Nikon S5100 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Nikon S5100 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Nikon and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is pretty well matched but the S5100 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The S5100 was brought out 13 months earlier than the GR Digital IV which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the S5100 scores versus the GR Digital IV when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S5100 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon S5100 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon S5100 comes with external measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S5100 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the S5100 versus the GR Digital IV.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and GR Digital IV is 95 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S5100 and GR Digital IV.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S5100 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Nikon S5100 will give you extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older S5100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.