Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Ricoh WG-4

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-4, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WG-4 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-4 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was released 13 months before the WG-4 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the WG-4 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Ricoh WG-4. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Ricoh WG-4 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with external measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-4 has measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-4 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the WG-4.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-4 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-4.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Ricoh WG-4 will give more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.