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When I reviewed the GR III, I wrote about how much I liked the snap focus mode, which allows you to set a preset focus distance regardless of aperture. I set up my GR III to use autofocus when I half-press the shutter and shoot when I press quickly, so that a snap focus triggers the shot at the preset focus distance (usually 1.5 metres).
That’s all the rest, but there’s now also a dedicated letter, Sn, on the mode dial that sets the camera into Snap Focus mode, which allows you to dial in not only the distance you want to focus, but also the aperture you want to lock. You can control the depth of field as well. I enjoyed this new mode and found myself shooting with it more often.
Should you get one?
The GR IV debuted at $1,497, significantly more than the GR III’s $999 price at launch. Is it worth the extra money? If you have a GR III and are frustrated with autofocus, I think you’ll love the upgrade. It’s important, and if you have the money, it’s worth it.
If you have any desire to use your pocket camera for video recording, this is not the camera for you. See our guides for Pocket cameras and Best travel cameras Some of the better hybrid cameras are capable of taking photos and video. If you want an APS-C sensor that legitimately fits in your pocket, offers amazing one-handed control, and produces excellent images, the Ricoh GR IV is for you.
Personally, I’m waiting for the GR IVx, which hopefully, like the GR IIIx, will be the same camera with a 40mm equivalent lens. At the time of writing, Ricoh has not commented on whether there will be a GR IVx.