Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Digital Camera

High Image Quality

When every ray of light is captured to its limit, a compelling drama emerges.

The imaging system is engineered exclusively for monochrome photography.

Optics That Truly Shine in Monochrome

F2.8 GR Lens

The camera features the 18.3mm (28mm in 35mm equivalent focal length) F2.8 GR lens. While inheriting the established design philosophy and incorporating successive advances in optical technology, the lens employs a 5-group 7-element construction, with a large, aspherical high-precision molded glass lens added as the final lens. To fully realize the performance of this lens, the imaging system has been optimized specifically for the monochrome-dedicated GR. The monochrome-dedicated image sensor is not equipped with a color filter and performs no interpolation processing, enabling the GR lens’s outstanding optical performance to be captured in its entirety. The result is exceptional resolution extending to the edges of the frame, rich gradation, and low distortion. The true potential of the GR lens is fully revealed in monochrome.

Faithful Light Capture

Monochrome-Dedicated CMOS Image Sensor

To pursue the highest level of monochrome expression, a dedicated image sensor was developed. It does not use a color filter to acquire color information; instead, each pixel captures the brightness information of the subject and directly translates it into a monochrome image. This allows the sensor to receive more light information than a conventional color image sensor, resulting in sharper images with enhanced detail and improved sensitivity.

Dedicated Monochrome Image Processing

GR ENGINE 7

To maximize the performance of the monochrome-dedicated image sensor, a new image-processing engine was developed. It performs none of the interpolation processing that is indispensable in color image sensors, allowing it to make full use of the brightness information captured by each pixel. This delivers high-definition and nuanced detail as well as rich tonal depth, achieving the imaging power demanded of a GR designed exclusively for monochrome photography.

Expressive High-ISO Imaging

Maximum ISO 409600

With no color filter, the monochrome-dedicated sensor achieves higher sensitivity, expanding the usable ISO sensitivity range to ISO 160 to 409600. Even at high sensitivities, image detail remains abundant. Even at sensitivities where noise becomes noticeable in color models, this sensor renders a fine, grain-like texture at the pixel level. This allows shooting with a sense similar to the grainy appearance produced when black-and-white film is push-processed. In monochrome photography, high-ISO image quality can be used proactively as an expressive element.

High Resolution Made Possible by Monochrome

5-axis, 6-stop Image Stabilization

The camera is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilization mechanism that corrects angular shake, rotational shake, and even shift shake by driving the image sensor. With a high correction performance equivalent to 6.0* stops in shutter speed, it expands the limits of snap shooting. In the monochrome-dedicated imaging system, which makes use of brightness information captured by all pixels, this image stabilization is also highly effective. By compensating for the impact of camera shake, it produces high-resolution, high-definition monochrome images.

Excellent Mobility

Instinctive Shooting,

Stories Beyond the Moment

In a world without color, you need a camera that can respond instantly to the moment.

High-Speed, High-Precision Focusing Performance

Image-Plane Phase Detection

Despite being a monochrome-dedicated camera, it also supports image-plane phase detection. This enables high-speed, high-precision focusing on the subject and allows for responsive, agile shooting. In addition, the monochrome-dedicated sensor offers excellent low-light performance, making it easier to acquire focus even in dark scenes. AF shooting is possible even with the red filter set to “On,” so you can fully enjoy quick, reactive photography.

A Presence Unlike Any Color Model

Monochrome-Dedicated Design

By unifying the overall color and texture, the camera evokes the primitive, essential world of black-and-white photography.

The magnesium-alloy body, as well as the shutter release button and ring cap, are finished in matte black, with subdued sheen, deep texture, and a softly tactile feel that together make the GR’s special nature immediately apparent. Additionally, a semi-gloss black front GR logo with a different luster from the body, the white illumination of the power button, and other design details express the monochrome worldview throughout the camera.

An Intuitive Gateway to Monochrome

User Interface

The Fn button is assigned to switching the red filter on and off. The down button of the direct keys is assigned to Image Control which unlocks a wide range of monochrome renderings. Functions you will want to use most in monochrome shooting are placed where they can be accessed most directly and comfortably.

Expressive Power

There are monochrome images that only the GR can create.

With light that changes from moment to moment, you need the right contrast and finishing.

New Looks Developed for Monochrome

Image Control

New Image Control options have been developed to bring out the unique appeal of monochrome photography. “Solid” uses a hard tonal curve to express a crisp, clean look and renders edges with refined clarity. “Grainy” is an Image Control with striking, pronounced grain. While the grain is clearly visible even on smart devices, highlights are not blown out completely and shadows are not crushed to solid black, creating a rendering reminiscent of silver-halide prints.

Contrast Control

Built-in Red Filter

In monochrome photography, the use of color filters is a well-established technique for altering the impression of an image. Among them, red filters can produce images with strong visual impact—for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance contrast with clouds, or by rendering red subjects brighter to make them stand out more clearly. Instead of an ND filter, the GR IV Monochrome incorporates a red filter within the lens unit, enabling expanded image expression through the use of color even in monochrome photography. The filter ON/OFF function is assigned to the Fn button, allowing it to be switched intuitively without interrupting the shooting rhythm. In addition, a warm color is used for the AF fill light when the red filter is turned on.

Expanded Freedom in Exposure

Electronic Shutter up to 1/16000 s

Thanks to the built-in electronic shutter, a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 second is available. This allows you to use the maximum aperture F2.8 even in bright conditions without an ND filter, and it also opens up new expressive possibilities such as shooting at high ISO sensitivities in daylight to emphasize grain.

By setting the electronic shutter to “Use Only at High Speeds,” the camera will automatically switch to the electronic shutter only when shutter speeds exceed the mechanical shutter’s maximum of 1/4000 second.

Refined Finishing Without a Computer

In-Camera RAW Development

RAW format data can be developed on the camera and saved as a JPEG image. The extensive Image Control options can be applied during development, enabling sophisticated image creation using only the camera. Developed images can be saved either in the internal memory or on a memory card, allowing for efficient management of your work.

Expand Your Expressive Capabilities

Wide Conversion Lens / Dedicated Flash

The camera supports the Wide Conversion Lens GW-4. When attached, it enables ultra-wide-angle shooting equivalent to 21mm (in 35mm format). The camera also supports the External Flash GF-2, which, when attached, achieves not only low-light shooting but also various flash applications such as daylight sync with automatic brightness control. Its ultra-compact design preserves the camera’s mobility even when attached.

Usability

Ease of Use That Invites Everyday Carry

The camera is compatible with the dedicated app “GR WORLD,” which expands the enjoyment of using your GR from a smart device. It also inherits outstanding features of the GR IV, including 53 GB of internal memory and the Outdoor View Setting for the monitor.

Dedicated App for a More Enjoyable GR Experience.

GR WORLD

“GR WORLD” is an app developed specifically for use with smart devices. Connecting it to the camera makes importing images, performing remote shooting, and sending location information to the camera easy. The app can also be used to extract and play back images shot with the GR series from those saved in smart devices. It is also a great tool for connecting to a large community through photos.

Manage Images with Two Memory Options.

53 GB Internal Memory

The GR IV Monochrome features 53 GB of internal memory. Even without a memory card, there is plenty of space. You can record approx. 2,911 JPEG images (Aspect Ratio: 3:2, Crop: Off, JPEG Recorded Pixels: L), and approx. 937 RAW images (Aspect Ratio: 3:2, Crop: Off). In addition to specifying whether to prioritize saving to the internal memory or the memory card, you can also switch between the two while shooting and copy images between them. These two memory options offer greater flexibility over managing and backing up images.