Panasonic S3 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic S3 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the WG-4 GPS (16MP) is pretty similar and they come with the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S3 was released 4 years earlier than the WG-4 GPS which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the S3 matches up against the WG-4 GPS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Ricoh WG-4 GPS. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S3 offers outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS has proportions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic S3 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the S3 against the WG-4 GPS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and WG-4 GPS is 96 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specifications. The picture below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and WG-4 GPS.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Ricoh WG-4 GPS to deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged S3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.