Pentax X70 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Below, we will be looking at the Pentax X70 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Ricoh. The image resolution of the X70 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is relatively close but the X70 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X70 was manufactured 3 years prior to the GR Digital IV and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the X70 grades versus the GR Digital IV with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X70 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X70 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X70 features outer dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") with a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Pentax X70 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the X70 versus the GR Digital IV.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X70 and GR Digital IV is 71 and 92 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The graphic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the X70 and GR Digital IV.

All in all, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X70 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax X70 will render greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older X70 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.