Upgrade Guide
Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB→Ricoh Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the THETA Z1 51GB. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
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Resolution26MP vs 23MP (+3MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Generation7 years newer (2026 vs 2019)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | THETA Z1 51GB | Ricoh GR IV Monochrome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Documentary | — | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Casual | — | ||
| Food | — | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | — | ||
| Astrophotography | — | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | THETA Z1 51GB | Ricoh GR IV Monochrome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,149 | £1,699 | |
| Released | 2019 | 2026 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 1" CMOS (×2) | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (monochrome, no colour filter) | |
| Resolution | 23MP | 26MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K 30fps 360° | 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | — | Hybrid phase/contrast-detect AF | |
| Stabilisation | Electronic | 6-stop IBIS (Shake Reduction) | |
| Burst Rate | — | 4fps | |
| Battery Life | 300 shots (Ricoh) | 250 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 182g | 262g (with battery and card) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | — | None (optional external finder accessory) | |
| Screen | — | 3.0" fixed touchscreen | |
| Mount | Fixed dual lens (360°) | Fixed 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) | |
| Memory Cards | 51 GB built in (no card slot) | Single microSD (UHS-I) + 53GB internal |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See THETA Z1 51GB and Ricoh GR IV Monochrome next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the THETA Z1 51GB
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