Panasonic SZ5 vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic SZ5 versus Ricoh WG-5 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the WG-5 GPS (16MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the WG-5 GPS and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ5 matches up vs the WG-5 GPS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Ricoh WG-5 GPS. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ5 enjoys outside measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-5 GPS has specifications of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ5 versus Ricoh WG-5 GPS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ5 vs the WG-5 GPS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and WG-5 GPS is 95 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ5 and WG-5 GPS.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Ricoh WG-5 GPS to resolve more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.