Ricoh GR IV HDF Digital Camera

The Ricoh GR IV HDF, known as the "ultimate snap shooter" with a unique feature, is a specialized variant of the widely acclaimed compact fixed-lens camera. It now incorporates a built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter that produces highlights with a soft, diffused, and blurred effect, resulting in a more dreamlike and ethereal image quality. This selectable filter replaces the ND filter found in the standard model of the camera, while the remainder of the camera remains largely unchanged. It still boasts a 25.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, a 28mm-equivalent lens, rapid autofocus, enhanced Shake Reduction, and improved wireless settings management through the GR WORLD app.

HDF Distinctions

The Built-In HDF feature disperses highlights, creating a softer, blurred effect that gives images a more dreamlike and nostalgic appearance. The HDF can be activated or deactivated using a single button—the rear Fn button, which has "HDF" labeled next to it, is designed to manage this filter. However, the button is customizable, allowing the HDF function to be assigned to different controls if preferred. In addition to the filter, the HDF camera is equipped with a distinctive silver-colored shutter release button, setting it apart visually from the typical GR III-series cameras.

New 25.7MP BSI CMOS Sensor and GR ENGINE 7

Equipped with an advanced sensor and processor, the GR IV HDF boasts a 25.7MP APS-C CMOS sensor featuring a back-illuminated design that enhances image quality and minimizes noise. This sensor works in conjunction with the upgraded GR ENGINE 7 processor, which provides a full stop improvement in low-light performance, a rapid 0.6-second startup time, faster focusing capabilities, an extended ISO range of up to 204800, and retains the same flexible 14-bit DNG and JPEG recording options as its predecessor.

Faster and More Accurate Autofocus

One of the significant enhancements of the GR IV HDF is its improved focusing performance. Supported by the new GR ENGINE 7 processing and a reengineered lens that is lighter, the autofocus (AF) performance is more responsive compared to its predecessor. The issue of focus hunting has been significantly minimized, and enhancements have been made in both face recognition and subject tracking. Furthermore, when combined with the enhanced low-light image quality, focusing in low-light conditions is now quicker and more precise, making it easier to shoot in challenging lighting environments.

• During autofocus shooting, this AF system accurately identifies the subject's face or eye, focuses on it, and displays the in-focus position on the LCD screen using the AF frame. When the camera recognizes multiple faces, it automatically differentiates the primary subject from the secondary ones and indicates this on the focus frame.
  
  
• The Full Press Snap function allows you to instantly override the AF by fully pressing the shutter button, causing the lens to focus immediately at a predetermined distance. This distinctive shooting and focusing feature is ideal for street photography, removing any lag time for capturing decisive moments.
  
  

5-Axis Shake Reduction

Another valuable tool for low-light photography, the GR IV HDF features an advanced 5-axis Shake Reduction system that mitigates camera shake by up to 6 stops. Building on the 3-axis system from the previous model, this enhanced stabilization technology addresses a wider range of camera movements and is significantly more efficient in minimizing the visible effects of camera shake during handheld shooting.

Image Control

• Image Control function offers 12 distinct modes to apply preset looks to a scene along with a new Cinema mode, with a choice of Yellow or Green tone, for a more nostalgic and filmic appearance.
  
  
• Saturation, contrast, hue, key, grain parameters of each mode can be adjusted to suit the desired effect and select settings also support strength and size tuning for an even more personalized look.
  
  
• User-selected settings can be added to the Image Control menu as a custom mode.
  
  

Shooting Modes

• An electronic shutter function enables shooting at up to 1/16,000-sec to better enable working in bright conditions with wider aperture values.
  
  
• When set to Program AE, the GR IV HDF now has a Program Auto Ex function, which allows instant switching of the exposure mode by turning the front e-Dial for Aperture Priority or the rear e-Dial for Shutter Priority.
  
  
• Snap Distance-Priority AE (Sn) mode has also been added to the exposure mode options; this mode emphasizes the depth of field of a scene and adjusts the exposure parameters to prioritize the desired depth of field effect.
  
  
• Sensor has an anti-aliasing (AA) filter-less design, which maximizes sharpness and resolution in most shooting circumstances. However, for certain circumstances, like when photographing some fabrics and other high-frequency patterns and colors, the Shake Reduction mechanism can simulate the effects of an AA filter to reduce moiré.
  
  
• Integrated multi-exposure mode with no frame limit for compositing unlimited sequential exposures in-camera.
  
  
• Multi-Segment, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options are available along with a Highlight-Weighted options that prioritizes keeping highlight values within the dynamic range and allowing shadows to become darker and moodier.
  
  
• In addition to stills shooting, the GR IV HDF is also capable of recording Full HD 1080 video at 60p, 30p, and 24p frame rates.
  
  

Redesigned 28mm f/2.8-Equivalent Lens

Essential to the GR shooting experience, the GR IV HDF features a fixed lens design equivalent to 28mm; this wide-angle lens is perfect for daily photography, street scenes, and travel uses, and it is complemented by a reasonably bright f/2.8 maximum aperture that is sufficiently fast for low-light conditions while also contributing to the compact size and weight of the camera.

The completely redesigned optical structure significantly enhances sharpness in comparison to earlier models. The configuration of 7 elements arranged in 5 groups incorporates aspherical, high refractive (HR), and low-dispersion glass components, which contribute to improved clarity and resolution, alongside a more compact and lightweight physical design that allows for faster focusing and quicker deployment. The specialized Macro mode features a unique close-up focusing range, ideal for subjects within a working distance of 2.4" to 4.7". Additionally, the integrated crop modes replicate the fields of view of 35mm and 50mm lenses, providing an even narrower field of view without the necessity of changing lenses.

Body Design and Handling

• Updating the popular and highly portable design, the GR IV HDF is even slimmer than its predecessor to promote a firmer, more secure grip. Additionally, the camera keeps its lightweight-yet-rigid magnesium alloy build.
  
  
• New DB-120 battery is used in the GR IV HDF; this larger capacity battery now affords approximately 250 shots per charge compared to the 200 shots per charge of its predecessor.
  
  
• Internal memory has been increased to 53GB, and the memory card slot has been changed to the sleeker microSD format.
  
  
• USB-C port permits in-camera battery charging and data transfer.
  
  
• The layout of the control buttons and dials has been redesigned for easier access and the ADJ lever has been changed to a dial for more intuitive operation.
  
  
• Rear 3.0" 1.04m touchscreen LCD monitor has an air gapless design to help reduce reflections for improved visibility in outdoor conditions. Also, the Outdoor Monitor Setting function boosts brightness to suit midday shooting and there is a new Auto monitor brightness setting that automatically adjusts the brightness level depending on the ambient lighting.
  
  

Wireless Connectivity and GR WORLD App

• A new and dedicated GR WORLD app has been designed for a simplified experience when shooting with GR-series cameras. This app enables transferring files from the camera to the mobile device, remote shutter release control, and transferring of location data.
  
  
• Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are used for easy and stable connecting to mobile devices.