Canon SX20 IS vs Ricoh WG-30

Here is a extended analysis of the Canon SX20 IS vs Ricoh WG-30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Canon and Ricoh. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and WG-30 (16MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX20 IS was unveiled 5 years earlier than the WG-30 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh WG-30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SX20 IS scores vs the WG-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Ricoh WG-30. The full galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Ricoh WG-30 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX20 IS provides exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-30 has specifications of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX20 IS vs Ricoh WG-30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SX20 IS against the WG-30.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and WG-30 is 65 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and WG-30.

Plainly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Ricoh WG-30 to produce more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.