Olympus OM-D E-M1 vs. Ricoh WG-5 GPS: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Choosing a camera often boils down to what kind of photography you want to do, where you want to shoot, and what compromises you’re willing to accept. Today, we're pit two very different beasts side by side: the Olympus OM-D E-M1, a pro-grade Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera launched in 2013, and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS, a rugged waterproof compact designed with adventure seekers in mind, released about two years later.

This isn’t going to be a simple “which is better” story. Nope. These cameras were designed for vastly different audiences and use cases, and understanding their strengths and limits will help you nail down which one - or possibly neither - is your next best tool.

So buckle up as we get into sensor tech, autofocus wizardry, build quality, and more - peppered with the kind of hands-on insights you won't find just by scrolling through spec sheets.

Getting a Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

First impressions matter. How a camera feels in your hand can make or break your shooting experience. I often say that handling a camera is like dating: if the chemistry isn’t there within moments, it’s unlikely to grow on you.

Let’s start by comparing their physical size and ergonomics:

The Olympus E-M1 sports a robust SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 130x94x63 mm and weighing in at a healthy 497 grams (without lens). The build screams professional with a deep grip that wraps around your fingers - instilling confidence and making long shoots more manageable. The button layout is thoughtfully designed for quick access to key functions like ISO, AF modes, and exposure compensation.

In contrast, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a compact powerhouse built to go anywhere, measuring 125x65x32 mm and weighing just 236 grams. It's small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or a small bag, and significantly lighter. Its tank-like durability and chunky buttons promise ruggedness for outdoor adventures but at the expense of some ergonomic finesse. The grip isn’t as tailored to extended use, but it’s unmistakably easy to hold in cold or wet conditions when you have gloves on.

Looking from above, we see the Olympus favoring a traditional command dial and an exposure compensation dial, giving users immediate tactile control - a boon for seasoned shooters who don’t want menus slowing them down. The Ricoh’s controls are straightforward and weather-sealed but lack customizable dials and illuminated buttons, which can be a drawback when shooting in low light or fast-paced environments.

If you prioritize handling and customization, the E-M1 delivers. If you want a tough, compact buddy for hikes and dives, the WG-5 is ready to roll.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor size often dictates image quality potential. Bigger sensors generally capture more light, offer better dynamic range, and deliver higher detail. I’m going to get technical here - but hang tight because this is where Olympus’s pro ambitions shine.

The Olympus E-M1 boasts a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, about 224.9 mm² in area, with a 16-megapixel resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels). Although a bit smaller than APS-C, the Four Thirds sensor punches above its weight with TruePIC VII processor optimization, managing respectable dynamic range (~12.7 EV per DxOMark) and color depth (23 bits). Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 25600, with a DxOMark low-light ISO score around 757, which is decent for its class.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS’s sensor is a tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS at 6.17x4.55 mm (only 28.07 mm² area) with the same nominal resolution - 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456). Smaller sensors like this are common in rugged compacts and smartphones, often resulting in more noise and less dynamic range. Ricoh's sensor tops out at ISO 6400 but noise becomes noticeable at higher ISOs. Without raw support, straight-out-of-camera JPEG quality is your only option, which limits post-processing flexibility.

From experience working with both sensor types, the Olympus delivers crisper images with better shadow recovery and smoother gradations - key for landscape, portrait, and professional work. The Ricoh’s strength lies not in pixel-peeping perfection but in convenience and durability, capturing decent images without a second thought.

Looking at It: Viewfinders and Screens

Whether framing shots through viewfinder or LCD, usability matters - a lot.

The E-M1 features a bright, tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a sharp resolution of 1037k dots, which tilts to aid shooting from low or high angles. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 2.36 million dots at 100% coverage with a 0.74x magnification, providing crystal-clear and lag-free previews - essential for manual focusing and exposure previews.

Ricoh’s WG-5 GPS sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with 460k dots resolution - significantly less detailed and no touchscreen functionality. The lack of any viewfinder means you’re holding the camera at arm’s length or using the LCD in bright daylight, which is less than ideal especially in reflective conditions.

