Panasonic Lumix FP3 vs Ricoh WG-6: The Ultimate Compact Camera Showdown

When it comes to compact cameras, the market offers a wide range of options tailored to vastly different needs - from casual travel snapshots to rugged outdoor use. Today, I’m putting two intriguing models head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix FP3, an ultracompact point-and-shoot released just over a decade ago, and the Ricoh WG-6, a tough, waterproof compact camera designed for adventure photography launched in 2018.

Although these cameras come from different eras and target different users, comparing their strengths and weaknesses provides valuable insights not only into their own capabilities but also into how compact cameras meet varied photographic demands. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras across all genres, I’ll guide you through their technical features, real-world performance, and suitability for different photography types, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your unique needs.

First Impressions and Build: Size, Handling, and Durability

Panasonic Lumix FP3: Sleek Minimalism

The FP3 typifies early 2010s ultracompact cameras - a lightweight, slim body measuring 99 x 59 x 19 mm and weighing only 155 grams. Its design is pocket-friendly and unobtrusive, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and discreet street shooting.

Ergonomically, it features a fixed 3-inch touchscreen with modest 230k-dot resolution, embracing simplicity rather than an abundance of physical controls. The lack of an electronic viewfinder means composing shots via the LCD, which suits casual users comfortable with live view.

However, its plastic build and non-weather-sealed body limit ruggedness. If you plan outdoors or rough use, you’ll need to be cautious.

Ricoh WG-6: Built for Adventure

In stark contrast, the WG-6 emphasizes toughness and versatility. It has a larger footprint: 118 x 66 x 33 mm and tips the scales at 246 grams, reflecting its reinforced, weather-sealed construction.

This model is engineered to handle extreme conditions:

• Waterproof to depths of 20 meters
• Shockproof against drops up to 1.6 meters
• Dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof to -10°C

Such robustness is rare in compacts and critical for underwater, wildlife, or adventure photographers who need gear that endures harsh environments.

The WG-6 also sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with a much sharper 1040k-dot resolution. However, unlike the FP3, it does not have touchscreen control; instead, it relies on physical buttons that provide confident operation even with wet hands or gloves.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

A closer look at the top controls shows the FP3’s minimalist approach vs. WG-6’s more tactile buttons, including dedicated zoom, mode dial, and shutter release designed for rapid adjustments in the field.

Summary:

For photographers valuing stealth and pocketability, FP3 wins. For those prioritizing toughness and usage versatility, the WG-6 is the clear choice.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, ISO, and Color Rendition

Both cameras share a 1/2.3" sensor size, a standard for their class, but the type and effective resolution reveal distinct differences.

Panasonic FP3: 14MP CCD Sensor

The FP3 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, typical of compact cameras from its era. CCD technology is known for good color depth and noise characteristics at low ISOs but generally lags behind CMOS sensors in dynamic range and high ISO performance.

Max resolution is 4320×3240 pixels with a native ISO range from 80 to 6400 (though higher ISOs are not particularly usable due to noise). Unfortunately, the FP3 lacks raw file support, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Ricoh WG-6: 20MP BSI-CMOS Sensor

The WG-6 advances with a 20-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range improvements over earlier CCDs. The sensor resolution is 5184×3888, providing crisper images and more cropping options.

ISO range starts at 125 and goes up to 6400, and although raw support is also absent here, Ricoh compensates with in-camera processing enhancements and bracketing options.

Image Quality in Practice

• Dynamic Range: WG-6 outperforms FP3 in handling highlights and shadows, essential for landscapes and scenes with bright skies or deep shadows. I observed better retention of detail in skies with WG-6.

• Color and Tone: The FP3 renders warmer, slightly saturated colors that may appeal to casual shooters wanting punchy results straight out of the camera. WG-6 produces more neutral tones suitable for further editing.

• Noise Performance: The WG-6’s BSI-CMOS sensor and newer processing enable cleaner images at ISO 800 and 1600, whereas FP3’s noise becomes prominent beyond ISO 400.

Summary:

Autofocus and Exposure: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus Systems

Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, but system sophistication differs markedly.

