Canon PowerShot SX240 HS vs Ricoh WG-30: In-Depth Comparative Review for 2024

In today’s highly competitive camera market, enthusiasts and professionals alike demand transparent, technically sound information that can guide their purchasing decisions with confidence. This detailed comparison between the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS and the Ricoh WG-30 aims to provide such clarity - drawing from hands-on experience and rigorous testing to evaluate how each camera performs across a broad array of photographic disciplines and real-world conditions. Although separated by a couple of years in release, these compact cameras cater to distinct user demands and environments, making a nuanced comparison necessary for discerning buyers.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Both the Canon SX240 HS and Ricoh WG-30 fall within the compact category, yet they target rather different use cases, reflected clearly in their dimensions and ergonomics.

• Canon SX240 HS: Compact and pocketable with dimensions of 106×61×33 mm and a lightweight body at 224 g, it feels familiar and convenient for everyday carry. Its ergonomics lean toward casual photographers seeking versatility without bulk. The body design emphasizes a traditional compact aesthetic with easily accessible control dials.

• Ricoh WG-30: Slightly larger (123×62×30 mm) but lighter at 192 g, the WG-30’s build emphasizes ruggedness, as it is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. This robust construction results in a thicker but resilient body meant for adventurous users encountering harsh environments.

Detailed Ergonomics and Controls

Examining the top view reveals differences in operational logic:

• The Canon’s control layout is optimized for straightforward access to manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure), providing flexibility to experienced users. It also features a physical zoom lever and dedicated buttons enhancing quick adjustments.

• The Ricoh WG-30 simplifies control schemes, prioritizing ruggedness and waterproof seals over extensive manual controls. It exclusively supports full-auto exposure modes and limited manual overrides, suitable for casual or outdoor specialized shooters prioritizing durability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the core of any camera’s imaging performance is the sensor, influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and overall image quality.

• Canon SX240 HS: Features a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17×4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area) with a 12-megapixel resolution (4000×3000 pixels). The sensor utilizes Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor to improve noise reduction and color fidelity, although there is no Raw image file support.

• Ricoh WG-30: Also sports a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor of identical size but with a higher resolution of 16 megapixels (4608×3456 pixels). Its ISO extends up to 6400, double that of the Canon’s 3200 max ISO, which theoretically offers better low-light sensitivity. Like the Canon, it lacks Raw capture, restricting post-processing flexibility.

Technical User Insights

While the higher resolution of the Ricoh WG-30 might seem advantageous, in practice the smaller pixel pitch can introduce more noise, especially under low light. The Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor compensates effectively by balancing noise and detail preservation, resulting in cleaner mid-ISO images. However, neither camera rivals larger sensor compacts or DSLRs in dynamic range or color depth, which is typical for the category.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Both models rely exclusively on LCD screens without electronic viewfinders, influencing usability in bright outdoor settings and framing comfort.

• Canon provides a 3-inch PureColor II TFT LCD with 461k dots, offering a sharper, larger viewing area with vibrant color reproduction. It is fixed, non-touchscreen.

• Ricoh’s screen measures slightly smaller at 2.7 inches with 230k dots, making it dimmer and less detailed but sufficient for basic framing. Its lack of touchscreen and basic display technology make menu navigation somewhat less fluid.

The absence of viewfinders in both models limits eye-level shooting, which can be a crucial drawback for wildlife, landscape, or sports photographers frequently battling glare or needing steadier framing.

Autofocus System and Performance

Autofocus capabilities define a camera’s usefulness across multiple photographic scenarios, particularly fast-moving or low-contrast subjects.

• Canon SX240 HS: Employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points, face detection enabled but lacking animal eye detection. It supports AF single, AF continuous, and tracking AF modes. In practice, autofocus acquisition is moderately speedy for the class, though it struggles in dim or rapidly changing light.

• Ricoh WG-30: Matches 9 AF points but focuses exclusively via contrast detection without advanced face or tracking assistance. Its macro focus range (down to 1cm) surpasses the Canon’s 5 cm, benefiting close-up shooting. Continuous AF performance is slower due to processor limitations and simplified algorithms.

In fast-paced wildlife or sports photography, neither system competes with interchangeable lens cameras; however, Canon’s tracking AF offers more versatility for basic action shots.

Lens Characteristics and Zoom Range

Optical versatility sets these cameras apart in day-to-day use.

• Canon SX240 HS: Boasts a superzoom fixed lens with a focal length of 25–500 mm equivalent (20x zoom) with aperture varying from f/3.5 to f/6.8. This extensive reach allows capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports events while maintaining portable form factor.

• Ricoh WG-30: Features a more modest 28–140 mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom) with aperture f/3.5 to f/5.5, favoring wide-angle landscapes and casual shooting but limited for telephoto needs.

Optical Stabilization

• Canon uses optical image stabilization, which provides superior shake reduction during telephoto or low-light shots.
• Ricoh relies on digital stabilization, which can introduce artifacts or cropping and is less effective at longer focal lengths.

For users prioritizing reach, Canon clearly dominates, whereas Ricoh’s lens suits rugged outdoor or underwater scenarios where extreme zoom is less critical.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed

• Canon’s max continuous shooting rate is 2 fps, adequate for casual sports or wildlife but insufficient for intense action photography.
• Ricoh records slower burst speeds at 1 fps, restricting capture of dynamic sequences.

Shutter speeds range broadly:

• Canon: 15s to 1/3200s
• Ricoh: 4s to 1/4000s

The Canon’s longer slow shutter capability benefits night or creative long exposures, while Ricoh’s marginally faster max shutter speed aids in freezing fast motion.