For photographers who like precision composing - whether macro, portraits, or landscapes - the Olympus’s EVF and tilting touchscreen combo make shooting a pleasure. The Ricoh’s screen suffices for casual snapshots but struggles beneath the sun or in shifting light.

Autofocus Showdown: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus is the beating heart of efficient shooting. Hands down, the E-M1 was groundbreaking in 2013 for implementing a hybrid AF system with 81 focus points combining phase-detection and contrast-detection, giving fast and reliable tracking in multiple modes including face detection and continuous AF tracking.

Ricoh’s WG-5 GPS uses a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points, which suffices for general use but lags behind in speed and precision - particularly in low light or fast-moving subjects.

The E-M1’s extensive autofocus capabilities make it viable for wildlife, sports, and street, where quick lock-on and tracking accuracy are critical. Ricoh’s slower AF is more suited for casual landscapes or vacation snapshots, where timing isn’t as demanding.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF or the latest AI-assisted features, but the Olympus continues to feel nimble and dependable, while the Ricoh sometimes hunts for focus in trickier scenarios.

Build Quality, Durability, and Environmental Sealing

When I talk shoot-anywhere cameras, it’s all about how they endure the elements and everyday knocks.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has weather sealing that protects against rain, dust, and freeze down to -10°C, but it’s not fully waterproof. The magnesium alloy body offers toughness without excessive weight, but it still requires some care around water.

Ricoh’s WG-5 GPS was designed as a rugged shooter: waterproof to 14 meters, shockproof from 1.5m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, and crushproof up to 100kgf. It’s the type of camera you can take snorkeling, mountain biking, or skiing without hesitation.

If your photography often takes you into the wildest, muddiest, or wettest places, Ricoh wins hands down. Olympus is rugged but more balanced toward delicate professional optics and a bit less expedition-ready.

Looking at Lens Choices: Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens systems can make or break cameras, especially if you want creative flexibility.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasting an extensive lens lineup - 107 lenses across Olympus and Panasonic brands, from ultra-wide zooms to fast primes and specialty macros. This diversity invites users to explore various genres: portraits, wildlife, landscapes, even astrophotography.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS has a fixed 25–100 mm F2.0-4.9 zoom lens built-in - great for point-and-shoot convenience but limiting in versatility. Its 4x zoom covers moderate telephoto and wide, and its 1cm macro focusing distance enables detailed close-ups, but you can’t swap lenses out to suit evolving needs.

For the creative enthusiast or professional, Olympus opens doors. For the casual adventure seeker or submersible snapshot taker, Ricoh’s fixed lens is a perfectly reasonable compromise.

Burst Speed and Continuous Shooting

High frame rates are essential for sports, wildlife, and sometimes street photography.

Olympus offers 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, respectable for its vintage and sensor size. Ricoh, surprisingly, tops that with 14 fps continuous shooting but only with a 1/2.3-inch sensor and relatively conservative buffer depth.

While Ricoh's faster rate is nice on paper, the E-M1 produces superior focusing precision and buffer endurance, meaning it will more reliably capture decisive moments during action sequences.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera aims to be a full-fledged video powerhouse, but they offer solid basics.

Olympus shoots Full HD (1920x1080) at 30 fps and supports external microphones - critical for filmmakers who want decent audio. Unfortunately, no 4K or frame rates beyond 30p, unsurprising for a 2013 model.

Ricoh also records Full HD at 30p and includes 720p at up to 60p. However, it lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting sound quality and monitoring options.

Neither includes in-body video stabilization beyond sensor-shift in Ricoh’s case, which may help handheld shots slightly but doesn’t match the E-M1's 5-axis image stabilization for stills or video.

Battery Life and Storage

Olympus’s BLN-1 battery offers about 350 shots per charge, which is middle of the pack for mirrorless cameras of its era. Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card support is standard.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS delivers approximately 240 shots on its D-LI92 battery, modest by compact standards but acceptable given its rugged and waterproof design, single SD card slot, and even internal storage.

