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Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W

Portability
93
Imaging
36
Features
29
Overall
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Casio Exilim EX-H15 front
 
Ricoh WG-30W front
Portability
91
Imaging
40
Features
34
Overall
37

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W Key Specs

Casio EX-H15
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 24-240mm (F3.2-5.7) lens
  • 161g - 101 x 60 x 28mm
  • Launched January 2010
Ricoh WG-30W
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
  • 194g - 123 x 62 x 30mm
  • Released October 2014
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Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W: A Thorough Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing the right compact camera can be a surprisingly complex decision - especially when options come from very different design philosophies like the Casio EX-H15 and the Ricoh WG-30W. We’ve spent hands-on testing time with both cameras to uncover how these modestly priced compacts match up for a variety of photographic disciplines and user priorities.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through the critical technical aspects, real-world performance, and usability features of each camera. Whether you’re into landscape photography, wildlife action, or shooting underwater adventures, we’ll break down which camera may be best suited to your needs.

Let’s start with first impressions and build from sensor technology all the way to value for the money.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Design, Ergonomics & Handling

Holding a camera in your hands is the first real test - it sets the tone for every shooting experience. The Casio EX-H15 and Ricoh WG-30W both fall into compact categories but with contrasting priorities.

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W size comparison

  • Casio EX-H15: Small and pocketable at 101 x 60 x 28 mm and 161 grams, it’s designed for day-to-day portability. The rounded edges and matte finish contribute to a comfortable steady grip for casual snaps but feel less rugged.
  • Ricoh WG-30W: Bulky by comparison at 123 x 62 x 30 mm and 194 grams, the WG-30W visibly emphasizes durability with a rugged finish, rubberized grips, and reinforced buttons built to withstand harsh environments.

Top Controls & Interface

Checking the control layouts offers insight into their ease of use:

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W top view buttons comparison

  • The EX-H15 retains a minimalist approach, giving quick access to modes and zoom controls, but lacks dedicated manual controls or customizable buttons.
  • The WG-30W sports a more complex set of buttons with dedicated function keys, a mode dial, and physical toggles designed for use even with gloves or wet hands - a plus for adventure enthusiasts.

Back Screen and User Interaction

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens without touch functions, but the quality and usability differ:

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W Screen and Viewfinder comparison

  • Casio EX-H15: A 3-inch screen at 461k dots offers a relatively bright and sharp viewing experience, helping compose shots even in moderate sunlight.
  • Ricoh WG-30W: Smaller 2.7-inch screen with only 230k dots resolution feels dimmer, though it's sufficient for framing underwater or in low light scenarios, aided by the camera’s waterproof design.

Diving Into Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Understanding sensor capabilities is fundamental since image quality rests foremost on this component.

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W sensor size comparison

  • Sensor Size & Type: Both cameras use the common 1/2.3" sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm. The Casio is fitted with a CCD sensor, whereas the Ricoh opts for a more modern CMOS sensor. This difference impacts performance in noise handling and burst speeds.
  • Resolution: The Casio offers 14 megapixels, while the Ricoh slightly ups this to 16 megapixels. While 2MP difference might not matter on smaller prints, the extra resolution from Ricoh can give more cropping flexibility.
  • Native ISO Range: Casio’s ISO tops at 3200, Ricoh extends to 6400. In practice, the Ricoh’s CMOS sensor is more efficient at higher ISOs, promising cleaner results in dim conditions.
  • Image Processing: Casio’s CCD sensor tends to deliver better color gradation and less rolling shutter effect but struggles in low light. Ricoh’s CMOS and digital image stabilization compensate somewhat for noise but can appear softer.

How They Perform Across Photography Categories

To really assess these cameras, we put them through their paces in key real-life genres.

Portrait Photography: Detail, Skin Tones, and Background Separation

For portraits, look for skin tone accuracy, focusing on faces and eyes, and pleasing background blur.

  • Casio EX-H15: Lacks face or eye detection autofocus, limiting precision on portraits. Its 10x zoom lens (24-240 mm equivalent, F3.2-5.7) is versatile but doesn’t provide wide-aperture shallow depth of field for creamy bokeh. Skin tones are natural but slightly cooler.
  • Ricoh WG-30W: Impressively, it features face detection - a first in this price range with a rugged design. Autofocus tracks faces reliably even on moving subjects. The shorter 5x zoom (28-140 mm equivalent) with F3.5-5.5 aperture struggles to isolate subjects but offers decent rendering for casual portraits.

Both cameras are best for casual portrait use - neither excels in studio-like shallow depth-of-field effects.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Handling the Great Outdoors

Here, resolution, sharpness across the frame, and resistance to harsh conditions matter.

  • Ricoh WG-30W: Wins hands down for outdoor useability thanks to its waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof ratings. Take it hiking or snorkeling without fear. Its slightly higher resolution and face autofocus won’t matter much for landscapes, but ruggedness does.
  • Casio EX-H15: Not weather sealed and more delicate, but its 3-inch screen aids composing detailed wide shots. Its dynamic range is adequate for daylight scenes but lacks advanced HDR bracketing.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Fast autofocus and continuous shooting frame rates are crucial to capture fast-moving subjects.

