Pentax discontinued the K-series DSLR. But Ricoh’s camera sales are still skyrocketing, thanks to the popularity of the GR IV series

Ricoh's camera sales are experiencing a significant surge, despite the discontinuation of the K-series DSLR by the Pentax brand under Ricoh's ownership. In an earnings report from November 06, Ricoh reported that its GR series of compact cameras is driving a tremendous increase in sales and revenue. Although cameras constitute a small part of Ricoh's overall business, which also includes 360 cameras, environment and healthcare products, they have contributed to a 20 percent jump in sales during the first half of this year compared to the previous year.

The company's decision to discontinue the K-series DSLR, the last one in the series, is intended to develop a new range of digital SLR cameras based on a fresh concept. However, this move appears to have had little impact on Ricoh's overall sales performance. Sales for the GR series, which might look like a basic pocketable point-and-shoot, are actually equipped with an oversized APS-C sensor and a bright lens. The series also offers a dedicated Monochrome version and may soon feature a longer-lens GR IVx variant.

Apart from the thriving camera sales, Ricoh has been grappling with the impact of higher fuel costs and increased prices for memory components. In their latest financial report, Ricoh acknowledged that pricing adjustments may be necessary to cope with these rising costs. The company also mentioned that they have secured ample supplies of semiconductor devices to mitigate the effect of these cost increases.

This situation echoes concerns from other major camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm, who have also hinted at the need for price adjustments due to the escalating costs and limited availability of memory components.