Olympus VG-120 vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera often feels like walking a tightrope between portability, features, and image quality. Today, we’re pitting two quite different yet intriguing options against each other: the Olympus VG-120, an ultra-compact from 2011 designed for effortless pocket snapshots, and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS, a rugged, waterproof compact released in 2015 that appeals to adventurers. With over 15 years shooting and testing cameras, I’m here to dissect how these two stack up head-to-head across a broad range of real-world photographic uses.

Whether you’re a cheapskate on a budget, an enthusiastic amateur wanting decent image quality, or a professional contemplating a backup that’s compact and reliable, this comparative review will help you decide which one suits your needs.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Pocket Pea Shooter vs Adventure-Ready

First impressions matter - the Olympus VG-120 is the embodiment of truly ultra-compact design. Measuring just 96 x 57 x 19 mm and weighing a dainty 120 grams, it’s light enough to forget in a coat pocket, coaxing more spontaneous shooting. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is considerably chunkier at 125 x 65 x 32 mm and 236 grams but packed with rugged protection (more on that shortly).

Despite the Ricoh’s heft, it still fits fairly comfortably in one hand. Its protruding grip and slightly textured casing cater to firm handling in wet or muddy conditions. Olympus plays it safe with slick metal-like smoothness but at the cost of grip - that’s a camera for controlled environments more than boots-in-the-mud snappers.

Looking at control layout from above reveals Olympus keeps things spartan, just a shutter and zoom rocker, perfect for beginners or quick snaps:

Ricoh, on the other hand, layers in dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, manual focus toggles, and drive modes - signs that it’s designed for users who want more control without jumping into menus.

If you’re the type who craves minimal clubs for your thumbs and button fuss, Olympus VG-120 excels. For hands ready to brave rain or rocks, Ricoh WG-5’s chunkiness is a tradeoff worth making.

Sensor Technology and Overall Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Under the hood, both cameras sport 1/2.3” sensors - the most common in compact cameras but important with how each leverages that standard hardware.

The VG-120 uses an outdated CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, maxing out at ISO 1600. CCDs offer nice colors but often struggle with noise at higher ISOs - and here, Olympus’s lack of image stabilization makes low-light shots a dice roll.

Ricoh pulls ahead with a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, allowing better light gathering and higher ISO capabilities, reportedly up to 6400. Combined with sensor-shift image stabilization, the WG-5 GPS is better suited to handheld shooting under dim conditions.

I ran comparative tests under varying conditions: studio portraits, wide landscapes, and low-light street scenes. The Ricoh uniformly delivered crisper detail and cleaner shadows - especially noticeable when zooming in or viewing on a large screen.

Olympus’s images can look a touch soft and noisier beyond ISO 200, mainly because its TruePic III processor - impressive in 2011 - shows age handling sensor noise reduction compared to Ricoh’s newer tech.

LCD Screen and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get?

Both models have a 3-inch fixed LCD, but the differences in resolution and refresh rate make a striking impact on live-view framing and reviewing shots.

The Olympus has a 230k-dot TFT LCD, decent for bright daylight but lacking crispness. Ricoh doubles that resolution at 460k dots, making focusing and playback a more confident exercise - especially beneficial in outdoor adventures with glare.

Neither camera features touchscreens or articulated displays - a clear nod to the budget and rugged categories they represent. But Ricoh’s menu navigations felt more intuitive, supplemented by its illuminated buttons (albeit subtle).

If you shoot a lot outdoors or rely on on-screen data for framing tight macro or telephoto shots, the WG-5 GPS’s higher quality LCD is a clear winner.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed Matters

The Olympus VG-120 offers contrast-detection AF with face detection but no continuous autofocus or tracking. Practically, that means it locks focus reasonably in still scenes but struggles with moving subjects. There’s no manual focus option either, which might frustrate more deliberate shooters.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS ups the game with a 9-point autofocus system supporting continuous AF, tracking, and spot metering. That’s a significant step up for action shooters and wildlife photographers who need precision and speed.

I tested burst shooting: Ricoh’s max 14 fps burst mode (albeit at reduced resolution) allowed capturing fleeting moments in sports or wildlife, whereas Olympus’s lack of specified continuous shooting means it’s stuck with single shots or slow frame rates.

Burst Shooting and Sports Photography

For those capturing fast action, frame rate and tracking accuracy are critical. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS excels with an impressive 14 fps burst speed - a feature not found on the Olympus VG-120, which offers no continuous shooting capability.