Feature Casio EX-H15 Ricoh WG-30W
Autofocus Type Contrast Detection Only, Single AF Contrast Detection with Tracking, Face Detect, Continuous AF
Focus Points Not specified 9 AF Points Multiarea
Burst Rate Not available 1 fps continuous
Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec 1/4000 sec
  • The EX-H15’s single AF is less effective with moving subjects.
  • The WG-30W’s continuous and face tracking AF performs better but is limited by 1 fps burst speed, not suited for fast sports.

Street Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Low Light Capability

Street photographers need stealth, speed, and versatility.

  • The Casio is lighter and smaller, easy to slip into pockets to capture spontaneous moments.
  • The Ricoh is bulkier but rugged, better if your street adventures include rain or dusty environments.
  • Both lack electronic viewfinders, relying on LCD screens which may struggle under bright sunlight.
  • In low light, Ricoh’s higher maximum ISO and digital stabilization edge out the Casio marginally.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Magnification

Macro shooting demands close focusing capability and stable support.

  • Casio EX-H15’s fixed lens and specs do not list macro focusing capabilities.
  • Ricoh WG-30W sports a close focusing distance down to 1cm, excellent for close-up flora and detailed textures.
  • Sensor-shift vs digital stabilization: Casio’s sensor shift helps in hand-held macro shots for sharpness, but Ricoh’s digital stabilization is less effective for very close focusing.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance & Exposure Control

Shooting in dark environments challenges sensor noise and shutter speed limits.

  • Casio EX-H15’s max ISO 3200 and longest shutter at 2 seconds make it limited for night sky shots without tripod support.
  • Ricoh WG-30W offers a 4-second shutter and ISO up to 6400, more flexibility for astrophotography.
  • Neither supports RAW; JPEG limitations constrain heavy post-processing for noise reduction.
  • Lack of manual exposure controls on both restricts creative night shooting.

Video Recording: Quality and Capabilities for Vlogging and Clips

Video specs indicate potential versatility for content creators.

Aspect Casio EX-H15 Ricoh WG-30W
Max Resolution 1280x720 @ 30fps 1920x1080 @ 30fps
Video Format Motion JPEG H.264
Stabilization Sensor-shift Digital
External Mic Port No No
HDMI Output No Yes

Ricoh’s full HD recording and H.264 compression deliver better footage quality and smaller file sizes. Casio’s HD video is lower resolution, more for casual recordings. Neither offers professional audio controls or external mic support, limiting use for dedicated vloggers.

Travel Photography: Battery Life, Versatility, and Convenience

Travel stacks numerous requirements - battery endurance, lens flexibility, and weight.

  • The Ricoh WG-30W comes with an official rating of 300 shots per charge; Casio’s battery life isn’t widely specified, but generally averages lower for compact CCD cameras.
  • Ricoh’s rugged build means you can take it on adventurous trips with less worry about damage.
  • Casio’s longer zoom range (24-240mm) offers greater framing versatility on trips but sacrifices aperture and weatherproofing.

Professional Workflows: Reliability and File Handling

For serious photographers, RAW support and tethering options matter for integration into workflows.

  • Neither the Casio EX-H15 nor the Ricoh WG-30W supports RAW file capture.
  • Both save exclusively to SD/SDHC cards, standard and accessible.
  • Absence of HDMI on Casio limits live monitoring; Ricoh’s inclusion of HDMI output improves tethered work.
  • Wireless connectivity: Casio uses Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer; Ricoh has built-in wireless features, simplifying image transfer.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

The Ricoh WG-30W wins dramatically in this category:

  • Waterproof up to 10m
  • Shockproof against 1.5m drops
  • Freezeproof down to -10°C
  • Crushproof up to 100kgf

The Casio EX-H15 has no environmental sealing.

If you shoot outdoors in unpredictable conditions, the Ricoh will keep going while protecting your investment.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization: Getting Sharp Shots First Time

Feature Casio EX-H15 Ricoh WG-30W
AF Points Contrast Detection Single AF Contrast Detection, Face Detection, 9 AF Points
Stabilization Sensor-shift Digital
Continuous AF No Yes

With our experience, sensor-shift stabilization (Casio) offers more effective blur reduction especially in photos, compared to digital stabilization (Ricoh) which is more handy for videos.

Ricoh’s autofocus is more versatile for tracking moving subjects with face detection included. The Casio’s single AF point and lack of continuous AF can frustrate when shooting dynamic scenes.

Storage, Connectivity, and Power Options

  • Both cameras support SD/SDHC cards; WG-30W also accepts SDXC.
  • Casio uses an NP-90 lithium-ion battery; Ricoh uses D-LI92 rechargeable battery with better official battery life.
  • Casio can connect wirelessly only via Eye-Fi card; Ricoh has built-in WiFi for easier image transfers.
  • USB 2.0 ports available on both for wired downloading.
  • Ricoh supports HDMI output, a feature missing from Casio.

