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Thank you Ricoh for the new GR IV premium compact, but I'm going to stick with my GR III for now – here's why
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Thank you Ricoh for the new GR IV premium compact, but I'm going to stick with my GR III for now – here's why
Timothy Coleman
23 August 2025
Minor update, mega price hike
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(Image credit: Ricoh)
The Ricoh GR IV is the premium compact and Fujfilm X100VI rival that many keen photographers have been waiting for. This week, finally, preorders went live.
You'd think I'd be happy, but as a (mostly) satisfied Ricoh GR III user for several years, I was sorely disappointed when I saw the specs and first product images – the GR IV looks like a really minor upgrade.
I put together my Ricoh GR IV wishlist a long while back, and it looks like I'm going to have to hope and pray that the next generation delivers.
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Ricoh shows off long-awaited GR IV compact camera, but it doesn't look like the major upgrade I wanted
Yes, my top wish for the new model was that it remained as small as its predecessor. Ricoh went one better by making the GR IV even slimmer... fractionally. However, keeping something the same is hardly a reason to upgrade, is it?
Better autofocus was another wish of mine. I've not used the new GR IV yet, but the first hands-on video by a Ricoh ambassador suggests autofocus is slightly quicker, but only by baby steps. Again, not enough of a reason to upgrade.
And here comes the real sting in the tail – Ricoh has hit fans with a huge price hike, especially for shoppers in the US. The new GR IV costs $1,499 / £1,199 / AU$2,099. Ouch.
Holding my own GR IIIX. In my book, a model from the GR III series is the thriftier purchase than the new GR IV (Image credit: Future)
There's simply no way that a camera with updates this minor can merit such a price increase (of around 20-35%, depending on where you live).
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The sensor only sees a small resolution bump – from 24MP to 26MP. There's a new 28mm f/2.8 lens, but it's unclear to me yet if it is noticeably better.
I wanted a tilt screen, but we still have a fixed one. I asked for a built-in flash, but again, that's a no. Better build quality? You guessed it – nope.
Yet here we are with a steep price increase that pushes the new model into a category with much fiercer rivals, such as the powerful (if bulkier) X100VI.
The GR series has comfortably sat around the $1,000 / £900 for years (with a slight price increase due in part, no doubt, to demand). That price feels fair.
If the price of the new model were around the same as before, I'd be tempted. But if I'm buying anything this week, it's going to be Ricoh's shiny new GF-2 external flash ($119.95 / £99 /AU$ TBC).
The new flash gun slots into the camera's hotshoe and is appropriately tiny, plus it's compatible with my GR III (although at the time of release, auto exposure isn't supported for older models – Ricoh says that'll come via a firmware update).
I'd rather the flash be built into the camera, but at least there's a good external option now.
With the GR IV, I think Ricoh has been stingy and greedy in one fell swoop, even if I'm delighted it has kept the series alive.
Want my advice? If you're keen on the GR series – and you should be, the GR III is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras with top image quality from a genuinely pocketable compact – then I suggest saving some cash by buying the older Ricoh GR III instead of the GR IV. You'll need to hurry to grab one while stocks last, though. Ricoh has discontinued it.
Today's best Ricoh GR III Street Edition, Ricoh GR IIIx andRicoh GR Digital III deals
Ricoh GR III Street Edition
$1,369.95View
See all prices
Ricoh GR IIIx
$1,126.95View
See all prices
Ricoh GR Digital III
$1,146View
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Timothy Coleman
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Cameras editor
Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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