Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Ricoh WG-50: A Practical Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera, especially in the compact and superzoom categories, can be daunting. Over my 15 years as a professional photography gear reviewer, I've tested thousands of cameras across genres - from studio portraits to rugged wild adventures. Today, I dive into a detailed, hands-on comparison between two distinct compact cameras: the Olympus SP-620 UZ, a classic superzoom, and the Ricoh WG-50, a rugged waterproof model. Both target enthusiasts seeking versatile imaging without the bulk of DSLRs, but their strengths and intended uses differ widely.

In this article, I’ll explore how these cameras perform in real-world shooting - technically and artistically - across major photography disciplines. I’ll share insights from practical tests and established benchmarks as well as highlight who benefits most from each model. Let’s start by sizing them up.

Size and Handling: Ergonomics Behind the Lens

The first tactile impression often shapes our trust in a camera. The Olympus SP-620 UZ is chunkier and heavier than the Ricoh WG-50 - a tradeoff related to its extensive zoom and optical components.

Olympus SP-620 UZ: Weighing 435 grams and measuring 110x74x74mm, this compact houses a mighty 21x optical zoom lens, which demands a larger body. Ergonomically, the SP-620 UZ provides a decent grip, but its all-plastic build doesn't inspire the highest confidence in durability. The fixed, non-articulating 3-inch LCD is bright but not touchscreen, limiting some interaction fluidity.

Ricoh WG-50: In contrast, the Ricoh clocks only 193 grams at 123x62x30mm, noticeably slimmer and designed for easy one-handed operation even with gloves - key for outdoor or aquatic environments. Its design is ruggedized: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, promising resilience in extreme conditions. The 2.7-inch screen is slightly smaller with similar resolution but suffices for framing in natural light.

The size and body composition hint at their intended users - the Olympus for versatile superzoom enthusiasts who prioritize reach and zoom control, and the Ricoh for adventurers prioritizing durability and portability.

Design Philosophy and Control Layout

Both cameras feature fixed lenses and lack electronic viewfinders, which is typical for their market segment. Control accessibility and menu intuitiveness derive significance here.

The Olympus SP-620 UZ exhibits a traditional camera layout with a zoom toggle around the shutter button, but it lacks manual exposure modes - limiting creative control. Buttons for flash, scene modes, and playback sit logically, but their small size may frustrate larger hands. The interface relies heavily on menus due to limited physical dials.

By contrast, Ricoh WG-50 adopts a sparse control scheme with a multi-directional rocker that eases navigation, especially underwater or with wet fingers. It incorporates manual focus with infinity and macro preset modes, a rare feature for a compact point-and-shoot. This provides greater shooting flexibility, especially for outdoor close-ups or landscapes.

From my experience, neither camera offers direct manual aperture or shutter priority control, so advanced users will find these limiting. Yet, the Ricoh’s design choices edge toward practicality, enhancing speed and reliability in field conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Potential

Under the hood, sensor performance and imaging pipeline drive final image quality - a decisive factor for enthusiasts looking beyond casual snapshots.

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors with a 16-megapixel resolution; however, their sensor types and processing differ fundamentally:

• Olympus SP-620 UZ uses an older CCD sensor paired with the TruePic III+ processor. CCDs typically produce less noise at low ISOs but struggle with dynamic range and high-ISO performance. The maximum ISO caps at 3200, but exposures beyond ISO 800 quickly introduce color noise and image softness.

• Ricoh WG-50 utilizes a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor and offers ISO sensitivity up to 6400. CMOS sensors are known for better low-light efficiency, faster readouts, and longer burst shooting. In real-world tests, the WG-50 delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs with improved dynamic range, particularly preserving shadows - a crucial advantage for landscapes or night scenes.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, confining users to JPEG files and limiting post-processing latitude. However, the WG-50’s sensor and processing combination competently produces richer color and detail, especially in challenging lighting.

LCD Screen and User Interface

Shooting often depends on clarity and responsiveness of the LCD, especially when no viewfinder is present.

The SP-620 UZ’s 3-inch screen offers a comfortable surface area but with only 230k dots resolution. Colors appear a little muted under sunlight, and the lack of touchscreen makes menu navigation more tedious.

Conversely, the WG-50’s 2.7-inch LCD, also 230k dots, performs decently outdoors with good viewing angles. Its interface is designed for quick adjustments on the fly, a bonus when balancing waterproof gloves and unpredictable environments.

