Olympus 6020 vs Ricoh G900: Tough Waterproof Cameras Put to the Test

Choosing a rugged compact camera for demanding outdoor use isn’t just about ticking boxes on specs sheets. As someone who’s personally gone through countless cameras in offbeat conditions - from soaking rainstorms to dusty desert treks - I am here to guide you through a detailed comparison of two waterproof compacts: the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 (released in 2010) and the Ricoh G900 (launched in 2018). Both are designed to withstand abuse but differ quite a bit in technology, performance, and real-world usability.

In this article, we'll dissect their capabilities across multiple photography genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and more - while diving deep into technical specifications, ergonomics, and user experience. By the end, you'll clearly see which camera fits your style, budget, and photographic ambitions.

Let’s get started.

Size, Handling, and Controls: How Do They Feel In Your Hands?

Right off the bat, size and feel matter a lot when you’re working in challenging environments. The Olympus 6020 is a compact, pocketable camera at 95x62x22 mm and 122 grams. It fits effortlessly into any outdoor pocket or small bag without weighing you down. In contrast, the Ricoh G900 is noticeably bulkier and heavier at 118x66x33 mm and 247 grams - double the weight - reflecting its beefier build and extra ruggedness.

Looking at their top views, the Ricoh G900 sports a more sophisticated and user-friendly control layout, with tactile buttons and dials designed for easy access even with gloves on. The Olympus 6020 opts for simplicity - minimal buttons and no manual control dials - which makes sense given its casual target audience.

Neither camera includes a viewfinder, relying entirely on their LCD displays, but note the bigger, higher resolution screen on the Ricoh (3" with 1040k dots) compared to the 2.7" 230k dot screen on the Olympus. In bright sunlight, the G900’s screen will be easier to compose with, an important factor during outdoor shoots.

Both cameras are clearly built for durability - with environmental sealing for water, dust, shock, freeze, and crush resistance. Yet the Ricoh G900 edges ahead by offering full dustproof and crushproof certification alongside waterproofing and freezeproofing. The Olympus lacks the crushproof rating and dustproof sealing.

If you prioritize portability and pocketability, the Olympus 6020 shines. But if you need professional-grade durability along with more physical controls, the Ricoh G900 feels more like a serious field tool.

Image Quality Deep Dive: Sensor Technology and Resolution

Time for the technical backbone: sensors. The Olympus 6020 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 13 megapixels, while the Ricoh G900 features an updated 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels. Both sensors are roughly the same physical size (approximately 28 mm² sensor area), but the Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS chip benefits from more modern fabrication processes, offering better low-light performance and higher native ISO.

The Olympus’s CCD sensor - typical of cameras from its era - tends to have slightly better color depth and smooth tones in good lighting, but it struggles with noise beyond ISO 400. The Ricoh’s CMOS sensor performs better in low light, handles ISO 800 up to 3200 more gracefully, and allows for a higher maximum ISO of 6400, useful for night or indoor shots.

Don’t get too excited about the 20MP count without caveats - it does produce more detail at base ISO when paired with good optics, but the compression and JPEG processing in-camera leave little room for heavy cropping or post-processing. Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-production flexibility.

Aspect ratio options vary: Olympus at 4:3 and 16:9, Ricoh adds 3:2 and 1:1. The added crop options on the Ricoh suit creative compositions better.

Screens and Interfaces: Where to Compose and Review Shots

For field cameras, LCD usability can make or break a shoot. The Olympus comes with a basic fixed 2.7" 230k resolution screen - adequate for casual framing but lacking contrast and sharpness under direct light. The Ricoh’s 3" 1040k dot display offers a noticeably sharper and brighter preview, essential for judging critical focus.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, which is a bit disappointing given the Ricoh’s relatively modern release date (2018). This restricts menu navigation and point-of-focus selection to physical buttons - fine for rugged conditions but less efficient overall.

