Anticipated Launch of the Ricoh GR IV: A Preview Video that Fuels My Eagerness for Its Arrival
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The Ricoh GR IV, the latest addition to the esteemed GR series, has recently made its debut in Asia, showcasing a series of incremental upgrades that enhance user experience, particularly for street photography.
Key Differences and Improvements
Autofocus Speed and Screen Blackout
One of the most significant improvements in the GR IV is the faster, more responsive autofocus system. With significantly reduced screen blackout time during focusing, the GR IV offers quicker shoot-to-shoot cycles and a more fluid shooting experience. This is crucial for street and candid photography, where speed and precision are essential.
Sensor and Image Quality
The GR IV employs a new APS-C sensor with a slight resolution increase to 25.7MP from 24MP in the GR III. Although the resolution bump is minor, it provides slightly larger files for printing or cropping.
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
The GR IV upgrades from the GR III’s 3-axis stabilization to a more advanced 5-axis IBIS, providing better compensation for camera shake, especially in low light.
Processor and Exposure Controls
The GR IV introduces the GR Engine 7 processor, enabling new exposure modes such as Program Auto Ex that allow more creative exposure handling. A new Snap Distance-Priority AE mode helps control depth of field more intuitively.
LCD and Usability
Although the screen size and resolution remain the same (3.0-inch, 1,037,000 dots), the GR IV adds an Outdoor Monitor Setting for improved visibility in bright conditions and an automatic brightness adjustment feature.
Internal Memory
A meaningful upgrade is the inclusion of 53GB of built-in storage in the GR IV versus very limited internal memory in the GR III.
Design Changes
The GR IV has a redesigned body with a mode adjustment lever replaced by a dial, and is slightly more compact.
Core Specs
Many core specs remain very similar, including the fixed 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, no 4K video capability, and no reported weather sealing.
Impressions from Ricoh GR Ambassador Samuel Lintaro
Samuel Lintaro, a Ricoh GR ambassador, has shared his first impressions of the GR IV on his YouTube channel, considering it one of the most exciting camera releases of the year. He finds the responsiveness and shorter screen blackout of the GR IV to be significant improvements compared to the GR III.
Comparison with the GR III
A comparison between the Ricoh GR IV and GR III is available for viewing, allowing potential buyers to see the improvements side by side.
The Impact of Photography: Kalum Carter's Perspective
Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer, has written about the Ricoh GR IV and its improvements. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling and fosters an appreciation for the impact of photography.
In summary, the GR IV's key improvements over the GR III are faster autofocus with less blackout, enhanced image stabilization, incremental sensor upgrades, new exposure modes, and usability tweaks. These contribute to a smoother, more responsive shooting experience while maintaining the classic GR series compactness and image quality strengths. If you're interested in street photography with the Ricoh GR IV, a guide to the best camera for street photography may be of interest.
[1] DPReview [2] Imaging Resource [3] Digital Camera World [4] Samuel Lintaro's YouTube Channel [5] Kalum Carter's Blog
