For aficionados of black and white photography, the selection of a dedicated monochromatic camera transcends the pursuit of mere efficiency, embracing instead a profound artistic endeavor. The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome distinguishes itself in this specialized domain, offering a unique blend of refined craftsmanship and enhanced imaging capabilities designed to elevate the black and white photographic experience. While its functionality largely mirrors that of the standard GR IV model, this variant introduces a purpose-built 26-megapixel sensor, devoid of a color filter array, a critical distinction that promises superior image fidelity and noise reduction, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Priced at a premium, this camera targets a discerning audience, valuing the purity and depth that only a dedicated monochrome sensor can deliver. Its compact form factor, combined with an upgraded lens system and an innovative built-in red filter, positions it as a compelling choice for photographers committed to the nuanced art of black and white imagery.
This review delves into the tactile experience and operational performance of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, highlighting its ergonomic design and advanced shooting features. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview for potential users, emphasizing how this camera, despite its niche appeal and elevated cost, carves out a significant space in the realm of premium compact cameras for monochromatic photography.
Design and Ergonomics of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome maintains a near-identical physical profile to its standard color counterpart, the GR IV, distinguishing itself primarily through the absence of the typical white lettering and the specialized monochrome sensor. This iteration builds upon the GR III's compact dimensions, offering a body that is two millimeters slimmer, enhancing its pocketability and portability. Ricoh has ingeniously reverted to the button and control layout of the GR II, a move widely praised for its user-friendliness and efficiency, making the camera incredibly comfortable for single-handed operation. Weighing a mere 272 grams (9.24 ounces), its lightweight construction underscores its suitability as an ideal companion for street and travel photography, allowing for discreet capture of moments without being cumbersome.
Key design elements include dual command dials with customizable push-in functions, alongside intuitive vertical plus and minus bars for precise exposure adjustments. The mode dial is securely lockable and designed to be flush with the camera body, preventing accidental snags when stored. While its sleek design precludes an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF), photographers can rely on the million-dot rear display for composition or opt for an external optical viewfinder that mounts onto the hot shoe. This setup works surprisingly well, especially given the camera's fixed 28mm full-frame equivalent lens with an f/2.8 aperture, making it a versatile tool for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, enhancements such as improved dust seals around the lens barrel address common sensor dust concerns, and the option to attach accessory filters via a bayonet adapter further expands its functional versatility. The camera also boasts an increased battery life, rated at approximately 250 CIPA shots, and includes 53GB of internal memory, minimizing the immediate need for external storage, though it supports smaller microSD cards for expanded capacity.
Imaging Performance and Advanced Features
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome truly shines in its imaging performance, largely due to its updated 18.3mm f/2.8 lens and, more importantly, its dedicated 26-megapixel monochrome sensor. The new lens delivers superior sharpness and clarity, particularly at the frame's edges, and excels in close-up photography. This, combined with an improved image stabilization system offering approximately six stops of compensation, ensures sharper images even in challenging conditions. The overall platform of the GR IV feels more responsive and refined than its predecessors, providing a seamless photographic experience. However, the most significant advancement is the omission of the color filter array from the sensor, a design choice that inherently boosts image quality in black and white photography. This results in notably less shadow noise and a full stop improvement in high ISO performance compared to standard color sensors, offering purer and more detailed monochrome images. Although initial tests were conducted with pre-production firmware, the observed reduction in noise and enhanced detail underscore the benefits of a dedicated monochrome sensor, a feature highly valued by black and white photography enthusiasts.
Further augmenting its capabilities, the GR IV Monochrome introduces six new monochrome profiles, ranging from dramatic high-contrast looks to softer, tonally rich renderings suitable for diverse lighting situations. Photographers can also create custom profiles and benefit from Ricoh's use of the DNG format for RAW files, facilitating easy post-processing. A notable physical enhancement is the integrated red filter, which reduces light by two stops and produces a more dramatic effect by darkening blue skies and greenery while brightening warm tones—a technique historically employed in analog black and white photography. This clever integration means the traditional ND filter is absent, but an electronic shutter limit of 1/16000 second offers an alternative for light control. While the autofocus system performs admirably for street photography and portraits, its tracking capabilities still require refinement. Despite its premium price, which marks a significant increase over the standard GR IV, the Monochrome version caters to a distinct market segment that prioritizes the unique aesthetic and technical advantages of dedicated black and white capture, positioning it as a compelling and unique offering in the compact camera market.