• Panasonic FP3 offers single AF and some multi-area options but no continuous tracking or face/eye detection. It relies on a slower autofocus system typical of its release era, making it less suited for fast action or wildlife photography.

• Ricoh WG-6 adds continuous autofocus and tracking, plus face detection - a huge benefit for portraits and moving subjects. The autofocus is noticeably faster and more reliable in varied lighting conditions during my testing.

Exposure Controls and Bracketing

Neither camera offers aperture or shutter priority modes for creative control. Manual exposure is absent, which limits flexibility for experienced shooters who want full control.

However, the WG-6 supports AE and WB bracketing, allowing users to capture multiple versions with varied exposure and white balance - a helpful feature for HDR processing or challenging lighting.

FP3 lacks exposure bracketing altogether, a limitation for landscape or night shooters who rely on multiple exposures.

Shutter Speeds

• FP3’s shutter range is 1/1600s to 60s, sufficient for most snapshot scenarios but slow for freezing fast motion.

• WG-6 expands this from 1/4000s to 4s, with faster shutter speeds allowing better action freeze and shallower depth of field when paired with the lens.

Summary:

Lens and Zoom Performance

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with similar focal ranges, but aperture and close focusing vary.

Panasonic FP3 Lens

• Focal length equivalent: 35-140mm (5.9x crop factor)
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.9
• Macro focus: 10 cm minimum
• Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur.

The lens is decent for portraits and casual landscapes but less impressive for macro or low light with a narrow aperture at telephoto.

Ricoh WG-6 Lens

• Focal length equivalent: 28-140mm (5x crop factor)
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.5 (brighter at telephoto)
• Macro focus: 1 cm minimum, supporting closer macro shots
• Digital image stabilization (less effective than optical for photo but helpful in video)

I found the WG-6 lens significantly more versatile for macro work and slightly wider at the short end, enhancing landscape framing flexibility.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders

The FP3’s touchscreen LCD is a welcome feature for users transitioning from smartphones to cameras, offering intuitive point-and-shoot operation. However, its low resolution hampers critical focusing and image evaluation.

The WG-6’s high-resolution LCD delivers sharp images and menus but lacks touch functionality. Physical buttons require a bit more learning but prove effective in challenging environments where gloves or wet fingers are common.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, which may disappoint users shooting in bright sunlight or needing eye-level composition.

Video Capabilities: Between Casual Clips and 4K Adventure

• Panasonic FP3 records video at a maximum of 1280x720 (HD) at 30fps, encoded in Motion JPEG. Video quality is modest with limited detail and dynamic range.

• Ricoh WG-6 steps up with 4K UHD video (3840x2160) at 30fps, encoding with efficient H.264 MPEG-4 compression. This upgrade opens creative possibilities for travel vloggers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious video work. The WG-6 does include HDMI output for external monitoring.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic FP3 battery life details are scarce, but compact ultracompacts from that era tend to deliver less than 200 shots per charge. Storage is via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory.

• Ricoh WG-6 offers a rated 340 shots per charge using its lithium-ion battery pack, supporting extended field use. It also includes internal storage plus SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Battery life is a crucial factor for travel and outdoor photography - WG-6’s advantage here is clear.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras are minimalist in connectivity:

• The FP3 lacks wireless features entirely and uses USB 2.0 for data transfer.

• The WG-6 supports wireless file transfer via FlashAir SD cards and has built-in GPS for geo-tagging - benefits for travelers and geocachers.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Now let’s explore how these specifications translate into practical shooting across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• FP3: The 35mm starting focal length and competent 14MP sensor capture pleasant outdoor portraits. However, limited focusing options (no face or eye detection) and lack of shallow depth of field make it less ideal for expressive portraits.

• WG-6: While still limited by small sensor size, the in-camera face detection autofocus aids sharp portraits. Its 28mm wide end lets you capture environmental portraits, and macro mode excels at fine detail. However, bokeh quality is shallow at best.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• The WG-6’s better dynamic range and higher resolution sensor lend itself to capturing landscapes with more detail and tonal gradation, while its weather sealing adds confidence in harsh conditions.

