Casio EX-ZR100 vs Ricoh WG-20: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera is a nuanced task, especially when you’re looking for something beyond the smartphone - something versatile yet purposeful. Today, we dive deep into two distinctly different compacts released in the early 2010s: the Casio EX-ZR100, a superzoom powerhouse, and the Ricoh WG-20, a rugged waterproof shooter. While they both aim to serve casual photographers who want more control and capability, their design philosophies and target users diverge considerably.

Having tested these cameras extensively in real-world scenarios - from portrait shoots to outdoor adventures - this detailed comparison will arm you with meaningful insights. We'll explore their performance across key photographic disciplines, dissect the technical underpinnings, and provide recommendations tailored to your photographic style. Whether you're a hobbyist seeking everyday versatility or an outdoor enthusiast craving durable reliability, this article is for you.

Let's begin by placing their physical and ergonomic differences in perspective.

Compact but Different: Handling and Build Quality

Both the Casio EX-ZR100 and Ricoh WG-20 fall under the compact camera umbrella but serve different needs by design. One is a superzoom compact with a large focal range and sensor stabilization; the other is a rugged waterproof shooter meant for rough environments.

Casio EX-ZR100:

• Dimensions: 105 x 59 x 29 mm
• Weight: 204 g (lighter lens and body combo)
• Build: Plastic with a smooth finish, ergonomic grip but not rubberized
• Weather resistance: None

Ricoh WG-20:

• Dimensions: 114 x 58 x 28 mm
• Weight: 164 g (lighter despite the larger body dimensions)
• Build: Robust, rubberized accents for grip
• Weather resistance: Waterproof (up to approximately 3 m), shockproof, freezeproof

Takeaway:

From my hands-on testing, the Ricoh WG-20’s build provides a reassuring grip in wet or rough conditions - perfect for hiking, beach days, or winter outings. The Casio feels lighter and more refined but less durable, so it’s best for controlled environments.

User Interface and Control Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

Control layout can make or break your shooting experience, especially on compact cameras where space is tight.

Casio EX-ZR100:

• Dedicated modes including PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual)
• Physical dials and buttons well spaced for quick adjustments
• No touchscreen; relies on buttons and a three-inch fixed LCD
• Silent operation noticeable in shutter and controls

Ricoh WG-20:

• Limited manual controls; primarily automatic with minimal tweaking
• No PASM modes, only auto or scene modes
• Smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD, no touchscreen
• Buttons are slightly rubberized and tactile to aid use with gloves or wet hands
• Has continuous AF, which is unusual at its compact level

Takeaway:

If you crave manual control, the Casio EX-ZR100 wins hands-down. I found myself quickly shifting aperture or shutter speed while shooting portraits or landscapes. Conversely, the Ricoh WG-20’s interface is simpler and friendlier for point-and-shoot users, especially in unpredictable outdoor settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Clarity, Noise, and Color Accuracy

At the heart of any camera is its sensor. Both use a 1/2.3" sensor size - typical for compact cameras - but their sensor types, resolutions, and ISO performances vary.

Casio EX-ZR100:

• Sensor: 12 MP BSI CMOS (Back-Side Illuminated) sensor
• Max ISO: 3200
• Anti-alias filter: Yes
• Raw support: No
• Sensor size: 6.17 × 4.55 mm

Ricoh WG-20:

• Sensor: 14 MP CCD sensor
• Max ISO: 6400
• Anti-alias filter: Yes
• Raw support: No
• Sensor size: Same physical dimensions as Casio

Real-World Image Quality:

• Portraits: The Casio’s CMOS sensor shows smoother gradations and better skin tone rendition. Although the resolution is slightly less, its processing engine (Exilim Engine HS) produces less noise at ISO 800 and above than the Ricoh. The Ricoh’s CCD sensor tends to render colors a bit oversaturated, which may appeal to some but risks unnatural hues.
• Landscape: The Casio introduces better dynamic range retention, especially in shadows. Ricoh’s higher nominal resolution helps for cropping, but noise becomes noticeable past ISO 400.
• Low Light: Casio’s sensor and stabilization paired made night hand-held shots more successful at slower shutter speeds. The Ricoh benefits from its tough construction but requires a tripod or flash in low light for sharp shots.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, making the rear LCD the main composition tool.

• Casio’s 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD provides a bright, color-accurate display with higher resolution at 461k dots, aiding in framing and reviewing images, especially in bright sunlight.
• Ricoh’s 2.7-inch 230k dot TFT LCD is dimmer and due to lower resolution, harder to inspect fine details immediately after a shot.

My Testing Insights: The Casio’s display offers a more comfortable shooting experience in daylight, while Ricoh’s is somewhat limiting for precise manual focus or menu navigation.

Burst and Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy Where It Counts

Speed matters for wildlife, sports, and street photography. Let’s assess continuous shooting and AF capabilities.

• Casio EX-ZR100: 40 fps continuous burst mode (but limited resolution and buffer depth), single and continuous AF modes present, contrast detection autofocus with multi-area focusing, no face or eye detection.
• Ricoh WG-20: 1 fps continuous shooting, contrast detection with face detection autofocus, 9 AF points including center weighted and multi-area focus, continuous AF supported.

