Image Quality and Verdict

Ricoh GR Digital IV – Image Quality

The model’s white balance is reliable, if
not erring on the warm side of the scale, although not so much as to
swamp the image. Image quality itself is, on the whole, impressive. The
GRD IV benefits from its fixed focal length lens with regards to
sharpness and issues of barrelling and distortion – the former is
impressive throughout the frame while the latter is noticeable by its
absence. Fine detail is well rendered throughout the frame, even towards
the higher end of the model’s ISO scale. The GRD IV deals with
highlights and shadows admirably, managing to exposure properly for both
without loss of details or blowing out – this wide dynamic range
results in images with wonderful tone.

Ricoh GR Digital IV – Verdict

There’s an awful lot to like about the GRD IV. Image quality is fantastic, the model’s utilitarian design makes for an excellent shooting experience and the LCD screen is one of the best that we’ve seen on a compact camera. The model won’t be to everyone’s taste however – it boasts a price tag which is comparable with a host of CSC models, thus making it almost a luxury compact, and with holes in the specification such as the lack of HD video capture, the price tag looks even higher. However, if you’re happy to make certain compromises for the sake of image quality and a pure shooting experience overall, the the GRD IV is well worth a look.