Panasonic ZS5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Below is a in depth overview of the Panasonic ZS5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and WG-4 GPS (16MP) but they come with the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was released 4 years prior to the WG-4 GPS and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS5 scores against the WG-4 GPS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 has outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-4 GPS has dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS5 vs the WG-4 GPS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and WG-4 GPS is 92 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS5 and WG-4 GPS.

All in all, each of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Ricoh WG-4 GPS to give you more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.