This makes the WG-5 an interesting choice for amateur sports, birding, or street photography, where moments disappear in the blink of an eye. Though its smaller sensor limits ultimate quality, the ability to freeze motion and track faces delivers substantial practical value.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait enthusiasts often look for smooth skin tones, accurate face or eye detection, and pleasing background separation.

Neither camera supports RAW files, limiting flexibility in post processing. That’s a bummer for pros but expected at this price and category.

Olympus’s F2.8 aperture at its widest zoom helps slightly in low-light portraits but is offset by the slow AF and lack of optical stabilization. Bokeh is mild, given the fixed lens focal length and sensor size.

Ricoh offers a slightly smaller maximum aperture of F2.0 (wide end), which should provide marginally better background separation and low light performance - but its sensor format still limits true shallow depth of field.

Interestingly, Ricoh’s face detection autofocus performed more reliably in my testing, making the WG-5 a better pick if portraits are your thing.

Landscape Photography: Pixel Peeping and Weatherproofing

For landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing carry weight.

Ricoh claims 16MP output versus Olympus’s 14MP, with slightly larger maximum image dimensions (4608x3456 vs 4288x3216). Both have 4:3 aspect ratios standard, but Ricoh adds 1:1 and 16:9 options for creative framing.

While neither is a landscape stalwart like an APS-C or full-frame mirrorless, Ricoh’s inherently better ISO range and higher-resolution sensor give it an edge capturing foliage, textures, and tonal gradations.

And here’s where the WG-5 GPS shines: environmental sealing and ruggedness. Waterproof to 14m, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof - this camera laughs at bad weather where Olympus absolutely does not.

If you hike, kayak, or shoot in uncertain climates, Ricoh’s durability trumps Olympus’s sleek but fragile casing.

Wildlife Photography: AF Speed and Telephoto Range

The Olympus VG-120’s 5x zoom range covers 26-130mm equivalent, whereas Ricoh’s slightly shorter zoom reaches 100mm equivalent.

While the Olympus offers a bit more tele reach, it loses on autofocus speed and accuracy. The Ricoh features continuous and tracking autofocus which can keep pace with moving wildlife better.

The Ricoh’s better burst shooting capability is useful for capturing rapid wing flutters or animal bursts of movement.

Neither camera will replace a DSLR or mirrorless with a long super-tele lens system, but Ricoh’s combo of stabilization, tracking AF, and burst mode deliver a more reliable experience for casual wildlife shooters.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capabilities

If macro is your obsession, consider how close each camera focuses:

• Olympus VG-120 macro focus down to 7 cm
• Ricoh WG-5 GPS down to an impressive 1 cm

Ricoh’s much closer minimum focus distance paired with sensor-shift stabilization means handheld detailed close-ups are easier and more nuanced.

For shooting flowers, insects, or intricate product shots on the go, WG-5’s macro chops make it the clear winner here.

Night and Astrophotography: Low Light Image Quality and Exposure Control

Low light and night photography demand high ISO performance and longer shutter options.

Olympus’s max ISO is 1600, with a largest shutter speed of 1/2000 sec (minimum 4 sec). Ricoh doubles max shutter speed to 1/4000 sec and max ISO to 6400, giving more flexibility.

Ricoh also offers exposure bracketing and custom white balance controls, valuable for night and astro shooters.

Without RAW support on either, astrophotographers will struggle with heavy post-processing needs, but Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS sensor and sensor-shift stabilization make it better prepared for handheld night scenes.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Usability

The Olympus VG-120 supports basic HD video at 1280x720 @ 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - a dated codec that results in large files and mediocre compression.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS adds Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps and 720p at 60 or 30 fps, with modern MPEG-4 H.264 compression, a more efficient format for easier editing and sharing.

Neither offers 4K or microphone inputs, but Ricoh’s video capabilities are simply more versatile and future-proof than Olympus’s limited HD.

Travel Photography: Portability Meets Versatility

If you want a travel camera that slips into a pocket for city sightseeing or nature walks, Olympus’s ultra-compact size and ultra-light weight are attractive - especially at a budget price.

However, Ricoh WG-5 GPS’s combination of weather sealing, GPS geotagging, stabilization, faster processor, and better display makes it more trustworthy on longer trips in uncertain environments.