Neither camera offers tilt or articulation, restricting low- or high-angle shooting flexibility. This limitation will impact street photographers or macro enthusiasts who often seek unconventional angles.

Autofocus, Zoom, and Focusing Capabilities

Autofocus system proficiency and zoom range are crucial for capturing decisive moments or distant subjects without hassle.

The SP-620 UZ impresses with a telescoping 25-525mm equivalent lens, among the longest zooms in its class. This reach excels for wildlife and travel, allowing tight framing from a distance. However, autofocus is contrast-based with face detection and multi-area capabilities but no continuous AF or manual focus. It’s notably slow in low light and vulnerable to hunting, which degrades burst shooting and tracking performance.

The WG-50, while offering only a 28-140mm equivalent zoom, features faster contrast-detection AF, nine focus points, and continuous tracking autofocus. Manual focus is accessible - an unexpected plus for macro and landscape precision. Its macro focus as close as 1cm coupled with focus peaking aids detailed close-ups.

In action, I found the WG-50’s autofocus more responsive under varied conditions, ensuring higher keeper rates for wildlife and sports shots where speed matters. The longer zoom on Olympus is enticing but may frustrate when autofocus lags.

Assessing Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

For sports and wildlife photography, a camera’s burst rate and shutter controls are critical.

The Ricoh WG-50 supports 8 fps continuous shooting, a solid rate for a compact, enabling you to capture fleeting action sequences. Unfortunately, the SP-620 UZ claims no official burst mode, effectively limiting it to single-shot exposures with a sluggish buffer cleared before the next frame.

Regarding shutter speed, WG-50 offers a higher maximum (1/4000s), supporting freezing of fast motion even in bright daylight, whereas SP-620 UZ caps at 1/1500s. However, neither model supports shutter or aperture priority modes, so the camera largely governs exposure decisions.

This discrepancy significantly benefits those focused on sports, kids, or wildlife photography - areas where timing is everything.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ruggedness in Practice

Outdoor photographers have a preference for gear that withstands elements.

The Olympus SP-620 UZ lacks any environmental sealing - and given its sensitive zoom lens system, it requires cautious handling in wet or dusty conditions.

In stark contrast, the Ricoh WG-50 is engineered to survive:

• Waterproof up to 14m depth
• Dustproof
• Freeze-proof to −10 °C
• Shock-resistant from 1.5m drops

This built-in resilience expands shooting opportunities into adventurous scenarios such as snorkeling, hiking in storms, or cold mountain environments - where lighter, fragile gear simply can’t endure.

Image Stabilization and Flash Considerations

Stabilization is vital in superzoom cameras to counteract handshake.

Olympus integrates sensor-shift optical stabilization, which is superior to digital methods because it physically compensates for motion, yielding sharper images at longer focal lengths. The Ricoh WG-50 provides digital stabilization, which can sometimes crop the frame or reduce overall image quality.

Flash-wise, Olympus provides an auto, red-eye, and fill-in flash with a 6m range, whereas Ricoh’s flash is simpler with on/off control and a 5.5m effective range under Auto ISO. Neither supports external flash units, restricting lighting setups.

Those shooting indoors or under dim conditions will appreciate Olympus’s optical stabilization and slightly more versatile flash modes.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Shooters

Both cameras cater to casual videographers rather than professionals:

• Olympus SP-620 UZ captures HD video at 1280x720 (30 fps) using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.
• Ricoh WG-50 steps it up with Full HD 1920x1080 at 30p, also in H.264 MOV format with Linear PCM audio.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, which limits advanced audio control. Optical stabilization on the Olympus aids handheld video smoothness, while the WG-50 relies on digital stabilization affecting framing.

For travel vloggers or family use, the WG-50 offers higher quality video. But serious videographers will find both lacking in manual exposure control or 4K options.

Battery Life and Storage Logistics

Battery endurance often escapes attention but can sabotage a shoot.

Olympus operates on 4 x AA batteries - a ubiquitous choice for convenience and emergency replacements worldwide, though bulkier than lithium-ion packs.

Ricoh uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium battery (D-LI92), rated at 300 shots per charge. In typical use, this holds up through a day of mixed shooting but requires charging infrastructure.

Both feature a single SD/SDHC/SDXC storage slot with no dual slots for backup or overflow.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity boils down to ease of sharing or tethered shooting.

