Nikon Coolpix AW100 vs Ricoh WG-6: A Deep Dive into Rugged Compact Cameras for the Adventurous Photographer

When it comes to rugged compact cameras designed for outdoor adventures, the Nikon Coolpix AW100 and the Ricoh WG-6 represent two intriguing choices from different generations. Both promise waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof durability with fixed zoom lenses and compact profiles tailored for travel, hiking, beach use, and more demanding shooting environments.

Having logged countless hours testing cameras across genres, including in challenging conditions, I’ve had the chance to put these two through their paces side-by-side. This detailed comparison zeroes in on their handling, imaging prowess, durability, and practical features to help serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking a durable secondary camera make an informed choice.

Let’s start by sizing these rugged warriors up against each other.

Design and Ergonomics: Ruggedness Meets Handling

Nikon’s AW100, launched in 2011, was one of the early waterproof compacts that combined a rugged profile with reasonably sophisticated imaging for its time. Measuring 110x65x23 mm and weighing just 178 grams, it’s one of the lightest and smallest waterproof cameras available. This compactness is a plus for travel photographers prioritizing pack weight and pocketability.

In comparison, the Ricoh WG-6, announced in 2018 nearly seven years later, is notably chunkier at 118x66x33 mm and significantly heavier at 246 grams. The WG-6's broader and deeper body reflects Ricoh’s commitment to sturdier build quality and easier grip, especially with gloved hands or in wet conditions the WG-6 is intended for.

Looking at the top control layout:

The AW100’s control scheme is minimalist and largely automated, with fewer physical buttons, reflecting a simpler design philosophy. It relies mostly on a mode dial and a handful of buttons, which may feel limiting for users craving tactile control or quick access to settings.

By contrast, the Ricoh WG-6 offers more dedicated controls, including manual focus rings and customizable buttons, enhancing real-world usability. Its ergonomics prioritize faster operation under rugged conditions, something Ricoh seems to have learned from predecessor WG-5 users.

An important note on these physical differences: The WG-6’s increased thickness makes it less pocketable but offers better handling during active rock climbing or snorkeling compared to the sleeker AW100.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras embed a 1/2.3-inch sized sensor, a common denominator in rugged compacts - but their specifications are telling.

The Nikon AW100 packs a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with a native ISO range up to 3200, whereas the Ricoh WG-6 boasts a 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor and a broader native ISO up to 6400. The WG-6’s backside-illuminated sensor design generally yields better low-light performance and improved noise control compared to Nikon’s older technology.

In daylight landscape shoots, both sensors deliver fine detail and color, given their fixed 28-140mm equivalent F3.9-4.8 (AW100) and F3.5-5.5 (WG-6) lenses with a 5x zoom. However, the WG-6’s sensor advantage yields marginally cleaner files when pushing high ISOs above 1600. For photographers planning extended twilight or indoor shoots, that difference is tangible.

The AW100’s lack of raw capture and reliance on JPEG limits post-processing latitude, while the WG-6 also omits raw but compensates with advanced exposure bracketing and white-balance bracketing - useful for preserving detail in tricky lighting.

Display and User Interface: Peeking Through the Screen

Display quality often escapes careful scrutiny but becomes crucial for composition and menu navigation in rugged cameras.

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch screens, but the WG-6’s display has a much higher resolution (1040k dots versus AW100’s 460k). The improved sharpness and brightness on the WG-6’s LCD really shine in brightly lit outdoor conditions, while the AW100’s screen can sometimes look washed out under direct sun.

Neither camera offers touch operation or electronic viewfinders, which is typical for their category. However, the WG-6’s more legible menus and slightly faster responsiveness edge out the AW100’s somewhat dated and sluggish control interface.

For photographers composing shots underwater or in snow, screen visibility directly impacts workflow efficiency - an area where the WG-6 definitively holds a practical advantage.

Autofocus and Performance: Snapping Action When It Counts

When comparing rugged cameras, autofocus speed and accuracy are often overlooked but essential metrics for capturing fleeting moments in sports, wildlife, and street photography.

The Nikon AW100 offers contrast-detection autofocus only, without face detection, continuous AF, or tracking. Its autofocus system is a basic implementation from the early 2010s, with 3 fps continuous shooting capped. Early tests indicate some hunting under low light and slower acquisition times, limiting its utility for fast-moving subjects.

Conversely, the Ricoh WG-6 provides contrast-detection with advanced face detection and 9 focus points. It supports continuous AF and tracking, making it far more competent for dynamically changing compositions. The WG-6’s continuous shooting speed is not officially specified, but practical experience suggests it can maintain burst rates sufficient for casual sports or wildlife shooting.

This distinction is meaningful for wildlife photographers or action shooters who occasionally want to capture fast subjects without lugging heavy gear.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Taking the Plunge and More

Both cameras are designed with adventurous photographers in mind, but their environmental ratings differ significantly.

The WG-6 improves on the AW100 in all ruggedness aspects - pushing deeper waterproofing, higher shock tolerance, and even crushproof certification. This makes the Ricoh a better companion for seriously demanding environments, whether caving, mountaineering, or industrial work.

Lens and Macro Capability: Beyond the Usual Range

Surprisingly for rugged compacts, the WG-6 offers a standout macro focus ability, capable of focusing as close as 1cm, which is unmatched by the AW100 that does not officially specify macro capacity.

This opens creative doors for macro photographers interested in detailed flower or insect shots without sacrificing durability. Though neither camera offers interchangeable lenses, their fixed 5x zoom lenses cover a versatile range from moderate wide-angle to telephoto.

The AW100’s aperture range of F3.9-4.8 is comparably modest next to WG-6’s slightly faster F3.5-5.5, translating to slightly better low-light capture at the wide end on the Ricoh.

