Ricoh GR IV HDF Digital Camera

Designed as the ultimate snap shooter with a creative twist, the Ricoh GR IV HDF is a specialized take on the beloved fixed lens compact, featuring a built in Highlight Diffusion Filter that softens and blooms highlights for a more dreamlike and atmospheric look. This selectable filter replaces the ND filter found in the standard model while leaving the core shooting experience intact, including the 25.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, 28mm equivalent lens, fast autofocus, refined Shake Reduction, and enhanced wireless control through the GR WORLD app. The HDF effect can be instantly toggled on or off using a dedicated rear function button, which can also be reassigned or mapped to other controls if preferred, and the camera is visually distinguished by a unique silver shutter release button.

At the heart of the GR IV HDF is a newly developed 25.7MP APS C back illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the updated GR ENGINE 7 processor, delivering cleaner image quality, reduced noise, and a full stop improvement in low light performance. This new processing power also enables faster startup times, quicker autofocus response, sensitivity up to ISO 204800, and continued support for 14 bit DNG and JPEG recording. Autofocus performance has been significantly improved thanks to the new processor and a lighter redesigned lens, resulting in faster subject acquisition, reduced focus hunting, and more reliable face recognition and subject tracking, even in challenging lighting. During autofocus, faces and eyes are detected with precision and clearly indicated on the LCD, with automatic prioritization when multiple faces are present. The Full Press Snap function remains a hallmark feature, allowing instant focus at a preset distance by fully pressing the shutter, making it ideal for street photography and capturing decisive moments without delay.

Low light shooting is further enhanced by a new 5 axis Shake Reduction system that compensates for up to six stops of camera shake, a substantial upgrade over the previous three axis system. This advanced stabilization corrects a wider range of movement and greatly improves handheld sharpness. Image Control modes provide twelve distinct looks along with a new Cinema mode available in Yellow or Green tones for a nostalgic film inspired feel, with adjustable parameters including saturation, contrast, hue, key, and grain. Custom settings can be saved directly into the Image Control menu for quick access. An electronic shutter enables speeds up to 1 over 16000 second for shooting wide open in bright conditions, while Program Auto Ex allows instant switching between aperture and shutter priority using the front and rear dials. A new Snap Distance Priority AE mode prioritizes depth of field by adjusting exposure settings to suit the desired focus range.

The sensor features an AA filterless design to maximize sharpness and resolution, with the Shake Reduction system capable of simulating AA filter effects when photographing patterns prone to moire. The camera also includes an integrated multi exposure mode with no frame limit, multiple metering options including highlight weighted metering for preserving bright areas, and Full HD video recording at up to 60p. Staying true to the GR philosophy, the camera retains its 28mm equivalent fixed lens with a bright f2.8 aperture, ideal for everyday shooting, street photography, and travel. A completely new optical design improves sharpness across the frame while reducing size and weight, using a seven element five group construction with aspherical, high refractive, and low dispersion elements. A dedicated macro mode allows close focusing for subjects just a few inches away, while built in crop modes simulate 35mm and 50mm fields of view without changing lenses.

Refining the already portable form factor, the GR IV HDF is slimmer than its predecessor while maintaining a lightweight and rigid magnesium alloy body for a secure grip. It introduces a higher capacity DB 120 battery rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, expanded internal storage of 53GB, and a switch to a microSD card slot. USB C connectivity supports in camera charging and data transfer. Controls have been redesigned for improved ergonomics, with updated button placement and a dial replacing the ADJ lever for more intuitive operation. The rear 3.0 inch touchscreen LCD features an air gapless design to reduce reflections, enhanced outdoor brightness settings, and automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light.

Connectivity is handled through the redesigned GR WORLD app, which simplifies image transfer, remote shooting, and location data syncing using both Bluetooth and Wi Fi. The hot shoe supports optional external flashes such as the slim GF 2 flash with auto exposure support, while accessories including the dual battery charger and optional lens adapter expand the system further. Removing the lens ring allows attachment of 49mm filters or the wide conversion lens for an even broader perspective, rounding out a compact camera designed for photographers who value speed, creativity, and character in every frame.