Canon S120 vs Ricoh WG-4

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Canon S120 and Ricoh WG-4, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Canon and Ricoh. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the S120 (12MP) and WG-4 (16MP) and the S120 (1/1.7") and WG-4 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The S120 was launched 2 months before the WG-4 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise overview of how the S120 grades against the WG-4 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S120 and Ricoh WG-4. The complete galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon S120 has physical dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-4 has measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Examine the Canon S120 and Ricoh WG-4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the S120 against the WG-4.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S120 and WG-4 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The visual below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S120 and WG-4.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S120 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Ricoh WG-4 will give more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively.