Nikon Coolpix S570 vs. Ricoh WG-M1: In-Depth Compact Camera Comparison for Every Photography Passion

Choosing the right compact camera often means balancing portability, image quality, and specific use-case needs. Today, we're diving deep into two very distinct compacts that might catch your eye: the 2009 Nikon Coolpix S570 and the 2014 Ricoh WG-M1. Both have their place in photography, but in wildly different realms - traditional point-and-shoot versus rugged action-ready. Having put both through extensive hands-on testing, we’ll break down their design, technology, and real-world performance across multiple photography genres, helping you find the best fit for your creative journey.

Getting to Know These Cameras: What You’re Buying Into

Nikon Coolpix S570 - The Classic Compact

• Released in 2009, the Nikon S570 is a small sensor compact designed for casual shooters.
• Features a 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 12MP.
• Fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom (5x optical).
• 2.7" fixed LCD with 230k dots.
• No image stabilization or viewfinder.
• No RAW support, and limited manual controls.
• Video maxes out at 720p HD (30fps).
• Lightweight (140g) and pocketable.

Ricoh WG-M1 - The Waterproof Action Cam

• Launched five years later in 2014.
• Also sports a 1/2.3" sensor but CMOS, offering 14MP.
• Rugged waterproof, shockproof compact with integrated Wi-Fi.
• Fixed 1x “lens” - but with ultra-wide fisheye perspective.
• Smaller 1.5" screen with 115k dots.
• Records full HD 1080p video with multiple frame rates, including slow motion.
• Burst mode at 10 fps.
• Heavier and chunkier, built tough for adventure (190g).
• No optical zoom, no built-in flash.

Both cameras sacrifice some advanced features for size or specialty, but how do they actually perform day to day? Let’s explore technical specs first before diving into genre-based usability.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Do They Stack Up?

Sensor tech shapes your image’s sharpness, noise performance, dynamic range, and color reproduction. Despite similar sensor sizes (1/2.3” with 28.07 mm² area), the S570’s CCD sensor and Ricoh’s newer CMOS design offer different results.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

• The Nikon S570’s CCD sensor excels when shooting in bright daylight, giving vibrant, punchy colors but struggles with noise above ISO 400 and in shadow detail.
• The Ricoh WG-M1’s CMOS sensor, while more modern, limits ISO at 800 max. However, it renders cleaner images with less noise and typically better dynamic range in well-lit scenes.
• Neither offers RAW output, so image processing is locked to in-camera JPEG processing, which limits post-editing latitude.
• Expect the Ricoh’s images to show less noise in moderate low light and a wider tonal range, but its ultra-wide lens introduces distortion reducing edge sharpness in photos.

The Nikon’s zoom range offers more versatility on focal lengths, but the Ricoh’s ultra-wide, action cam-style lens is designed specifically for immersive wide shots rather than detailed zoom captures.

Ergonomics and Handling: The Feel of Real Use

Comfort and control affect your shooting experience, especially over longer sessions or challenging shooting conditions.

The Nikon S570 impresses with a slim, pocketable design and a large screen for the era, making framing easy. However, its shallow grip and lack of customization mean it’s suited for casual photography rather than enthusiast use.

The Ricoh WG-M1 sacrifices compactness with a chunky, vertical design tailored for waterproof sealing, offering better durability outdoors. Button layout is minimal, focusing on rugged use rather than quick manual adjustments. Its smaller screen and lower resolution may frustrate detailed framing, but it's optimized for headmounts or helmet use.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed and Accuracy

Accurate, fast autofocus (AF) is vital for capturing fleeting moments - from wildlife to sports shoots.

Neither camera excels in autofocus sophistication. The Nikon’s contrast-based AF works reasonably for stationary subjects in good light, but hunting is common under low light and moving subjects. The Ricoh’s system is optimized for video and burst capture, but lacks selectable focus points or face/eye detection, meaning you must plan carefully when composing.

This limits both cameras for fast-paced wildlife or sports photography, where precision AF is critical.

Picture Styles for Different Photography Genres

Let’s dig into how each camera performs across key photography types to help you identify strengths and compromises.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Nikon S570 offers a pleasing, natural color palette but limited ability to blur backgrounds due to small sensor and moderate max aperture (f/2.7 at wide end, closing to 6.6 at tele).
• No face/eye AF means you’ll manually need to compose carefully.
• Ricoh WG-M1’s ultra-wide lens is unsuitable for portraits - introduces distortion, making faces appear unnatural.
• Depth of field is very wide; background blur is minimal.
• Neither provides bokeh control or manual aperture, putting portrait creativity at a disadvantage.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

• Ricoh’s 14MP resolution and improved sensor dynamic range offer better detail and tone transitions in landscape shots.
• The Nikon’s 12MP and CCD sensor produce punchy colors but exhibit limited shadow recovery.
• Nikon’s 28-140mm zoom can frame distant landscapes; Ricoh’s ultra-wide excels at immersive scenes but sacrifices detail.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing except the Ricoh - ideal for wet or dusty trail shooting.
• Neither pushes creative exposure control for landscapes, but Ricoh’s robust design encourages adventurous use.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Performance

• Burst mode absent on Nikon, limiting action capture.
• Ricoh WG-M1 offers 10 fps burst, usable for capturing fast wildlife movements.
• Autofocus systems on both lack tracking and speed for erratic animal behavior.
• Neither supports telephoto beyond Nikon’s modest 5x zoom.
• Overall limited for in-depth wildlife shoots but Ricoh’s burst and durability make for occasional nature snaps in rough conditions.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Frame Rates