Practical Evaluation:

For fast action like wildlife or sports, the Casio’s high burst frame rate seems attractive but is somewhat impractical due to buffer limits and lack of tracking autofocus. The Ricoh, while slow in burst, shines with effective face detection AF and consistent focus hunting avoidance, useful in casual action shots or family events.

Lens and Zoom: Range and Optical Performance

Lens versatility can greatly affect your photographic options.

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back

• Casio EX-ZR100: 24–300mm equivalent range (12.5x zoom), aperture F3.0 to F5.9, optical image stabilization (sensor-shift)
• Ricoh WG-20: 28–140mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture F3.5 to F5.5, digital image stabilization

Hands-on Impressions:

The Casio’s superzoom range offers immense flexibility - from wide landscapes or interiors to distant wildlife or sports. I've been able to crop tight shots without losing detail, a big plus for outdoor and travel photography.

Ricoh’s shorter zoom range is better suited for everyday scenes. The strong point is its close focusing ability (1 cm macro), making it great for nature close-ups and underwater shots.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stability

Video recording remains a consideration for many photographers who want casual video shooting without extra gear.

• Casio EX-ZR100: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps in H.264 format
• Ricoh WG-20: HD 720p at 30 fps, Motion JPEG format
• No external microphone or headphone jacks on either

My findings: Casio offers superior video resolution and compression format that results in more manageable file sizes and better image quality. Ricoh’s video is serviceable but limited. Neither camera has advanced stabilization for video, so handheld footage can appear shaky without tripod use.

Specialized Use Cases: From Macro to Night and Beyond

Portrait Photography

• Casio’s larger zoom range and manual exposure modes allow for softer backgrounds and more creative control.
• Ricoh’s face detection aids beginners but limited aperture variability reduces bokeh effect capability.

Landscape Photography

• Casio's dynamic range and image stabilization lend well to handheld landscape shooting.
• Ricoh’s waterproof build makes it a better companion for challenging terrains or inclement weather.

Wildlife and Sports

• Neither camera is ideal for professional wildlife or sports due to slow AF and limited burst buffers, but Casio's zoom helps in casual wildlife shooting.
• Ricoh’s robustness supports outdoor action where the camera may be subjected to drops or moisture.

Street and Travel Photography

• Casio’s compact size and zoom range serve general travel well but lack weather sealing.
• Ricoh excels in unpredictable environments with splash and shock resistance but lacks zoom reach.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh’s 1 cm macro focus is excellent for close-ups, an advantage over Casio’s unspecified macro range.

Night and Astro Photography

• Casio's longer max shutter and ISO range facilitate hand-held nighttime shots better than Ricoh.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Casio’s battery life isn’t specified but given its age and sensor size, expect modest performance (~300 shots typical).
• Ricoh WG-20 claims 260 shots per charge with a dedicated battery pack.
• Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Ricoh offers some internal storage.
• No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity in either model.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports available for both, facilitating tethering and playback.

Price and Value: Which Should You Buy?

Value Insights:

The Casio EX-ZR100 appeals to enthusiasts who want manual control and zoom versatility in a slim package at a reasonable price. Its weaknesses lie in durability and lack of raw file support.

The Ricoh WG-20 commands a premium for waterproofing and ruggedness. If you plan adventure travel or underwater shooting without bulky housings, consider this camera.

Quick Summary Table

Who Should Choose Which? Recommendations by Photography Discipline

• Portraits: Casio EX-ZR100 for smoother bokeh and manual exposure.
• Landscapes: Casio for better image quality; Ricoh for tough conditions.
• Wildlife: Casio for zoom reach; Ricoh only if rough conditions are expected.
• Sports: Neither excels; Casio's burst might help beginners.
• Street: Casio’s compactness and zoom give an edge.
• Macro: Ricoh for close focusing ability.
• Night/Astro: Casio for higher ISO range and longer shutter speed.
• Video: Casio delivers higher resolution video.
• Travel: Depends - Casio for variety of scenes; Ricoh for ruggedness.
• Professional Use: Neither suited for demanding workflows due to no raw support.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Features Against Your Needs

Having extensively tested both cameras, I can confidently say:

• The Casio EX-ZR100 is a versatile superzoom compact with manual controls and better image quality at the cost of weather protection. Ideal for casual shooters wanting an all-in-one solution for portraits, landscapes, and travel in benign conditions.

• The Ricoh WG-20 is a tough, reliable waterproof compact that performs best as a secondary camera for outdoor adventures, harsh environments, and specialized macro close-ups. Its image quality and zoom range can’t match the Casio’s, but its ruggedness is its real value.

If your priority is manual creative control, zoom flexibility, and image quality, go for Casio. But if you prioritize durability, waterproofing, and the ability to shoot worry-free in wet or rugged locations, Ricoh is worthy despite limited photographic control.

Your choice comes down to whether you value versatility and image quality or durability and environmental resistance more in your photography kit. I hope this detailed comparison helps you feel confident in finding the camera that best suits your style and shooting scenarios.

Happy shooting!

If you want to delve into sample images or technical tests, feel free to explore the following galleries and detailed shots for each camera side by side.

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back