Ricoh GR III vs GR IV: Should You Buy a Used GR III or New GR IV in 2026?
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Why I Made This Guide
One of the questions I get asked most often by readers and followers is whether they should buy a used Ricoh GR III or spend more on the new Ricoh GR IV. It's also a decision I had to make myself before buying my GR IV, so I hope sharing my thought process helps you with your decision too.
Disclaimer: I’ve been using the Ricoh GR IV since January 2026 and have a solid understanding of its strengths and quirks. While I’ve never owned a GR III, I’ve used it on several photo walks with friends and spent the past few months researching both cameras in depth. This article combines my hands-on experience and broader research into both models.
Launch Prices
The Ricoh GR III was released in 2019 with a launch price of approximately:
$900 in the United States
€900 in Europe
The Ricoh GR IV was released in 2025 with a launch price of approximately:
$1,500 in the United States
€1,350 in Europe
What Does the GR IV Offer Over the GR III?
The Ricoh GR IV is not a revolutionary upgrade, but it does offer several meaningful improvements:
Approximately 30% better battery life
53GB of built-in storage (no SD card required)
Slightly better autofocus performance
Improved image stabilization for handheld shots
Improved lens sealing against dust (yet to be proven)
A sturdy rocker button instead of the notoriously fragile control dial
Brand-new hardware and long-term support
Which One Should You Buy?
The Ricoh GR III is currently available only as a second hand option while the GR IV can be purchased new. So which one should you get?
TL:DR -> If you own a Ricoh GR III I believe the benefit of upgrading is minimal. If you are planning to buy your first Ricoh GR and you can afford it I would go for the Ricoh GR IV. Here is why.
The Used GR III Market In 2026
When researching the second-hand market in June 2026, I looked at listings from local camera stores and professional retailers such as MPB, private marketplaces like eBay and reddit groups, as well as recent purchases shared by fellow photographers. Based on that, I found that a Ricoh GR III in good condition typically sells for:
€850 – €1,050 in Europe
$900 – $1,100 in the United States
Considering that the camera launched at approximately $900/€900 back in 2019, this means that the GR III has the same or in many cases a higher price compared to when it was released 7 years ago, that is absurd!
My Concern With Buying a Used GR III Today
Due to high demand the prices of GR III have skyrocketed. My opinion is that if prices were lower than $900/€800 (roughly a 40% reduction) it would be a much better value. At current prices I am personally hesitant to buy a GR III for the following reasons:
It is a 7-year-old camera, which means you are paying a premium price for older technology
Since the GR III was released 7 years ago, most second-hand models have seen heavy use and you may encounter:
Cosmetic wear
Dust on the sensor
Reduced battery performance
Worn buttons and control dials (the rear dial is notorious for breaking)
While not a major expense, you will still need to purchase an SD card
Most used GR III cameras are no longer covered by the original manufacturer's warranty
Why I Chose the GR IV
Personally, I would rather pay slightly more and go for a new GR IV. You get all the improvements mentioned above, plus a brand-new camera with a valid warranty and the peace of mind of knowing exactly how it has been treated since day one.
Just because I made that choice doesn’t mean you should do the same, this is simply my opinion. In the end, both cameras are highly capable and deliver very similar image quality.
If you are on a tight budget and find a GR III in excellent condition for a reasonable price below $900/€800, I would not hesitate to go for it. In all other cases, I would lean towards the GR IV. If the price difference is only a few hundred euros and you can comfortably afford it, I believe the GR IV is the better purchase in 2026.
For first-time Ricoh buyers, starting with the latest generation makes more sense and is generally more future-proof, not only in terms of features but also in terms of resale value.
