Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony a1

Let's look closer at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony a1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and a1 (50MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and a1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor size.

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The GR Digital IV was unveiled 10 years prior to the a1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the GR Digital IV matches up vs the a1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony Alpha a1. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV offers outer measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has measurements of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony a1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GR Digital IV vs the a1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GR Digital IV and a1 is 92 and 61 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and a1.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony a1 will render more detail having an extra 40 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.