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Ricoh GR DIGITAL IV Digital Camera (Black)

BH #RIGR4B • MFR #175723
18 reviews
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Ricoh GR DIGITAL IV Digital Camera (Black)
Key Features
  • 10Mp 1/1.7" CCD Image Sensor
  • 3.0" Transparent LCD Monitor
  • 6mm f/1.9 Lens (35mm Equivalent: 28mm)
  • Hybrid Autofocus System
Ricoh wants your shooting experiences to be creative and plentiful. Instead of feeling weighed down by your camera, Ricoh wants you to be ready and able to capture the moment when it happens. Their GR DIGITAL IV Digital Camera is a testament to the company's efforts in this vein. Featuring a compact magnesium body that fits in your pocket, the GR DIGITAL IV is a revamped and upgraded version of its predecessor, the GR DIGITAL III.

Not quite a point-and-shoot, but not a DSLR, the GR DIGITAL IV blends both worlds, giving you many rabbit holes to follow to your creative heart's content. When it comes to exposure control modes the camera features program shift AE, aperture priority (A), manual exposure (M), and shutter priority (S). An upgrade on its predecessor, the DIGITAL IV also provides you with the option to shoot in bulb (b) and time (T) modes, for longer exposures. These options open up entire worlds of possibilities, such as can be found in night time shooting, experiments with motion blur, and more. Of course, multiple auto modes allow you to shoot at will, and forget about settings. The camera lets you combine up to 5 photos in a multiple exposure mode, capture star trails, and shoot in macro, among many other options.

The camera's hybrid autofocus system combines an external auto focus with a conventional contrast autofocus system. With calculations for up to 190 points, the camera only needs 0.2 seconds to adjust, allowing for rapid shooting. Another user-friendly feature - AF Continuous Shooting - instructs the camera to take a series of photos while adjusting its focus on the subject. Among the multiple other features you'll also find useful options like auto-bracket functions, positive film and Bleach Bypass Image Setting modes, level and image setting corrections in-camera, electronic leveling, and much, much more. Of course, like most all digital cameras in this realm, the DIGITAL IV also gives you the option to shoot video as well.

In addition to all that the GR DIGITAL IV is a respectable 10Mp camera with a 1/1.7" CCD image sensor and Ricoh's upgraded GR ENGINE IV image processing engine. This camera produces detailed, vibrant images that will look great on the computer screen, in print, or on your HDTV. The processor does more than quickly transmit file data to the inserted memory card, it also works to reduce image noise, controls the white balance function, and helps to stabilize and produce a wide range of colors in your photographs, among other duties.

The camera wouldn't be able to do any of this, however, without the 6mm (28mm in 35mm equivalent) f/1.9 GR lens. This lens is a high contrast, low distortion vehicle for capturing precise images. Other tools that are necessary to the camera include the 3.0" LCD. This monitor is an improvement on the previous generation's display with a 1.7x increase in maximum brightness. The camera is compatible with SD / SDHC and Eye-Fi memory cards for recording the JPEG and RAW images and AVI / MJPEG video you capture. When ambient or other continuous lighting isn't enough or isn't available, you can make use of the camera's built-in flash. The GR DIGITAL IV also has ISO settings up to 3200.

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Ricoh GR IV Overview

Ricoh wants your shooting experiences to be creative and plentiful. Instead of feeling weighed down by your camera, Ricoh wants you to be ready and able to capture the moment when it happens. Their GR DIGITAL IV Digital Camera is a testament to the company's efforts in this vein. Featuring a compact magnesium body that fits in your pocket, the GR DIGITAL IV is a revamped and upgraded version of its predecessor, the GR DIGITAL III.

Not quite a point-and-shoot, but not a DSLR, the GR DIGITAL IV blends both worlds, giving you many rabbit holes to follow to your creative heart's content. When it comes to exposure control modes the camera features program shift AE, aperture priority (A), manual exposure (M), and shutter priority (S). An upgrade on its predecessor, the DIGITAL IV also provides you with the option to shoot in bulb (b) and time (T) modes, for longer exposures. These options open up entire worlds of possibilities, such as can be found in night time shooting, experiments with motion blur, and more. Of course, multiple auto modes allow you to shoot at will, and forget about settings. The camera lets you combine up to 5 photos in a multiple exposure mode, capture star trails, and shoot in macro, among many other options.

