Nikon Coolpix S30 vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Every Photographer

Choosing the right compact camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when two models wear similar “compact” hats but are worlds apart under the hood. Today, I’m putting the Nikon Coolpix S30 and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS head-to-head. These two might catch your eye for their portability, but beyond the size lies a tale of two very different cameras, each carving out their own niche from casual snaps to rugged outdoor adventures.

Having spent years testing thousands of cameras - both in the lab and out in the wild - I’m here to unpack every practical detail you’ll want to know before making the leap. Whether you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for straightforward simplicity or an outdoor warrior craving resilience and versatility, let’s dissect these compacts to see which one fits your photography style best.

First Impressions: Size, Grip, and Handling

At first glance, both cameras fit snugly into a jacket pocket, but size and ergonomics reveal some early clues about their target users.

The Nikon S30 is undeniably petite at 102 x 65 x 40 mm and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 214 grams (without batteries). Its chunky, rounded edges cater primarily to small hands or young shooters. The two AA batteries make refueling easy for budget travelers without access to proprietary chargers. However, the Nikon’s small, non-touch 2.7” TFT-LCD with a low resolution of 230k dots feels behind the times - it’s strictly functional for framing and reviewing images, not a joy to navigate menus on.

On the other hand, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS measures 125 x 65 x 32 mm, slightly wider and flatter but still quite portable at 236 grams - solid yet comfortable to grip. It sports a much more generous 3.0” fixed LCD screen with 460k dots, offering a noticeably sharper and brighter canvas for composing and reviewing shots outdoors. The WG-5 also runs on a dedicated rechargeable battery pack, which will likely provide optimal, consistent power, though it means planning ahead if you forget to charge.

The button layout reinforces their design philosophies: the Nikon’s club-like buttons and minimal controls invite casual use, avoiding confusing menus or modes. The Ricoh offers dedicated dials and mode buttons, including shutter priority exposure and custom modes for those wanting a bit more creative control. While neither sports an electronic viewfinder, the larger screen and thoughtful control arrangement on the WG-5 makes it easier to operate quickly and intuitively.

Ergonomics Rating: For pure grab-and-go fun, the Nikon is simple and straightforward. For rugged use and more control, the Ricoh feels like the better companion.

Sensor & Image Quality: What Lies Beneath the Body

No camera review is complete without diving into what ultimately matters most: the sensor and resultant image quality.

The Nikon S30’s sensor is a dated 1/3" CCD measuring 4.8 x 3.6 mm, delivering 10 megapixels at a max native ISO of 1600. CCD sensors, once the standard, have gradually been overtaken by CMOS tech due to lower noise and faster readouts. Unfortunately, the Nikon’s small sensor area (17.28 mm²) and tiny pixel pitch mean images can suffer in dynamic range, low light, and fine detail resolution, especially when pushing ISO beyond its base 80.

In contrast, Ricoh’s WG-5 uses a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with 16 megapixels and a native ISO range extending up to 6400. Backside-illuminated sensors have better light-gathering efficiency, leading to cleaner images and improved performance in challenging lighting. The WG-5’s sensor area is nearly twice that of the Nikon’s, which translates to better tonal gradation and less noise.

Practically, this means:

• Portraits: The Ricoh will yield crisper images with more skin tone nuance and smoother gradients due to its higher resolution and cleaner sensor data.
• Landscape: The WG-5 will capture more detail and dynamic range, crucial in sweeping vistas with shadows and highlights.
• Low-light Shots: The Nikon’s sensor hits its limits quickly around ISO 400-800 with notable noise, while the WG-5 manages usable shots up to ISO 1600-3200.

That said, neither camera supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility. Both rely on JPEG in-camera processing, so sharpening, noise reduction, and color rendering can’t be tweaked in depth later.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: The Speed Factor

Autofocus (AF) system quality reflects directly on ease of use and the fun-factor of capturing subjects in motion.

The Nikon Coolpix S30 is simple: a single center AF point relying on contrast-detection. It lacks continuous AF or tracking; you’re essentially shooting with a “focus and shoot” approach, great for calm portraits of kids but not dynamic scenes.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS ups the ante with 9 AF points, contrast-detection AF with continuous and tracking modes, and face detection. I tested AF speed in bright daylight and shade - the WG-5 locked focus crisply in about half a second, while the Nikon sometimes hesitated and hunted.

Burst shooting speeds confirm the difference: The Nikon offers 1.5 fps, practically a snail’s pace and more suited to tabletop or still subjects. Meanwhile, the WG-5 can achieve 14 fps, a blistering rate in this category, making it excellent for wildlife snaps, sports, or capturing split-second moments.

Ruggedness and Environmental Sealing: Built for Different Worlds

If you mostly shoot indoors or on mild outings, ruggedness might not be top of mind. But if you’re an explorer or prone to active shooting, this is crucial.

Both cameras sport weather-sealing, but their specifications differ:

• The Nikon is environmentally sealed but not waterproof - certainly splash-resistant, but don’t dunk it in rivers or expose it to heavy rain.

• The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a true tough camera: waterproof up to 14 meters, freeze-proof to -10°C, crushproof to 100 kgf forces, and shockproof from drops up to 1.6 meters. Think desert, snow, jungle, or beach - this camera is designed to endure abuse.

This makes the WG-5 a powerhouse companion for adventure seekers and nature photographers. The Nikon feels better suited for controlled environments or casual outdoor strolls with less concern about elements.

Lens and Optical Versatility: Zoom Ranges and Apertures

Neither camera sports interchangeable lenses, but the built-in zooms tell different stories.

