Nikon L21 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Let's look a little more closely at the Nikon L21 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Nikon and Ricoh. The image resolution of the L21 (8MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is very well matched but the L21 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The L21 was announced 19 months prior to the GR Digital IV making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the L21 grades versus the GR Digital IV when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon L21 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon L21 provides outside measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Nikon L21 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the L21 and the GR Digital IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and GR Digital IV is 93 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the L21 and GR Digital IV.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The L21 having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Ricoh GR Digital IV will give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older L21 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.