Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Digital Camera

Overview

The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Digital Camera is the first GR-series camera created exclusively for black-and-white photography, purpose-built for photographers who demand the purest monochrome image quality in a compact, always-ready form. Designed as the ultimate snap shooter, this specialized GR IV variant features a dedicated monochrome sensor, a built-in red contrast filter, and new image controls tailored specifically for black-and-white expression.

Beyond its monochrome-specific imaging pipeline, the camera retains the hallmark GR experience, including a redesigned 28mm-equivalent lens, lightning-fast autofocus, advanced 5-axis Shake Reduction, and refined wireless connectivity through the GR WORLD app. Subtle exterior design updates complete the monochrome identity, resulting in a camera that is as visually cohesive as it is creatively focused.

Core Features

• Dedicated 25.7MP APS-C monochrome sensor records luminance-only data for maximum sharpness and tonal depth.
• Built-in selectable red contrast filter enhances sky drama, cloud separation, and skin tones.
• New GR ENGINE 7 processor delivers faster operation, improved low-light performance, and ISO up to 409600.
• Redesigned 28mm f/2.8-equivalent lens offers improved optical performance in a lighter, faster-focusing design.
• Advanced autofocus system provides quicker response, improved subject tracking, and reliable low-light focusing.
• 5-axis Shake Reduction system compensates for up to 6 stops of camera movement.

Monochrome Imaging Advantages

The GR IV Monochrome employs a 25.7MP APS-C CMOS sensor without a color filter array or anti-aliasing filter, allowing each pixel to record pure luminance data. This design eliminates color interpolation, resulting in sharper images, richer tonal transitions, and more natural grain structure that closely resembles traditional black-and-white film.

The sensor’s expanded native sensitivity range of ISO 160–409600 enables confident shooting in extreme low-light conditions while preserving detail across highlights and shadows.

Built-In Red Contrast Filter

Replacing the neutral density filter found in the standard GR IV, the Monochrome model integrates a selectable red contrast filter within the lens assembly. Activated via a dedicated rear button, this filter passes red wavelengths while suppressing blues and greens, producing dramatic skies, heightened cloud contrast, and brighter skin tones for expressive outdoor photography.

Image Control & Creative Styles

Two monochrome-specific Image Control modes have been introduced to take full advantage of the dedicated sensor. The “Solid” mode applies a firm tonal curve for bold, high-impact contrast, while the “Grainy” mode delivers a pronounced film-like grain with extended highlight and shadow detail.

Each Image Control preset allows adjustment of contrast, key, sharpness, and grain characteristics, with select parameters offering strength and size control. Custom configurations can be saved for rapid recall.

Autofocus & Snap Shooting

Powered by the GR ENGINE 7 processor and a lighter lens design, autofocus performance is significantly faster and more accurate than previous generations. Face and eye detection are improved, subject tracking is more reliable, and focus hunting is greatly reduced, even in low-light environments.

The signature Full Press Snap function allows instant override of autofocus by fully pressing the shutter, immediately focusing the lens to a preset distance. This lag-free approach is ideal for street photography and decisive-moment shooting.

Stabilization & Low-Light Performance

The new 5-axis Shake Reduction system compensates for up to 6 stops of camera shake, a major improvement over the previous 3-axis design. This expanded stabilization corrects a wider range of camera movements, enabling sharper handheld images at slower shutter speeds.

The Shake Reduction mechanism can also simulate the effect of an anti-aliasing filter when needed, reducing moiré when photographing high-frequency patterns such as fabrics.

Shooting Modes & Performance Tools

An electronic shutter allows shooting at speeds up to 1/16,000 second, making it easier to work wide open in bright conditions. Program Auto Ex mode enables instant switching between Program, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority using the front and rear dials.

Snap Distance-Priority AE mode emphasizes depth of field control, while multi-exposure shooting allows unlimited in-camera compositing. Multiple metering modes are available, including Highlight-Weighted metering for preserving bright tonal detail.

The camera also supports Full HD 1080 video recording at 60p, 30p, and 24p frame rates.

Lens Design & Crop Flexibility

The fixed 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens remains central to the GR philosophy, offering a versatile wide-angle perspective ideal for street, documentary, and travel photography. The new optical formula features seven elements in five groups, incorporating aspherical, high-refractive, and low-dispersion elements for improved sharpness and clarity.

A dedicated Macro mode supports close focusing from 2.4" to 4.7", while built-in crop modes simulate 35mm and 50mm fields of view for added compositional flexibility.

Body Design & Handling

The GR IV Monochrome features a refined magnesium alloy body that is slimmer than its predecessor for a more secure grip while maintaining exceptional portability. The exterior adopts a unified monochrome aesthetic, including a matte black body finish, semi-gloss black GR logo, and white power button illumination.

A redesigned control layout improves accessibility, with the ADJ lever replaced by a dial for more intuitive operation. The new DB-120 battery provides approximately 250 shots per charge, while internal storage has been expanded to 53GB alongside a microSD card slot.

Display, Connectivity & Workflow

The rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD features an air-gapless design to reduce reflections and improve outdoor visibility. Outdoor and Auto brightness modes adapt the display for changing lighting conditions.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity pair with the redesigned GR WORLD app, enabling wireless image transfer, remote shooting, and location data synchronization. USB-C connectivity supports in-camera charging and data transfer for streamlined workflows.

Optional Accessories

The hot shoe supports optional accessories such as the slim GF-2 external flash with Auto Flash metering and USB-C charging. The GV-2 optical viewfinder offers a 28mm-equivalent field of view with square format markings.

Removing the GN-3 ring cap allows attachment of the GA-3 lens adapter, enabling use of 49mm filters or the GW-4 wide conversion lens for expanded creative options.