- 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 the 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 GR IV HDF.
The Ricoh GR IV was launched back in September 2025 to mixed reviews, replacing the already fan-favorite GR III. Featuring an APS-C format sensor, the camera employs a 25.74MP resolution, a 28mm equivalent lens, a 5-axis image stabilizer, and RAW file support. It is set to become a staple of many street photographers’ kitbags, thanks to its compact size, low weight, and powerful image-making engine.
Although compact cameras had slowed at the start of the decade, largely due to the best camera phones and affordable mirrorless cameras that have entered the market over the past few years, they are experiencing a bit of a renaissance.
Brands like Ricoh obviously see that there is a gap here that can be filled by a pocketable powerhouse, complete with many features previously only seen in professional or enthusiast-level interchangeable lens cameras.
Therefore, it wasted no time in following up on 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.
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome and GR IV HDF go all-in on stylised images
Ricoh’s 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, launched back in March 2024. The GR IIIx, which features a slightly longer focal length lens, also received an HDF variant, so we could probably have seen this move coming.
The camera uses a 23.5 x 15.6 mm APS-C sensor, just like its predecessor, capable of outputting images measuring 6192 x 4128 pixels. It also enjoys 5-axis IBIS and Full HD video shooting at 60 frames per second. Meanwhile, the Highlight Diffusion Filter referenced in the name can be used to apply a unique diffusion effect for a soft and dreamy atmosphere, captured in-camera. This filter replaces the built-in 2-stop ND filter found in the standard GR III, GR IIIx, and GR IV bodies.
The biggest differences from the GR III HDF are a modest step up in resolution to almost 26 megapixels from 24MP, a wider sensitivity range that stretches up to 204,800 instead of 102,400, and two extra stops of image stabilization, compensating for up to 6EV rather than 4EV. You’ll also find 53GB of internal image storage compared to 2GB. These specs are, of course, also found on the standard GR IV.
Meanwhile, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome will be welcome news for black and white photographers. Following a trend seen in cameras like the Leica Q2 Monochrom and the Ricoh family’s own Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome, this body is built without the usual Color Filter Array that sits above the imaging sensor in most digital cameras.
The CFA enables the capture of full color images via a process of demosaicing (a fancy term for digital processing), but it does result 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 up to a full stop of superior noise performance and increased resolution of fine textures.
In a press release, Ricoh mentions that the camera will also feature “Image Control options specialized for black and white photography to deliver the expressiveness and depth unique to monochromatic images”. Exactly what these will be is unclear at this stage, but we can expect them to include additional or further developed black and white modes, like the already well-received ones on the GR IV.
We are yet to be given precise release dates for either model, 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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