Olympus SH-1 vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Olympus SH-1 vs. Ricoh WG-5 GPS: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When stepping up from your smartphone or entry-level compact, choosing the right camera planner means really understanding what you want to shoot - and how your prospective gear performs in actual practice, not just on paper. Today, I'm diving deeply into two often-overlooked compacts that cater to very different users but share some common ground: the Olympus Stylus SH-1 and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS.

Both pack a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution, but beyond that, they diverge in philosophy and specialization. The SH-1 is a classic small sensor superzoom aimed at versatility and convenience. The WG-5 GPS doubles down on ruggedness and outdoor durability with waterproofing and shockproofing, while offering a modest zoom range.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve put both these cameras through their paces across multiple photography genres, from landscape vistas to close-up macros and night scenes. I’ve also tested their handling, battery endurance, and video chops to give you a clear picture of where each camera shines - and where it might leave you frustrated.

Let’s explore, starting with the basics.

Body, Ergonomics, and Controls: Comfort Meets Purpose

The Olympus SH-1 and Ricoh WG-5 GPS have distinct silhouettes that speak to their intended uses. The SH-1 sports a thicker, more substantial compact body - slightly more refined, but still pocketable. The WG-5 GPS is noticeably slimmer but wider, designed for rugged handling with grippy rubberized armor.

The SH-1 measures 109x63x42 mm, weighing 271g, slightly heavier than the WG-5’s 236g and 125x65x32 mm dimensions. While neither camera replaces your prosumer DSLR in grip comfort, the SH-1 feels a touch bulkier in hand - not necessarily a bad thing if you prefer a secure hold.

Looking down from above reveals some telling differences in control layout:

The SH-1 features a clean top plate dominated by a zoom rocker and mode dial, embracing a simpler approach without shutter priority mode and no aperture priority either. The WG-5 GPS, conversely, offers shutter priority mode but lacks manual exposure, which may be a sticking point for some.

In day-to-day use, the SH-1's touchscreen proves a handy addition for quick focus point selection and menu navigation, whereas the WG-5 GPS opts for conventional physical buttons which, while robust and weather-sealed, can be less intuitive.

If you’re often outdoors tackling harsh conditions - hiking, rafting, or beach trips - the WG-5 GPS's rugged body is a no-brainer. No worries about rain or drops up to 2 meters or 14 bar of waterproofing are reassuring. But for those prioritizing comfortable handling and touch input, the SH-1’s form wins.

Pros:

• Olympus SH-1: More substantial grip, touchscreen interface, intuitive zoom control.
• Ricoh WG-5 GPS: Ruggedized with waterproofing, shockproofing, crushproofing, and freezeproofing; tactile physical controls.

Cons:

• SLightly heavier and bulkier SH-1 less ideal for pocket carry.
• WG-5 GPS's button-only interface slower for menu diving.
• No viewfinders on either, which is a challenge in bright sunlight.

Sensor and Image Quality: Similar Yet Distinct

At their core, both cameras employ a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with 16MP resolution. This sensor size is firmly in the small sensor class, common in compacts and many superzooms, and naturally comes with inherent image quality constraints versus larger APS-C or full frame chips.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing latitude - a frustrating omission for serious users, although expected in this category. Both offer a native ISO range up to 6400, starting at ISO 100 for SH-1 and ISO 125 for WG-5 GPS.

Image processing deserves closer attention. Olympus’s TruePic VII processor is well-regarded for its noise reduction and color rendering, delivering punchier colors and better detail retention, especially at higher ISOs. Ricoh’s processing on the WG-5 GPS tends toward more conservative noise reduction, preserving fine textures but at the cost of increased grain in low light.

In daylight conditions, both cameras produce decent images with good dynamic range for their sensor size, though neither can challenge mirrorless cameras or DSLRs on sharpness or subtle tone gradations. The Olympus shows a slight edge in color accuracy and highlight rolloff.

Lens quality feeds into IQ as well. The SH-1’s huge 24x zoom range (25-600mm equiv.) lets you reach distant subjects but at the cost of aperture dropping to F6.9 at telezoom - losing light fast and necessitating ISOs upwards of 1600 indoors or in dim light. WG-5 GPS is more restrained with a 4x zoom (25-100 mm equiv.) but starts with a bright F2.0 aperture wide open, helpful for subject isolation and low light.

I’ve also analyzed RAW-like JPEGs (the best they can do) of both across different settings and subjects:

Olympus SH 1 front Olympus SH 1 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

Shallow depth-of-field and bokeh: Neither camera produces DSLR-like bokeh due to sensor size and lens design. However, the WG-5 GPS’s wider aperture at the wide end offers smoother backgrounds in close-ups.

Skin tones: Olympus leans toward natural yet slightly warm tones - flattering for portraits. Ricoh can appear flatter or cooler, but this can be adjusted with custom white balance.

Dynamic range: Olympus edges out here, particularly in HDR situations, preserving highlight details better on bright sunny days.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break moments, especially on wildlife or sports shoots where split-second action matters. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems with face detection, continuous AF tracking, and center/spot metering.

The WG-5 GPS offers 9 focus points (no cross-type info), while the SH-1’s count is unlisted but includes touch to focus and face detection as well. Neither has phase detection or advanced AI subject tracking - no animal or eye tracking either.

Testing responsiveness, I found:

• SH-1 locks focus fairly quickly in good light but hunts a bit in lower light or challenging contrast.
• WG-5 GPS mirrors SH-1 in decent light but struggles more noticeably with focus hunting indoors or on close macro subjects.

Continuous AF and burst rates were respectable on both: WG-5 GPS clocks 14 fps bite-sized bursts, SH-1 about 12 fps - generous for this class.

