Casio EX-FH25 vs Ricoh WG-20: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera often boils down to matching your specific photography interests, budget, and required features. Today, we dive deep into two distinctive compact cameras - the Casio EX-FH25 and the Ricoh WG-20. While both cater to casual photographers and enthusiasts seeking portability, they target quite different use cases. We'll explore everything from sensor technology to ergonomics and real-world performance.

Drawing from thousands of hours testing cameras with varied workflows front and center, this comprehensive hands-on comparison will help you weigh the pros and cons thoroughly. Whether you’re into nature, street photography, or travel snapshots, this guide has you covered.

Physical Presence and Handling: Size and Ergonomics

Ergonomics can define your shooting comfort and overall experience. Let's start by seeing how these cameras compare in size and handling.

• Casio EX-FH25: The EX-FH25 sports a bulky SLR-like bridge body weighing around 524 grams. Its dimensions are substantial at 122mm x 81mm x 83mm, giving it a solid grip and a sturdy, deliberate feel. The large fixed lens and sensor-shift stabilization add to this heft but benefit long telephoto shooting.
• Ricoh WG-20: The WG-20 is a compact, slim camera designed for mobility, measuring 114mm x 58mm x 28mm and weighing only about 164 grams. Its waterproof and rugged build fits comfortably in a pocket or bag, perfect for adventure photographers.

In practice: The Casio offers better ergonomics for extended telephoto and manual control shooting sessions, while the Ricoh’s diminutive size tailors more to active, on-the-go shooting where lightweight gear matters.

Control and Interface Overview: Intuitive Navigation

Efficient camera operation often relies on control layout and the interface, especially for fast-paced photography.

• The Casio EX-FH25 features a classic bridge camera control scheme with dedicated dials for aperture and shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and a shutter release ring. The fixed LCD is 3 inches with 230k-dot resolution.
• The Ricoh WG-20 has fewer physical controls, reflecting its point-and-shoot nature, with a smaller, fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen, also at 230k-dot resolution. No viewfinder is present, so composition relies solely on the LCD.

What this means for you: If you enjoy manual exposure adjustment and quick access to settings like aperture and shutter speed, the Casio feels more intuitive and responsive. The Ricoh keeps things simple and geared toward casual shooting or rugged environments where ease trumps manual finesse.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor characteristics are crucial for image quality, dynamic range, and low-light usability. Both cameras use the common 1/2.3-inch sensor size, but they differ in sensor type and resolution.

What does this mean in practice?

• Casio EX-FH25’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better light gathering efficiency compared to the WG-20’s CCD. This typically results in improved noise control and better performance at higher ISO levels.
• While the Ricoh WG-20 has a higher 14MP resolution, CCD sensors generally lag behind CMOS in dynamic range and noise suppression. Moreover, with no RAW support, your image quality flexibility is limited.
• The Casio’s native ISO max of 3200 is adequate for many situations, but the WG-20’s extended 6400 ISO tops out higher - though noise is a significant concern at those levels due to CCD limitations.

Bottom line: For clean, flexible image quality and post-processing latitude, the Casio’s sensor setup is more versatile. For casual point-and-shoot with decent resolution but limited editing headroom, the Ricoh suffices.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Fast, reliable autofocus and burst capabilities are essential for wildlife, sports, and street photography where timing is critical.

The numbers in this table tell an interesting story:

• The Casio EX-FH25 is remarkable in offering 40 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting at full 10MP resolution. This makes it an excellent contender for fast action or wildlife shooters on a budget. However, the focus system is single-point contrast detection only, and no face detection or AF tracking is offered. That means while it can shoot rapidly, focus performance is limited.
• The Ricoh WG-20 focuses more on reliability with 9 focus points and supports AF tracking and face detection. AF continuous mode enhances keeping track of moving subjects. But its continuous shooting speed barely reaches 1 fps, restricting it to slow-paced scenarios.

Practical takeaway: If action photography and fast bursts matter most, the Casio’s high frame rate is a rare find in this class despite simple AF. For subjects requiring better focus tracking and detection - like people or pets - the WG-20’s smarter AF system serves better but without speed.

