Casio EX-Z800 vs Ricoh WG-20: Which Compact Camera Suits Your Photography Needs?

Choosing the ideal compact camera is a nuanced process, especially when comparing two niche models like the Casio EX-Z800 and the Ricoh WG-20. Both were designed for casual and adventurous shooters but arrive with distinct philosophies governing their strengths and limitations. After dozens of hours running these cameras through their paces - in studio setups and rugged fieldwork - I’m ready to share an authoritative, hands-on comparison addressing how they perform across the major photographic disciplines and practical shooting scenarios.

Throughout this evaluation, I’ll lean on real-world testing insights, delve into the technical underpinnings, and point out value considerations to help you understand which one aligns best with your preferences and photographic ambitions.

Compact but Different: Physical Design and Ergonomics

Looking at these two models side by side yields immediate clues about their target audiences. The Casio EX-Z800 embraces a slim, ultra-compact footprint - measuring just 91x52x20 mm and weighing a lightweight 124 grams. Meanwhile, the Ricoh WG-20 is chunkier and more robust with dimensions of 114x58x28 mm, weighing 164 grams, reflecting its ruggedized, waterproof construction.

The EX-Z800’s ultra-compact size makes it incredibly pocketable - ideal for street photographers craving discreetness and travel photographers prioritizing lightweight gear over weather sealing. However, this diminutive size compromises on grip and handling, especially if you’re shooting in cold or wet conditions or with gloves.

By contrast, the WG-20’s larger, grippier body feels more secure in hand, partly due to its textured exteriors and reinforced chassis for shock resistance and freeze-proof claims. It’s evidently designed for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to take snapshots on hikes, underwater, or in harsh environmental conditions without worrying about damage.

On top, both cameras position their control layouts pragmatically but differently, as seen here:

The Casio’s slender buttons are understated and intuitive but can feel cramped, limiting quick access in active shooting. The Ricoh, with more tactile keys spaced out on its bulkier top plate, facilitates faster adjustments - a clear win for action-oriented users or those with larger hands.

Ultimately, if handling and robust build quality under challenging conditions top your checklist, the Ricoh WG-20 commands the lead. For casual, everyday carry focused on portability, the EX-Z800’s slim chassis scores.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Execution

Both cameras harness a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor roughly 28 square millimeters in area - a standard size for consumer compacts aiming for balance between resolution and cost. The resolution clocks in tightly matched around 14 megapixels, delivering maximum image resolutions near 4320x3240 (Casio) and 4288x3216 (Ricoh).

But the underlying image processing engines and sensor tuning reflect their divergent purposes. Casio’s EX-Z800 is powered by the Exilim Engine 5.0, which prioritizes speedy start-up and decent color accuracy at low to moderate ISOs. It maxes native ISO at 3200, with a minimum ISO base at 50, giving it some margin for daylight shooting and modest creative control.

The WG-20, although also a CCD sensor, offers a higher top ISO of 6400 (native minimum 80). Its image processor applies more aggressive noise reduction to compensate for less-than-ideal noise performance typical of small sensors in extreme ISOs.

In practice, the EX-Z800 produces sharper, cleaner daylight images with less post-processing smoothing - rendering nuanced skin tones and detailed landscapes with more fidelity. Conversely, the WG-20’s images show a softer look, especially above ISO 800, but benefit from expanded exposure bracketing options (AE and WB bracketing) that aid in tricky lighting, providing more latitude for in-camera HDR and adjustment.

If your priority is crisp, detailed imagery under good lighting - such as portraiture or landscape work - the Casio marginally edges out the Ricoh. But if you shoot frequently in variable light, requiring bracketing and high ISO reserves, the WG-20’s sensor/processor combo is more versatile.

Viewing and Interface: Fixed Screens, Fixed Expectations

Both models employ a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution - neither offering touch capability or electronic viewfinders. For a camera announced in 2010 (EX-Z800) versus 2014 (WG-20), this is expected though a touch upgrade on the latter would have been welcome.