Video Capabilities: HD Capture and Usability

Video features are crucial for hybrid photo-video content creators.

• Both cameras support 1080p Full HD recording (Canon at 24 fps, Ricoh at 30 fps), with Canon offering a few more frame rate options including slow-motion clips at 120 and 240 fps (albeit at reduced resolutions).
• Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio enhancement and monitoring.
• Canon additionally supports slow sync flash in video mode; Ricoh lacks advanced exposure controls for video.
• Image stabilization during video favors Canon’s optical system, delivering smoother handheld footage.
• Both cameras output H.264 encoded video via HDMI and USB 2.0.

Overall, Canon’s video toolkit is more versatile though limited by the era’s technology standards.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

This category is where the Ricoh WG-30 sets itself apart:

• Fully waterproof up to 10m, shockproof from drops up to 2m, crushproof and freezeproof, enabling shooting in rain, snow, underwater, or harsh terrains.
• Canon SX240 HS lacks any environmental sealing or rugged features, requiring protective accessories for outdoor use.

For travel photographers or adventurers, WG-30’s resilience is invaluable.

Battery Life and Storage

• Ricoh WG-30 fares better with an estimated 300 shots per charge compared to Canon’s 230, reflecting both newer battery tech and efficiency optimizations.
• Both utilize proprietary rechargeable battery packs (NB-6L for Canon, D-LI92 for Ricoh).
• Storage is via one SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, with Ricoh also incorporating internal storage - helpful in extreme conditions where memory cards might fail.

Connectivity and File Management

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, limiting instant sharing capabilities available on newer compacts.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are standard for image transfer and viewing, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories and monitors.

Practical Usage Across Photography Genres

Assessing strengths in the context of popular photography genres uncovers clear user differentiation:

Portrait Photography

• Canon’s face detection autofocus aids portrait shooting, although lack of Raw limits skin tone retouching.
• Ricoh’s macro focusing down to 1cm can be used for creative close-up portraits but lacks fine exposure modes for professional skin tone accuracy.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh’s ruggedness and wider angle on zoom support outdoor landscapes under tough conditions.
• Canon’s better image processor yields cleaner, more detailed images but requires care outdoors due to no weather sealing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon’s extended zoom and continuous autofocus offer utility in mildly dynamic shooting.
• Ricoh’s slower AF and limited zoom restrict action capture.

Street Photography

• Canon is smaller and more discreet, preferred for urban environments.
• Ricoh’s bulk and rugged look may draw attention but beneficial in unpredictable settings.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh excels with 1 cm macro focusing, unique in this comparison.
• Canon’s macro minimum focus at 5 cm limits extreme close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon’s longer shutter speeds and better noise reduction offer advantages.
• Ricoh’s ISO ceiling and ruggedness lend it to outdoor night shoots in environmental extremes.

Video Content Creation

• Canon’s varied frame rates and optical stabilization better support video.
• Ricoh provides only basic video without audio interface options.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh’s waterproof and dust-resistant features make it a choice pick for adventurous travel.
• Canon’s versatile zoom and compact design benefit general travel needs.

Professional Use and Workflow

• Neither camera supports Raw or tethered shooting, limiting professional workflows.
• Both are entry-level in this regard, best suited as secondary cameras or casual use tools.

Canon SX240 HS screen back Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back

Sample gallery comparing Canon SX240 HS and Ricoh WG-30 image outputs under typical shooting conditions.

Expert Evaluations and Overall Performance Scores

Aggregating testing data:

Performance Across Different Photography Types

Detailed breakdown focusing on real-world applicability:

• Portrait: Canon excels with better face detection and color handling.
• Landscape: Ricoh leads for rugged outdoor shoots; Canon for image fidelity.
• Wildlife & Sports: Canon’s zoom and AF outperform Ricoh.
• Street: Canon’s portability favored.
• Macro: Ricoh’s close focus is superior.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s sensor and shutter speeds preferred.
• Video: Canon favored.
• Travel: Ricoh optimal for adventurous or wet environments.
• Professional Uses: Neither ideal; Canon’s controls provide a slight edge.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Suits Your Needs?

Canon PowerShot SX240 HS is best for:

• Casual to hobbyist photographers seeking a versatile zoom superzoom compact.
• Those prioritizing image quality balanced with manual control options.
• Users interested in occasional video capturing with better stabilization.
• Portrait and travel photography in controlled environments.

Ricoh WG-30 is ideal for:

• Adventure seekers requiring a rugged, waterproof, crushproof camera.
• Outdoor, underwater, or extreme environment capture where camera safety is paramount.
• Close-up and macro enthusiasts benefiting from close focusing.
• Users with basic photographic control demands focused on durability over image finesse.

Neither camera fully satisfies professional imaging workflows, but they serve as specialized tools suited for specific needs and budgets.

Conclusion: Trustworthy Choices for Distinct Photography Needs

This detailed comparison underscores that the Canon SX240 HS and Ricoh WG-30 suit very different photographic niches despite similar sensor sizes and compact classifications. The Canon prioritizes optical versatility, nuanced manual controls, and better video capabilities, making it a well-rounded superzoom compact for varied shooting. Conversely, the Ricoh excels in durability and specialized outdoor usage scenarios, offering robustness rarely matched by consumer cameras at this price point but at the cost of reduced zoom range and streamlined controls.

By attentively weighing the diverse feature sets and performance profiles detailed herein - supported by rigorous testing and expert insights - prospective buyers can make an informed selection tailored to their unique photographic ambitions and conditions.

Article by a veteran photography equipment reviewer with 15+ years of hands-on evaluation experience, committed to delivering trusted camera comparisons grounded in technical expertise and practical usage.