Canon SX30 IS vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Here is a thorough assessment of the Canon SX30 IS versus Ricoh WG-4 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by brands Canon and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the SX30 IS (14MP) and the WG-4 GPS (16MP) is very similar and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX30 IS was unveiled 4 years before the WG-4 GPS and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX30 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX30 IS matches up against the WG-4 GPS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Ricoh WG-4 GPS. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX30 IS Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX30 IS provides external dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") with a weight of 601 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-4 GPS has proportions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX30 IS versus Ricoh WG-4 GPS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SX30 IS compared to the WG-4 GPS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX30 IS and WG-4 GPS is 64 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX30 IS and WG-4 GPS.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Ricoh WG-4 GPS to offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The older SX30 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.