Canon SX120 IS vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Below is a extensive review of the Canon SX120 IS versus Ricoh WG-5 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Canon and Ricoh. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SX120 IS was revealed 6 years before the WG-5 GPS and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SX120 IS matches up vs the WG-5 GPS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Ricoh WG-5 GPS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS features external measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") with a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS has dimensions of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX120 IS versus Ricoh WG-5 GPS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SX120 IS versus the WG-5 GPS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SX120 IS and WG-5 GPS is 87 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX120 IS and WG-5 GPS.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX120 IS with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will produce more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SX120 IS will be behind in sensor innovation.