Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W
94 Imaging
40 Features
31 Overall
36


91 Imaging
40 Features
34 Overall
37
Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
- 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
- Revealed January 2014
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 194g - 123 x 62 x 30mm
- Released October 2014

Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Overview
Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic SZ8 and Ricoh WG-30W, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Ricoh. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the WG-30W (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The SZ8 was released 9 months earlier than the WG-30W which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ8 scores vs the WG-30W with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Ricoh WG-30W. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Ricoh WG-30W Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Ricoh WG-30W
SZ8 | WG-30W | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Ricoh WG-30W over the Panasonic SZ8
WG-30W | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | October 2014 | ![]() | January 2014 | More modern by 9 months |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Ricoh WG-30W
SZ8 | WG-30W | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither provides Touch screen |
Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Physical Comparison
If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ8 provides external dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-30W has dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs).
Contrast the Panasonic SZ8 and Ricoh WG-30W in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ8 compared to the WG-30W.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and WG-30W is 94 and 91 respectively.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Sensor Comparison
Generally, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by going over technical specs. The pic here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and WG-30W.
As you can tell, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of images though you will need to consider the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged SZ8 is going to be behind in sensor tech.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 vs Ricoh WG-30W Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Ricoh WG-30W | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Panasonic | Ricoh |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Ricoh WG-30W |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Waterproof |
Revealed | 2014-01-06 | 2014-10-09 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Venus Engine | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-288mm (12.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-6.3 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focus distance | - | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8 secs | 4 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.20 m | 3.90 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash settings | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | Auto, flash off, flash on, auto + redeye |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 159g (0.35 lb) | 194g (0.43 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 123 x 62 x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 200 pictures | 300 pictures |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $275 | $280 |