Ricoh GR IV
A premium camera whose most important specification may still be that it can live in a real pocket.
GR IV continues Ricoh's narrow formula: a large APS-C sensor, fixed wide lens and minimal body built for fast documentary and street photography. The current model uses a 25.74MP back-illuminated sensor behind an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens—roughly 28mm-equivalent—and adds five-axis sensor-shift stabilization.
Ricoh also claims startup in roughly 0.6 seconds. That is more important than it sounds in a camera whose job is to be present when a phone is not enough but a camera bag is too much.
What is actually here
What does the premium buy?
Interchangeable-lens cameras offer more range for similar money. GR IV spends the premium on pocketability, fast startup, a mature fixed-lens interface and the discipline of having the same focal length ready every time.
Benchmark
For photographers who value a truly carry-everywhere camera, this is one of the clearest expressions of the category. Anyone wanting an EVF, zoom or system expansion should buy something less constrained.
The Catch
No electronic viewfinder and one fixed 28mm-equivalent perspective make the brief unforgiving. Availability was also constrained when researched, and scarcity should never be treated as product value.
Independent perspective: DPReview in-depth test.
Pricing, sensor, lens, stabilization and startup figures are manufacturer-stated and may change. The product was listed out of stock when researched. Row & Ledger has not physically tested this camera.