Video Performance: What About Moving Images?

Video remains an increasingly important feature for many outdoor photographers doubling as videographers.

The AW100 offers Full HD (1920x1080) recording at 30 fps plus options for 720p at 60 fps and even super slow motion (240 fps) at reduced resolutions. Video is captured in MPEG-4/H.264 format, suitable for casual use. However, there’s no microphone input or image stabilization, so footage can appear shaky without external support.

Ricoh WG-6 steps up with 4K UHD video recording at 3840x2160, albeit without 4K photo mode or higher bitrates seen in more advanced models. The WG-6 features digital image stabilization, somewhat compensating for handheld jitters. Inclusion of exposure and white balance bracketing enhances exposure control for tricky lighting in video.

Neither camera includes microphone inputs or headphone jacks, marking both as limited options for more serious videographers, though WG-6's 4K puts it ahead perceptually.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Staying Powered and Linked

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with the WG-6 adding the bonus of supporting FlashAir wireless SD cards, enabling wireless image transfer - a handy feature for travelers who want quick sharing without carrying additional devices.

Regarding battery life, reliable published data for the AW100 is sparse, but its relatively small EN-EL12 battery suggests a modest amount of shots per charge. The WG-6’s DB-110 lithium-ion battery offers a better-tested capacity of approximately 340 shots, competitive for a rugged compact.

Neither camera includes Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their age and category. USB 2.0 is the wired connectivity option for both.

Real-World Shooting: A Gallery of Images from Both Cameras

After extensive fieldwork across multiple genres:

Nikon AW100 front Nikon AW100 screen back Ricoh WG 6 front Ricoh WG 6 screen back

The Nikon AW100 performs admirably in well-lit outdoor scenarios, especially landscapes and casual travel photography, faithfully rendering colors and preserving dynamic range. Its lens does introduce some edge softness wide open and minor chromatic aberrations at telephoto extremes.

Ricoh WG-6 provides sharper detail, superior noise behavior at high ISO, and more faithful color rendition in mixed lighting, thanks in part to its newer sensor and improved ISP (image signal processor). Macro and underwater shots from the WG-6 impress with better autofocus precision and closer focusing.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Analyzing performance through a photography discipline lens gives practical insight:

• Portraits: WG-6’s face detection and continuous AF offer better eye and face tracking. However, neither camera provides subject separation or creamy bokeh given small sensors and aperture limits.

• Landscapes: Both deliver good resolution for 1/2.3” sensors, but WG-6’s better dynamic range and stabilization under windy conditions give it an edge. The AW100’s lightweight build benefits hikers preferring less bulk.

• Wildlife: WG-6’s faster, more accurate AF and continuous shooting are preferable for animals on the move, but limited telephoto reach restricts detailed animals at distance.

• Sports: Neither primarily targets fast sports photography, but WG-6’s continuous AF and higher shutter ceiling (up to 1/4000s) outperform AW100’s max 1/2000s shutter.

• Street: AW100’s compact size and discreet appearance win here for candid shooting; WG-6’s bulk and aggressive design make it more conspicuous.

• Macro: WG-6 clearly better with 1cm focusing; AW100’s macro is average.

• Night/Astro: WG-6 benefits from higher ISO and longer shutter speed, plus stabilization, making it more adept at low-light and night scenes.

• Video: WG-6’s 4K and stabilization surpass AW100’s 1080p, though both lack pro audio options.

• Travel: AW100’s weight and size favor portability; WG-6’s ruggedness and battery life suit rugged travel.

• Professional Work: Neither camera replaces professional interchangeable-lens systems, but WG-6’s better controls and durability make it a superior backup or casual field camera.

Overall Camera Scores: Summarizing the Data

[Here’s a summary of our testing and scoring:]

The Ricoh WG-6 edges out the Nikon AW100 in most categories: imaging, durability, autofocus, video, and features, though its size and weight are notable trade-offs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Fits Your Adventure?

The Nikon Coolpix AW100 remains an intriguing choice primarily for ultra-light travel photographers or those on very tight budgets wanting a compact, waterproof camera that simply works for casual outdoor shooting. Its simplicity carries merits, especially for users unfamiliar with manual controls or who prefer point-and-shoot ease.

However, its age shows - slower autofocus, lower-resolution screen, lack of image stabilization, and no raw support limit its appeal to demanding users.

The Ricoh WG-6, released seven years later, represents a thoughtful evolution in rugged compacts. It offers better sensor tech, improved durability (including crushproofing), refined autofocus, 4K video, and advanced bracketing options. While it’s a bit bulkier and heavier, the trade-off is justified by superior performance across the board.

For photographers prioritizing rugged features, versatility, and image quality in a waterproof compact - especially those planning macro, low-light, or active shooting - the WG-6 is the clear pick. The inclusion of advanced bracketing and better screens also enhances workflow in difficult conditions.

That said, professionals relying primarily on interchangeable-lens systems might view both as supplementary point-and-shoot tools rather than primary cameras. In this niche, the WG-6 is more future-proof.

In summary:

• Choose Nikon AW100 if you need a compact, lightweight waterproof camera with simple operation, on a strict budget and less demanding photographic ambitions.
• Opt for the Ricoh WG-6 if you want the most rugged, best-performing waterproof compact that handles a wider range of photographic challenges, with improved video, macro, and autofocus - accepting the size and weight penalty.

Both cameras reflect design philosophies tuned to their technological age and user needs; choosing between them boils down to balancing portability with performance and ruggedness.

I hope this thorough examination helps you confidently select the rugged compact camera best suited for your adventures and photographic style. If you seek more tailored advice or tests, I’m happy to delve deeper into individual use cases. Until then, happy shooting - whether on land, underwater, or anywhere your camera might get tossed!