Casio EX-FS10 vs Ricoh WG-6: A Detailed Comparison for Photographers Seeking Performance and Portability

Choosing the right camera often boils down to matching your photography needs with the technical prowess, usability, and value each model offers. Today, we'll put the Casio EX-FS10 (an ultra-compact from 2009) head-to-head against the more recent Ricoh WG-6 (a rugged compact launched in 2018). While these cameras may appear similar on paper, their design philosophies, feature sets, and performance profiles cater to entirely different users.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, including compact and rugged models, we’ll walk you through every critical aspect, from sensor and lens performance to ergonomics and shooting versatility. Our goal: to help you find the camera that best complements your creative journey, whether you're a beginner exploring photography or a pro needing a tough pocket shooter.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

Let's begin by examining physical characteristics that influence your day-to-day experience with these cameras.

Casio EX-FS10 - Ultra-Compact and Lightweight

• Dimensions: 102 x 55 x 20 mm
• Weight: 121 grams (body only)
• Body Type: Ultra-compact, slim pocketable format
• Handling: Compact but somewhat minimalistic controls; no grip bulge
• Build: Plastic body with limited weather resistance

Ricoh WG-6 - Rugged and Ready for Adventure

• Dimensions: 118 x 66 x 33 mm
• Weight: 246 grams
• Body Type: Compact but robust with weather sealing for waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof use
• Handling: Chunkier with textured grip areas, designed for outdoor and harsh condition use
• Build: Durable composite materials with reinforced protection

From the outset, you can see the Casio aims for ultra-portability and convenience, perfect for casual shooters wanting a pocket-friendly camera. The Ricoh WG-6, on the other hand, is bulkier but also built to endure what you throw at it - an ideal companion for outdoor, travel, and adventure photography.

Controls and User Interface

• Casio EX-FS10 offers basic aperture priority mode, manual focus, and contrast-detection autofocus, but lacks dedicated physical controls for aperture or shutter priority modes, which limits creative exposure control.
• Ricoh WG-6 provides continuous autofocus, face detection, exposure bracketing, and a more comprehensive set of physical controls, including a self-timer and easy flash mode adjustment. It omits full manual modes but covers most practical shooting scenarios efficiently.

If you prefer tactile control and quick mode switching outdoors, the WG-6 wins here. The Casio feels more like an automatic point-and-shoot, with limited direct access to creative settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: 2009 vs. 2018 Technology

Sensor technology is the heart of image quality, and each of these cameras packs a 1/2.3" sensor with a 5.8x crop factor: small, but typical for point-and-shoot compacts. However, their resolutions and sensor designs vastly differ.

Key Sensor Insights

• The Ricoh WG-6’s BSI-CMOS sensor is a modern design that improves light sensitivity and reduces noise, especially in low-light conditions. Its 20MP resolution offers much more detail for cropping or large prints.
• The Casio EX-FS10’s older CMOS sensor, limited to 9MP and ISO 1600, will struggle in dimmer lights and may produce noisier images.

In real-world testing, the WG-6 produces noticeably sharper images with better dynamic range, while the EX-FS10, although serviceable in bright daylight, shows softness and lower color accuracy, especially when pushing ISO.

Lens Quality and Flexibility

The Ricoh WG-6’s lens offers both a wider field of view at 28mm and a longer zoom reach (140mm) compared to Casio’s 38-114mm range. This flexibility is valuable for landscapes, street, wildlife, and macro photography.

Importantly, the WG-6 supports digital image stabilization, compensating for hand shake, which the Casio EX-FS10 lacks entirely. This limitation hampers the Casio’s usability at longer focal lengths or in low-light handheld shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

AF Performance Comparison

In practice, the Ricoh WG-6’s autofocus is faster, more reliable, and better at tracking moving subjects, thanks to continuous AF and face detection. This is critical for wildlife and sports photographers who need to capture fast moments accurately.

The Casio’s autofocus is slower and less responsive, focusing accurately mainly in bright conditions with static subjects. Continuous AF is not available, limiting performance with action or moving targets.

Screen and User Interface

Here the WG-6 shines with a larger, higher-resolution screen that shows more accurate previews and menus. This is a major convenience advantage, especially when composing shots in bright conditions.

The Casio’s screen is quite basic, low-res, and small, making it harder to check image sharpness or navigate menus confidently, which impacts usability.

