Nikon S6100 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Here is a thorough assessment of the Nikon S6100 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Nikon and Ricoh. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the S6100 (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the S6100 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The S6100 was manufactured 7 months earlier than the GR Digital IV and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S6100 grades against the GR Digital IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S6100 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S6100 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon S6100 has external dimensions of 98mm x 58mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has proportions 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 S6100 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the S6100 compared to the GR Digital IV.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S6100 and GR Digital IV is 93 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The photograph here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S6100 and GR Digital IV.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S6100 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Nikon S6100 will render extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs more aggressively. The older S6100 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.