RICOH GR IV Monochrome Compact Camera (APS-C Monochrome Sensor, 28mm Equivalent f/2.8)

Product overview

The RICOH GR IV Monochrome takes the celebrated GR concept—high image quality, fast response and true portability—and pushes it into a dedicated black-and-white direction. Built on the GR IV platform, it introduces an APS-C monochrome back-illuminated CMOS sensor designed specifically for luminance capture. By removing the colour filter array and the colour interpolation process, the GR IV Monochrome is able to draw out the full performance of the GR lens for cleaner micro-contrast, crisper detail and richer tonal gradation.

A built-in physical red filter, accessible instantly (default via the Fn button), adds classic monochrome control in the field—deepening blue skies, separating clouds, and lifting red subjects for more dramatic contrast. With GR ENGINE 7, very high sensitivity (up to ISO 409600), 5-axis stabilisation and refined monochrome Image Control options, this is a compact camera built for photographers who want black-and-white to be the starting point, not a conversion.

Why the GR IV Monochrome is different

Monochrome sensor, true tonal rendering

Unlike a colour sensor converted to monochrome, the GR IV Monochrome’s sensor captures brightness information at every pixel, without RGB filtering or demosaicing. The result is high-definition monochrome detail and smooth tonal transitions, ideal for everything from street photography to texture-rich architectural work—and equally capable when you want to lean into grain at higher ISO.

Physical red filter, one-touch control

A red filter built into the lens unit can be switched ON/OFF with a single operation, enabling classic black-and-white effects:

• Darker skies and stronger cloud separation

• Brighter rendering of red subjects for clearer subject isolation

• Increased contrast for more graphic, punchy compositions

Dedicated monochrome Image Control

New monochrome-centric Image Control modes expand creative choice:

• Solid: crisp, clean output with a hard tonal curve and refined edge clarity

• Grainy: a pronounced grain effect with highlight and shadow protection for a silver-halide inspired finish

• Plus additional styles including Hi-Contrast, Soft, HDR Tone, and customisable presets

Key features at a glance

• 18.3mm f/2.8 GR lens (approx. 28mm 35mm equivalent), 7 elements in 5 groups (3 aspherical)

• AA filterless APS-C monochrome BSI CMOS sensor with approx. 25.74MP

• GR ENGINE 7 image processor

• ISO 160–409600 for extreme low-light flexibility

• 5-axis IBIS (SR) with up to 6 stops of compensation

• Physical red filter (default Fn assignment)

• Fast start-up and fast focusing with Hybrid AF

• 53GB internal memory (stores approx. 937 RAW or 2,911 JPEG L images)

• New “GR WORLD” app for improved connectivity and camera control

• DB-120 1800mAh battery rated for approx. 250 shots

• Electronic shutter up to 1/16000s (ideal for wide-open shooting in bright light)

• Matte black monochrome exterior with white power button illumination

Performance for real-world shooting

Fast, responsive GR handling

Designed for photographers who shoot instinctively, the GR IV Monochrome supports rapid operation with quick start-up, hybrid AF, and GR’s signature focus tools:

• Snap Focus presets (0.3m / 1m / 1.5m / 2m / 2.5m / 3.5m / 5m / ∞)

• Full Press Snap for instant, decisive shooting

• Face/Eye Detection options (where applicable)

Stabilisation you can trust

The 5-axis sensor-shift SR stabiliser helps you stay sharp at slower shutter speeds—useful for night street scenes, interiors, or handheld documentary work—without sacrificing portability.

High-speed shutter flexibility

Alongside the mechanical shutter, the electronic shutter reaches up to 1/16000s, allowing:

• Wide-open shooting at f/2.8 in bright conditions

• Better control of motion and highlights when working at high ISO

Monochrome design, inside and out

The GR IV Monochrome’s exterior is deliberately unified for a pure black-and-white identity. The magnesium-alloy body, shutter release button and ring cap feature a matte black finish, with a subtly contrasting semi-gloss black GR logo and white power button illumination to complete the monochrome aesthetic.

Specifications

Lens

• Focal length: 18.3mm (approx. 28mm equivalent)

• Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups (3 aspherical)

• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/16

• Crop modes: Off / 35mm / 50mm equivalent

Sensor & image quality

• Sensor: 23.5 × 15.6mm APS-C monochrome CMOS (BSI), AA filterless

• Effective pixels: approx. 25.74MP

• ISO range: 160–409600 (Auto with limits + min shutter, or Manual)

• File formats: RAW (DNG 14-bit), JPEG

• Colour space (for JPEG files): sRGB, AdobeRGB

Stabilisation & processing

• Image stabilisation: 5-axis IBIS (SR), up to 6 stops

• AA Filter Simulator: Off / Low / High (moiré reduction using SR unit)

• Dust removal: DR II ultrasonic sensor cleaning

• Horizon correction: SR On: up to 1° / SR Off: up to 1.5°

Autofocus

• AF system: Hybrid AF (image plane phase detection + contrast detection)

• Modes: Auto-area, Select, Pinpoint, Tracking, Continuous AF, MF, Snap, ∞

• Focus range (from lens face):

  • Normal: approx. 0.1m to ∞

  • Macro: approx. 0.06m to 0.15m

• Focus limiter: Near / Far / Off

Shutter & exposure

• Mechanical shutter: 1/4000–30s (aperture dependent limits apply)

• Electronic shutter: up to 1/16000s

• Timed exposure: 10s–20min, Bulb, Time

• Exposure compensation: stills ±5EV / movie ±2EV

Video

• Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV)

• Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 (60p/30p/24p)

• Audio: built-in stereo mic

• Clip limit: up to 4GB or 25 minutes (thermal limit protection)

Storage

• Internal memory: approx. 53GB

  • RAW (26M 3:2): approx. 937 images

  • JPEG L (26M 3:2): approx. 2,911 images

• Card: microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC (UHS-I)

Display

• LCD: 3.0" wide viewing angle TFT (3:2), air-gapless tempered glass, approx. 1.037M dots

• Touch: capacitive

• Display aids: grid, histogram, highlight alert, electronic level, magnification (4×/16×)

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n/ax; 5GHz options vary by region

• Bluetooth: v5.3 (BLE)

• App: GR WORLD (camera control, live view, transfer, organisation)

Power

• Battery: DB-120 (3.85V, 1800mAh, 6.93Wh)

• Battery life: approx. 250 shots (CIPA)

• Charging/Power: USB-C (USB Power Delivery compatible)

Dimensions & weight

• Dimensions: approx. 109.4 × 61.1 × 32.7mm (excluding protrusions)

• Weight: approx. 262g (with battery + card) / approx. 228g (body only)

What’s new vs the standard GR IV platform (Monochrome edition highlights)

• Monochrome-dedicated APS-C sensor (no colour filter array)

• Physical red filter in lens unit (Fn default)

• New monochrome Image Control options (including “Solid” and “Grainy”)

• Distinct matte black design detailing with white power button illumination

• Internal memory (53GB) and new 1800mAh DB-120 battery spec listed for approx. 250 shots

Ideal for

• Street and documentary photographers who want a fast, discreet monochrome tool

• Fine-art shooters chasing tonal depth, texture, and micro-contrast

• Travel and everyday carry photographers who want APS-C quality in a pocketable body

• Anyone who wants monochrome as a capture discipline, not a post-processing step

FAQs

Is this a “monochrome mode” camera?
No—this model uses a monochrome-dedicated sensor, designed to capture luminance information directly for more refined black-and-white output than a typical colour sensor conversion.

What does the built-in red filter do?
It allows red wavelengths through and reduces others, typically darkening skies, boosting cloud separation, and changing how red-toned subjects render—useful for more dramatic monochrome contrast.

Does it have stabilisation?
Yes. It features 5-axis IBIS (SR) with up to 6 stops of compensation, helping with handheld shooting in lower light.

Does it have a built-in flash?
No internal flash. It supports dedicated external flashes via the hot shoe (compatible models noted in the specifications provided).

Can I shoot RAW?
Yes—14-bit DNG RAW, plus JPEG.