Japan's compact camera market is seeing a shift as a specialist black-and-white camera takes the top spot. The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, launched last month, features an APS-C CMOS sensor designed exclusively for monochrome photography at a price of $2,196.95 / £1,599 / AU$2,999.
While ultra-budget point-and-shoots under $100 remain popular, this dedicated tool has surged ahead, outperforming color rivals. The monochrome segment was traditionally dominated by Leica models, which often cost about five times more.
Yodobashi's sales data from January 16-31, 2026, shows the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome at number one, followed by the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS at second place. Ricoh also holds three positions in the top ten, including the GR IIIx at fourth and the standard GR IV at tenth.
Demand is high beyond Japan, with short supply reported in Europe, the UK, and the US. Meanwhile, budget compacts like the Kodak Pixpro C1 remain popular for their simplicity and low cost.
The real challenge is maintaining supply and momentum. If availability issues persist, next month's rankings could change. The GR IV Monochrome is a niche tool, but its price makes monochrome photography more accessible to enthusiasts.