With a fast fixed focal length lens, functional design and full manual control, as well as Raw image capture, the Ricoh GR Digital IV impresses on paper. The question is, how does it perform when put through the rigours of the WDC test? Read on to find out...
Ricoh GR Digital IV Review
Ricoh GR Digital IV review – Features
Whilst there are a multitude of compact cameras on the market that will take care of almost every aspect of the image capture process for you, a lot of photographers still want a camera that allows them control over the settings and with a focus on image quality as a priority. The result of this outlook to the compact camera market is normally a combination of a high specification with utilitarian design, or in other words the Ricoh GR Digital IV.
At the core of the GR IV sits the key to the model’s imaging prowess. A 1/1.7in CCD sensor is present, offering an effective resolution of 10 megapixels. Optics are also a key concern with an advanced compact such as the GR IV, so the prime f/1.9 lens, fixed at an equivalent focal length of 28mm, will no doubt be welcome. Another element of the camera’s high-end specification is the LCD screen – while the 3in size is matched by several other compacts, the 1.23 million-dot resolution truly marks it out from the crowd and promises simple viewing even in difficult lighting conditions.
The GR IV, as the name suggests, replaces the GR III in Ricoh’s ‘Digital’ series and offers improvements on its predecessor. One of the main areas which sees improvement is the camera’s focusing system. Ricoh has implemented its new ‘Hybrid’ auto focus system – one which combines an external auto focus system with a conventional internal AF system – which will offer twice as fast AF of its predecessor.
Whilst the specification of the GR IV is no doubt advanced, the functionality can be further enhanced with a range of accessories. The model’s hotshoe can accommodate either an external viewfinder or flash gun, whilst a thread around the lens can feature a 21mm wide lens convertor.