Pentax MX-1 vs Ricoh WG-50

Let's take a closer look at the Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh WG-50, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Pentax and Ricoh. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and WG-50 (16MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and WG-50 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The MX-1 was released 4 years earlier than the WG-50 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the MX-1 matches up versus the WG-50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh WG-50. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Ricoh WG-50 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax MX-1 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-50 has sizing of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh WG-50 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the MX-1 against the WG-50.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and WG-50 is 84 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and WG-50.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The MX-1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Ricoh WG-50 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged MX-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.