- Ricoh announces the development of the GR IV Monochrome and HDF variants
- The GR IV HDF is a direct replacement for the Ricoh GR III HDF
- Ricoh GR IV Monochrome removes color filter array for superior noise and detail in black and white images
Ricoh has announced that it is working on two new additions to its family of high-performance compact cameras, the GR IV Monochrome and the GR IV HDF.
The Ricoh GR IV was launched in September 2025 to mixed reviews, replacing the already favorite GR III. Featuring an APS-C format sensor, the camera employs a 25.74 MP resolution, a 28mm equivalent lens, a 5-axis image stabilizer, and RAW file support. It is destined to become a staple of many street photographers’ equipment, thanks to its compact size, low weight and powerful imaging engine.
Although compact cameras slowed down at the beginning of the decade, largely due to better camera phones and affordable mirrorless cameras that entered the market in recent years, they are experiencing something of a renaissance.
Brands like Ricoh obviously see that there’s a gap here that can be filled with a pocket-sized powerhouse, complete with many features previously only seen on professional or enthusiast level interchangeable lens cameras.
Therefore, it wasted no time in following the standard GR IV with two variations, one that will be predictable to long-time devotees of the product line and another that is a little more unexpected.
Ricoh GR IV Monochrome and GR IV HDF focus on stylized images
Ricoh cameras have long been considered among the best compact cameras. The Ricoh GR IV HDF (which stands for Highlight Diffusion Filter) directly replaces the Ricoh GR III HDF, released in March 2024. The GR IIIx, which features a slightly longer focal length lens, also received an HDF variant, so we probably could have seen this move coming.
The camera uses a 23.5 x 15.6mm APS-C sensor, just like its predecessor, capable of generating 6192 x 4128 pixel images. You also enjoy 5-axis IBIS and Full HD video recording at 60 frames per second. Meanwhile, the light diffusion filter referred to in the name can be used to apply a unique diffusion effect for a soft, dreamy atmosphere, captured on camera. This filter replaces the built-in 2-stop ND filter found on standard GR III, GR IIIx and GR IV bodies.
The biggest differences with the GR III HDF are a modest increase in resolution to almost 26 megapixels from 24MP, a wider sensitivity range extending to 204,800 instead of 102,400, and two extra stops of image stabilization, offsetting up to 6EV instead of 4EV. You’ll also find 53GB of internal image storage compared to 2GB. These specifications are of course also found on the standard GR IV.
Meanwhile, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome will be good news for black and white photographers. Following a trend seen in cameras like the Leica Q2 Monochrom and the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome in the Ricoh family, this body is built without the usual color filter array found above the image sensor in most digital cameras.
CFA allows full-color image capture through a demo process (a fancy term for digital processing), but results in a loss of light-gathering capacity and detail. By removing this component, the GR IV Monochrome can only capture black and white images, but with the potential for superior noise performance and higher resolution of fine textures.
In a press release, Ricoh mentions that the camera will also feature “specialized image control options for black and white photography to deliver the unique expressiveness and depth of monochrome images.” It’s unclear exactly what these will be at this point, but we can expect them to include additional or more developed black and white modes, like those already well received in the GR IV.
We haven’t been given precise release dates for either model yet, other than “winter 2025” and “spring 2026” for the GR IV HDF and GR IV Monochrome, respectively. Have you used a Ricoh compact? Would you choose the standard GR IV or one of these two exciting new variations? Let us know in the comments.
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