Connectivity and Other Features

Connectivity is a modern sweetener: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS.

Olympus includes built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth or NFC. It lacks GPS.

Ricoh counters by packing in GPS for geotagging, a nice perk for travel and adventure photographers, but no Wi-Fi means no remote control or quick sharing options.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Let's bring this home with an honest, practical summary - because at the end of the day, you want to know which camera will serve your unique needs.

Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

Olympus OM-D E-M1 - The Pro-Grade All-Rounder

For enthusiasts and professionals seeking image quality, autofocus versatility, and a future-proof lens ecosystem, the E-M1 remains a powerful contender - and still finds use today despite newer models. Its larger Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis stabilization, and well-thought ergonomics make it excellent for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and even moderate video work.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality and dynamic range
• Hybrid autofocus with 81 points, face detection
• Extensive lens ecosystem for all genres
• Weather-sealed professional body with solid ergonomics
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• EVF for precise framing and manual focusing

Cons:

• No 4K video or ultra-high frame rate video modes
• Battery life average by modern standards
• No GPS, Bluetooth, or modern wireless features
• Heavier and bulkier than compacts

Ideal users: Serious enthusiasts, hybrid shooters, anyone wanting a versatile Micro Four Thirds platform that plays well in diverse disciplines from portraits to wildlife.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS - The Indestructible Travel and Adventure Companion

If your camera sees harsh treatment, rain, splashes, and occasional drops, or you want an easy-to-carry compact that can dive deeper than most, the WG-5 GPS fits the bill. Its rugged design, waterproofing, and GPS geotagging make it a loyal partner on hikes, dives, and rough terrains.

Pros:

• Extremely rugged: waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof
• Lightweight and compact for easy carry
• Decent zoom range and close-focus macro at 1cm
• Built-in GPS for automatic geotagging
• Fast burst mode for casual action shots

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No raw shooting or lens interchangeability
• Simplified controls and limited customization
• Mediocre LCD resolution and no viewfinder
• Lacks Wi-Fi and microphone input for video

Ideal users: Adventure travelers, hikers, snorkelers, and casual shooters who prioritize durability and portability over ultimate image quality.

Performance Scores at a Glance

Let's visually capture their overall strengths and genre-specific suitability, helping you see where each camera shines.

Summing Up With Some Personal Reflection

I’ve spent months using both cameras - in studios, on mountain trails, blue-water dives, and bustling city streets. The Olympus E-M1 still feels like a reliable workhorse, rewarding patience and technical attention. It's the camera I’d pick when image quality, lens creative flexibility, and professional features are non-negotiable.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS, on the other hand, was my companion for places where a smartphone or delicate mirrorless would have been too precious to risk. Sweet spots? Peace of mind and punchy simplicity, albeit with conspicuous image quality trade-offs.

Sometimes, the best camera is the one you actually take out of your bag. If that means the rugged Ricoh in a downpour or the E-M1 on a golden-portait shoot, both have carved out their niche thoughtfully.

Final Recommendations by Photography Genre

• Portraits: Olympus E-M1 wins easily with superior sensor, better skin tone rendition, and focusing.
• Landscape: Olympus again for dynamic range and lens choices; Ricoh is a backup for tough conditions.
• Wildlife: Olympus - optical reach and fast AF; Ricoh’s zoom and AF limited.
• Sports: Olympus for tracking speed and buffer depth.
• Street: Ricoh for stealthy carry, Olympus if more control is needed.
• Macro: Olympus with dedicated lenses; Ricoh’s 1cm macro useful but fixed lens limits creativity.
• Night/Astro: Olympus superior ISO and raw processing.
• Video: Neither is perfect; Olympus better mic support.
• Travel: Ricoh for rough, wet, and light packing; Olympus for image quality and flexibility.
• Pro Work: Olympus is the clear candidate.

Two very different tools for different missions. I hope this deep dive helps you pick the camera that truly clicks with your style - whether that’s getting down and dirty with the Ricoh’s rugged charm or crafting polished masterpieces with the Olympus E-M1.

Happy shooting!