CameraReview

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

Ricoh · Compact · 25.74 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

Score Breakdown

This product does not have an overall score yet.

—
UNSCORED
Buying Options
What We Like
+Monochrome-dedicated sensor delivers exceptional detail, tonal gradation, and approximately 2/3 stop more light than color sensors
+Exceptionally compact and pocketable design; truly fits in shirt or jacket pocket
+Built-in selectable red filter provides dramatic skies and enhanced contrast without additional filters
+Intuitive controls with direct access to exposure settings via top-plate dials; excellent one-handed operation
+Extensive customization with six dedicated monochrome image profiles and granular tonal controls
+53GB internal storage plus microSD allows extensive shooting without external media
Worth Knowing
−Monochrome-only sensor means no color photography capability; not suitable for mixed-use needs
−No electronic viewfinder; reliance on fixed LCD screen can be challenging in bright sunlight
−Not weather-sealed; sacrificed for compact form factor, limiting use in rain or dusty conditions
−Significant $600+ premium over the standard GR IV for monochrome-only capability; expensive for niche audience

General

About This Camera
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is a specialized compact camera that commits entirely to black-and-white photography through a dedicated monochrome-only sensor that eliminates color filter arrays and interpolation processing. Its combination of exceptional tonal rendering, intuitive ergonomics, and genuinely pocketable design makes it compelling for purist photographers, though the premium price, lack of color capability, and absence of weather sealing restrict its appeal to a defined audience of dedicated monochrome enthusiasts.
BrandRicoh
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Feb 2026
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2026
Camera weight262 g
Camera typeCompact

Sensor

TypeMonochrome-dedicated CMOS, APS-C size
Native ISO Range160 - 409,600

Optics

Focal Length18.3mm (28mm full-frame equivalent)
Maximum ApertureF2.8
Construction5-group 7-element with aspherical elements
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
25.74 MP050

Autofocus

SystemHybrid (phase-detect + contrast-detect)

Image stabilization

Type5-axis sensor-shift
EffectivenessUp to 6 shutter stops

Video

FormatH.264
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD

Storage

Internal Memory53GB
ExternalmicroSD card slot

Display

ResolutionApproximately 1.04 million dots

Build

Dimensions109.4 x 61 x 32.7mm
ShutterMechanical (max 1/2500 at F2.8) and electronic (max 1/16,000)

Controls

FiltersBuilt-in red filter
Image ControlsSix monochrome-specific modes including Solid and Grainy
BatteryDB-120 (1800mAh), approximately 250 shots

Connectivity

USBUSB Type-C
FlashHot shoe

Features

Screen size3.0"
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No