Panasonic ZS1 vs Ricoh WG-6

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS1 versus Ricoh WG-6, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Ricoh. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and WG-6 (20MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and WG-6 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZS1 was released 9 years earlier than the WG-6 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ZS1 matches up against the WG-6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Ricoh WG-6. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Ricoh WG-6 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS1 features external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Ricoh WG-6 has specifications of 118mm x 66mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 246 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS1 versus Ricoh WG-6 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS1 against the WG-6.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and WG-6 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS1 and WG-6.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Ricoh WG-6 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.