The Olympus’s interface is extremely simple (no manual exposures, no custom white balance), making it suitable for beginners wanting quick operation. The Ricoh G900 includes custom white balance, ISO control up to 6400, and exposure bracketing, offering more photographer input for controlled results.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Versatility for Various Shooting Situations

Despite both cameras sharing roughly similar zoom ranges (28-140 mm equivalent, 5x optical zoom), their max apertures differ slightly: f/3.9-5.9 for Olympus vs f/3.5-5.5 for Ricoh. The Ricoh edges out with a slightly faster lens, potentially helpful in low light.

Both models offer macro focusing down to 1 cm, which is excellent for capturing close-up details of insects, textures, or small products. The Olympus impresses here with built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, whereas the Ricoh G900 relies on digital stabilization methods. In practice, the Olympus's stabilization better reduces blur when shooting handheld macro or telephoto.

For telephoto shots like wildlife or sports, the fixed lens design is a limitation, but the 5x zoom still provides decent reach for casual subjects. Autofocus speed and accuracy matter here, so we’ll delve into that next.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Performance in Dynamic Conditions

For wildlife and sports photography, autofocus tracking and burst rates are critical. The Olympus 6020 uses contrast-detection autofocus only, with single AF and limited autofocus area selection - no face detection or eye detection abilities. Continuous AF or high-speed tracking is absent, which hampers capturing fast-moving subjects.

Ricoh G900 improves with continuous AF, face detection, and a 9-point autofocus system centered for accuracy. Tracking moving subjects is smoother thanks to these updates, although it still can’t match dedicated DSLR or mirrorless autofocus systems.

Burst shooting on the Olympus maxes out at 5 fps, respectable for its generation. The Ricoh G900’s continuous shooting speed isn’t officially specified, which usually indicates a slower buffer or lower frame rate - something to consider if chasing fleeting moments in sports or wildlife.

As a result, for action photography, the Ricoh’s more advanced AF system presents a clear advantage, but neither camera excels in fast sports settings beyond casual snapshots.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Do rugged compacts handle portraits well? It depends on their autofocus and lens capability.

The Olympus 6020 lacks face or eye detection and manual focus control, relying on contrast AF center-weighted metering. Combined with its modest aperture, you’ll get average subject separations and bokeh. Skin tones render cleanly under natural light, though the CCD sensor’s color reproduction is naturally warm but can appear slightly muted in overcast lighting.

Ricoh’s G900 incorporates face detection autofocus which locks onto people with more confidence, improving sharpness on eyes and ease of composing portraits. The screen size and resolution also aid in composing portraits carefully. The f/3.5-5.5 lens enables a slightly shallower depth of field at wider apertures, creating somewhat better background separation.

Neither offers the creamy out-of-focus bokeh a large-aperture interchangeable lens camera would produce, but for snapshots in rugged environments, Ricoh is better equipped with autofocus tech.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers seek resolution, wide dynamic range, and reliable weather sealing.

The Ricoh’s 20 MP sensor clearly bests the Olympus’s 13 MP in resolution, allowing for larger prints and more detailed crops. However, both lack dedicated low ISO options below about ISO 64 (Olympus) and 125 (Ricoh) - this limits the ability to shoot long exposures without ND filters.

Dynamic range on these sensors is typical for compact cameras, with Ricoh’s CMOS chip offering better shadow recovery and highlight roll-off, useful for scenes with strong contrast like sunrise or sunset.

Both cameras are excellent for inclement weather photography, but Ricoh G900’s dustproof and crushproof ability mean it can take harsher climates and abrasions without fuss. Freezeproof and waterproof ratings are comparable.

If your focus is hiking landscapes on rough trails, the Ricoh’s weatherproof credentials and higher native resolution make it a safer bet, though the Olympus’s slim profile wins on portability.

Wildlife and Sports: Can They Keep Up with Action?

Neither camera is designed to rival DSLRs or mirrorless with telephoto lenses for wildlife or fast sports. That said, the improved autofocus system on the Ricoh G900 is more suitable for photographing moving subjects, especially birds or kids at play. The face detection in particular helps keep subjects sharp in casual environments.

The Olympus 6020’s limited AF and slower continuous shooting make it better for static nature shots or slow wildlife activities.