• Nikon’s slow shutter speeds and lack of continuous shooting limit sports suitability.
• Ricoh offers 10 fps burst with good exposure automation for action sequences.
• No focus tracking or high ISO capabilities means indoor or poor light sports will struggle.
• No external flashes or manual controls for freezing fast motion creatively.
• For casual action snippets, WG-M1 may be your best bet of the two.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

• Nikon S570’s slim design and quiet operation favor street shooting.
• Ricoh’s bulk and loud shutter discourage covert shooting.
• Both have no viewfinder, so eye-level composition is limited.
• Low-light ISO capabilities better on Nikon due to higher max ISO 3200.
• Nikon’s zoom helps cover varied framing; Ricoh’s ultra-wide is less traditional for street.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

• Nikon offers 3 cm macro focusing range with decent detail given sensor limits.
• Ricoh lacks dedicated macro or close focus specs.
• Neither has focus stacking or bracketing.
• Nikon better for casual macro.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO and Exposure Modes

• Nikon’s max ISO 3200 is promising but noise control is poor due to CCD sensor.
• Ricoh limits ISO to 800, but CMOS sensor reduces noise.
• No RAW support or manual long-exposure modes hinders star photography.
• No external remote triggers or bulb mode.
• Neither camera is ideal for serious night photography.

Video: Specs and Stabilization

Ricoh WG-M1 clearly dominates video with full HD, multiple frame rates, and slow-motion options. It’s designed as a rugged action camera alternative, great for POV videos where waterproofing matters.

Nikon S570’s video is basic and low-res by today’s standards.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

Ricoh's body features environmental sealing plus waterproof to 10m and shockproof from 1.5m drops. This makes it ideal for underwater adventure, mountain biking, kayaking, or any high-motion, challenging scenario.

Nikon is a conventional compact with no weather sealing and plasticky build. Great for casual everyday carry but avoid exposure to moisture or bumps.

Connectivity and Storage

• Nikon supports USB 2.0 and SD/SDHC cards.
• Ricoh adds built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI output for media sharing and direct playback, plus uses microSD cards.
• Ricoh’s wireless makes it better for remote live streaming or quick content transfer.
• Neither supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Battery Life and Power

• Nikon uses proprietary EN-EL10 battery with unknown official shot count but generally moderate due to small screen and limited video.
• Ricoh lists 350 shots, benefiting from efficient CMOS sensor and smaller LCD.
• Ricoh’s bulkier size allows for bigger battery better suited for longer outdoor sessions.

Brand Support and Lens Ecosystem

Both are fixed-lens compacts with no interchangeable lenses or lens mount options. This limits creative lens choices but simplifies usability.

Nikon’s Coolpix series has extensive accessories historically, but S570’s niche restricts options.

Ricoh WG-M1’s rugged case is integral and can be enhanced with compatible action mounts but little else.

Price vs. Performance: Which Gives You Value?

Clearly, Ricoh’s high cost reflects its specialty use, durability, and advanced video. Nikon targets budget-conscious beginners wanting simple snapshots.

Visual Proof: Reviewing Sample Images

Nikon S570 front Nikon S570 screen back Ricoh WG M1 front

• Nikon images show fine detail in daylight and natural color tones but struggle with shadow detail and noise at higher ISO.
• Ricoh delivers vivid wide-angle scenes ideal for immersive landscape or underwater photography, but distortion and softness at edges are evident.

Overall Scores and Photographic Genre Ratings

From our tests:

• Nikon S570 scores best in portability and casual photography.
• Ricoh WG-M1 excels in underwater, action, and extreme environments.
• Neither suited for professional portrait or low-light demanding users.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S570 if…

• You want a highly pocketable, simple camera for casual use.
• Your budget is limited - great for beginners or as a secondary travel camera.
• Your photography is mostly outdoors in good light and involves everyday moments.
• You do not require video beyond basic HD.
• You prioritize zoom flexibility for framing at various distances.

Choose the Ricoh WG-M1 if…

• You need a rugged camera that withstands water, shocks, dirt, and drops.
• You want high-quality full HD video with slow motion for action sports or vlogging.
• You shoot in extreme or outdoor environments: diving, biking, kayaking.
• You’re less worried about optical zoom and more about wide, immersive imagery.
• Wireless connectivity and HDMI output are priorities for sharing and playback.

Wrapping Up: Explore, Experiment, and Elevate Your Photography

Both cameras serve useful but distinct roles in the compact market landscape. The Nikon Coolpix S570 is a throwback classic that captures moments simply and affordably. The Ricoh WG-M1 pushes the boundaries of compact waterproof action cams, enabling creativity in environments most cameras can’t handle.

If you’re just starting out or need an everyday travel shooter that’s light and versatile, start with the Nikon S570. But if you’re an adventurer or content creator chasing rugged outdoor thrills or action footage, the Ricoh WG-M1 could be a compelling investment.

No matter your choice, getting your hands on these cameras and exploring their unique strengths will sharpen your visual storytelling skills. Don’t forget to pair with compatible accessories like waterproof housings, extra batteries, or mounting rigs to unlock their full potential.

Happy shooting, and remember: the best camera is the one that gets you creating consistently.

This article represents the results of extensive hands-on testing and real-world evaluation conducted with Nikon Coolpix S570 and Ricoh WG-M1. Our aim is to empower photographers of all levels with trustworthy, experience-driven insight.