• The Nikon’s zoom covers 29-87 mm equivalent focal length (a 3x zoom), with maximum apertures from f/3.3 at wide to f/5.9 tele. This confinement limits versatility beyond obvious framing ranges. The minimum macro focus distance is 5cm, which suffices for close-ups but lacks fine focusing finesse.

• Ricoh’s WG-5 GPS zooms wider: 25-100 mm equivalent (4x zoom), starting at a brighter f/2.0 to f/4.9 at the tele end. That initial f/2 aperture is a boon for low light and shallow depth-of-field portraits or creative bokeh - unexpected goodness in a rugged compact. Macro focusing goes down to 1 cm, enabling stunningly detailed close-ups.

This difference shows the WG-5 edging ahead for photographers wanting creative framing or more low-light room.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity on the Go

Both cameras rate approximately 240 shots per single full charge (or fresh batteries for Nikon’s AAs). In real-world terms, that’s modest, certainly not marathon endurance, so carrying spares is smart - especially if you’re out in the field taking bursts or video.

The Nikon’s use of readily available AA batteries is a blessing for travelers without chargers, though bulkier and heavier in your pocket. The Ricoh uses a proprietary rechargeable battery that’s smaller and lighter.

Memory-wise, they both accept SD cards with a single slot. The Ricoh also offers internal storage as an emergency fallback, a nice safety net for forgetful memory card packers.

Video and Connectivity: Capturing Motion and Sharing

This is an area where both cameras lag compared to modern standards, but the WG-5 leads.

• Nikon captures 720p HD video at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format, generally stable but unimpressive. There’s no external mic input or advanced video features, making it a basic clip camera for casual use.

• Ricoh WG-5 offers full HD 1080p at 30 fps, plus 720p at 60 fps for smoother slow motion. The video codec includes H.264, allowing better compression and quality/storage ratio. There’s no microphone input or headphone jack, and image stabilization during video helps steady handheld shots noticeably.

Neither supports wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - no instant sharing from camera to phone. Onboard GPS is a plus on the WG-5, automatically geotagging images, perfect for adventurers mapping journeys.

Practical Use Cases by Photography Genre

Seeing how each model stacks up across popular photography styles can really help put things in perspective.

Nikon S30 front Nikon S30 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At the time of writing, the Nikon S30 comes in around $120, aimed at casual users, families, and children venturing into photography without fuss or cost. Its limitations are noticeable but understandable given the price point.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS, priced around $500, targets serious amateurs, outdoor adventurers, and photographers craving durability along with notable image quality improvements and creative control. The cost reflects the rugged build, sensor upgrades, and better optics.

For this price gap (over four times the Nikon’s cost), you’re mainly paying for:

• Ruggedness and weatherproofing
• Larger, sharper sensor with more megapixels
• Brighter lens and longer zoom
• Superior AF system and burst speed
• 1080p video with image stabilization
• GPS geotagging
• Better screen and shooting controls

If you’re a cheapskate on a budget or gifting a beginner, Nikon S30 makes sense as a simple point-and-shoot. If you want something that can survive the elements and produce consistently better images, the WG-5 is unbeatable in this category.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Fits Your Needs?

Having tested both extensively, here’s my cogent take:

Nikon Coolpix S30: The Kid and Casual Outing Companion

• Lightweight, simple controls, and AA battery convenience.
• Good for families, kids, and those who want no-fuss photography.
• Basic image quality adequate for social sharing.
• Not suited for fast action, low light, or adventures.
• Value-priced for the casual user.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS: The Adventurer’s Trusted Sidekick

• Rugged and waterproof, designed for harsh outdoor conditions.
• Larger sensor and better optics deliver noticeably cleaner, sharper images.
• Fast autofocus and burst rate capture fleeting moments with ease.
• Good video capability with stabilization.
• GPS tagging and flexible exposure modes extend creative options.
• Higher price but justified by versatility and durability.

Tips on Testing and Choosing Your Compact Camera

In my professional experience, choosing between compacts requires you to first rank your priorities:

1. Image quality vs. portability: Larger sensors enable better image quality but usually in bulkier bodies.
2. Speed & AF: Do you shoot fast-moving subjects? Burst rate and tracking AF must be rock solid.
3. Build and environment: Will you be hiking in rain or snow? Ruggedness can make or break your workflow.
4. User interface & controls: Familiarize yourself with button layout or touchscreen usability - frustration can kill creativity.
5. Video features: If clips matter, prioritize resolution, frame rates, and stabilization.
6. Budget: Balance your needs with what you can realistically spend.

When possible, physically handle cameras in-store or rent before committing. Look for reliable reviews and sample galleries. And remember, a higher megapixel count is not the full story - sensor quality, lens sharpness, and image processing matter deeply.

Bottom Line: Two Different Cameras for Two Different Lifestyles

The Nikon Coolpix S30 and Ricoh WG-5 GPS prove that “compact” is a wide umbrella. One errs on the side of simplicity and budget-conscious casual shooting, while the other tackles ruggedness, higher image fidelity, and creative freedom with class.

Your job as a buyer? Pinpoint what you want to capture and under which conditions. Family snapshots in the backyard? S30 fits the bill. Mountain hikes, snorkeling, or fast action? WG-5 earns your trust.

Both have limitations by today’s advanced mirrorless and smartphone standards, but in their niches, each serves a clear purpose with honesty and capability.

Feel free to ask any questions or share your own experiences with either of these models - I’m always up for a good camera chat!