Olympus incorporates Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer but lacks onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Ricoh WG-50 offers built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for remote shooting and photo sharing via smartphone apps - a welcome modern convenience.

Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for image download and playback on TVs, but none supports USB charging or real-time tethers for studio workflow.

Image Portfolio: Comparing Real-World Results

After extensive field tests in diverse environments, the sample images reveal practical differences.

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Ricoh WG 50 front Ricoh WG 50 screen back

• Olympus SP-620 UZ photos exhibit punchy colors and decent detail in daylight but fall prey to noise and softness beyond ISO 800 and at 525mm max zoom. Portrait skin tones, while slightly warm, are acceptable; however, bokeh is limited by narrow lens aperture and all-in-one design.

• Ricoh WG-50 images display cleaner details at higher ISOs and better dynamic range, producing more natural skin tones and greens in landscapes. Its macro shots stand out, showing sharper focus and contrast. Videos from Ricoh are noticeably smoother due to higher resolution and frame rate.

Performance Ratings: Overall and By Genre

It helps to view overall and genre-specific performance scores to contextualize strengths and weaknesses.

Overall: The Ricoh WG-50 edges out Olympus SP-620 UZ for image quality, autofocus, burst rate, and ruggedness. Olympus scores higher in zoom reach and optical stabilization.

Portraits: Ricoh’s cleaner AF and color renditions give it a slight upper hand, despite Olympus’s longer zoom for distance capture.

Landscapes: Ricoh’s better dynamic range and weather sealing make it preferable for outdoor scenes, while Olympus’s higher zoom is minimal here.

Wildlife and Sports: Olympus’s reach benefits wildlife but is hampered by sluggish autofocus and shooting speed. Ricoh’s faster AF and burst shooting excel at sports but limited zoom restricts distant shots.

Street Photography: Ricoh’s compact and discreet design with fast AF favors street scenes, while Olympus is relatively bulky.

Macro: Ricoh’s manual focus and closer macro range produce crisper detail work.

Night/Astro: Ricoh again wins with higher ISO capability and longer exposures.

Video: Ricoh provides superior Full HD quality.

Who Should Choose Olympus SP-620 UZ?

To be transparent, I have no affiliate ties to either brand - my recommendation rests solely on performance and user fit.

Choose the Olympus if:

• You want the longest zoom range possible in a compact camera for travel or distant subjects
• Optical image stabilization is a priority for handheld telephoto shooting
• You prefer AA battery convenience
• Video quality is secondary to stills in moderate light
• Your budget is approximately $200 or less

Olympus remains a solid, affordable superzoom for casual wildlife and travel shooters who don’t require ruggedness or advanced video.

Who Should Lean Towards Ricoh WG-50?

Pick the Ricoh if:

• Durability and waterproofing are mission-critical: snorkeling, hiking, tough weather
• You prefer faster autofocus, burst shooting, and better overall image quality
• Video quality at Full HD matters for your storytelling needs
• You want manual focus and ISO controls for creative shots
• Battery rechargeability fits your workflow, and you appreciate wireless connectivity
• Your budget is around $280, with value placed on rugged versatility

The WG-50 appeals most to outdoor enthusiasts, adventure photographers, and casual videographers needing a lightweight, reliable tool.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Vision?

After putting the Olympus SP-620 UZ and Ricoh WG-50 through their paces across multiple scenarios, the choice boils down to your shooting style. I recommend weighing zoom reach against ruggedness and overall responsiveness.

The SP-620 UZ is a powerful bridge-style superzoom with limitations in speed and durability but shines when extended reach is necessary. The WG-50 is a compact, battle-ready shooter excelling at fast operation, macro, and difficult conditions, though its zoom range is more modest.

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Ricoh WG 50 front Ricoh WG 50 screen back

Your decision should match your photographic passions: if wildlife or mere zoom distance drives you, grab the Olympus. If adventure, reliability, and image quality are top priorities, the Ricoh WG-50 is worth the slight extra investment.

Remember, both cameras are entry-level compacts with inherent limitations - if advanced control or image quality is paramount, starting to explore mirrorless or DSLR systems makes sense.

I hope this comparative exploration aids your journey toward a camera that fits your frame of creativity and adventure.

For questions or to discuss specific use cases, comment below or connect with me on social media.