The past year had a remarkable number of big new camera releases. Nikon updated the Z5. Sony released a new A7. Leica even released a camera with an electronic viewfinder. Interesting though the year was for big, fancy cameras, perhaps the most anticipated new camera of the year is the little, unassuming Ricoh GR IV.
The GR series has been the pocket point-and-shoot to have for years, going all the way back to when it was a film camera. I'm happy to report that the latest addition to the storied lineup continues the tradition. But then you probably already know that, because you probably preordered one back when they were announced. Let's take a minute to run through the next 1,000 words on why you're smart and that was a great purchase. The two of you who didn't can leave comments below telling the rest of us why we're idiots.
GReat Update
Truly great photographs aren't always beautiful, but they have something extra about them that makes them stick in your mind. Cameras are like that, too. Most of the cameras that I've really loved were far from perfect: the Fujifilm x70, the Ricoh GR III, the Panasonic GF1. All of these cameras have flaws, and yet they are the most compelling cameras I've used in over 10 years of testing cameras for WIRED. I like the GR III so much I did a second review of it, way past the date that a review made any sense. (I appreciate your indulgence, WIRED readers.)