To further enhance the essential values of the GR series, the GR IV has been equipped with a number of newly developed key components, including the lens, image sensor and image processing processor. It features a newly developed APS-C image sensor and a newly designed lens to improve image quality while reducing the body size – a concept of the GR series that was already implemented in the previous model, the RICOH GR III. The new model, the GR IV HDF, inherits the basic advantages of the base model, such as exceptional image quality, responsiveness and mobility, and also features RICOH's HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter), which allows users to instantly and easily capture soft, gentle images with diffused highlights in addition to the clear, sharply focused images for which the base model is known. This creative versatility expands the boundaries of visual expression in snapshot photography.
The GR IV HDF HDF features RICOH's proprietary HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter), which emphasises highlights and produces soft, gentle images. This special effect filter was developed using the advanced inkjet technology that RICOH has perfected over many years. It diffuses highlights and creates a blurring effect at the edges of the image, producing nostalgic images similar to those from film photography or movies. As the HDF can be turned on and off instantly with a single touch, users can switch between two completely different visual expressions depending on the subject or their intention – clear, sharply focused images typical of the RICOH GR series, and soft, gentle images captured with the HDF. The default setting for the Fn (function) button is set to the HDF on/off function.
Super-slim, powerful GR lens
The GR IV HDF features a newly developed 18.3 mm F2.8 GR lens that combines exceptional image performance with a slim body design, while maintaining the 28 mm angle of view (equivalent to 35 mm in 35 mm format) and F2.8 maximum aperture of its predecessor. The new lens consists of seven optical elements in five groups, including aspherical lens elements and other glass elements with high refractive power and low dispersion. This results in high-contrast, high resolution images with sharpness right to the corners of the frame, while minimising distortion and chromatic aberrations.
Image sensor, processor and accelerator unit for high-quality, high-resolution images
To improve image resolution, reproduce rich colour gradations and increase sensitivity, the GR IV HDF combines a newly developed, rear-illuminated APS-C format CMOS image sensor for higher sensitivity and lower noise with an improved GR ENGINE 7 image processor. Thanks to its resolution of approx. 25.74 megapixels and improved image processing performance, the GR IV HDF delivers exceptionally high-quality images with high resolution and fine gradations. The camera also features RICOH's proprietary acceleration unit, which optimises the image data captured by the image sensor with a high signal-to-noise ratio and transmits it to the image processor, ensuring a maximum sensitivity of ISO 204800 for extremely high-sensitivity shooting
Advanced IBIS technology for reducing camera shake
Thanks to the specially developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism in the camera body, the GR IV HDF effectively compensates for camera shake when the shutter is released. Supported by a significantly improved compensation algorithm, this five-axis mechanism minimises unwanted effects caused by tilt, rotation and roll during normal shooting, as well as shifts during macro shooting by up to six f-stops.
Advanced AF system with minimised start-up time and fast autofocus function
The newly designed lens barrel and optimised start-up sequence of the GR IV HDF reduce the start-up time to approx. 0.6 seconds – the shortest in the history of the GR series, significantly improving the camera's quick-shooting capability. This combination also shortens the time required to switch to macro mode and when turning off the camera. The camera's fast lens drive, combined with the high speed of the image sensor's data readout, also ensures fast focusing and improved autofocus accuracy. The autofocus speed in low light conditions, as well as the accuracy and detection range of the phase-matching AF system in the image plane, have also been optimised to significantly improve the overall AF performance of the GR IV HDF.
Compact, slim and functional body design
To improve the camera's speed and ease of use, the GR IV HDF's body has been thoroughly redesigned and is now compact, slim and functional – exactly the qualities a snapshot camera needs. The body is slimmer than previous GR series models, and to ensure a secure grip, the thumb rest on the back is shaped so that the camera fits firmly but comfortably in the photographer's hand. The layout of the control buttons and dials has been revised, and the mode selector lever (ADJ) has been replaced with a control dial for easier operation, making the GR IV HDF even more functional and user-friendly than ever before. The camera body is made of a lightweight, highly rigid magnesium alloy for greater durability and reliability when shooting and transporting.
Quickly set the most suitable exposure mode for the subject
In Program Auto mode, the GR IV HDF has a hyper function that allows the photographer to switch the exposure mode by simply turning the front dial to aperture priority or the rear dial to shutter priority. With the new Depth of Field Priority (Sn) function, photographers can capture images with an emphasised depth of field resulting from the distance of the subject in snapshots and a visual depth effect.
"Cinema Mode" for the "Image Control" image control function
The "Image Control" function enables various expressive possibilities for image composition. It simulates the image expression according to familiar image parameters, such as those used in various films in analogue photography. In addition to the 12 existing effect modes, the GR IV HDF now offers another image simulation mode: the new Cinema Mode. Individually selectable yellow or green tints can be used to recreate the typical atmosphere and visual effect of nostalgic cinema films. In addition to basic parameters such as saturation, hue, tone, contrast and grain effect, two additional parameters – strength and size – can be set to the desired level in this new mode, creating a wider range of visual expression options and allowing you to choose the desired finishing touch for your image. In addition to the various presets, photographers can add individual settings (recipes) to the image control menu as a user-defined mode.
"Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi dual communication
The GR IV HDF features a dual communication system that combines Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi, enabling easy pairing with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. The new GR WORLD app, developed exclusively for the RICOH GR series, simplifies a variety of communication operations, including transferring image data to a smartphone, remotely triggering the shutter via a smartphone, and transferring the camera's location data to a smart device.
High-resolution LCD monitor with excellent outdoor visibility
The GR IV HDF features a 3.0-inch HD LCD monitor with approx. 1,037,000 dots. It features an air gap-free construction, in which a special plastic is used between the monitor's touchscreen panel and the reinforced glass protective cover to effectively reduce reflections and light scattering, improving visibility when shooting outdoors. The outdoor monitor setting ensures excellent visibility in both bright daylight and dark interiors. This feature also includes the new Auto setting, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the monitor to the lighting conditions of the shooting location.
