Pentax WG-3 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Ricoh. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was introduced 23 months after the GR Digital IV making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the WG-3 grades against the GR Digital IV when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax WG-3 provides exterior measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has specifications of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Examine the Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the WG-3 compared to the GR Digital IV.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 and GR Digital IV is 90 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by researching a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-3 and GR Digital IV.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The WG-3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax WG-3 will provide you with more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more recent WG-3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.