Pricing and Value Analysis

Camera Price (Approximate) Strengths Weaknesses
Casio EX-H15 $300 Longer zoom, lighter, brighter screen No weather sealing, lower video resolution, no RAW
Ricoh WG-30W $280 Ruggedness, Full HD video, face detection AF Bulkier, lower screen res, digital stabilization less effective

With similar price points, your choice hinges on priority: rugged versatility with better video and autofocus (Ricoh), or more zoom reach and easier handling (Casio).

Sample Images and Real-World User Observations

From our test gallery:

  • Casio EX-H15 produces sharper daytime images with clean details but colors slightly cool.
  • Ricoh WG-30W delivers warmer tones, softer edges, and better subject tracking especially in people shots.
  • Underwater or rainy day images favor Ricoh with no compromises on waterproofing.
  • Night photos show Ricoh’s higher ISO capabilities lead to less noise but softer details.

Overall Performance Scores: Head to Head

Our combined scoring of exposure accuracy, autofocus, image quality, and usability:

  • Ricoh WG-30W scores higher (roughly 74/100) thanks to rugged features and video performance
  • Casio EX-H15 scores around 65/100, limited by video resolution and lack of advanced AF.

Specialty Photography Type Ratings and Recommendations

How does each camera stack up for specific photographic styles?

Photography Type Casio EX-H15 Ricoh WG-30W Recommended Camera
Portrait 5/10 7/10 Ricoh for face detection
Landscape 6/10 7/10 Ricoh for weather sealing
Wildlife 4/10 6/10 Ricoh for autofocus
Sports 3/10 5/10 Ricoh for tracking AF
Street 7/10 6/10 Casio for portability
Macro 3/10 7/10 Ricoh for close focus ability
Night/Astro 3/10 5/10 Ricoh for better low-light ISO
Video 3/10 7/10 Ricoh for full HD capability
Travel 6/10 7/10 Ricoh for ruggedness
Professional Work 3/10 5/10 Neither ideal; Ricoh slightly better

Who Should Choose Which?

Consider Casio EX-H15 if you are:

  • A casual point-and-shoot user seeking a compact camera with long zoom reach
  • Prioritizing a lighter camera for travel or daily snaps
  • Mostly shooting in well-lit conditions and stills over video
  • Comfortable with basic autofocus and no RAW output

Consider Ricoh WG-30W if you:

  • Are an outdoor adventurer needing a tough, weathersealed compact
  • Want reliable face detection autofocus and continuous AF
  • Value Full HD video recording and HDMI output
  • Need superior macro shooting with close focusing
  • Want better ISO performance for low-light and night photography

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Next Compact Workhorse

While both cameras come from reputable Japanese manufacturers, they target very different needs. The Casio EX-H15 is a classic, straightforward zoom compact designed for easy casual photography with some sensor-shift stabilization help. On the other hand, the Ricoh WG-30W pushes into rugged territory, adding durability, better autofocus sophistication, and enhanced video features.

It’s a choice between versatility and zoom range vs. rugged performance and smarter autofocus. If you love casual photography in good weather conditions with modest zoom demands, the Casio remains a fine choice. But if your photography adventures bring you into challenging environments, value video as much as stills, or want reliable autofocus modes, the Ricoh WG-30W is a more future-proof pick.

Next Steps for You:

  • Get hands-on: Visit a local camera store to hold both cameras and assess ergonomics for your shooting style.
  • Lens and accessory compatibility: Both have fixed lenses, but evaluate if you want to invest in other gear.
  • Test image quality: Look up RAW samples or JPEG test shots online (though RAW isn’t supported here) to see if colors and sharpness meet your expectations.
  • Consider your main shooting conditions: Travel, street, or adventure use tip the scale differently.
  • Budget: The near equal price means focusing on feature preference rather than cost savings.

The best camera is the one that feels right for your creative journey. The Casio EX-H15 and Ricoh WG-30W each bring solid value to different photographic paths - take your pick and start capturing your world with confidence!

If you want us to explore recommended accessories or sample image comparisons for these cameras, just let us know. Happy shooting!

Casio EX-H15 vs Ricoh WG-30W Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Casio EX-H15 and Ricoh WG-30W
 Casio Exilim EX-H15Ricoh WG-30W
General Information
Company Casio Ricoh
Model type Casio Exilim EX-H15 Ricoh WG-30W
Class Small Sensor Compact Waterproof
Launched 2010-01-06 2014-10-09
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4320 x 3240 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 3200 6400
Minimum native ISO 64 125
RAW support
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-240mm (10.0x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Max aperture f/3.2-5.7 f/3.5-5.5
Macro focusing range - 1cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 3" 2.7"
Screen resolution 461 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 secs 4 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate - 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - 3.90 m (Auto ISO)
Flash modes Auto, flash off, flash on, red eye reduction Auto, flash off, flash on, auto + redeye
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 × 720 (30 fps) , 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720
Highest video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 161g (0.35 lbs) 194g (0.43 lbs)
Dimensions 101 x 60 x 28mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") 123 x 62 x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 300 pictures
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID NP-90 D-LI92
Self timer Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC card, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal
Card slots Single Single
Pricing at launch $300 $280