Ricoh
GR III
Street photography icon with 24.24MP APS-C, 28mm equivalent GR lens, 3-axis SR, and snap-focus in a pocket body.
$899
Released Mar 2019
Ricoh
GR IV Monochrome
Monochrome-only GR IV with 25.74MP APS-C sensor, red filter mode, 5-axis SR, and classic 28mm pocket street-camera design.
$1,699
Released Jan 2026
GR IV Monochrome is 6.8 years newer.
Wins
GR III
Wins
GR IV Monochrome
5 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BGR IV Monochrome has higher ISO max (native) (409,600 vs 102,400)
- AGR III has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 160)
- BGR IV Monochrome has higher Battery life (CIPA) (250 shots vs 200 shots)
- BGR IV Monochrome has higher Resolution (25.74 MP vs 24.24 MP)
- AGR III has lower Weight (257 g vs 262 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
GR III
109 × 62 × 33 mm
257 g (0.57 lb / 9.07 oz)
GR IV Monochrome
109 × 61 × 33 mm
262 g (0.58 lb / 9.24 oz)
GR III is 1mm taller and 1mm thicker than GR IV Monochrome.
GR III is 5 g lighter than GR IV Monochrome.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm GR III · 33mm GR IV Monochrome
Sensor size, to scale
GR III
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
GR IV Monochrome
23.3 × 15.5 mm · APS-C
361 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GR III
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC UHS-I
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 61.9, 33.2
ISO min (native)
100 vs 160 — lower is better
Weight
257 g vs 262 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
GR IV Monochrome
Card types
Adds microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC UHS-I
ISO max (native)
409,600 vs 102,400 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 61.1, 32.7
Battery life (CIPA)
250 shots vs 200 shots — higher is better
Resolution
25.74 MP vs 24.24 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 49
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 4 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 4 fps
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GR III
Pros
- ✓Pocketable APS-C
- ✓28mm equivalent GR lens
- ✓3-axis sensor-shift SR
- ✓Snap focus street shooting
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –No built-in EVF
- –Full HD video only
GR IV Monochrome
Pros
- ✓Monochrome APS-C sensor
- ✓ISO 160-409600
- ✓5-axis SR
- ✓Red filter mode
Cons
- –Black-and-white only
- –Fixed lens
- –Full HD video only
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, GR III or GR IV Monochrome?
GR III scores 6.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for GR IV Monochrome — 24.24MP — solid resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the GR III and GR IV Monochrome?
GR III is 24.24 MP and GR IV Monochrome is 25.74 MP, so the GR IV Monochrome captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GR III and GR IV Monochrome have in-body image stabilization?
GR III has in-body image stabilization, while gR IV Monochrome has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GR III or the GR IV Monochrome?
GR III reaches 4 fps electronic. GR IV Monochrome reaches 4 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GR III and GR IV Monochrome?
GR III weighs 257 g and GR IV Monochrome weighs 262 g, so the GR III is 5 g lighter.
Do the GR III and GR IV Monochrome record 4K video?
GR III: 4K up to 60p. GR IV Monochrome: 4K up to 60p.
Are the GR III and GR IV Monochrome weather sealed?
GR III: No. GR IV Monochrome: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 200 shots (CIPA) for the GR III and 250 shots for the GR IV Monochrome, giving the GR IV Monochrome the edge.
How much does each cost?
GR III launched at $899 and GR IV Monochrome at $1,699. The GR III is $800 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.