A break in the rainy season, or a cloudy sky where it looks like rain could start at any moment.
On such days, I feel like leaving my large camera at home and venturing out into the city with just a small camera tucked into my pocket.
This time, I brought along the "RICOH GR IV."
It's a unit that I recently bought from Five Star Camera.
As a pre-sale check, I decided to take this GR IV out into the streets of Shinjuku.
This small, square box is a magical tool that transforms the familiar everyday into a startling story. This time, as I walked through the streets of Shinjuku, where signs of early summer were appearing, I'd like to talk about the charm of the GR IV and a function that truly embodies the essence of this camera.
Instant Startup. Never Miss a Moment that Moves You
A little way from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, I headed to the skyscraper district of Nishi-Shinjuku. Looking up, the modern buildings and lush green trees created a beautiful contrast.
I smoothly pulled the GR IV out of my pocket, turned it on, and took a shot. There's a quickness to it that allows you to start shooting the moment inspiration strikes. There are no frustrating steps like taking the camera out of a bag or removing a lens cap. This swiftness is precisely why the GR is called the "ultimate snap shooter."
Skyscrapers and early summer greenery. The GR's appeal lies in its swiftness, allowing you to capture the moment that moves you.
The World of Black and White, Depicting Light and Shadow
One of the most enjoyable moments when using the GR is shooting in black and white. By intentionally stripping away color information, the "shapes" and "light and shadow" of the city emerge sharply.
I slipped into the shadows cast by giant concrete structures. Linear lines, penetrating light, and the silhouettes of people passing through them. The GR IV's black and white isn't just black and white; it feels like it captures even the coolness and stillness of the atmosphere.
Through the concrete shadows, into the sunlit plaza. The urban frame created by straight lines.
A silhouette standing alone in a vast space. Beautiful gradients of light and shadow.
I suddenly discovered a slope leading to an underground parking lot. The world peeking through the gaps in the shutter was like a scene from a movie. It was a moment when ordinary everyday scenery transformed dramatically.
Beyond the closed shutter. Even an inorganic space turns textured and rich in black and white.
"Sn mode" for capturing the moment
By the water in the park, a small boy and his mother were happily watching a turtle together.
It is in such casual moments that the GR series' signature "snap focus" comes into its own.
By pre-setting the focus position, there's no waiting for autofocus to lock on, allowing you to release the shutter quickly.
In the GR IV, this snap focus is independently accessible as "Sn (Snap Distance Priority AE)" on the mode dial. Snap distance and depth of field can be adjusted intuitively, making snap photography more enjoyable than ever before.
The charm of Sn mode lies in its ability to quickly respond to sudden changes, such as a child moving or the distance between a parent and child changing.
Parent and child gazing at a turtle. Capturing a fleeting moment of everyday life with a natural feel.
The hydrangeas I found on the pedestrian bridge stairs were also impressive. The figures of people passing beyond the vibrant flowers conveyed the early summer atmosphere of the city.
Everyday life on a pedestrian bridge, captured through hydrangeas. A shot that conveys the early summer atmosphere of the city.
Vibrant Early Summer Colors Blooming at Your Feet
The charm of the GR IV isn't limited to distant landscapes or quick snapshots. Its macro photography, which allows you to get very close to your subject, is also excellent.
Hydrangeas color the streets of June. The blue rendered by the GR IV is deep, and upon closer inspection, it faithfully depicts even the delicate texture of the petals.
A striking blue. The three-dimensional rendering is impressive.
As I walked further, I found delicate white flowers blooming. The soft petals and the intricate structure of the central stamens were clearly depicted, demonstrating an expressive power unexpected from such a small body.
White flowers up close in macro mode. Descriptive power that clearly renders every detail.
Conclusion: A Camera for Loving Everyday Life
The ability to carry it in your pocket at all times. And features like the newly independent "Sn mode" are refined to be even easier to use, ensuring you don't miss the moment you want to capture.
Even without traveling far to find extraordinary scenery, our everyday lives are this interesting and beautiful. The GR IV is the best partner to make us realize this obvious truth.
Why not put this small camera in your pocket and walk through your usual town?
About the RICOH GR IV
Released in 2025, the RICOH GR IV is a high-end compact digital camera in the RICOH GR series.
Equipped with an approximately 25.74-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and a GR LENS 18.3mm F2.8 equivalent to approximately 28mm in 35mm format. Despite its small, pocket-sized body, it is a reliable companion for city walks and street photography.
It also boasts a full range of features for capturing fleeting moments, including 5-axis shake reduction, hybrid AF, full-press snap, and Sn mode. It also includes approximately 53GB of built-in memory.
Width, height, depth: approximately 109.4mm x 61.1mm x 32.7mm
Weight: approximately 262g (including battery and microSD memory card)
Click here for a list of RICOH GR IV products
If you're looking for used cameras or lenses, please leave it to Five Star Camera!
We not only sell but also buy.
You can check the actual items at both our Shinjuku and Toyama stores before making a purchase, and we carefully inspect each item for buying. Please feel free to consult us!
