Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W
93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23


91 Imaging
40 Features
34 Overall
37
Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 8MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 169g - 92 x 67 x 28mm
- Announced February 2010
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 194g - 123 x 62 x 30mm
- Launched October 2014

Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Overview
Following is a in depth review of the Nikon L21 and Ricoh WG-30W, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Nikon and Ricoh. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and WG-30W (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The L21 was unveiled 5 years before the WG-30W which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise view of how the L21 scores against the WG-30W for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Ricoh WG-30W. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon L21 Gallery and Ricoh WG-30W Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Ricoh WG-30W
L21 | WG-30W |
---|
Reasons to pick Ricoh WG-30W over the Nikon L21
WG-30W | L21 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | October 2014 | ![]() | February 2010 | More modern by 56 months |
Display sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon L21 and Ricoh WG-30W
L21 | WG-30W | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither has Touch display |
Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Physical Comparison
If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon L21 has outer measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-30W has proportions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon L21 and Ricoh WG-30W in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the L21 and the WG-30W.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the L21 and WG-30W is 93 and 91 respectively.

Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be hard to see the gap in sensor sizes only by checking out specifications. The picture here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the L21 and WG-30W.
To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Ricoh WG-30W to produce greater detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged L21 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L21 vs Ricoh WG-30W Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L21 | Ricoh WG-30W | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Ricoh |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L21 | Ricoh WG-30W |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Announced | 2010-02-03 | 2014-10-09 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 8MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 64 | 125 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.5 inches | 2.7 inches |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8 seconds | 4 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 3.90 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, flash off, flash on, auto + redeye |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 169 gr (0.37 pounds) | 194 gr (0.43 pounds) |
Dimensions | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 123 x 62 x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 300 photos |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 2 x AA | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $180 | $280 |