Nikon S5100 vs Ricoh WG-4: Compact Cameras Clash in Versatility and Durability

When you’re in the market for a compact camera, especially in today’s smartphone-dominated world, the choice often boils down to specific needs and unique use cases. Two models from different eras that illustrate distinct philosophies are the Nikon Coolpix S5100 (2010) and the Ricoh WG-4 (2014). Both are compact, yet they serve remarkably different types of photographers - the S5100 leaning toward casual and budget-conscious shooters, while the WG-4 targets adventurers needing rugged reliability.

Having put both cameras through their paces over several weeks - from city streets to rugged hiking trails - I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison that covers everything from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus and genre-specific performance. Whether you’re a hobbyist hunting for your first dedicated camera or a pro looking for a durable backup, this guide is for you.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

Let’s start with the physicality, because size and feel can make or break a compact camera experience - especially handheld shooting.

The Nikon S5100 is pocket-friendly: a trim 97 x 57 x 22 mm body weighing just 132 grams. It slips into a jacket pocket with barely a fuss. Its body is plastic, light but not exactly rugged. There’s no weather sealing, so rain or dust means caution or an early trip back inside.

On the other side, the Ricoh WG-4 is a brute, bulkier and heavier at 124 x 64 x 33 mm and 230 grams. This isn’t for the cheapskates or minimalists; it’s a thoughtfully engineered rugged tool designed to survive the standards you'd expect for underwater, freeze, and shock protection. Despite the extra heft, it fits comfortably in hand thanks to a substantial grip and rubberized accents.

To see exactly how these bodies compare from above - their control layout, dials, and buttons - let’s inspect their top views:

The WG-4 offers more physical dials - including a dedicated shutter button and zoom rocker positioned ergonomically for outdoor use, even with gloves. The Nikon is streamlined but lacks much manual control, making it mostly point-and-shoot friendly.

Ergonomics Verdict:

• Nikon S5100: Ultra-portable, minimal controls, best for casual shooting and travel.
• Ricoh WG-4: Bulkier but hands-on designed; excellent for rugged conditions and active photographers.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Next is the sensor - the key determinant of image quality. Both these cameras pack 1/2.3" sensors with roughly the same physical size (28.07 mm²), but there’s a strong generational and tech difference.

• Nikon S5100: Uses a CCD sensor, a technology more common in early 2010s compacts. CCDs excel at static image quality and color but tend to be noisier at higher ISO and lack dynamic range compared to CMOS sensors.
• Ricoh WG-4: Features a BSI CMOS sensor, which is back-illuminated for better light gathering. The sensor resolution jumps to 16 MP, allowing more detail possible especially when cropping or printing.

In practice, this leads to distinct advantages and compromises:

• The WG-4’s higher resolution and BSI CMOS tech deliver better clarity, less noise at higher ISOs (up to 6400 native), and more flexibility in post-processing with slightly better dynamic range.
• The Nikon’s CCD is limited to ISO 1600 max native and shows noticeable grain beyond ISO 400. Its 12 MP resolution still holds up for casual sharing but won’t compete in fine detail.

Color rendition, meanwhile, is a toss-up. Nikon tends to produce warmer, more saturated tones that early compact shooters often found pleasing. The Ricoh leans cooler but more neutral and accurate, especially useful for landscape and underwater shots where color fidelity matters.

Image Samples

To illustrate these points, here are sample comparison images from each camera in natural light and indoor ambient:

Nikon S5100 front Nikon S5100 screen back Ricoh WG 4 front Ricoh WG 4 screen back

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Autofocus capabilities can make or break a compact for wildlife, sports, or street shooting where split-second decisions matter.

• Nikon S5100: Employs contrast-detection autofocus only, with a single AF point and no face detection or tracking. The system is slow to lock, especially in low light or on moving subjects - expect 1+ seconds lag sometimes.

• Ricoh WG-4: Contrast detect autofocus as well but improved with multiple AF points (9) and face detection. Continuous AF mode and tracking are supported, making it possible to follow moving subjects better. Still, lag is noticeable vs. DSLRs but excellent for its class.

The WG-4 tops out at 2 fps continuous shooting - modest but at least usable for casual action sequences - while the S5100 lacks continuous burst modes altogether. I found the Ricoh’s AF more responsive in daylight and much better at locking on faces; the Nikon often required manual patience or prefocusing.

Build Quality and Durability: Who’s Got Your Back?

Only one model wears the “all weather” badge: the Ricoh WG-4 is rated waterproof to 14 meters (about 46 feet), shockproof up to 1.6 meters drop, freezeproof down to -10°C, and crushproof to an amazing 100 kgf. For hiking, snorkeling, climbing, or skiing, this is a serious adventure partner.

The Nikon S5100 comes with nothing but a simple plastic body and internal electronics with no sealing - a recipe for disaster if you get caught in adverse weather.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Composing Your Shot

Moving on to framing and feedback, a good rear LCD is essential for composition and menu navigation.

The WG-4 flaunts a generous 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots, showing crisp and vibrant images even in bright outdoor light. The screen surface resists scratches and provides a reasonably wide viewing angle.

The S5100 has a smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD but with only 230k dots - noticeably softer and dimmer. In bright sunlight, the display becomes hard to see, leading to guesswork on exposure and focus.

Neither camera offers touchscreens or an electronic viewfinder, so composition is limited to the rear screen, but the WG-4’s brighter, larger screen is superior for practical usability.