The camera's hybrid autofocus system combines an external auto focus with a conventional contrast autofocus system. With calculations for up to 190 points, the camera only needs 0.2 seconds to adjust, allowing for rapid shooting. Another user-friendly feature - AF Continuous Shooting - instructs the camera to take a series of photos while adjusting its focus on the subject. Among the multiple other features you'll also find useful options like auto-bracket functions, positive film and Bleach Bypass Image Setting modes, level and image setting corrections in-camera, electronic leveling, and much, much more. Of course, like most all digital cameras in this realm, the DIGITAL IV also gives you the option to shoot video as well.

In addition to all that the GR DIGITAL IV is a respectable 10Mp camera with a 1/1.7" CCD image sensor and Ricoh's upgraded GR ENGINE IV image processing engine. This camera produces detailed, vibrant images that will look great on the computer screen, in print, or on your HDTV. The processor does more than quickly transmit file data to the inserted memory card, it also works to reduce image noise, controls the white balance function, and helps to stabilize and produce a wide range of colors in your photographs, among other duties.

The camera wouldn't be able to do any of this, however, without the 6mm (28mm in 35mm equivalent) f/1.9 GR lens. This lens is a high contrast, low distortion vehicle for capturing precise images. Other tools that are necessary to the camera include the 3.0" LCD. This monitor is an improvement on the previous generation's display with a 1.7x increase in maximum brightness. The camera is compatible with SD / SDHC and Eye-Fi memory cards for recording the JPEG and RAW images and AVI / MJPEG video you capture. When ambient or other continuous lighting isn't enough or isn't available, you can make use of the camera's built-in flash. The GR DIGITAL IV also has ISO settings up to 3200.

