The Ricoh GR IV Review: The Best Camera You Can Actually Fit in Your Pocket

It is December 27, 2025. The wrapping paper has been recycled, the leftovers are dwindling, and if you’re anything like me, you’re currently staring at a pile of gift cards or a returned-gift store credit wondering what to do with it.

If you have any interest in photography—and I don’t mean "taking pictures of your lunch for Instagram Stories" but actual photography—I have the answer.

The Ricoh GR series has long been the worst-kept secret among street photographers and travel journalists. It is an unassuming, matte-black brick that looks like something your dad bought at a pharmacy in 2004. But inside that humble shell sits a massive APS-C sensor (the same size found in chunky DSLRs) and one of the sharpest lenses ever made.

The newly released Ricoh GR IV has just landed. I’ve spent the last few weeks testing it, shoving it in coat pockets, and dropping it (gently) onto cafe tables. The verdict? It’s the same camera it’s always been, just finally fixed in the ways that mattered.

If you’re tired of the computational, over-processed look of smartphone photos, this is the cure.

Evolution, Not Revolution

Let’s get the skepticism out of the way first. If you place the GR IV next to its predecessor, the GR III, you will not be able to tell the difference. Ricoh didn't change the chassis. They didn't add a massive grip. They didn't slap a flashy "IV" logo on the front in neon paint.

Good.

The magic of this camera is its stealth. It doesn't look like a theft target. It doesn't intimidate subjects on the street. It looks like a toy.

However, the internals have received the "small update" mentioned in the press materials, which is actually a massive deal for usability. The previous model was notorious for two things: incredible image quality and autofocus that hunted for clarity like a confused bloodhound in low light.

I’m happy to report the autofocus on the GR IV is finally reliable. Is it Sony-sports-camera fast? No. But it locks on instantly in street scenarios, and the new face-detection algorithm actually sticks to the subject rather than jumping to a patterned wallpaper in the background. For a camera designed to capture fleeting moments, this upgrade alone makes it worth the price of admission.

The "GR Look" vs. The Smartphone

We are living in the golden age of computational photography. Your phone can turn night into day and smooth your skin until you look like a plastic doll. But there is a flatness to phone photos—a lack of depth and texture that physics simply dictates.

The GR IV offers what I call "digital grit." The images have character. Because of that large sensor and the sharp 28mm equivalent lens, you get natural separation between your subject and the background without relying on "Portrait Mode" software to blur the edges of your hair incorrectly.

The colors are the other selling point. Ricoh’s "Positive Film" simulation is legendary for a reason. It produces rich, moody reds and deep shadows that look like they were graded by a professional editor, straight out of the camera.

When I’m testing products, I usually have to spend hours editing RAW files. With the GR IV, I found myself transferring the JPEGs directly to my phone and posting them. They just look right.

What They Didn’t Fix (And Why It Matters)

I promised you honesty, so let’s talk about the flaws. Ricoh is stubborn.

Battery life is still mediocre. The form factor is tiny, so the battery is tiny. If you are going out for a full day of shooting, you need to buy two extra batteries or bring a USB-C power bank. It’s an annoyance, but a manageable one.

There is still no weather sealing. For a camera marketed as the ultimate street tool, the fact that I still have to hide it inside my jacket during a drizzle is frustrating. If you’re gifting this to an adventurer who spends their time in rainforests or dusty deserts, keep this limitation in mind.

Video is an afterthought. If you are looking for a vlogging camera, stop reading and buy a DJI Osmo or a Sony ZV. The Ricoh GR IV takes video, technically, but it’s not what it’s for. This is a still-image machine.

Who Should Buy This?

At Gimmie AI, we look at value through the lens of utility. Who actually benefits from dropping serious cash on a dedicated camera in 2025?

The Burned-Out Creative: If you (or the person you’re buying for) used to love photography but got tired of lugging around a heavy backpack of lenses, this camera will reignite that spark. It removes the friction. It’s always with you.

The Parent: You want high-quality photos of your kids that don't look like sterile phone snaps, but you can't chase a toddler while holding a heavy DSLR. The GR IV’s "Snap Focus" mode allows you to pre-set the focus distance (say, 1.5 meters) and instantly capture sharp photos without waiting for the autofocus to lock. It is the ultimate "dad cam" or "mom cam."

The Traveler: I recently took this on a weekend trip instead of my full professional kit. I didn't miss the big gear once. I felt present in the moment rather than being "the guy with the camera," yet the photos I came home with were gallery-quality.

The Bottom Line

The Ricoh GR IV is a niche product that has earned its cult status. It isn't trying to do everything. It doesn't zoom. It doesn't shoot 8K video. It doesn't play games.

It is a singular tool designed for one purpose: capturing the world with honesty and high fidelity, all while fitting in the front pocket of your jeans.

If you have a GR III that is still working fine, the autofocus improvements here are nice, but maybe not worth the upgrade unless you shoot a lot of moving subjects.

But if you are looking to step away from the smartphone algorithm and get back to the soul of photography, the Ricoh GR IV is the best purchase you’ll make this year. It’s not just a gadget; it’s an invitation to look at the world a little closer.