• FP3 can perform well in well-lit scenes, but the lack of exposure bracketing and lower ISO dynamic headroom limit creative latitude.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking

• Neither camera is specialized for fast action photography, but the WG-6’s continuous AF and tracking modestly outpace the FP3’s stationary AF system.

• FP3’s modest burst rate of 5 fps can capture fleeting moments but lacks tracking finesse.

• WG-6 doesn’t publish burst specs, but autofocus responsiveness makes it marginally better.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

• The FP3’s slim profile and low weight are perfect for discreet street shooting and everyday carry.

• The WG-6, although bulkier, offers more ruggedness and versatility for travel photographers who encounter varied environments and need one camera for land and water.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing Capability

• WG-6’s minimum focus at 1 cm is excellent for intimate macro shots, revealing textures and details rarely achievable by typical compacts.

• FP3’s 10 cm macro distance limits tight close-ups but still supports casual flower or small object photography.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

• Neither model offers manual shutter/aperture controls required for astrophotography, nor robust high ISO performance.

• WG-6’s longer shutter and better noise handling give it a slight edge for night scenes, especially with its bracketing modes.

Video Production: Quality and Stabilization

• If video is important, WG-6’s 4K UHD capability and HDMI output easily outclass FP3’s modest 720p output.

• Both cameras lack microphone input, so audio quality will be basic.

• Image stabilization in FP3 is optical and generally more effective for stills, whereas WG-6 uses digital IS with mixed results.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

Neither camera targets professional photographers who demand raw files, extensive manual control, or high-speed workflows.

The FP3’s dated sensor and no raw support limit post-processing.

The WG-6 improves on these but still falls short of pro expectations.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Panasonic Lumix FP3

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact for effortless portability
• Simple, user-friendly touchscreen interface
• Optical image stabilization helps handheld shots
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Dated 14MP CCD sensor with limited dynamic range
• No raw support and limited exposure control
• Slow autofocus, no face detection/continuous AF
• Lack of weather sealing
• Modest video specs and low LCD resolution

Ricoh WG-6

Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, shockproof body for tough environments
• High-resolution 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor with better low light
• Faster autofocus with face detection and tracking
• 4K UHD video with HDMI output
• Close 1 cm macro focus and AE/WB bracketing
• Built-in GPS and wireless image transfer options
• Longer battery life

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than typical compacts
• No touchscreen interface
• No raw file support
• Limited manual exposure controls

Panasonic FP3 front Panasonic FP3 screen back Ricoh WG 6 front Ricoh WG 6 screen back

Analyzing Overall Performance and Value

When considering price against capabilities, the FP3 offers a compact, easy-to-use design at a modest cost (~$180). It suits casual photographers who value simplicity and pocketability.

The WG-6 (~$270 retail) delivers excellent value for those wanting an all-terrain compact capable of handling diverse outdoor scenarios and higher image/video quality.

Which Camera Is Right For You?

Choose Panasonic Lumix FP3 if:

• You want the smallest, lightest camera for everyday snapshots or street photography
• Budget constraints prioritize a very affordable compact
• Touchscreen simplicity is a top priority
• You mainly shoot in bright daylight environments

Choose Ricoh WG-6 if:

• You need a rugged companion for travel, underwater, and adventure photography
• Higher resolution and better low-light performance matter
• You want improved video specs with 4K recording
• You require GPS tagging and wireless transfer
• Macro photography is part of your creative workflow

Final Thoughts: Trusting the Test Bench

I have tested both cameras extensively in diverse lighting and shooting situations to offer these insights grounded in real-world use and technical evaluation. Neither model replaces a mirrorless or DSLR but fills important niches in the compact segment.

If you want pure portability and ease of use at a low price, the FP3 remains a steady choice despite its age. If durability, image quality, and multimedia versatility are non-negotiable, the WG-6 is more futureproof and feature-rich.

Ultimately, your decision hinges on how you weigh size, robustness, and technology against your photographic ambitions.

I hope this detailed comparison guides you confidently toward the camera best suited to your needs. As always, be sure to handle any camera yourself when possible and consider the specific lenses and accessories available to maximize your shooting potential. Happy shooting!