Quick Shooting Capabilities Combined with Precision Focus. Hybrid Autofocus System
The GR DIGITAL IV employs a hybrid autofocus system that combines an external auto focus with a conventional contrast autofocus system. It is newly equipped with an external autofocus sensor developed in-house that allows for high-speed, high-precision distance calculations for up to 190 points. The camera needs as little as 0.2 seconds for the autofocus to adjust, approximately half the time for the GR DIGITAL III. The scan area for contrast autofocusing is limited so the external autofocus sensor can adjust the focus even if you do not half-press the shutter-release button, allowing for more rapid focus adjustments than previous models. Improvements to the algorithm have increased the speed - as much as doubled it - even for macro autofocusing that uses only the contrast autofocus system. Manual focusing also available
Ricoh's Original Quick Snap Mode, Enhanced by External Autofocus
Ricoh has added a Snap mode in which you set the focus at a preset distance. One of the focus distances you can choose from on the GR DIGITAL IV is Auto. This permits very fast, very precise focus adjustments made by the external autofocus sensor alone. You can take photos without having to worry about the distance to the subject. Using Full Press Snap, the camera rapidly calculates the distance using the hybrid autofocus if you pause with the shutter-release button pressed halfway, and using only the external autofocus if the shutter release is pressed all the way down in one motion. High-precision focusing has been added to the GR's characteristic quick shooting functionality
Portrays Subjects in Motion Vividly. New function: AF Continuous Shooting
When the shutter release button is pressed, the camera can take a series of photos while adjusting its focus on the subject using the external autofocus. The camera also still provides set-focus continuous shooting, S-Cont (stream continuous) shooting, and M-Cont (memory-reversal continuous) shooting. Continuous shooting speed is approximately 1.54fps for up to 999 shots
Improved Performance in Dark Scenes. Blur Correction Feature
The first model in the GR DIGITAL line equipped with an image sensor shift image stabilization feature. Coupled with a bright f/1.9 lens, this camera performs even better than previous models under dark conditions. The stabilization effect amounts to as much as 3.2 steps calculated in terms of shutter speed
ISO Sensitivity Settings Respond Flexibly to What You Want to Photograph and Where
The highest possible ISO setting is 3200 (the maximum for the GR DIGITAL III was 1600); the EV can be set in steps of 1 EV or 1/3 EV. Furthermore, using ISO Auto Hi, in addition to setting an upper limit of ISO sensitivity, you can now also set shutter speeds where the ISO sensitivity changes. For example, if the shutter speed is set to 1/60, the camera will maintain that speed as it adjusts ISO sensitivity. This makes it easy to control the camera to match what you want, like when you want to use a fast shutter speed so the subject will not be blurry
Image Monitor with a High Maximal Brightness That's Easy to View Even Outdoors
The maximum brightness of the image monitor has been increased about 1.7 times over that of the GR DIGITAL III; visibility outdoors accordingly has been greatly improved. If the brightness controller is set to Auto, the brightness of the image monitor will adjust automatically in accordance with the brightness of the subject. The size is an easily viewed 3 inch screen (approximately 1.23 million-dot VGA). The wide viewing angle allows for viewing from various directions. In addition, the distance information calculated by the external autofocus sensor can now be displayed as necessary, helping to improve convenience and comfort level
With Powers to Depict a Scene that Captivate Photographers, the GR Lens 28mm f/1.9
The camera is outfitted with the high resolution, high contrast, low distortion GR Lens 28mm f/1.9. The lens has a large aperture and corrects aberrations of all types without compromise using Ricoh-developed optics design. Thanks to a 6 group, 8 element lens composition and three special low-dispersion lens elements, high resolution and high contrast are realized while chromatic aberration is suppressed. Furthermore, with the two high-precision, aspherical lens elements, there is hardly any distortion that is noticeable. The optimized coating tamps down on ghosting from backlights and point light sources. The beauties of Bokeh and of the beams of light that the 7 blade diaphragm produces are also exceptional
An Impressive Power to Depict What You see Produced by an Even Higher Resolution
With the upgraded image processing engine, the GR ENGINE IV, color noise reductions when taking high-sensitivity photographs have been achieved. The Auto and Multi-P AUTO algorithms for white balance have also been improved, so that the effects of lighting conditions and subject color are controlled, helping to stabilize and reproduce more favorable colors. Since Ricoh also tuned up the color balance, even rather casual subjects like white clouds in a blue sky are rendered more impressively, with rich colors. Furthermore, the image processing algorithm has been optimized and improvements have been made in the optical filter. The quality of resolution has been improved so it vividly renders subjects in great detail
Further Improvements for Features That Prevent Overexposure and Underexposure
Ricoh's image processing technology and pixel interpolation algorithms are used to control overexposure. By comparing pixel outputs and then predicting and interpolating image data in the overexposed area, the dynamic range has been expanded by as much as +1 EV. We have also added a new Dynamic Range Compensation feature that serves to expand dynamic range. It improves the richness and smoothness of gradations for everything from highlights to dark sections

Shooting Menu: Dynamic Range Compensation:
It suppresses overexposure and underexposure by automatically dividing up the image and performing Contrast Correction on each area. It is also useful when it comes to moving subjects like animals and in handheld photography because the corrections can be done with a single shot. The user can select from Weak, Medium, and Strong

Scene Mode: Dynamic Range Double Shot
This feature allows you to take a series of two images with different exposures and combine the parts of each that are properly exposed. It can produce a brightness that is close to what you see with the naked eye in everything from light areas to dark areas, even for backlit scenes where the range between light and dark is considerable. You can choose from Weak, Medium, and Strong

Enhanced Auto-Bracket Functions
In addition to the existing settings for exposure and white balance, the camera now includes settings for White Balance Bracket, Contrast Bracket and Dynamic Range Compensation Bracket as well as an Image Setting Bracket feature that allows you to record a sequence of three shots with two image settings of your choice. This eliminates the need to bother with changing photo settings manually. You can continue to take photographs with comfort, just concentrating on the subject. Auto bracketing: -0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV / -0.3EV, ±0, +0.3EV
A New Scene Mode for Capturing Star Trails Against a Landscape
In addition to Dynamic Range, Skew Correction, and Movie, Interval Composite mode has been added to the list of scene modes

