Is the Ricoh GR IV actually worth the hype in 2026, or is your old GR III still the king of street photography for us in Korea?

The Hype is Real: Why is the Ricoh GR IV Trending Right Now?

It’s early 2026, and if you’ve scrolled through any photography subreddit or Korean community like SLRClub lately, you’ve seen it: the Ricoh GR IV. It feels like every street photographer from Seoul to New York is suddenly obsessed with this pocket-sized powerhouse. But why now? Ricoh took their time—much longer than we expected—to release this successor to the legendary GR III series.

The buzz is largely driven by the rumors of a new sensor architecture and, finally, improved autofocus capabilities that don't hunt in low-light situations like the older models did. In the age of smartphone photography dominance, the Ricoh GR series remains the last bastion for those who want professional-grade image quality without carrying a bulky mirrorless setup through the busy streets of Myeongdong or Gangnam.

Specs vs. Reality: Is it Truly an Upgrade?

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a second. Every time a new camera drops, we convince ourselves our current gear is obsolete. The Ricoh GR IV features a 40MP APS-C sensor, a redesigned 28mm equivalent lens, and—the most controversial part—a slightly thicker body to accommodate better heat dissipation for 4K60 video recording.

The Autofocus Question

Does it actually focus faster? Early reviews from the US tech scene suggest that the Phase Detection Autofocus is a game-changer. For us in South Korea, where the pace of life (and photography) is incredibly fast, this might be the single biggest reason to upgrade. No more blurry shots of the bus passing by because the contrast-detect AF couldn't keep up.

New Recipes and Film Simulations

Ricoh has doubled down on their "Image Control" presets. The new 2026 "Vintage Negative" recipe is already being hailed as a Fujifilm-killer. If you’re someone who hates post-processing and just wants to transfer JPEGs directly to your phone for Instagram, the GR IV is looking very tempting.

The Struggle of Finding Stock in South Korea

If you’ve tried to walk into a shop in Yongsan Electronics Market or Namdaemun recently, you’ve probably been met with a polite "sold out" or a waiting list that stretches into the summer of 2027. Korea’s photography community is massive, and local distributors often struggle to keep up with the initial demand for niche enthusiast cameras like the Ricoh GR IV.

Furthermore, the local markup in KRW can sometimes be eye-watering due to regional distribution fees. This leads many savvy Korean photographers to look toward the primary market: the United States.

The Secret Sauce: Why Buying from US Stores is Better

Why wait months for a local restock when stores like B&H Photo, Adorama, and even Amazon US have much deeper inventories? Buying from the US is often the only way to secure a unit during the first quarter of 2026. Many of us have found that even with shipping costs, the price can be competitive, especially when US retailers run seasonal promotions.

However, the biggest hurdle is that some US retailers don't ship directly to South Korea, or if they do, the shipping fees are astronomical and provide zero protection for high-value electronics. This is where using a dedicated freight forwarder like comGateway becomes essential for a stress-free experience.

Logistics Simplified: Shipping from the US to South Korea

If you're skeptical about how a camera gets from a warehouse in Oregon to your doorstep in Seoul, don't worry. The process is surprisingly straightforward in 2026. By using a tax-free us address provided by a proxy shopping service, you avoid US sales tax entirely, which can save you up to 10% right off the bat.

Knowing Your Costs Upfront

Before you hit that "buy" button, you should always use a shipping calculator to estimate exactly what you'll be paying. The Ricoh GR IV is light, which is great for keeping international shipping rates low. Typically, a small electronics package won't break the bank, but it's always better to see the numbers first.

Reliability Matters

When you're shipping a $1,000+ camera, you don't want to use a cut-rate courier. Opting for a premium international shipping service ensures that your gear is handled with care and reaches Korea in 3-5 business days. If you have questions about insurance or packaging, the FAQ section on the provider's site usually clarifies how they protect high-end tech like Ricoh cameras.

Customs, Duties, and Making the Deal Sweet

One of the best parts about shipping from US to South Korea is the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). For most electronics, if the value is under $200, it's duty-free. Since the Ricoh GR IV definitely exceeds that, you will be looking at a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax). However, digital cameras are generally exempt from additional customs duties under the FTA, meaning you only pay the VAT on the imported value.

Final Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Is the Ricoh GR IV the best camera of 2026? If you value portability and that distinct "Ricoh look," then yes, it's absolutely worth the hype. While the GR III is still an amazing tool, the improved autofocus and the higher resolution sensor in the IV provide a level of future-proofing that's hard to ignore.

Don't let the local "Out of Stock" signs discourage you. By taking advantage of a shop us ship international strategy, you can be out on the streets of Seoul capturing stunning shots while everyone else is still on a waiting list. Just make sure to use a reliable proxy service to ensure your new baby arrives safe and sound. Happy shooting!