Fujifilm XP120 vs Ricoh G700SE: Tough Waterproof Cameras Put to the Test

When you need a camera that is waterproof and rugged enough for adventure, your gear choices narrow drastically. Models like the Fujifilm FinePix XP120 and the Ricoh G700SE stand out as waterproof compacts built to survive wet conditions and rough handling while still providing capable imaging options. But which one is right for your photography needs? As experienced reviewers with thousands of cameras tested, we dive deep into these two devices’ design, technology, and real-world performance.

Our goal is to help you decide the best tough camera for your budget, shooting style, and creative projects by unpacking the strengths and weaknesses of each. Let’s get started by looking at their physical designs and ergonomics.

Size and Handling: Compact and Tough, But Which Feels Better in Hand?

Both the Fujifilm XP120 and Ricoh G700SE aim to be rugged adventure companions, but their shapes and sizes differ slightly, impacting handling and portability.

The XP120 lives up to its “ultracompact” label with a noticeably lighter and slimmer profile, making it easy to stash in pockets or backpacks without weighing you down. For travel photographers prioritizing minimal bulk, this is a big plus.

The G700SE, meanwhile, feels more substantial in your hand with a thickness and heft that affirms its ruggedness. It offers slightly larger buttons, which may be appreciated when shooting with gloves - a benefit for outdoor and utility users. However, it is less pocketable.

Both cameras are well-sealed against water (the XP120 rated for underwater use up to 15 m, the G700SE up to 3 m), but the XP120 offers more comprehensive resistance against dust and shocks. This could be crucial if your activities include dusty hiking trails or occasional drops.

Our takeaway: For ultimate portability with strong environmental sealing, the XP120 edges out. But if you prioritize a more robust, substantial feel and can carry a bit more weight, the G700SE fits the bill.

Control Layout and Interface: How You Shoot and Navigate

Ergonomics extend beyond size to the interface design - how comfortable and intuitive the controls are during fast-paced shooting.

With the XP120, Fujifilm has kept control elements straightforward. The buttons are positioned close for one-handed operation. The camera lacks touchscreen functionality, but provides a crisp 3-inch fixed LCD screen. The lack of a viewfinder may disappoint some traditionalists, but the screen benefits from good anti-glare treatment.

Ricoh’s G700SE presents a slightly different approach. Though it also uses a non-touch 3-inch LCD of similar resolution, the physical buttons are larger but can feel congested around the right-hand grip. There's no viewfinder either, which is common in rugged compacts but can limit visibility in bright conditions.

Neither camera offers advanced exposure modes like aperture priority or shutter priority, focusing instead on simplicity. This makes them approachable for casual users.

Key differences in controls:

• XP120: Simplified interface with face & animal eye detection autofocus, sensor-shift stabilization.
• G700SE: More complex flash controls, external flash compatibility, but no image stabilization.

For adventure photographers who need quick, no-fuss shooting with reliable autofocus, the XP120’s layout offers a slight edge.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Who Captures the Better Picture?

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, influencing detail, dynamic range, and noise performance. Both cameras use the same 1/2.3" size sensor footprint but differ in technology and resolution.

The XP120’s use of a BSI-CMOS sensor is a notable advantage. Back-illuminated sensors collect more light efficiently, helping low-light performance and dynamic range - a crucial factor in landscape and indoor shooting. Though neither camera supports RAW format - limiting advanced post-processing - the XP120’s higher resolution allows for more cropping or larger prints.

The G700SE employs an older CCD sensor, known for pleasant color rendering but lagging behind CMOS in speed and noise at high ISO. This could make a difference in low-light conditions or fast action.

Real-world image quality observations:

• Fujifilm XP120 produces images with more detail and better noise control up to ISO 1600. Colors tend to be vibrant but retain natural skin tones.
• Ricoh G700SE images show slightly less sharpness and increased noise beyond ISO 400. Colors can appear more muted, and dynamic range is limited.

Neither camera rivals higher-end compacts or mirrorless cameras, but for their categories, XP120 offers a more modern imaging performance.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Whether shooting wildlife, sports, or family action shots, autofocus speed and continuous shooting capability are vital.

The XP120 benefits from modern contrast-detection AF with face detection and AFC tracking, making it more capable of locking focus quickly on moving subjects. Its continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second is impressive for a waterproof compact, useful for sports or wildlife snapshots.

The G700SE has a more basic AF system and does not offer continuous autofocus or tracking, which can hamper sharpness during movement. Burst shooting specs are not clearly stated but appear slower.

In field tests, XP120’s AF responded quicker and was more consistent in a variety of lighting conditions, while the G700SE occasionally struggled to refocus between shots.

For photographers seeking to capture fleeting moments, the XP120 is the better tool.

Display and Live View: Your Window to the Scene

A bright, clear display is critical for framing and reviewing images outdoors.

Both cameras share similar specs on screens: fixed, relatively high-resolution LCDs without touch interfaces. Neither offers an electronic viewfinder, which is common in rugged compacts but a drawback in bright daylight.

Fujifilm’s LCD benefits from better anti-reflective treatment and slightly higher contrast, enhancing usability in direct sun.

The G700SE’s screen sometimes feels duller, with tougher viewing angles.

