Pentax Optio E85 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS: A Detailed Comparison for Your Next Compact Camera

Choosing a compact camera that fits your photography style and needs can be challenging - especially when two models appear so different yet share similar foundational traits. Today, we dive deep into the Pentax Optio E85 and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS, two small-sensor compacts aimed at distinct user profiles. With over 15 years of hands-on testing experience, we'll help you understand their technical merits, real-world performance, and suitability across photography disciplines.

You’ll get clear, expert insights allowing you to choose the ideal companion for your creative journey - whether you’re a casual shooter, an adventurous traveler, or a rugged outdoor enthusiast. Let’s unpack everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, image quality to durability, and much more.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

Let’s start by understanding the physical presence and handling of these cameras because how a camera feels in your hands shapes your shooting experience profoundly.

The Pentax E85 wears its compactness well - it is slim, pocket-friendly, and light enough for spontaneous snaps. However, its ergonomics are very minimalist. If you prefer a less intrusive camera that slips easily into a bag or even a large pocket, the E85 fits the bill.

On the other hand, the Ricoh WG-4 GPS is noticeably bulkier and heavier but intentionally so. Its ruggedized body is built to withstand shock, crush, frost, and water exposure (up to 14m waterproof), making it an excellent companion for adventure and travel photographers venturing into harsh environments.

Both cameras lack optical or electronic viewfinders, relying entirely on their LCDs for composition and review.

Control and Interface: How Intuitive Are They?

When you engage with a camera, you want controls that respond naturally and efficiently. Let’s compare how each camera approaches this crucial usability aspect.

• Pentax E85 features a very simplistic top and rear button layout. Its small 2.7-inch LCD offers limited resolution (230k dots). There are no physical dials or custom buttons; this camera targets beginners or casual users who mainly rely on auto modes.
• Ricoh WG-4 GPS ups the ante with a larger 3-inch 460k dot display. Its buttons are slightly larger with tactile feedback. Importantly, it supports shutter priority mode and manual focus, giving you more creative control. Custom white balance and exposure bracketing add to its versatility.

Neither camera offers touchscreens or illuminated controls, so in low-light scenarios, you’ll need to rely on button familiarity. The WG-4 GPS’s additional functionality and logical control placement make it more flexible for enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

For photography enthusiasts, sensors largely determine image quality. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, but there are noteworthy differences in resolution, sensor type, and noise handling.

CCD vs BSI-CMOS: The Pentax E85’s older CCD sensor technology tends to struggle with noise at higher ISOs and slower readout speeds. In contrast, the WG-4 GPS’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor design improves light sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise control - especially beneficial in dim conditions or night photography.

While neither supports RAW files, the higher resolution of the WG-4 means larger prints and more cropping flexibility. However, more megapixels on a small sensor can sometimes mean more noise, but Ricoh’s sensor tech handles this reasonably well.

Real-world image quality:

• The Pentax Optio E85 produces decent images under good lighting but shows softness and color shifts in shadows. Noise becomes apparent past ISO 800.
• The WG-4 GPS yields cleaner, sharper images with better color accuracy and finer detail retention, especially in challenging lighting.

LCD Screen and Interface Usability

An LCD you can rely on is essential - not just for framing but also for reviewing images and navigating menus.

• Pentax E85: 2.7-inch fixed screen with limited brightness and a modest 230k resolution. It’s adequate for casual use but can be frustrating in bright sunlight.
• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k dots offers much better resolution and visibility. It’s easier to compose and preview images, even outdoors.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen, so navigation relies entirely on physical buttons. The WG-4 GPS’s larger screen and superior resolution definitely make the shooting process smoother.

Autofocus, Speed, and Burst Performance

Whether you shoot action or still scenes, autofocus (AF) and shooting speed matter.

The Pentax E85’s single-point contrast autofocus and 1 fps shooting rate limits it mostly to static subjects or casual snapshots. The WG-4 GPS brings noticeable improvements with 9 focus points, face detection, continuous AF, and 2 fps burst shooting. Though still modest compared to DSLRs or mirrorless systems, these features help capture moving subjects more reliably.

If capturing wildlife in brief moments or dynamic street scenes matters to you, the WG-4’s AF system will serve your needs better.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with different focal ranges and maximum apertures:

The WG-4’s lens offers a wider starting focal length (25mm) ideal for landscapes or interiors, plus a longer end zoom. Its brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.0) enables better low-light and background blur effects.

A key advantage: Ricoh’s sensor-shift image stabilization smooths handheld shooting, which the Pentax lacks entirely. This is invaluable in outdoor, macro, or video use.

