Olympus 550WP vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus 550WP and Ricoh WG-4 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and WG-4 GPS (16MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The 550WP was introduced 6 years prior to the WG-4 GPS and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 550WP grades against the WG-4 GPS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Ricoh WG-4 GPS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus 550WP has physical dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS has proportions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 550WP and Ricoh WG-4 GPS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the 550WP and the WG-4 GPS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and WG-4 GPS is 94 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 550WP and WG-4 GPS.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Ricoh WG-4 GPS to show greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The older 550WP will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.