Lens and Optical Performance

Both cameras use fixed zoom lenses with similar focal length multipliers (~5.8x), but with some important differences:

• Nikon S5100: 28-140mm equivalent, max aperture range f/2.7-6.6
• Ricoh WG-4: 25-100mm equivalent, max aperture f/2.0-4.9

The WG-4 edges out slightly wider on the wide end and offers a brighter max aperture, helping in low light and shallow depth of field situations. It also boasts a macro mode with a working distance as close as 1 cm - yep, you can get right up to your subject for detailed close-ups.

The Nikon also offers decent macro capability down to 2 cm but with a narrower lens and less aperture speed. Both lenses have optical image stabilization, but the Ricoh’s sensor-shift type tends to be more effective during handheld shooting or video.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video specs reveal the WG-4 is the clear winner for shooters who want to dabble in movies.

• Nikon S5100 records HD video at 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, which is bulky and results in less efficient compression and shorter recording times.

• Ricoh WG-4 pushes full HD 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps, compressed in H.264 - an industry-standard codec providing better quality and lower file sizes. On top of that, it features time-lapse recording for creative uses.

No microphone inputs or headphone jacks on either camera, so keep expectations modest, but the WG-4’s improved video specs and stabilization make it a versatile hybrid for casual filmmakers and outdoor adventures.

Battery Life and Storage

• Nikon S5100 uses the EN-EL10 battery - small and lightweight but just okay for about 200 shots per charge (manufacturer-rated). Expect to carry spares if you plan a full day out.

• Ricoh WG-4’s D-LI92 battery offers around 240 shots per charge, reasonable for a compact rugged but not phenomenal.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC cards for storage, no dual slots.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither camera offers wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) or GPS functions - disappointing by today’s standards but not surprising for their price points and intended audiences.

The WG-4 provides manual focus support and exposure compensation via shutter priority mode - handy for enthusiasts wanting some creative control. The S5100 is purely automatic or program modes with no manual overrides, clearly aimed at point-and-shoot simplicity.

Performance Breakdown Across Photography Genres

To round out this comparison, I compiled a genre-specific evaluation based on hands-on experience and specs scrutiny.

Portraits

• S5100: Warmer skin tones but limited control over depth of field due to slow lens and lack of manual focus.
• WG-4: Better bokeh potential with brighter lens and face detection AF, though sensor size limits extreme background blur.

Landscapes

• WG-4 shines with higher resolution, better DR, and tougher body for outdoor shoots.
• Nikon adequate for casual snaps but less sharp and vulnerable to weather.

Wildlife & Sports

• WG-4's faster AF tracking and burst (2 fps) advantage, but neither suitable for serious action. Nikon unreliable here.

Street Photography

• Nikon’s small size and unobtrusive look help in discreet shooting but poor AF speed hurts.
• WG-4 bulkier but better AF performance helps capture fleeting moments.

Macro

• WG-4’s 1 cm macro and brighter lens give it the edge for nature and detail shots.

Night/Astro

• WG-4 outperforms obviously with ISO 6400 and longer shutter speeds plus sensor-shift IS, while S5100 maxes at ISO 1600 with grain issues.

Video

• WG-4’s 1080p/60fps and time-lapse modes suit vloggers; S5100 limited to 720p/30fps.

Travel

• Nikon’s size is a winner, but WG-4 is versatile and rugged for adventure travel.

Professional Use

• Neither a workhorse, but Ricoh WG-4’s versatility and ruggedness make it a better field companion for documentation.

Overall Performance Scores

Here is a quick at-a-glance rating synthesizing technical benchmarks and real-world testing:

Summing It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

Nikon Coolpix S5100 – Great for the Budget-Conscious Casual Shooter

• Pros: Ultra compact and lightweight, straightforward operation, decent image quality in good light, affordable.
• Cons: Outdated sensor tech, poor low light and AF performance, no manual controls, no waterproofing.

Recommended if:

• You want a small, budget-friendly camera primarily for travel snapshots or family photos.
• You’re a newcomer or “cheapskate” looking for a simple compact without fuss.
• Weight and pocketability are paramount.

Ricoh WG-4 – Rugged, Versatile Shooter for Active Lifestyles

• Pros: Waterproof/shockproof body; superior sensor and lens; manual focus and exposure option; excellent video; solid AF boost.
• Cons: Heavier and bulkier; pricier; no raw capture; moderate battery life.

Recommended if:

• You regularly shoot outdoors in challenging conditions.
• You want a capable all-in-one adventure camera with decent image quality.
• You value video features and some manual control on a compact rugged design.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Your Priorities

If you’re a photography enthusiast considering these two, ask yourself what’s most important: portability and simple operation, or rugged versatility and enhanced performance? The Nikon S5100 fulfills the former with a friendly price tag - ideal for casual and travel users who shoot mostly in good light and want straightforward gear without breaking the bank.

However, if you crave more technical control, tougher build quality, and a camera ready to endure the elements while delivering sharper images and smoother videos (albeit at the cost of size and weight), the Ricoh WG-4 brings far more substance. It is a stalwart companion for wildlife trips, rugged hikes, and more serious photography adventures.

By presenting both cameras through this detailed yet accessible lens, I hope you’ve got a clear sense of their real-world promise and pitfalls. Remember, the best camera is not always the newest or flashiest; it’s the one that fits your shooting style, budget, and adventure plans perfectly.

Happy shooting!