The Ricoh GR IV is widely regarded as the ultimate pocket-sized camera for serious photographers. With its compact body, sharp lens, and outstanding image quality, it is designed to capture life’s moments on the go. But while Ricoh has refined nearly every aspect of the GR IV, one technical detail requires extra attention: its storage. The camera uses a single microSD card slot limited to UHS-I speeds, which makes choosing the right memory card an essential part of your photography kit.
Whether you’re shooting fast-paced street photography, recording 4K video, or documenting travels, the right memory card ensures reliable performance, fast buffering, and long-term durability. In this guide, we’ll explore the best memory cards for the Ricoh GR IV and explain why they should be part of your must-have accessories.
Why Memory Cards Matter for the Ricoh GR IV
The Ricoh GR IV is built for speed and spontaneity, but memory card performance can easily become a bottleneck. Since the camera supports UHS-I microSD cards only, choosing a card with proven reliability and top-tier write speeds makes a huge difference in real-world use.
Here’s what to consider when shopping for a memory card:
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Speed Class – Look for UHS-I cards with a U3 or V30 rating to handle burst shooting and 4K video smoothly.
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Capacity – The GR IV supports large microSD cards, so 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB are great sweet spots depending on your shooting habits.
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Reliability – Not all microSD cards are built the same. Trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung, and Kingston have a track record of durability.
| Memory Card | Speed Class | Capacities | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSDXC | UHS-I, U3, V30 | 64GB – 1TB | Check Price |
| Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSDXC | UHS-I, U3, V30 | 64GB – 512GB | Check Price |
| Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSDXC | UHS-I, U3, V30 | 128GB – 512GB | Check Price |
| Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSDXC | UHS-I, U3, V30 | 64GB – 512GB | Check Price |
Best Memory Cards for Ricoh GR IV
1. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSDXC
Arguably the most popular choice among photographers, the SanDisk Extreme Pro series is perfect for the Ricoh GR IV. With write speeds up to 90MB/s, it ensures quick buffering during burst shooting and smooth 4K recording. Available in sizes from 64GB to 1TB, it’s a versatile option for both casual and professional use.
Why choose it?
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Reliable performance in all conditions
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Excellent for 4K video recording
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Lifetime warranty from SanDisk
2. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSDXC
Designed for professional-grade performance, the Lexar 1066x offers impressive sustained write speeds, making it ideal for photographers who shoot RAW files on the Ricoh GR IV. It is V30-rated, ensuring stable video recording without dropped frames.
Why choose it?
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Strong balance of speed and durability
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V30 certification for video shooters
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Affordable compared to premium competitors
3. Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSDXC
Samsung’s PRO Plus line is a great alternative that combines speed, reliability, and durability. With water, temperature, and shock resistance, this card is built for photographers on the move. Its write speeds make it well-suited for street shooters who rely on the GR IV’s burst mode.
Why choose it?
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Rugged design for travel photography
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Consistent UHS-I performance
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Trusted brand in memory storage
4. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSDXC
The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is another solid performer, tailored for adventure photographers. It offers fast read and write speeds for UHS-I standards and is designed for reliability in harsh conditions. It’s an affordable yet trustworthy choice for Ricoh GR IV owners.
Why choose it?
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Budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability
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V30 rating ensures smooth video capture
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Available in multiple sizes up to 512GB
Recommended Capacities for Ricoh GR IV
While speed is critical, capacity is equally important for uninterrupted shooting. Here’s a quick guide based on usage:
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64GB – Best for casual photographers who offload files frequently.
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128GB – Ideal for street photographers who shoot RAW and want a good balance of storage and portability.
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256GB and above – Recommended for travelers or video shooters who need extended storage without swapping cards.
Given the Ricoh GR IV’s compact design and everyday use case, most users will find 128GB or 256GB to be the sweet spot.
Memory Card Accessories You Shouldn’t Overlook
Memory cards are just one part of the storage equation. To keep your files safe and your workflow smooth, consider these must-have accessories for Ricoh GR IV users:
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Card Reader – A high-speed USB 3.0 or USB-C card reader drastically cuts down file transfer times.
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Memory Card Case – Protects cards from dust, moisture, and physical damage while on the go.
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Portable SSD Backup – Ensures you don’t risk losing valuable photos while traveling.
Final Thoughts
The Ricoh GR IV is built for photographers who demand portability without compromise. But to unlock its full potential, investing in the right memory card is essential. From the fast and reliable SanDisk Extreme Pro to the rugged Samsung PRO Plus, the cards listed here deliver the performance needed for smooth shooting, quick buffering, and secure storage.
When paired with the right accessories, such as card readers and protective cases, your Ricoh GR IV setup becomes more reliable and efficient. By choosing wisely, you’ll spend less time worrying about storage limitations and more time doing what the GR IV was built for—capturing life, one snap at a time.
Recommended Memory Cards for Ricoh GR IV
If you want the best mix of speed, reliability, and value, here are the top picks again:
- SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSDXC – Best all-around option for speed and reliability
- Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSDXC – Excellent performance for stills and video
- Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSDXC – Great durability and consistent speed
- Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSDXC – Reliable budget-friendly option