Ironically, Ricoh’s higher battery life (240 shots vs 160) tips the scales further when you consider recharging opportunities on the road.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Olympus VG-120 fits the bill for careful users in controlled conditions. Its plastic body and no environmental sealing mean it’s best kept dry and dust-free.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS, on the other hand, is a tank. Tested to survive drops, freezes, and full underwater submersion, it is arguably a “pro” level rugged camera in this category.

If reliability in harsh conditions ranks high on your priority list - say fieldwork, extreme sports, or adventure travel - WG-5 is the go-to.

Lens Ecosystem and Future Proofing

Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses - fixed zoom only. This limits creative flexibility but is typical for these compact categories.

Because both adhere to a 1/2.3” sensor format, third-party lenses are not applicable.

In terms of software updates or companion apps, both are basic. No wireless features such as Bluetooth or NFC, and USB 2.0 for file transfer feel dated today.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is a make-or-break factor for long shoots. Olympus claims 160 shots per charge - fair but on the low side.

Ricoh extends that to 240 shots, appreciable for day-long hikes, especially combined with rugged build and GPS.

Both use SD/SDHC cards. Ricoh also accepts SDXC - better for high-capacity storage if you’re shooting lots of Full HD video.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither model offers wireless connectivity - a surprise for Ricoh given its 2015 release, but common in rugged cameras of that era.

Ricoh includes built-in GPS, very handy for geo-tagging outdoor adventures.

Olympus is barebones in this regard.

Pricing and Value: Cheapskate vs Feature Freak

At around $190 new, Olympus VG-120 is a budget-friendly ultra-compact. It’s perfect if all you want is a simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom, and you shoot mostly in daylight, dry conditions.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS hits about $500 in new or near-new condition - a mid-tier price for a rugged compact. The extra cost pays off in versatility, durability, image quality, and controls.

Thinking strictly price-per-feature, the WG-5 gives much more bang for your buck if you’ll use its ruggedness and higher quality.

Sample Images: Real-World Comparison

Don’t just take my word for it - here are direct JPG samples to judge sharpness, color, and noise differences yourself.

Olympus VG 120 front Olympus VG 120 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

Ricoh’s files display richer colors and finer detail, especially in shadows and highlights, while Olympus’s are punchy but sometimes flat or noisy.

Scoring the Overall Performance

Through careful hands-on testing and reviewing standard metrics, I produced overall scoring across key dimensions:

Ricoh WG-5 GPS leads notably in image quality, autofocus, and ruggedness, with Olympus VG-120 holding ground in size and simplicity.

Performance by Photography Discipline

Breaking down strengths by genre helps clarify who wins where:

• Portrait: Ricoh better AF, colors
• Landscape: Ricoh edge in resolution and weatherproofing
• Wildlife: Ricoh AF tracking and burst dominate
• Sports: Ricoh burst and speed favored
• Street: Olympus smaller, discreet
• Macro: Ricoh closer focus and stabilization
• Night: Ricoh superior high ISO and control
• Video: Ricoh better codecs and resolution
• Travel: Ricoh rugged and GPS rank higher
• Professional: Ricoh durability; neither supports RAW

Final Verdict: Which Camera Suits You Best?

Olympus VG-120 is a neat little ultra-compact built for easy casual shooting, ideal if:

• You want pocket portability at a low entry cost
• Your subjects are static or mildly active, shot in good light
• You prefer simplicity over elaborate controls
• You mostly shoot indoors or dry outdoor conditions

Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a tough, versatile compact for active, practical users, perfect if:

• You need waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof reliability
• You want more control over exposure and focus
• Your photography involves fast action or low light
• You also care about video quality and geotagging
• Weight and bulk are secondary to preparedness

My Personal Take

Despite the nostalgic appeal of Olympus’s straightforward shooter, I found myself reaching for the Ricoh WG-5 GPS far more on trips where conditions were less forgiving and subjects less predictable. The extra heft is a small price for stability, sharpness, and peace of mind.

That said, Olympus’s excellent street portability makes it a decent secondary camera or gift for casual shooters on a strict budget.

What to Watch Out For

• Olympus’s lack of RAW support and no image stabilization will frustrate those wanting flexibility and low-light options.
• Ricoh’s larger size may not suit those who want truly pocketable gear.
• Neither camera is a professional workhorse; their fixed-lens and sensor size limit image quality ceilings.
• Battery life on Olympus is on the low side; keep a spare battery if you take this out all day.

Hopefully, my hands-on insights help you decide which camera fits your creative pursuits, lifestyle, and wallet. Both have unique stories - but only one aligns with your vision in 2024 and beyond.

Happy shooting!

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