Panasonic SZ5 vs Ricoh WG-30

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic SZ5 vs Ricoh WG-30, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the WG-30 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ5 was released 3 years earlier than the WG-30 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ5 scores vs the WG-30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Ricoh WG-30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Ricoh WG-30 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ5 provides outer dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-30 has dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 vs Ricoh WG-30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ5 against the WG-30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and WG-30 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The picture here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ5 and WG-30.

All in all, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Ricoh WG-30 to provide more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.