Pentax W80 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

On this page, we will be matching up the Pentax W80 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the W80 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is relatively similar but the W80 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The W80 was announced 3 years prior to the GR Digital IV and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the W80 grades versus the GR Digital IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio W80 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax W80 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax W80 features external dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Pentax W80 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the W80 versus the GR Digital IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the W80 and GR Digital IV is 94 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the W80 and GR Digital IV.

As you can tell, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The W80 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Pentax W80 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older W80 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.