Photographers like nothing more than finding a compact, user-friendly piece of camera gear that can perform admirably alongside their larger, more-expansive kits. That's why advanced digital compact cameras, like the new Ricoh GR IV, always make a big splash when they hit the market.
Let's find out a bit more about the Ricoh GR IV, and figure out who is going to be keenest to get their hands on one as soon as it hits the shelves.
Ricoh GR IV Digital Camera Highlights
The Ricoh GR IV features an APS-C format back-illuminated image sensor with 25.74MP. While the megapixels matter to some degree, it is the larger size of the image sensor If you want to understand why sensor size often matters more than megapixel count, our guide to the megapixel myth explains it in full. that makes this camera capture such excellent image quality, and is why dedicated cameras like this will always be better than smartphones, if image quality is your main concern.
The lens in the Ricoh GR IV is capable of brilliant edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion, thanks to the glass-molded aspherical and high-refraction elements included in the design. The 18mm focal length is equivalent to 28mm, which is a versatile, wide field of view.
What does the Ricoh GR IV have in store to combat camera shake? This camera includes an advanced 5-axis Shake Reduction mechanism, which compensates for a whopping 6 stops of shake!
While this camera shines as a still photography tool, it is also a capable video maker, with Full HD video recording on offer. Storing this video is easy, with a huge 53GB storage capacity built-in, as well as a micro SD slot for enhancing this.
What's new in this model?
While the release of the GR IV is exciting, for anyone who has followed camera releases over the years, the high-quality will not come as a surprise. What does this new model offer, compared to the popular Ricoh GR III, which we reviewed previously?
The Ricoh GR IV features a brand new lithium rechargeable battery, which offers extended battery life, so you can capture up to 250 shots on a solitary charge. The new GR 7 engine offers a variety of improvements, which includes enhanced operating speeds, speedier AF functionality, and low-light performance.
While the difference in build is not huge, this new model is smaller and slimmer than previous models, making it even more pocketable and suitable for everyday use.
Developing the look and style of your photos and videos is simple and enjoyable with the GR IV. As well as the 12 standard effects modes offered by the image control function, this camera includes a cinema mode, which allows users to harness the look and charm of old-school movies. Similarly, the grain effect mode has been improved to allow the size and strength of grain to be adjusted.
Here are some other key tweaks that caught our eye:
- Program Auto Ex: Easily switch to Aperture Priority AE by turning the front dial and Shutter Priority AE by turning the rear dial.
- Snap Distance Priority: Automatically adjusts the aperture to keep your subject sharp, based on your set focus distance.
- EV Compensation Button: A dedicated button lets you easily adjust the EV setting to get the perfect exposure.
- GR World: A new smartphone app that improves connectivity, letting you import images, shoot remotely, and add location data to your photos.
Who is the Ricoh GR IV most suitable for?
This camera is portable and powerful, perfect for everyday snapshot photography, travel photography and street photography. If street photography is your passion, our street photography tips and tricks guide will help you make the most of a discreet, pocketable camera like the GR IV.
Shop the Ricoh GR IV at Ted's
Introducing the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
What better way to fully immerse yourself in the great traditions of photography, than exploring the true artistic expression of black and white photography? The brand new Ricoh GR IV Monochrome features a unique design which eliminates the colour filter, producing stunning black and white imagery with greater tonality than is possible when digitally converting colour images.
Other highlights include an electronic shutter with a higher maximum shutter speed, and an increased maximum ISO rating, making it perfect for low light photography explorations.
Image © Tomas H. Hara
Shop the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome at Ted's
Ricoh GR IV Review Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
After spending time with the Ricoh GR IV, it's clear this camera earns its place as one of the best compact cameras available in 2026. See how it stacks up against the competition in our roundup of the best digital cameras for photography in Australia 2026. The 25.74MP APS-C back-illuminated sensor delivers exceptional image quality — particularly in low light — while the 28mm-equivalent lens produces edge-to-edge sharpness that rivals far larger systems. The 5-axis Shake Reduction and fast autofocus make it genuinely usable in fast-moving, real-world shooting situations. If you've been searching for a thorough Ricoh GR IV review before committing, the short answer is: this camera over-delivers for its size. Street photographers, travel shooters, and enthusiasts who want a pocketable backup to their mirrorless kit will find the GR IV a compelling, capable choice.
What Is the New Ricoh Camera Everyone Is Talking About?
The new Ricoh camera generating buzz in 2026 is the Ricoh GR IV — the latest evolution of Ricoh's legendary GR compact series. Building on the GR IIIx and GR III, the GR IV introduces a higher-resolution 25.74MP APS-C sensor, improved image processing, and refined stabilisation in a body that still fits in your shirt pocket. Ricoh's GR line has a devoted following among street photographers and documentary shooters who value discretion, speed, and image quality above all else. The GR IV continues that tradition while adding meaningful upgrades that make it the most capable GR to date. Available now at Ted's Cameras, it's the compact camera serious photographers have been waiting for.
Ricoh GR IV Pros and Cons
Here's a quick breakdown to help your buying decision:
- Pro: Large APS-C sensor in an ultra-compact, pocketable body
- Pro: Outstanding lens sharpness from edge to edge with minimal distortion
- Pro: 5-axis Shake Reduction keeps handheld shots crisp
- Pro: Fast, responsive autofocus for street and candid shooting
- Con: Fixed 28mm-equivalent focal length won't suit all shooting styles
- Con: No optical zoom — what you see is what you get
For photographers who shoot the Ricoh GR Digital IV style — purposeful, wide, and close — these trade-offs are features, not limitations. The GR IV is a specialist tool that excels in the hands of the right shooter.
For a deeper dive into how APS-C compares to other sensor formats, check out our guide to understanding camera sensor sizes.