Panasonic FH8 vs Ricoh WG-30

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FH8 and Ricoh WG-30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the WG-30 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was revealed 3 years prior to the WG-30 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the FH8 scores against the WG-30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Ricoh WG-30. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Ricoh WG-30 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 comes with external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-30 has specifications of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH8 and Ricoh WG-30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the FH8 versus the WG-30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and WG-30 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and WG-30.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of photos although you should really take the production date of the products into consideration. The older FH8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.