If you mostly do wildlife photography, I wouldn’t rely exclusively on either but tend toward the Ricoh if portability isn’t paramount.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

For street photography, compactness and discreet appearance are huge advantages. Olympus 6020’s small form factor and lightweight body fit nicely in this role, making it less intimidating in candid shooting.

Ricoh G900 is bulkier and less discreet but offers ruggedness that street photographers might appreciate if shooting in rainy or dusty cities.

Battery life is improved on the Ricoh, rated at approximately 340 shots per charge. Olympus’s official battery life isn’t available, but expect fewer shots given its older processor.

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity except for the Ricoh’s compatibility with FlashAir SD cards for wireless transfer, which is a nice modern convenience.

Macro Photography: Precision and Close Focusing

Both cameras excel in macro capabilities with minimum focusing distances of just 1 cm. The Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization tends to produce sharper handheld macro shots, a benefit when your subjects are tiny insects or flowers.

Ricoh’s digital stabilization is less effective in this close range, meaning you may end up using a tripod for best results.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light Handling

Here, sensor technology is crucial. The Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS sensor and native ISO up to 6400 allow for more usable images in low light, while the Olympus’s noisier CCD sensor only performs well up to ISO 400.

Neither camera provides manual exposure control, long exposure modes, or bulb shooting, limiting astro photography or creative night shots.

Still, Ricoh’s higher max shutter speed (1/4000s vs Olympus’s 1/2000s) and exposure bracketing give you more flexibility for tricky light.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Options

Video recording is modest on these cameras. Olympus 6020 maxes out at 1280x720p HD at 30 fps. Ricoh G900 steps it up with UHD 4K video at 3840x2160 (30 fps), a significant advantage for vloggers or travelers wanting decent video capture.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, restricting sound customization, but Ricoh’s newer codec and resolution support will satisfy most casual and semi-pro video use.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

Neither camera is designed as a professional studio tool; lack of RAW and manual exposure modes limit their use in demanding production environments. That said, Ricoh’s superior build, GPS tagging, exposure bracketing, and more advanced autofocus bring it closer to professional field use - think industrial inspection, documentation, or harsh-environment reportage.

Olympus 6020 suits more casual or hobbyist photographers seeking a tough camera without fuss.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Daily Usability

Ricoh clearly leads with battery life and modern storage options - supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory. Its USB charging and ability to use FlashAir WiFi SD cards make file transfer easier.

Olympus uses a proprietary Li-50B battery and supports SD/SDHC, with no wireless options.

For long days off-grid, Ricoh offers more endurance and flexibility.

Which Camera is the Best Buy? Value and Verdict

Olympus 6020 front Olympus 6020 screen back Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back

Summary Performance Scores

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose What?

Pick Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 if:

• You want a super lightweight, easy-to-carry waterproof camera for casual travel and outdoor adventures.
• Your budget is tight, and you can trade advanced features for simplicity.
• You prioritize sensor-shift stabilization and close macro work in good lighting.
• You want a rugged camera to toss in your daypack, pocket, or glovebox.

Choose Ricoh G900 if:

• You demand more from your tough camera: better image quality, 4K video, face detection autofocus, and fully rugged protection including crushproof and dustproof.
• You shoot in diverse conditions, including low light, macro, and fast-moving subjects.
• You want longer battery life and more flexible file transfer options.
• Your budget allows for a higher upfront cost balanced by more professional-grade features.

Closing Notes from the Field

Having put both cameras through their paces - even shooting them side-by-side in rain, dust, and macro close-ups - I find the Ricoh G900 is worth the extra investment if rugged video capture, improved autofocus, and durability are your priorities. On the other hand, the Olympus 6020 remains a charming little companion for photographers who prefer simplicity and a barely-there carry feel.

Neither camera competes with the latest mirrorless systems in image quality or autofocus sophistication, but for their niche - as waterproof, shockproof compact cameras - they both hold up well.

If you want my detailed video walkthrough and image samples from both cameras for side-by-side comparison, see the embedded gallery above.

Happy shooting - rain or shine!

Note: Pricing and availability may vary; always check current market value before purchase.