a high-quality lens, making it an ideal tool for spontaneous street photography and everyday snapshots. The new model boasts a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, a subtly redesigned 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, improved autofocus and image stabilization, and a generous 53GB of internal storage, supplementing the standard microSD card slot.
how does it Stack Up?
For photographers familiar with Fujifilm’s popular X100VI, the Ricoh GR IV offers a similar experience in an even smaller package – truly pocket-sized. While both cameras share an APS-C sensor, the GR IV features a slightly lower resolution and a wider lens. Notably,the GR IV forgoes a built-in viewfinder,relying instead on the rear screen for composition,though an optional optical viewfinder is available.
| feature | Ricoh GR IV | Fujifilm X100VI |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 26MP APS-C | 40.2MP APS-C |
| Lens | 28mm f/2.8 | 35mm f/2.8 (variable) |
| Viewfinder | Optional | Hybrid (Optical/Electronic) |
| Price (approx.) | $1,499.95 | $1,800 |
The Rising Cost of Compact Cameras
While previous GR models distinguished themselves with relatively affordable pricing - the GR III launched under $1,000 in 2019 – the GR IV represents a notable price increase. Its $600 more expensive than its predecessor and $350 more than the most recent GR III HDF variant.This shift reflects a broader trend in the camera industry, with Fujifilm, Nikon, Canon,and Leica all raising prices this year due to US tariffs.
The Ricoh GR line once stood out as the accessible entry point into the world of fixed focal length, high-quality cameras. Now,with the GR IV reaching $1,500 and the Fujifilm X100VI hovering around $1,800,this segment of the market is becoming increasingly premium.