Neither screen impresses with brightness or resolution by modern standards, meaning shooting in bright sunlight is a challenge. However, the WG-20’s TFT technology provides slightly better color reproduction and contrast, making framing and review more accurate.

Both cameras rely on live view for autofocus and framing, supported by on-screen menus that are straightforward but basic. Neither supports manual exposure controls, limiting creative interface flexibility. The EX-Z800 features customized white balance but no exposure compensation or aperture priority - similarly, the WG-20 lacks these.

For photographers who prefer tactile, immediate control over exposure and focus settings, these models feel restrictive. But as casual shooters or beginners, their interfaces are intuitive enough.

Autofocus and Shooting Dynamics: Contrasting Speed and Precision

In real-world autofocus tests, the Ricoh WG-20 impresses with a more comprehensive system: 9 focus points, including center-weighted, contrast-detection AF, continuous and tracking AF modes, and facial detection capabilities. I found it surprisingly responsive for a rugged compact - a welcome feature for shooting moving subjects, such as children playing or moving wildlife at a distance.

The Casio EX-Z800 offers only a single contrast-detection autofocus area with no tracking or face detection, which quickly becomes frustrating when subjects move unpredictably or when shooting at closer distances.

Continuous shooting speed reflects this disparity. The WG-20 can shoot at about 1 fps - a sluggish rate by today’s standards but superior to the EX-Z800’s lack of continuous shooting capability, requiring riders to rely on timing single shots carefully.

For sports photography or wildlife enthusiasts needing to capture fleeting moments, the WG-20’s modest burst and autofocus tracking stand out as better suited.

Versatility in Focal Length and Aperture: Analyzing Zoom and Macro Capabilities

The Casio EX-Z800 sports a 27-108 mm equivalent optical zoom (4x), while the WG-20 extends slightly further up to 28-140 mm (5x). Both have a similar focal length multiplier of 5.8 due to their sensor sizes.

Although not game-changing zoom ranges, these differences influence compositional versatility. WG-20’s extra reach proves handy for wildlife and candid portraiture - where a tighter crop helps isolate subjects from backgrounds.

Regarding apertures, the Casio runs from F3.2 at wide-angle to F5.9 telephoto, and the Ricoh opens between F3.5 to F5.5 - essentially comparable for shootable light. Neither camera performs well in shallow depth-of-field situations since their sensor sizes far outweigh aperture influence; nevertheless, the WG-20’s slightly faster tele-end aperture aids low-light zoom shots marginally.

The WG-20 goes one step further with a macro focus range of 1 cm, enabling close-up shots with impressive detail without additional accessories. The Casio does not specify macro focus capabilities, so its usability for tight close-ups is limited.

Such macro prowess makes the Ricoh more enticing for nature enthusiasts and detail-focused hobbyists who enjoy shooting flowers, insects, and textures.

Build and Weather Sealing: Casual Snapper vs Adventure Companion

This domain marks the clearest functional distinction. The Ricoh WG-20 is explicitly engineered for harsh conditions. It boasts waterproofing rated for certain depths, freeze-proofing to specified temperatures, and shock resistance to drops. No surprises it is slightly heavier and bulkier to accommodate these protections.

In contrast, the Casio EX-Z800 lacks environmental sealing. Its slim aluminum-and-plastic body should be treated with care - not advisable for beach, pool, or extreme terrain outings.

Such decisions come down to your usage profile. Outdoor photographers venturing into rugged or water-exposed environments will appreciate the WG-20’s durability; casual holiday snaps or city shooting can confidently depend on the sleeker Casio.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance Matters

Ricoh’s WG-20 offers a rated battery life of 260 shots per charge (CIPA standard) - modest but fair for an enthusiast compact. Casio does not provide official battery life tests for the EX-Z800, but historical reports and reviews suggest around 200 shots - typical for early 2010s compacts, especially considering its smaller battery.

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries (Ricoh’s D-LI92 vs Casio’s NP-120) and accept SD/SDHC cards (WG-20 additionally supports SDXC). Neither model offers dual storage slots, limiting backup capabilities but conforming to their market tiers.

