Compact Cameras Showdown: Canon PowerShot S95 vs. Ricoh WG-20

In the world of compact cameras, choices abound, especially when balancing image quality, durability, and overall versatility. Today, I’m diving deep into a hands-on comparison between two intriguing models from different niches: the Canon PowerShot S95, released in late 2010, and the Ricoh WG-20, a rugged waterproof compact from early 2014. Despite both falling under the "compact" umbrella, their designs and target users differ markedly.

Having tested well over a thousand compact cameras in my 15+ years as a photography equipment reviewer, I bring an experienced eye and methodical approach to this analysis. We’ll explore their sensor technologies, handling, autofocus, shooting performance, and more – all grounded in practical use cases across photography genres. Whether you're a casual shooter craving ruggedness, or a serious enthusiast needing manual controls, this article aims to clarify which camera fits your needs best.

Let’s start by laying out their physical and ergonomic differences, as that sets the tone for subsequent features and use.

Body and Handling: Compact Precision Meets Rugged Durability

Right off the bat, the Canon S95 impresses with its classic compact design and solid build. Measuring 100x58x30mm and weighing 195g, it’s pocketable yet substantial enough to grip comfortably during extended use. The S95’s fixed 28-105mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.0-4.9 lens allows for good low-light reach at wide angles, a boon when shooting in dim environments.

On the other hand, the Ricoh WG-20 is slightly larger at 114x58x28mm but lighter at 164g, thanks mostly to its ruggedized waterproof casing. This camera is engineered for durability - it’s waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, catering to adventurous shooters who might take their camera snorkeling, camping, or hiking in harsh conditions. However, that protective housing does sacrifice some sleekness and finesse compared to the S95.

From an ergonomics standpoint, both cameras offer manual focus capabilities, but the S95 shines with more traditional photographic controls, including manual exposure modes. The WG-20 simplifies operation to appeal to those wanting automatic responsiveness in challenging environments – more point-and-shoot friendly.

If you prefer a compact without compromises on build quality but want a camera that can brave rough outdoors, WG-20 is compelling. But if you seek a refined, camera-centric experience with more control, S95 takes the cake here.

Moving on to controls and layout:

Canon equips the S95 with a graciously laid-out top plate - exposure compensation dial, dedicated mode dial with PASM options, and a clickable four-way controller. It’s a photographer’s little toolbox, encouraging experimentation and swift adjustment on the fly.

The WG-20’s top is uncluttered, leaning on simplicity. It lacks aperture or shutter priority modes and omits exposure compensation control, favoring fewer dedicated buttons to avoid accidental presses in active environments.

For those accustomed to traditional controls or wanting nuanced command over settings, the S95 feels more at home. Meanwhile, the WG-20 promotes straightforward shooting accessibility, especially when your hands might be wet or gloved.

Sensor and Image Quality: Balancing Size, Resolution, and Performance

Image quality is fundamentally linked to sensor performance. The Canon S95 features a 1/1.7" CCD sensor with 10 megapixels, sized 7.44x5.58mm, yielding a sensor area of around 41.52 mm². This sensor, coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor, offered one of the best image qualities in the early 2010s compact market. Canon opted for a 10MP count, which helped maintain pixel size and thus better light gathering ability relative to the sensor size.

In contrast, the Ricoh WG-20 sports a smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 14 megapixels resolution (4288x3216 pixels) with dimensions roughly 6.17x4.55mm and a sensor area of 28.07 mm². This sensor’s higher pixel density means smaller pixel pitch, which often translates to less efficient light gathering and potentially noisier images, especially in low light.

Canon’s sensor prides itself on a higher dynamic range (11.3 EV per DxO mark) and excellent color depth (20.4 bits), though DxO testing is unavailable for the WG-20. Canon also caps ISO at 3200 with usable results, whereas Ricoh extends ISO to 6400 but at the expense of image noise and quality.

In plain terms: expect sharper detail retention and better color fidelity from the S95 under most lighting conditions, with the WG-20 trading some image quality for standout ruggedness and zoom reach (28-140mm vs. 28-105mm on Canon).

The S95 also supports RAW format, enabling advanced post-processing – a serious advantage for enthusiasts and professionals. The WG-20 only shoots JPEG, limiting editing flexibility.

Screen and User Interface: Clear Windows to Your Composition

Both cameras include fixed LCD screens but arrive at quite different user experiences.

The Canon’s 3" fixed screen offers a resolution of 461k dots, excellent for checking focus and exposure critically. While it lacks touch functionality, the S95’s clear, bright display aids framing, especially in daylight.

Ricoh’s WG-20 provides a smaller 2.7" TFT LCD at just 230k dots, which can feel somewhat grainy and less vibrant. It’s adequate for composing shots but less forgiving for on-the-go adjustments or critical review of images.

Neither camera includes a viewfinder, which is typical for compacts of this type and era but can be limiting under bright sunlight. The S95’s larger screen still edges ahead in visibility and responsiveness, important for precise framing and evaluation.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Who’s Faster, Sharper, and Smarter?

The Canon S95 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and offers single autofocus only - no continuous AF or tracking. Face detection is missing, which slightly hampers portrait shooting ease, but manual focus is available for creative control. The autofocus is accurate and reliable in well-lit conditions; however, in low light or with moving subjects, focus acquisition can lag.

Ricoh WG-20 improves autofocus versatility, featuring contrast detection with 9 focus points plus face detection and smart continuous AF tracking. This makes it better suited for moving subjects and social photography. AF performance is fairly quick, especially given its rugged design, but not class-leading.