Neither camera supports selfie modes, limiting social media usage trends slightly.

Lens and Macro Capabilities: Flexible Framing and Detail Work

Though both models share the same focal length range - 28-140 mm (5x zoom equivalent) - their macro capabilities differ.

The Fujifilm offers sensor-shift image stabilization, a boon for handheld shooting in low light or at telephoto settings, smoothing shake noticeably. It makes macro shots more stable and usable. The macro focusing distance is about 9 cm, adequate for closeup detail but not extreme.

Ricoh’s standout macro feature is an exceptionally close minimum focus of 1 cm, enabling highly detailed close-ups - great for product photography or insect macros. However, without stabilization, you’ll need a steady hand or tripod.

Both cameras have fixed lenses integrated; no option for interchangeable lenses. For adventures, the 5x optical zoom covers landscapes through short telephoto use sufficiently.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Built for Adventures

Toughness is the calling card for both models - but their resilience varies.

The XP120 is engineered for more extreme conditions, rated for deeper waterproofing (up to 15 m), dust resistance, drops from nearly 2 meters, and sub-zero temperatures. The G700SE is still tough but limited to 3 m water depth and lacks dustproofing or shockproof certification.

For professional or serious amateur outdoor photographers needing rugged reliability, XP120 clearly steps ahead in weather and impact durability.

Video and Multimedia Features: For Vlogging and Clips

While both cameras are photography-focused, video capabilities are increasingly important.

Video on the XP120 is clearly more capable, shooting smooth 1080p at 60 fps with stabilization, perfect for casual action video or light vlogging. The Ricoh’s video is limited to VGA resolution without known codec details, making it obsolete for modern video standards.

If you plan to shoot casual video alongside stills, the Fujifilm XP120 offers greater versatility and quality.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Battery endurance matters when you’re away from power for hours or days.

Battery life data on the G700SE is scant, but anecdotal reports from users indicate shorter endurance compared to modern cameras, likely due to older battery technology. The XP120 uses a modern rechargeable pack delivering over 200 shots, sufficient for daytime excursions.

Both cameras support SD cards for storage, with the XP120 also supporting SDXC for larger capacity cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected on the Go

For remote control, image transfer, and geotagging, the Fujifilm XP120 provides built-in WiFi and HDMI out, easing workflow for travelers wanting quick sharing or HDMI monitoring. The G700SE lacks WiFi, and GPS is only available via an optional add-on module.

Overall, if wireless connectivity and ease of sharing are important, XP120 is better suited.

Image Samples: Seeing is Believing

Let’s look at some side-by-side sample images from each camera to put sensor differences in context.

Fujifilm XP120 front Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back

• The XP120 delivers sharper details with more contrast and punch, especially in landscape scenes with varied lighting.
• Skin tones appear smoother and more natural on XP120.
• The G700SE’s images are softer with lower saturation, occasionally showing noise in shadow areas.
• Macro shots from G700SE reveal fine detail due to close focusing, but softness and noise are more apparent.

These comparisons reiterate the XP120’s superiority for general outdoor and travel photography, while the Ricoh serves niche macro enthusiasts or extremely budget-conscious buyers.

Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

Our aggregated testing ranks these cameras on overall and genre-specific performance to help align your choice with your shooting interests.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Rugged Camera Companion

The Fujifilm XP120 and Ricoh G700SE both fulfill the niche of rugged, waterproof cameras tailored for adventures, but their strengths diverge in important ways.

Fujifilm FinePix XP120 shines for you if:

• You want a lightweight, compact camera for travel and outdoor activities.
• You prioritize a modern sensor with better image quality and higher resolution.
• Face detection and autofocus speed matter for portraits and action shots.
• You seek better environmental sealing, including dust and shockproof capabilities.
• You want video capability in Full HD with image stabilization.
• Wireless connectivity (WiFi) and HDMI output are helpful in your workflow.
• You prefer a more intuitive control layout and longer battery life.

Ricoh G700SE is a fit if:

• You need close-to-macro focusing (1 cm) on a budget.
• Portability is less critical and you favor a sturdier, chunkier device.
• You’re shooting mainly in daylight and outside of fast action situations.
• External flash support is desired for more creative lighting.
• You can do without video or wireless features.
• Durability against dust and shock are less important for your environment.

While the Ricoh excels in specialist macro work and may appeal to those seeking a rugged budget camera with external flash options, the Fujifilm XP120 offers a more balanced, versatile tool for a wide range of photographic disciplines, including travel, landscape, sports, and casual wildlife.

Getting the Most From Your Waterproof Camera

To maximize your investment whether you choose the XP120 or G700SE:

• Explore compatible accessories like underwater housings, wrist straps, or external flashes (Ricoh offers more flash options).
• Experiment with the manual focus modes to capture macro and creative shots.
• Use stabilization and burst modes (XP120) to improve success with action and low-light images.
• Keep firmware updated and learn the menu system to exploit features like timelapse and bracketing.
• Practice shooting in diverse environments to understand limitations and strengths - and unlock your creativity.

Thanks for joining us on this side-by-side in-depth look at two notable waterproof cameras. We hope our detailed technical assessment and practical insights help you find the right rugged camera to capture your adventures with confidence.

Happy shooting!