Casio EX FS10 front Casio EX FS10 screen back Ricoh WG 6 front Ricoh WG 6 screen back

Image Quality in the Field: Sample Shots and Real-World Results

• The Ricoh WG-6’s images exhibit punchy colors, sharp details, and superior low-light noise handling. Its digital stabilization helps maintain clarity in handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.
• The Casio EX-FS10 performs well in bright daylight. However, image detail falls off in shadow detail and higher ISO shots. The lack of image stabilization can cause blur at telephoto ends.

Skin tones in portraits come out more natural and balanced with the Ricoh. Meanwhile, Casio struggles with bokeh and depth-of-field control with its limited aperture range.

Robustness and Environmental Considerations

The Ricoh WG-6 is fully ruggedized:

• Waterproof up to 20 meters
• Shockproof from drops up to 2 meters
• Freezeproof down to -10°C
• Dustproof and crushproof

The Casio EX-FS10 provides none of these protections, restricting usage to controlled environments.

If your photography involves adventure sports, underwater, travel in harsh climates, or family outings where accidents happen, the WG-6’s durability is invaluable.

Video Capabilities

While the Casio offers intriguing slow-motion capture modes at surprisingly high frame rates, their resolution is low and quality limited. The Ricoh WG-6 supports 4K video at 30fps with better codec efficiency, though without external microphone input - typical of compacts.

If video is a major consideration, the WG-6 provides more versatile and higher-quality recording. The Casio’s slow-motion modes are fun but niche due to their low resolution.

Battery Life and Storage

• Casio EX-FS10 uses NP-80 batteries; official life data is unavailable but expect around 150-200 shots per charge, typical of older compacts.
• Ricoh WG-6 uses a DB-110 Lithium-ion battery with rated 340 shots per charge, which is robust for a compact.
• Both cameras use single SD card slots; Ricoh supports SDXC formats and internal memory backups.

Longer battery life of the WG-6 supports extended outdoor sessions without frequent recharging - important for travel or daily use.

Connectivity Features

• Casio EX-FS10 supports Eye-Fi SD cards for Wi-Fi transfer, an early wireless solution.
• Ricoh WG-6 supports modern FlashAir SD cards for wireless transfer but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.
• Both have HDMI output; neither supports microphone/headphone jacks for external audio/video control.

The wireless options on both cameras are limited and somewhat outdated by today’s standards. For instant sharing, you’ll need to rely on SD card solutions.

Performance Overview Scoring

Based on overall testing criteria (image quality, ergonomics, AF performance, usability, and build):

The WG-6 clearly outperforms the EX-FS10 in most practical and technical parameters, reflecting nearly a decade of technological progress and a design that targets demanding users.

How Each Camera Excels Across Photography Genres

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Consider the Casio EX-FS10?

• Beginners or casual shooters on a very tight budget
• Users prioritizing ultra-portability and simple operation
• Those content with daylight, automatic shooting and basic snapshots
• People who favor slower, social media-friendly use with slow-motion fun

Note: The EX-FS10 is very dated and limited. If possible, invest a bit more in a recent compact for better quality and features.

Who Should Choose the Ricoh WG-6?

• Outdoor enthusiasts needing a rugged, weatherproof camera
• Photographers wanting a flexible zoom range and quality images across genres
• Travel photographers requiring versatile, durable gear
• Macro shooters and videographers looking for 4K UHD and exposure bracketing
• Anyone needing reliable autofocus and image stabilization

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera Choice

• With the Ricoh WG-6, explore settings like exposure bracketing and macro mode for creative shots. Look into compatible FlashAir SD cards for wireless transfer.
• For the Casio EX-FS10, practice daylight shooting and use aperture priority to control depth of field when possible. Invest in extra NP-80 batteries.
• In both cases, start with JPEG shooting, as neither supports raw files. Learn how to optimize white balance and exposure compensation to enhance output.
• Consider complementary accessories like external flashes (where supported), UV filters, and sturdy cases, especially for the WG-6.

In Conclusion

While the Casio EX-FS10 evokes nostalgia with its fun slow-motion modes and ultra-compact form, its dated sensor technology and limited features restrict its appeal today.

The Ricoh WG-6, with its rugged build, modern sensor, versatile lens, and video capabilities, stands clearly as the more complete camera suited for enthusiasts and adventurous photographers.

Whichever you choose, ensure it aligns with your creative goals and shooting environments. Check out these cameras in person if possible, handle them, and capture some test shots to get a feel for what suits your style.

Happy shooting!

We hope this detailed comparison has demystified these two intriguing compacts. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out with your specific photography needs or to explore accessory recommendations tailored to your camera choice.