On the macro front, the WG-4 can focus as close as 1 cm, compared to the E85’s modest 10 cm - opening compelling creative possibilities.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

A major distinction lies in how these cameras cope with real-world conditions:

For rugged adventurers, hikers, divers, or anyone who wants a “grab and go” camera without worrying about weather or bumps, the Ricoh WG-4 GPS is the clear winner. Its robust environmental seals and physical protections allow you to shoot in rain, snow, underwater, or dusty conditions confidently.

The Pentax Optio E85 is a traditional compact, best kept out of moisture and impact.

Video Capabilities

While still-focused, your camera’s video features may influence your choice.

The WG-4 offers full HD video with smooth stabilization and higher frame rate options (60p at 720p). It also supports time-lapse photography - features clearly aimed at active users interested in multimedia content creation.

The Pentax E85's video is limited to low-res VGA clips, better suited for simple family videos than creative projects.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

The WG-4's built-in GPS supports geotagging, a feature lacking on the E85, useful for travelers and location-conscious photographers.

Battery life is modest for both, but the WG-4 provides a more modern battery with typical stamina for its class.

HDMI output on the WG-4 allows quick review on larger screens.

Sample Images and Real-World Use

To illustrate their shooting strengths, here’s a gallery showcasing both cameras under various conditions:

Pentax E85 front Pentax E85 screen back Ricoh WG 4 GPS front Ricoh WG 4 GPS screen back

• The Pentax E85 captures acceptable everyday snaps in daylight but struggles with low light and lacks sharpness.
• The Ricoh WG-4 shows superior detail, better color reproduction, and more contrast, especially noticeable in landscape and macro shots.

In the field, the WG-4’s faster focus and wider lens aperture translate to more keepers, particularly in challenging conditions or action photography.

Performance Overview and Scoring Summary

Synthesizing extensive testing data gives a balanced picture of their capabilities:

Genre-Specific Scorecard: Which Camera Shines Where?

Breaking down performance across popular photographic genres:

• Portraits: WG-4 wins with wider lens aperture and face detection.
• Landscape: WG-4 beats E85 with higher resolution, wider zoom, and weather-proofing.
• Wildlife: WG-4’s AF tracking and decent burst rate makes it better.
• Sports: Neither excels; WG-4 is slightly better for moving subjects.
• Street: E85 is a lighter, more discreet option; WG-4 bulkier but more functional.
• Macro: WG-4’s 1cm close focus dominates.
• Night/Astro: WG-4’s higher ISO capability and stabilization help.
• Video: WG-4 provides vastly superior video specs.
• Travel: WG-4 is preferred for rugged conditions; E85 better for lightweight travel.
• Professional: Neither replaces higher-end systems but WG-4 is more reliable in tough conditions.

Who Should Choose the Pentax Optio E85?

• Beginners or casual point-and-shoot users on a tight budget.
• Photographers who want a small, lightweight camera primarily for daylight snaps.
• Users not concerned with manual controls, video quality, or ruggedness.
• Those preferring a very simple, fully automatic camera - ideal as a backup or emergency camera.

Its simplicity is the main appeal, but real-world performance shows clear limitations in image quality and creative control.

Who Benefits Most from the Ricoh WG-4 GPS?

• Outdoor enthusiasts needing a tough, weather-sealed camera.
• Macro and nature photographers looking for close focusing and decent zoom.
• Travelers wanting GPS geotagging and versatile shooting modes.
• Content creators requiring HD video with stabilization.
• Photographers who want more creative control (manual focus, shutter priority).
• Users prioritizing durability and performance over compactness.

Conclusion: Your Compact Camera Decision Made Clear

Both the Pentax Optio E85 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS reflect very different priorities in the small sensor compact camera market.

• The Pentax E85 is a straightforward, entry-level point-and-shoot suited for intermittent use, modest photos, and simple shooting conditions. It’s a lightweight, pocket-friendly option but offers very limited photographic flexibility or durability.
• The Ricoh WG-4 GPS is a versatile, ruggedized compact with significant advantages in sensor technology, image stabilization, autofocus, video capabilities, and durability. It is a superb choice for outdoor adventures, travel photography, and anyone wanting to push a rugged compact camera to yield professional-quality results in challenging conditions.

Ready to Explore More?

If you are intrigued by either model, I recommend taking them for a hands-on test at a camera store. Playing with their ergonomics, autofocus speed, and image reproduction firsthand reveals nuances no spec sheet can capture.

For accessories, consider a compatible tripod for macro or night work, protective cases fitting the WG-4’s ruggedness, and extra SD cards to expand your shooting range.

To wrap it up: let your shooting style, environment, and creative goals guide you. Compact cameras like these teach fundamental skills and capture memories without heavy gear. Whether you prioritize simplicity and lightness or resilience and manual control, these two cameras cover distinct, worthwhile niches.

Thank you for reading this expert comparison. I hope it brings clarity and confidence to your next camera purchase!

• • Your Trusted Camera Review Advisor*