For extended trips where recharging or spare battery access is limited, Ricoh’s slight edge in battery endurance and expanded card support could tip the scales.

Connectivity and Video: Basic but Serviceable

Both cameras come with USB 2.0 for computer transfer but lack wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, unsurprising given their generation.

Video capture modes are limited. The EX-Z800 records up to 1280x720 at 20fps, while the WG-20 tops out similarly but at 30fps, offering slightly smoother video. Both encode using Motion JPEG - a bulky, less efficient codec leading to shorter recording times and large files.

Neither supports microphone input, nor do they have headphone outputs for audio monitoring or advanced video functionality. If video is a priority, neither camera competes with modern hybrids, but the WG-20 shows a modestly more flexible feature set including timelapse recording, which could interest creative users experimenting beyond stills.

In-Field Sample Images: A Tale of Two CCDs

Here’s a selection of directly comparable images taken in daylight, low light, macro, and underwater scenes (where applicable):

Casio EX Z800 screen back Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back

The EX-Z800 tends to deliver sharper, more vibrant daylight colors with better preservation of detail in shadows and highlights. However, it struggles beyond ISO 400 due to noise and lacks flexibility in tough lighting.

Ricoh’s WG-20 images appear softer but manage tricky exposure situations better thanks to bracketing features. Its macro and underwater shots are convincing practitioners of the “rugged shooter” ideal.

Final Ratings Breakdown: Numbers with Nuance

We evaluated these cameras across major photography categories:

These scores reflect their real-world usability rather than outright technical specs - key for making pragmatic purchasing decisions.

Who Should Buy the Casio EX-Z800?

• Street Photographers and Travelers: Its ultra-compact size and respectable image quality shine in settings prioritizing discretion and lightweight gear.
• Casual Users: Needs centered around simple snapshots of family or events under mild conditions.
• Those on a Strict Budget: The EX-Z800 offers a decent feature mix at a lower price point near $150, representing value for entry-level shooters or backup camera buyers.
• Image Quality Enthusiasts: Better daylight detail retention and color fidelity for those who will not shoot in adverse environments.

However, be aware of its limited focusing system, absence of video enhancements, and fragile build.

Who Should Opt for the Ricoh WG-20?

• Adventurous Shooters: Rugged body construction, waterproofing, and freeze-/shock-proofing make it great for active lifestyles involving hiking, snorkeling, or extreme temps.
• Macro Enthusiasts: The 1cm minimum focusing distance enables creative close-ups.
• Photographers Needing AF Flexibility: Face detection, continuous autofocus, and tracking improve success with moving subjects.
• Users Desiring Exposure Bracketing: Offers more exposure and white balance options for challenging lighting.

The downside remains larger size, heavier weight, and higher cost (~$370), coupled with softer image output and less sharpness overall.

Wrapping Up: No Perfect Camera but Clear Usage Niches

The Casio EX-Z800 and Ricoh WG-20 epitomize two ends of the compact camera spectrum. The EX-Z800 is a cleverly designed ultracompact camera favoring portability and decent image quality for casual, travel, and street shooters prioritizing ease over ruggedness. Meanwhile, the WG-20 doubles as an enthusiast-friendly waterproof adventure camera broadly suited for outdoor photographers, underwater explorers, and macro lovers demanding durability and autofocus flexibility.

Having personally handled countless compacts over my career, I can confirm neither camera will satisfy advanced professionals seeking high dynamic range, advanced video, raw image capture, or rapid burst shooting. However, in their specialties, they perform reasonably well and deserve consideration for buyers with constrained budgets or very specific needs.

In the end, the decision rests on your shooting environment, subject matter, and ergonomic preferences. For me, the Ricoh WG-20 stands out if you want a reliable splash-proof, shockproof camera that extends creative control modestly beyond snapshot automation. But if discretion, pocketability, and day-to-day ease dominate, the Casio EX-Z800 remains a commendable classic ultracompact worth considering.

If you’re exploring compact cameras near these vintage but still functional options, this comparison should sharpen your understanding and point you toward the model that complements your style best.

Happy shooting!