Where continuous shooting speed goes, both are limited to about 1 frame per second, which is slow for sports or wildlife but typical for rugged compacts focused on reliability rather than high-speed burst capture.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: How Do They Stack Up?

To give a clear picture, I broke their usability down across popular photography styles, reflecting hands-on testing and user feedback.

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back

Portrait Photography

The S95’s bright f/2.0 aperture at wide angle allows decent subject isolation and creamy bokeh, aided by its respectable 28-105mm lens range. Skin tones render naturally, thanks to Canon’s refined color science. However, the lack of face detection AF means you’ll need to be deliberate with focusing - possibly a limitation for quick candid shots.

Ricoh WG-20, offering a narrower aperture (f/3.5-5.5) and shorter range in minimum focus distance (1cm macro instead of 5cm), captures decent portraits but with less background blur control. Its face detection autofocus aids capturing sharp faces in casual portraits but the sensor and lens combo mean overall softer rendering.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s higher-end sensor and wider apertures give it an edge here. The S95 delivers impressive dynamic range and color depth, crucial for dramatic natural scenes. The compact form favors hiking and day trips, though beware of lack of environmental sealing.

Ricoh’s WG-20 counters by being waterproof and freezeproof, making it perfect for adventurous landscape shooters who won’t risk exposing delicate gear to elements. Its slightly longer zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) adds framing flexibility in the field.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is a perfect wildlife shooter - slow frame rates and limited zoom range on the S95, plus moderate zoom and burst capabilities on WG-20. However, WG-20’s continuous AF and tracking give it an edge for snapping fast-moving animals in nature if you’re outdoors and ruggedness is key.

Sports Photography

Again, both cameras fall short of true sports performance. Limited burst speeds (1 fps) and slow autofocus hamper capturing peak action. WG-20’s rugged body suits outdoor sports in demanding conditions better. S95’s superior image quality might please those shooting stationary sports portraits or details.

Street Photography

The Canon S95’s compact size and discretion favor street shooters who prize image quality and manual control for creative expression. Its quiet operation and fast f/2 aperture help at night.

Ricoh WG-20 is bulkier and less stealthy but durable enough for extreme street environments like festivals or rain-soaked contexts.

Macro Photography

Ricoh shines here with a macro focus down to 1cm, allowing extraordinary close-ups. Coupled with stabilization, it manages surprisingly sharp and detailed shots of flowers, insects, and textures.

Canon’s minimum macro distance is roughly 5cm; still good but less extreme.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s larger sensor and lower noise at ISO 3200 deliver cleaner night shots compared to Ricoh’s noisier high ISO output. However, neither camera sports special astro modes or long exposure timelapse functions useful for star trails.

Video Recording

Both offer 720p HD video, with the Canon S95 shooting at 24fps and Ricoh WG-20 at 30/15 fps. Canon encodes video in efficient H.264, resulting in smaller files and better compression, while Ricoh uses Motion JPEG, producing larger files but easier editing compatibility at times.

Neither camera supports mic inputs or advanced video features, limiting their use for serious videography.

Travel Photography

Here, personal priorities dominate: the Canon S95 performs well as a do-it-all compact with excellent image quality but no weather sealing. The Ricoh WG-20 extends photographic opportunities in wet, snowy, or dusty conditions thanks to durability and longer zoom.

Battery life also differs; Ricoh quotes 260 shots per charge, while Canon's figure is missing but typically lower in compact floods.

Technical Dissection: What Powers These Compacts?

• Build Quality: The WG-20 fortifies with environmental seals; the S95 is elegant but fragile by comparison.
• Image Stabilization: Canon’s optical IS outperforms Ricoh’s digital IS, which can introduce softness.
• Lens Quality: Canon’s fast aperture and quality class glass beat Ricoh’s slower zoom lenses.
• Connectivity: Canon’s Eye-Fi compatibility adds wireless convenience; Ricoh lacks wireless features.
• Storage: Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Ricoh also relying on internal storage, an unusual but handy feature.
• Battery Models: Canon uses NB-6L, Ricoh D-LI92; both are proprietary but widely available.
• Price Performance: The WG-20 retails cheaper (~$370) than the S95 (~$495), reinforcing its value in ruggedness over image quality.

Performance Scores and Summary

Based on combined DxO and field-test data, Canon’s S95 consistently scores higher on image quality, noise control, and manual controls, while Ricoh WG-20 rates well for durability and autofocus versatility.

Specifically, the S95 excels in portrait, landscape, night, and travel photography, whereas the WG-20 suits wildlife in rugged conditions, macro, and adventurous travel.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Canon PowerShot S95 is for those who crave an elegant compact with manual exposure options, excellent image quality, and a bright lens, perhaps as a secondary camera or a high-quality pocket snapper. Its RAW support and refined ISP make it a favorite among enthusiasts prioritizing creative control and image fidelity. Its downsides include the lack of weather sealing and modest burst speed.

Conversely, the Ricoh WG-20 leads if you want a tough camera ready for the outdoors - waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. While image quality and controls are more basic, its longer zoom, face detect AF, and macro capabilities offer versatility in rugged contexts. It’s a reliable companion for adventure photographers who demand resilience more than pro-level image tweaking.

If budget and needs align, the rugged WG-20 is a solid choice for active shooters. But when image quality and creative latitude top your list, the Canon S95 remains a compact classic more than a decade after launch.

In conclusion, my experience testing these two reveals a clear tradeoff: precision and finesse of the Canon PowerShot S95 versus the robust adventure-readiness of the Ricoh WG-20. Each has carved a niche, and understanding yours will make your next compact camera purchase a satisfying one.

Please feel free to reach out for further details or a personalized recommendation based on your shooting style and goals!