RICOH Cameras Explained
RICOH
After acquiring Pentax in 2011, Ricoh continued developing its own camera lines alongside Pentax, creating products that focus on portability, ruggedness and unique features.
Ricoh’s most popular lineup is the GR series, a line of high-quality compact cameras with fixed lenses, prized by street photographers and enthusiasts for their good image quality, very compact design and intuitive controls. Ricoh also produces a range of rugged, waterproof cameras with smaller sensors, emphasizing durability and simplicity over interchangeable lenses.
This page provides an overview of Ricoh’s current camera models.
Ricoh GR Cameras
The first Ricoh compact fixed-lens camera was the Ricoh GR Digital released in 2005. It was followed by the GR Digital II (2007), GR Digital III (2009) and GR Digital IV (2011). All four used small sensors and are now extremely outdated.
Between 2004 and 2011, Ricoh also produced a series of small-sensor fixed-zoom cameras (the Caplio R-series and the CX-series) as well as the Ricoh GXR system – a GXR Mount module with a 12 MP APS-C sensor and an M-mount. All of these models were aimed at casual users seeking compact cameras and are now considered extremely outdated.
The first APS-C Ricoh GR camera arrived in 2013, simply called the Ricoh GR. The GR II followed in 2015. Both used a 16 MP APS-C sensor paired with a fixed 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28 mm full-frame equivalent). They lacked modern features such as IBIS and have an older sensor and processor. Today, they are considered outdated and not recommended for new buyers.
Ricoh’s modern GR cameras started with the GR III, released at the end of 2018.
Ricoh GR III
GR III
GR IIIx
GR III HDF
GR IIIx HDF
All 4 Ricoh GR III variants feature the same 24 MP APS-C sensor, the same processor, 3-axis IBIS and a built-in dust reduction system. All Ricoh GR III models are essentially the same camera body with a different fixed lens and a different built-in filter.
The original Ricoh GR III (2018) and the GR IIIx (2021) both feature a built-in ND filter. The main difference between the two models is in their fixed prime lenses – the regular GR III has a classic wider 28 mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx has a 40 mm equivalent for more natural, human-eye perspective.
Ricoh HDF models replace the built-in ND filter for a built-in HDF filter (Highlight Diffusion Filter). When activated, this filter softens bright highlight areas by diffusing incoming light, similar to an attachable Pro-Mist filter. Ricoh GR III HDF still has a classic wider fixed 28 mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx HDF has a fixed 40 mm equivalent lens.
Ricoh GR IV
GR IV
GR IV HDF
GR IV Mono.
All 3 Ricoh GR IV variants feature a new 26 MP APS-C sensor with better low-light performance, a new more powerful GR ENGINE 7 processor, better AF system, 5-axis IBIS, a built-in dust reduction system, a bigger battery, 53 GB of built-in memory and a more compact micro SD card slot.
Ricoh GR IV has a built-in 2-stop ND filter – similar to the older GR III.
Ricoh GR IV HDF is basically the same camera, but it replaces the built-in ND filter for a built-in HDF filter (Highlight Diffusion Filter).
Ricoh GR IV Monochrome also has a 26 MP sensor, but instead a monochrome version capable of exclusively B&W photography. It has a built-in red filter.
| GR IV | GR IV | GR IIIx HDF | GR III HDF | GR IIIx | GR III | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | 2021 | 2019 |
| Resolution | 26 MP | 26 MP | 24 MP | 24 MP | 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Sensor | APS-C (BSI) | APS-C (BSI) | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C |
| Processor | GR ENGINE 7 | GR ENGINE 7 | GR ENGINE 6 | GR ENGINE 6 | GR ENGINE 6 | GR ENGINE 6 |
| Lens | 18.3 mm (28 eq) f/2.8-16 | 18.3 mm (28 eq) f/2.8-16 | 26.1 mm (40 eq) f/2.8-16 | 18.3 mm (28 eq) f/2.8-16 | 26.1 mm (40 eq) f/2.8-16 | 18.3 mm (28 eq) f/2.8-16 |
| IBIS | 5-axis | 5-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Built-in Filter | ND | ND | HDF | HDF | ND | ND |
| ISO Range | 100-204,800 | 100-204,800 | 100-102,400 | 100-102,400 | 100-102,400 | 100-102,400 |
| Video | Full HD 1080p 60 fps | Full HD 1080p 60 fps | Full HD 1080p 60 fps | Full HD 1080p 60 fps | Full HD 1080p 60 fps | Full HD 1080p 60 fps |
| Storage | 53 GB internal + microSD | 53 GB internal + microSD | 2 GB internal + SD | 2 GB internal + SD | 2 GB internal + SD | 2 GB internal + SD |
| Battery Life | ~250 shots | ~250 shots | ~200 shots | ~200 shots | ~200 shots | ~200 shots |
| Dimensions | 109.4 × 61.9 × 32.7 mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 32.7 mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 35.2 mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 35.2 mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 35.2 mm | 109.4 × 61.9 × 33.2 mm |
| Weight | 262 g | 262 g | 262 g | 257 g | 262 g | 257 g |