Ricoh GR IV HDF Compact Camera

Ricoh GR IV HDF Compact Camera Summary

The Ricoh GR IV HDF is the latest addition to Ricoh’s popular range of GR-series compact cameras. It has all of the same features as the GR IV camera such as a fixed wide-angle lens, pocketable body and fast response times, while adding Ricoh’s Highlight Diffusion Filter.

This gives photographers the option to capture unique ‘bloomed’ highlights in their images, for alongside the clean, sharp look, which the GR is known for. The camera takes normal, sharp pictures by default, and the Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) can be switched on or off with just the press of a button.

The GR IV on which this is entirely based, features a newly developed APS-C sensor, redesigned 28mm equivalent lens and the latest GR ENGINE 7 processor to deliver higher resolution, improved colour gradation and enhanced low-light performance.

With an incredibly compact size, quicker start-up times and intuitive controls it is perfect for photographers who capture subjects like street photography, candid portraits, travel and everyday snapshots.

Ricoh GR IV HDF Key Features

• Highlight Diffusion Filter with button control
• 28mm equivalent lens
• 25.74MP APS-C backside-illuminated CMOS sensor
• GR ENGINE 7 with dedicated acceleration unit
• More compact design with improved performance
• Five-axis in-body shake reduction rated up to 6-stops
• Fast start-up time of around 0.6 seconds
• Phase-matching autofocus with improved low-light accuracy
• Maximum ISO sensitivity of ISO 204800
• Electronic shutter with speeds up to 1/16,000 sec
• Weighs just 262g
• 53GB built-in memory plus a microSD card slot
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with GR WORLD app support

Ricoh GR IV HDF Camera in More Detail

Super-slim GR lens

The GR IV HDF has the same 18.3mm f/2.8 GR lens as the GR IV, which has a 28mm equivalent field of view. Ricoh has revised the optical design with 7 elements in 5 groups, using aspherical elements and glass with high refractive power and low dispersion. The result is better image quality, which resolves the higher resolution sensor.

Image sensor, processor and acceleration unit

A backside-illuminated APS-C sensor captures approximately 25.74 megapixels. It is paired with the GR ENGINE 7 processor, which brings improvements in resolution handling, colour gradation and noise control.

Ricoh continues to use a dedicated acceleration unit in the camera, processing image data at a high signal-to-noise ratio before it reaches the main processor. This architecture supports a maximum sensitivity of ISO 204800, which is especially useful for low-light shooting.

Autofocus and start-up performance

Start-up time has been reduced to around 0.6 seconds, which is the quickest yet in the GR series. This comes from a redesigned lens barrel and a revised power-on sequence, so the camera is ready almost as soon as it is switched on.

Autofocus benefits from faster lens drive and high-speed sensor readout. Phase-matching autofocus performance has been refined too, improving detection range and accuracy, especially in low-light scenes.

Exposure control and shooting modes

Program Auto includes Ricoh’s Hyper Program function, allowing instant switching to aperture priority or shutter priority using the front and rear dials. This keeps exposure control fast and fluid without changing modes.

A new Depth of Field Priority mode considers subject distance to emphasise depth in snapshot-style shooting.

Find out more about the GR IV in our review, which this model is based on.

What’s in the box

• Ricoh GR IV HDF Compact Camera
• Rechargeable Battery DB-120 
• USB Cable I-USB198
• Hand strap O-ST198

Ricoh GR IV HDF Camera Specifications