The lack of advanced AF points doesn’t hamper casual use, but wildlife or sports photographers will miss the precision and tracking found on larger cameras.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

To get an idea of which camera suits specific photography styles, I’ve evaluated them by genre. Each section includes my scoring based on hands-on use:

Portrait Photography

Both struggle with true subject separation given their sensor size and aperture limits. SH-1’s longer zoom (up to 600mm) lets you literally zoom in on faces from far away, but you pay in sharpness and bokeh smoothness. WG-5 GPS is better optimized for environmental portraits wide-open at F2.0 but with limited tele reach.

Face detection works well on both; however, SH-1’s touchscreen focus makes eye focus selection less clunky.

Recommendation: For casual portraits, SH-1 due to easier handling and warmer colors. For rugged outdoor portraits in tricky environments, WG-5 GPS wins.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are pivotal here. Neither camera offers a weather-sealed build (except the WG-5 GPS), but sensor and lens quality impact image clarity.

SH-1’s super telephoto reach is less useful here, but the camera handles standard landscapes fine with reasonably sharp wide angles. WG-5 GPS’s ruggedness lets you shoot comfortably in rain or dusty trails.

Verdict: SH-1 edges in image quality, WG-5 brings protection against elements.

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach and AF speed are crucial. SH-1’s 600mm equivalent out-zooms WG-5 GPS by a wide margin. But its slow aperture and small sensor compromise image brightness and sharpness at those distances.

Sony A6000-level autofocus is missing on both; neither has animal eye autofocus.

Recommendation: For distant wildlife, SH-1 for optics though expect some softness. Ruggedness-driven shooters favor WG-5 GPS for close range or harsh fieldwork.

Sports Photography

Shoots demanding fast frame rates, sharp AF tracking, and decent low light performance.

Both cameras offer continuous AF and burst modes, with WG-5 GPS slightly faster at 14 fps. However, low light AF and noise control limit their utility in indoor/late events.

The lack of dedicated tracking is a limitation.

Verdict: No clear pro-sports camera here - both are compromises but WG-5 GPS has a slight burst speed edge.

Street Photography

Here, discreetness, fast AF, and portability are key.

SH-1’s relatively thick body and zoom lens make it less pocketable, though shooting from a distance is an option. WG-5 GPS’s slimmer profile and rugged build reduce worry about knocks during urban adventures.

Neither has a flash hot shoe or viewfinder, necessitating live view shooting.

Advantage: WG-5 GPS for urban exploration considering size and durability.

Macro Photography

Close focusing range: WG-5 GPS impresses with 1 cm macro vs SH-1’s 3 cm. Both stabilized in-body which helps slow shutter times.

Manual focus is possible on WG-5 but no focus stacking.

WG-5 GPS’s brighter aperture and close focus make it friendlier for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure controls govern this niche.

SH-1 max shutter speed hits 1/2000s and minimum about 30s. WG-5 GPS slows down more (up to 4s to 1/4000s), which can be limiting.

ISO noise is heavy on both at higher settings, though SH-1 has better noise reduction.

Neither camera offers dedicated night or astro modes beyond manual exposure.

Tip: Tripod use recommended for stable long exposures on both.

Video Performance

SH-1 supports Full HD at 60p and 30p; WG-5 GPS at full HD 30p max with additional HD 720p options at 60fps.

SH-1’s video benefits from a mic input for better sound capture, which WG-5 GPS lacks.

Electronic image stabilization helps keep handheld footage stable on both but expect limitations at tele zoom.

Battery Life and Storage

The SH-1 offers approximately 380 shots per charge versus WG-5 GPS’s 240. This is consistent with Olympus’s emphasis on all-day travel use versus Ricoh’s rugged design trades.

Both take one SD card slot and internal memory.

Connectivity and Extras

SH-1 enjoys built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless image transfer and remote control via apps, a serious plus for social sharers.

WG-5 GPS lacks wireless but adds built-in GPS - useful if you track hiking trips or geotag shots.

Pricing and Value Perspective

At release, SH-1 was about $350, WG-5 GPS closer to $500. Today, prices vary but usually reflect these tiers.

If you’re on a tight budget but want versatile zoom and touchscreen ease, SH-1 delivers solid bang for buck.

If waterproofing, shockproofing, and outdoor durability top your checklist - and you don’t mind a higher price and some IQ tradeoffs - WG-5 GPS is worth the premium.

Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s a quick visualization of their core performance parameters I assessed:

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Olympus SH-1 is a well-rounded superzoom compact with a comfortable grip, intuitive touchscreen, and strong zoom reach. It excels at everyday photography - portraits, landscapes, travel - with image processing that delivers pleasing color and dynamic range. Its drawbacks include no RAW support and average autofocus in tricky light. If you want a budget-friendly travel zoom without the bulk of system cameras and don’t need splashproofing, this is a dependable choice.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a ruggedized tool built for adventure photographers who demand waterproof, shock-proof durability and solid macro performance. Its lens is faster wide open but shorter zoom. Slightly slower handling, no touchscreen, and limited video capabilities come with the territory. This camera fits best if you’re a hiker, climber, or outdoor lover needing a camera that keeps shooting regardless of conditions.

Pros and Cons Summary

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

• Olympus SH-1: Casual snappers, budget-conscious travelers, those wanting extreme zoom flexibility and touchscreen simplicity without rugged requirements.
• Ricoh WG-5 GPS: Outdoor enthusiasts, adventure tourists, and anyone needing a tough, weatherproof camera for hiking, snorkeling, or dusty environments.

I hope this comparison gives you a better sense of which camera aligns best with your style and shooting environment. Both deliver value in their own spheres, but like clubs for thumbs, it’s all about the right fit for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!