Ricoh has now locked in an official release date for the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome: February 13, 2026. Built for photographers who want black-and-white images with maximum detail and character, this compact camera centers its entire design around expressive monochrome shooting rather than treating it as an afterthought.
At the heart of the GR IV Monochrome is a 25.74-megapixel APS-size sensor engineered specifically for black-and-white photography. Unlike most modern cameras that rely on a Bayer color filter array to capture full-color images, this model removes that filter for a more direct monochrome capture. The practical upside is higher overall light sensitivity and cleaner tonal rendering, helping the camera reach an extremely wide ISO range from 160 all the way up to 409,600. Ricoh also positions this approach as a way to reduce unwanted artifacts such as aliasing, which can interfere with fine textures and sharp edges.
Matched to the sensor is a 28mm f/2.8 lens designed for high resolving power, making it a strong fit for street photography, travel, documentary work, and everyday carry shooting where a natural wide-angle view is ideal. To expand creative control, Ricoh includes a selectable internal red filter and multiple black-and-white picture modes, letting photographers dial in different monochrome looks in-camera—whether the goal is punchy contrast, smoother gradations, or a more dramatic, film-inspired feel.
For keeping shots crisp in real-world conditions, the GR IV Monochrome includes 5-axis image stabilization. Focusing is supported by dual systems—passive and contrast autofocus—aimed at making it easier to capture sharp images quickly, even when the subject or the photographer is on the move.
While it’s clearly photo-first, the camera can also record black-and-white video at 1920 x 1080 resolution up to 60p. Both stills and video can be reviewed on the built-in 3-inch display, keeping the shooting experience straightforward and travel-friendly.
With its February 13, 2026 launch date now confirmed, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is shaping up to be a purpose-built compact for anyone who wants to embrace black-and-white photography with a sensor and feature set tailored to monochrome from the ground up.
