Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-5 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 3 years prior to the WG-5 GPS and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the WG-5 GPS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-5 GPS. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-5 GPS has sizing of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh WG-5 GPS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the WG-5 GPS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-5 GPS is 85 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-5 GPS.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will deliver extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.