The Ricoh GR IV surged to the top of Yodobashi Camera’s best-selling cameras list for the first half of September 2025, claiming the No. 1 spot despite shipping only from September 12. That rapid climb underscores persistent demand for premium pocketable compacts and the GR series’ reputation among street and travel photographers.
Why the GR IV topped sales
- Pocketable performance: The GR IV continues Ricoh’s lineage of ultra-compact APS-C shooters, pairing a high-quality 26MP BSI sensor with a sharp fixed prime lens—delivering image quality rivals expect from larger mirrorless systems in a true pocket form factor.
- Refined ergonomics and controls: Updates like dual command dials, a thinner body, improved snap-focus options, and better dust sealing make the GR IV both familiar to longtime users and more usable for fast, tactile shooting.
- Immediate availability impact: Although released mid-month, early shipments and preorders concentrated sales into a short window—enough to outrank established sellers and trendier fixed-lens models. Yodobashi’s ranking mixes online and in-store sales, amplifying short-term launch demand.
- Market dynamics: Competing compacts (Canon PowerShot SX740, Sony ZV-1 II, Panasonic ZS99, Fujifilm X-Half, etc.) remain strong, but the GR IV’s niche—serious street photographers wanting a stealthy, high-quality camera—gives it distinct appeal.
What this means for buyers
- Availability: Early reports across retailers indicate limited stock and suspended orders in some regions. Expect backorders or delayed shipping if you miss initial waves.
- Use case fit: Ideal for street, travel, documentary, and everyday carry photography where image quality and discretion matter more than interchangeable lenses.
- Value proposition: For photographers prioritizing pocketability and image fidelity, the GR IV competes strongly against more expensive fixed-lens premium compacts and some entry-level mirrorless bodies.
Rankings
This early September 2025 bestseller list demonstrates how a focused design and timely launch can push a compact camera to the top of best selling Cameras charts—Ricoh GR IV now leads that conversation.
Top 10 (Yodobashi, Sept 1–15, 2025):
- Ricoh GR IV – Amazon, B&H, Adorama
- Canon PowerShot SX740 – Amazon
- Sony VLOGCAM ZV-1 II – Amazon
- Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 – Amazon
- Fujifilm X Half – Amazon
- Sony Cyber-shot RX1R III – Amazon
- Ricoh GR IIIx – Amazon
- Kodak PIXPRO C1 – Amazon
- Fujifilm X100VI – Amazon
- Leica D-LUX8 –Amazon
Ricoh GR IV vs Fujifilm X100VI vs Sony RX1R III — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ricoh GR IV | Fujifilm X100VI | Sony RX1R III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, ~26 MP BSI | APS-C, ~26 MP X-Trans | Full-frame, ~60 MP |
| Lens | Fixed 28mm eq. prime (sharp, compact) | Fixed 35mm eq. prime (classic rendering) | Fixed 35mm eq. prime (high-res Zeiss) |
| Size / Weight | Pocketable / very light | Compact, slightly larger than GR | Pocketable for full-frame, heavier |
| Target use | Street, travel, everyday carry | Street, portrait, travel with film-like colors | High-resolution stills, fine detail, landscapes/portrait |
| ISO performance | Very good (APS-C BSI) | Very good with Fujifilm processing | Excellent low-noise and detail (full-frame) |
| Autofocus | Fast, responsive for street shooting | Fast, reliable, subject-friendly | High-precision AF, focus speed slightly slower due to resolution |
| Handling / Controls | Minimalist, tactile, fast access | Classic dials, tactile exposure controls | Simple layout, focus on image quality |
| Battery life | Good for compact class | Good | Moderate (high-res sensor consumes more) |
| Price positioning | Premium compact value | Premium compact with heritage styling | Premium high-resolution compact (most expensive) |
| Best for | Discreet street shooters wanting top image quality in pocket | Photographers wanting classic Fuji color and tactile controls | Those prioritizing ultimate resolution in fixed-lens form |