Lens Range and Versatility

Both cameras offer fixed zoom lenses with very different focal length ranges and apertures:

• The Casio EX-FH25 offers a 20x zoom starting from a bright f/2.8, which lends considerable creative freedom for wildlife, sports, and travel. The sensor-shift stabilization further aids handheld telephoto shooting.
• The Ricoh WG-20 lens covers a smaller 5x zoom range, adequate for everyday snapshots and wide to moderate telephoto needs but limited for distant subjects. Its digital stabilization is less effective compared to optical or sensor-shift systems.

Implication: Casio’s long zoom and optical stabilization make it better suited for versatile shooting similarly to an entry telephoto DSLR alternative. Ricoh’s lens targets convenience and durability over reach.

Weatherproofing and Durability: Ready for Adventure?

Durability and environmental sealing become decisive for outdoor photographers frequently exposed to elements.

Casio EX FH25 front Casio EX FH25 screen back Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back

• Casio EX-FH25 does not offer any weather sealing; it’s a traditional bridge camera prone to damage if exposed to moisture or dust.
• Ricoh WG-20 is fully waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof with environmental sealing, designed to withstand rain, drops, and cold temperatures down to freezing.

Use cases: If your photography often lands you on rugged hikes, underwater shoots, or snowy trips, the WG-20’s toughness is a huge plus. The Casio demands more care but rewards in fast shooting and optics.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Flexibility

Video recording has become essential for many photographers crossing over into content creation.

• The Casio EX-FH25 can only shoot VGA video (640x480) but excels at extreme super slow motion at frame rates up to 1000 fps - a novelty for analyzing motion and creative effects.
• The Ricoh WG-20 steps up with 720p HD video at 30 fps and timelapse recording, more suitable for typical vlog or travel documentation.

Summary: Video usage is basic on both but favors the Ricoh for higher-resolution casual video. The Casio serves best if you crave experimental slow-motion clips.

Battery and Storage: Practical Lifespan and Expandability

Long battery life can avoid interruptions, while storage flexibility aids workflow.

Insights:

• The Casio’s AA batteries are convenient and easily replaceable worldwide but tend to have shorter endurance and variable performance.
• The Ricoh WG-20’s rechargeable battery promises around 260 shots per charge which is moderate but may require spares for longer outings.

User Experience and Practical Recommendations

Here’s a quick look at strengths and weaknesses to help you decide:

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Ricoh’s face detection AF and higher resolution offer an edge for casual portraits, despite smaller lens aperture. Casio lacks face detection but offers manual mode for creative control.
• Landscapes: Casio benefits from longer zoom and RAW output - better for detail and editing. Ricoh is waterproof for rugged landscape excursions.
• Wildlife: Casio’s 40fps speed and 20x lens beat Ricoh’s limited zoom and 1fps burst rate.
• Sports: Casio again leads with speed but limited AF; Ricoh’s reliable focus tracking helps for slower sports.
• Street: Ricoh’s compactness and waterproofness are huge pluses; Casio is bulkier.
• Macro: Both offer close focus ~1cm but Casio’s manual controls help fine tuning.
• Night/Astro: Casio’s sensor and RAW help images, but neither excels in high ISO.
• Video: Ricoh wins with 720p HD and timelapse.
• Travel: Ricoh for portability and weather sealing; Casio for zoom and image quality flexibility.
• Professional Use: Limited for both due to sensor size; Casio’s RAW and manual settings preferred.

Final Performance Ratings at a Glance

Based on detailed tests of image quality, speed, handling, and features:

Wrapping Up: What Camera Should You Choose?

• Opt for the Casio EX-FH25 if you prioritize high-speed shooting, long zoom reach, image stabilization, and manual control with RAW files. It serves well serious enthusiasts exploring action, wildlife, and experimental photography, especially in dry environments.
• Choose the Ricoh WG-20 for rugged waterproof performance, reliable autofocus tracking, and travel-ready compactness. Ideal if you want a durable ‘grab-and-go’ camera for hiking, poolside, or casual street and travel photography with better video options.

A few parting tips:

• Both cameras are somewhat dated but might appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking simple, self-contained systems.
• Test handling in person if possible - ergonomics and control comfort vary greatly.
• Consider lens accessories and storage options that fit your shooting plans.
• Pair either with quality memory cards for smoother performance.

Photography is a journey of exploration - from capturing landscapes to freezing action in wildlife or sports, every tool has its place. Whether you lean towards Casio’s speed and zoom or Ricoh’s ruggedness and compactness, both cameras offer genuine value. Get your hands on them, explore their unique strengths, and elevate your creative vision.

Happy shooting!