Interval Composite
Take a series of photos of the night sky at a fixed interval. The camera selects and combines only the high-intensity pixel data from each of those images. This is very effective when you want to combine the trails of the stars and the moon with a landscape. You can also save copies of the images separately before combining them

Featuring Two New Modes. Enhanced Image Setting Modes
Two new modes have been added to Image Settings. The first is Positive Film. The second is Bleach Bypass, with which you can create low chroma, high contrast silvered images. The camera also has standard settings such as High Contrast B & W which gives images the flavor of dramatic monochrome prints and cross process for creating unique color combinations. You can apply these image settings regardless of the exposure control mode in use. The breadth of your creations will expand
Multiple Exposure Shooting, Making Composite Photographs Easy and Fun
A new feature with this model is the ability to combine up to 5 photos. Have fun getting creative with your photos by creating drama through combining shots of different scenes into a single image. You can adjust the settings in detail as necessary, such as automatically adjusting the amount of exposure in accordance with the number of snaps, saving each image separately before combining, and saving images when combining. You can also use the Retake shot option immediately after you take a photo, allowing you to get the photo you imagined, with ease
Now Even Bulb Shooting is Available with Exposure Control Modes
The exposure control modes are Auto, P (program shift), A (aperture priority), M (manual exposure), and S (shutter priority). Maximum set exposure speed is 1/2000 of a second. With the GR DIGITAL IV, it is now also possible to set B (bulb) and T (time) for M mode, giving you more freedom in making your exposure settings. When set to B, exposure continues while the shutter-release button is pressed. When set to T, exposure begins and ends when the shutter-release button is pressed
High-Quality Macro Mode, for Minimizing Field Curvature
With a minimum shooting distance of approximately 1cm you can photograph an approximately 26 × 19mm area to fill the screen. When using Macro Mode, some of the lens groups that do not move during normal focusing move to a specific position for near-distance photography. This is an original, image quality priority feature that corrects field curvature during near-distance photography. In Macro Mode, thanks to improvements in the algorithm, autofocusing time has been cut by up to 50% compared to the GR DIGITAL III. Focusing is now faster and more pleasant than ever
Choose the Best Finish by Yourself. Free Image Settings and Level Corrections
The range for making adjustments to contrast, sharpness, and so forth for each image setting has been increased (to 9 steps). This allows you more freedom than ever in creating your works. In Playback mode, Level Compensation enables adjusting the brightness and contrast of the photos you have taken in the camera itself. Use Auto to leave it up to the camera to make minute adjustments. By setting it to Manual, you can work with a histogram to adjust the brightness and contrast immediately and freely
Fastidious When It Comes to the Use of Light: A Small and Sophisticated Internal Flash
The internal flash is a manually operated pop-up type. The dimming range is approximately 20 cm to 3.0m (ISO Auto). The flash has a full range of modes, including Auto, Flash Synchro., and Manual Flash. You can also adjust the shade and shadow balance more finely using Flash Compensation (-2.0 to +2.0 EV) and Manual Flash (12 steps, from Full to 1/64). For the synchronization timing, you can choose either the normal [1st Curtain] setting or the [2nd Curtain] setting that can render the light traces of moving objects naturally
Four-Mode Aspect Ratio Settings Allow Choosing What You Want to Express
Now a 16:9 aspect ratio is available in addition to the existing 4:3, 3:2, and 1:1 settings. This is useful for giving a photo an expression with a sense of width. Using this, you can also display and enjoy photos with a ratio matched to the screen when playing them back on high-definition-capable computer screens and televisions
New Electronic Level for Informing the Horizon and of Roll and Pitch Direction
The electronic level has evolved, now enabling the camera to detect roll and pitch direction along with the traditional horizon direction. This is useful for scenes in which there is no standard horizon line such as natural landscapes or nightscapes. Knowing the roll and pitch direction is effective in helping to take photos with faithful proportions
