The GRD IV (signal drool machine)

This is a picture of the Ricoh GR Digital IV limited edition white model (from engadget Japan).

Wow, as a Ricoh owner super fanboy, I have to say I had to reach for a tissue when I first saw it.

The GRDIV has the same sensor and seemingly the same lens as the III - a 10 megapixel 1/1.7" CCD with a bright 28mm equiv. F1.9 fixed lens, but they've added in image stabilization, a 1.2 million dot RGBW screen that should produce brilliant picture renditions even in bright light (ﾉ￣□￣)ﾉ and it has faster autofocus and a new image processing engine.

All I can say is wow. Even tho I have the (higher spec) GXR, I still kinda want one.

The only problem is it's going to be pretty damn expensive. Bic Camera is taking pre-orders right now, for ¥79,800 for the base black model or ¥84,400 for the white model. Ouch. Of course Bic gives you a 10% discount with points, but that's pretty pricey for what is still a high-end point and shoot.

... My other thought tho, is that the GXR may be getting a new body unit as well. They could easily add the new autofocus assisting sensors and better screen from the GRDIV into it without having to update the lenses at all. One can hope...