Panasonic ZS5 vs Ricoh WG-30W

Here is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS5 versus Ricoh WG-30W, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and WG-30W (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The ZS5 was manufactured 5 years prior to the WG-30W and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the ZS5 matches up vs the WG-30W in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Ricoh WG-30W. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Ricoh WG-30W Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Ricoh WG-30W has sizing of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS5 versus Ricoh WG-30W in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS5 and the WG-30W.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and WG-30W is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and WG-30W.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Ricoh WG-30W to resolve extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older ZS5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.