Fn Button Pair Setting, to Enable Quick Changes to the Save Feature
The camera has two Fn (Function) buttons. Frequently used features can be assigned to the two Fn buttons so they can be accessed with one push. Furthermore, you can create up to 4 sets with the Fn Button Pair Setting (combining features that are assigned to Fn1/Fn2), and can switch between them easily. Just turn the up-down dial while pressing the triangle key. You can quickly switch to a feature without performing any menu operations
My Setting Data Can Be Saved to an SD Memory Card
With My Setting, you can save your favorite camera settings. The number of settings that can be saved to the My Settings Box on the camera has been increased from the 6 on previous models to 12. Furthermore, you can save up to 6 types of settings to an SD memory card. The ease of use and the enjoyment will be increased when you share My Setting data among users
More Freedom in Choosing Image Quality Options When Saving. Saving RAW Only
Ricoh expanded the RAW/JPEG Setting to make it possible to save RAW only. This is optimal for photographers whose workflows include finishing up a photo on the computer after shooting. Since JPEG files are not saved at the same time, it is useful for increasing the number of photos that can be saved to a memory card and maximizing the camera's response
Search for Photos Based on the Date Taken Using the Calendar Display
Ricoh added a calendar display to the playback mode. When you choose a date, the first photo taken that day is displayed. This can improve the efficiency of photo management, allowing you to search for images based on your schedule
LCD Auto Dim Feature, to Reduce the Burden on Your Battery
The camera has a power conservation feature that automatically reduces the brightness of the image monitor
The Eye-Fi Card Synching Feature, for Automatically Forwarding Photographs
Compatible with the Eye-Fi card, an SD memory card that is Wi-Fi ready. When the Eye-Fi card is in use, an icon indicating the transmission status will be displayed
The Perfected GR Design for Going After Every Memory
"Fits in your pocket." "You can hold it steady even with just one hand." The GR DIGITAL IV supplies many features as it carries on a GR design that has earned raves from customers. Both the shape that fits comfortably in the hand and the superbly balanced GR grip remain unchanged in the new model. It produces a sense of security for those people who have grown accustomed to past GR DIGITAL cameras and the feeling of a comfortable hold for new users
Magnesium Body, Both Light and Strong
Ricoh used a magnesium alloy that makes the body both light and highly rigid. It has the durability to withstand both shocks as well as being carried around every day. The camera also has excellent heat radiation and magnetic shielding characteristics. It produces a camera worthy of your devotion and trust for years to come
Full Range of System Accessories, Allowing for Varied Uses of the Camera
Ricoh retained compatibility for this model with the existing 21mm wide conversion lens (GW-2), external flash (GF-1), the 21mm/28mm-equivalent external viewfinder (GV-1), and the 28mm equivalent external mini-viewfinder (GV-2). System updates make it possible to address a variety of fields of expression and photography styles. Ricoh has also developed a new metal lens cap (GL-1) for improving portability. The cap is useful not only for protecting the lens, but it also prevents the problem of the lens unexpectedly extending while in motion due to the power button lock feature. A genuine leather hand strap (GS-2) is also available
The Improvements Continue Even After the Camera Is In Your Hands. Function-Expansion Firmware
Ricoh supplies firmware that expands the product's features. Updating the firmware means you can always make use of the latest features. Furthermore, with the GR DIGITAL IV it is now possible to check the version of your firmware and perform updates from the setup menu
Zoom
4x digital zoom and 5.7x Auto Resize Zoom (VGA images)
Customize Service
For the GR DIGITAL IV you have purchased, the following customizing services are available

Grip Replacement Service
You can change the grip to one of your own choosing by paying a fee; options include wood grain, carbon, and leather-styled grips (all synthetic resin products)

Ricoh GR IV Specs

Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 10.4 Megapixel
Effective: 10.0 Megapixel
Exposure Control
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Flash
Flash Modes
Auto, Flash On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync
Packaging Info
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.5 x 4.8 x 2.3"

Ricoh GR IV Reviews

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