RICOH GR IV Compact Camera 30th Anniversary Edition
RICOH GR IV Compact Camera 30th Anniversary Edition
The first GR series camera was launched in October 1996, and since then the system has been the quintessential instant and spontaneous photo camera. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series, Ricoh is launching a limited edition commemorative kit — the "30th Anniversary Edition" — of the hugely popular GR IV.
New 25.7 MP BSI CMOS sensor and GR ENGINE 7
With a new sensor and processor, the GR IV sports a 25.7 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a back-illuminated design for sharper image quality and reduced noise. This sensor, coupled with the upgraded GR ENGINE 7 processor, helps achieve altogether better low-light performance, as well as a faster start-up time of 0.6s, faster focusing performance, up to ISO 204800, and the same versatile 14-bit DNG and JPEG recording as its predecessor.
Faster, more accurate autofocus
One of the main improvements of the GR IV is faster focusing performance. Aided by new GR ENGINE 7 processing and a redesigned, lighter lens, AF performance is more responsive than its predecessor, focus demand is greatly reduced, and facial recognition and subject tracking have been improved. In addition, coupled with improved image quality in low light, low-light focusing is also faster and more accurate for shooting in difficult lighting conditions.
Focus detection
During autofocus shooting, this AF system accurately detects the subject's face or eye, focuses on it, and indicates the focused position on the LCD viewfinder using autofocus framing. When the camera detects multiple faces, it automatically distinguishes the main subject from the secondary ones and indicates it in the focus frame. The Full Press Snap function allows you to cancel autofocus instantly by fully pressing the shutter button and making the lens immediately focus at a preset distance. This unique shooting and focusing function is perfect for street photography and eliminates any lag to capture decisive moments.
5-axis vibration reduction
One more feature for use in low light: the GR IV features a new 5-axis vibration reduction system that compensates for up to 6 points of camera shake. Improving on the previous generation's 3-axis system, this new stabilization system compensates for more types of camera shake and is more effective at reducing vibration when shooting handheld.
Image Control
The Image Control function offers 12 distinct modes for applying preset visuals to a scene, as well as a new Cinema mode, with a choice of Yellow or Green hue, for a more nostalgic and cinematic look. The saturation, contrast, hue, hue and grain parameters of each mode can be adjusted to suit the desired effect, and the selected settings also support intensity and size adjustment for an even more personalized look.
User-selected settings can be added to the Image Control menu as a custom mode.
Shooting modes
When set to Program AE, the GR IV now has an Auto Ex Program function, which allows instant exposure mode switching by turning the front e-Dial for Aperture Priority or the rear e-Dial for Shutter Priority. Snap Distance-Priority AE (Sn) mode has also been added to the exposure mode options; this mode emphasizes the depth of field of a scene and adjusts the exposure parameters to prioritize the desired depth-of-field effect.
The sensor features an anti-aliasing (AA) filterless design, which maximizes sharpness and resolution in most shooting circumstances. However, in certain circumstances, such as when shooting certain fabrics and other high-frequency patterns and colors, the Vibration Reduction mechanism can simulate the effects of an AA filter to reduce moiré.
Built-in multi-exposure mode with no frame limit for compositing unlimited sequential exposures in-camera. Multi-segmented, center-weighted, and spot metering options are available, along with highlight-weighted options that prioritize keeping highlight values within dynamic range and allow shadows to become darker and darker.
In addition to taking stills, the GR IV is also capable of recording Full HD 1080 video at 60p, 30p, and 24p frame rates.
Redesigned 28mm f/2.8 equivalent lens
Essential to the GR photography experience, the GR IV retains a 28mm equivalent fixed-lens design; this wide-angle lens is ideal for everyday photography, street scenes, and travel, and is accompanied by a reasonably bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, which is fast enough for low-light shots and helps keep the camera's overall size and weight down.
The new optical design significantly improves sharpness compared to previous generations. The 7-element-in-5-group layout includes aspherical, high-resolution, low-dispersion glass elements, which help achieve greater clarity and resolution, as well as a smaller, lighter physical design with faster focus and aperture. The dedicated Macro mode with a distinct close-up focus range is suitable for working with subjects within a working range of 2.4" to 4.7". The built-in ND filter reduces exposures by two stops, allowing the use of higher-than-normal aperture settings or slower shutter speeds for creative depth-of-field or motion blur effects. Built-in crop modes simulate the fields of view of 35mm and 50mm lenses, offering an even narrower field of view without the need to change lenses.
Design and handling
Updating the popular and highly portable design, the GR IV is even thinner than its predecessor, providing a firmer and more secure grip. In addition, the camera retains its lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloy frame. The new DB-120 battery is used in the GR IV; this larger capacity battery now delivers approximately 250 shots per charge. The internal memory has been increased to 53GB and the memory card slot has been changed to the sleeker microSD format.
The USB-C port allows for in-camera battery charging and data transfer. The layout of the control buttons and dials has been redesigned for easy access, and the ADJ lever has been changed to a dial for more intuitive operation. The 3.0" 1.04m rear touchscreen LCD monitor features an air-gapless design to help reduce reflections and improve visibility outdoors. In addition, the External Monitor Setup function increases brightness to suit midday shooting, and there is a new monitor auto-brightness setting that automatically adjusts the brightness level depending on the ambient lighting.
Wireless connectivity and GR WORLD app
A new dedicated GR WORLD app has been developed to simplify the experience of shooting with GR series cameras. This app allows for the transfer of files from the camera to the mobile device, remote shutter control and location data transfer.
Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are used for easy and stable connection with mobile devices.
Details of the Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition Kit
- The shutter release buttons and rear buttons are finished in a special colour, inspired by the coating used on the original GR1 film camera. A special graphic image alluding to the 30th anniversary of the GR line is displayed when the camera is turned off.
- A "GN-3 (30th)" model "ring cap" with a diamond-cut design inspired by the GR1's lens area comes with the kit as an exclusive accessory. Diamond-cut surfaces capture light only when the lens is retracted (with the camera turned off); in addition, the cap is specifically designed to prevent reflections on the subject being photographed during use.
- A genuine leather finger strap is included as an exclusive accessory. It is a special design with the "30th ANNIVERSARY" inscription engraved on the back. The finger grip takes up very little space when stored or transported.
- A special metal hot shoe cover, model "GK-2 (30th)" in steel grey, is also part of the exclusive accessories. The 30th anniversary logo is engraved on the front and the "RICOH GR" signature on the back, making this an exclusive item that enhances the camera's aesthetics.
- The kit includes 16 special pins: 14 representing previous models from the GR range, one with the 30th anniversary logo (exclusive to this kit) and one with the GR logo.
Key features
- 30th Anniversary Design & Accessories
- 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
- New 28mm f/2.8 lens (full-frame equivalent)
- Improved AF and low-light focusing
- 5-axis, 6-stop vibration reduction system
- 3.0" LCD touchscreen with 1.04 million dots
- 53GB internal memory and microSD card slot
- Full HD 1080/60p video recording
- Snap Distance Priority and focus limiter
- Crop modes for 35 mm and 50 mm focal lengths
What's in the box:
1x Compact Camera GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition
1x Ricoh DB-120 Battery (1800mAh)
1xGN-3 Ring Cap (30th Anniversary)
1x 30th Anniversary Commemorative Leather Wrist Strap
1x GK-2 Metal Hot Shoe Cover (30th Anniversary)
16x Ricoh Pins
1x USB I-USB198 Cable