For many years, I have been a dedicated Fujifilm shooter, owning each iteration of the X100 series. The X100 cameras have consistently served as my desert island camera and my primary choice for travel photography. With these cameras, I have visited numerous places and captured thousands of memorable images. Until recently, I could not imagine being without an X100 series camera as my everyday carry (EDC).
Everything changed one November evening last year while I was on a jog and walk date with my wife around the UP Diliman campus. Carrying my X100VI in my fanny pack, I was ready to take photos if something interesting caught my eye. However, I started to realize that perhaps I was growing older or simply prioritizing portability and convenience more than before. Surprisingly, I found the X100VI to be somewhat clunky and not as portable as I needed for activities like jogging or biking.
Previously, I had spent some time shooting with the Ricoh GR IIIx before trading it for a Fuji XE-4 for my son. I found myself missing the Ricoh GR IIIx’s exceptional portability. This realization led me, just a few days later, to trade my X100VI for a brand-new Ricoh GR IV.
Having prior experience with the GR IIIx, I knew what to expect from the Ricoh GR IV, including both its strengths and limitations. I was confident in its impressive image quality, expecting sharp and contrasty photos. I was also aware that the camera would be slower than the already slow X100VI and that it lacked a viewfinder. Because of this familiarity, I anticipated a smooth transition without much of a learning curve—or so I thought.
The biggest initial challenge I faced was the 28mm focal length, which was not something I was accustomed to using. My shooting style typically involved the 35mm or 50mm focal lengths, so adapting required some effort. However, once I became comfortable with the 28mm perspective, everything else fell into place. I appreciated finally having an EDC camera that was genuinely pocketable without compromising on image quality.
The Ricoh GR IV quickly proved itself as a perfect backup travel camera alongside my Sony A7C2. During our family vacation to Tokyo in December 2025, I had the ideal opportunity to put both the GR IV and the Sony A7C2 with the Sony 24-50mm f/2.8G lens through their paces and see how they performed in real-world travel scenarios.
Here are shots that I have taken with the GR IV in Tokyo. All shots were shot in RAW and post processed via Lightroom Classic.
My satisfaction with the Ricoh GR IV cannot be overstated. The camera’s portability and discreet design made it a pleasure to use, allowing me to capture moments without drawing attention. The images I created with the GR IV consistently exceeded my expectations. They were sharp, offered strong contrast, and the colors appeared both balanced and vibrant. In particular, I found the 28mm lens to be ideal for documentary-style photography. It suited my needs perfectly, enabling me to document scenes with authenticity and clarity. I am excited about the possibility of Ricoh releasing a GR IVx version equipped with a 40mm lens, as this would complement my style and create an exceptional lightweight travel and everyday carry (EDC) camera combination.
At this moment, my lineup does not include any Fujifilm cameras. While I may return to Fuji in the future if my finances permit, for now, I am content with the Ricoh GR IV as my dedicated EDC camera.
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Daniel's Lighthouse 