Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-4 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WG-4 GPS (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 13 months before the WG-4 GPS which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the WG-4 GPS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-4 GPS. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers outer measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-4 GPS has measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-4 GPS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the WG-4 GPS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-4 GPS is 85 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-4 GPS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS will resolve more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.