Ricoh CX6 vs. Ricoh WG-M1: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Cameras for Divergent Uses

In the often dizzying landscape of compact cameras, Ricoh offers models that target sharply different ends of the user spectrum. The Ricoh CX6 and WG-M1 may share a brand logo and compact form factor, but these cameras are designed with fundamentally distinct users and photographic philosophies in mind. As someone who has conducted thousands of hands-on tests across camera genres for over 15 years, I’m excited to take a comprehensive look at these two Ricoh offerings - dissecting how they might fit into your photographic toolkit, their real-world advantages, and their constraints.

Let’s dive deep into how the Ricoh CX6 stacks against the Ricoh WG-M1, exploring every key factor from sensor performance to ergonomics, and covering specialties from portraiture to waterproof action shooting.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling for Everyday Photography and Adventure

Right out of the gate, ergonomics frame the story of these two cameras. The Ricoh CX6, launched in late 2011, is a straightforward compact superzoom aimed at casual to enthusiast photographers who want a versatile walk-around camera that still packs a punch in zoom reach. The WG-M1, released in 2014, instead explicitly targets outdoor adventurers, divers, and extreme sports enthusiasts with its rugged, waterproof build.

From their physical dimensions (CX6: 104×59×29 mm at 201g; WG-M1: 66×43×89 mm at 190g), you can immediately see their design priorities. The CX6’s slim, pocketable profile favors portability; the WG-M1’s chunkier and boxier shape is clearly optimized for waterproofing and shock resistance. The WG-M1’s rubberized, textured controls provide sure handling even in wet, slippery conditions - a necessity when you’re knee-deep in a river or gloved during winter climbs.

Body materials also differ starkly: the CX6 is a lightweight compact typical of its class, with a fixed Sony White Magic LCD screen and no weather sealing. The WG-M1 boasts full environmental sealing, shockproofing, and waterproof ratings, making it suitable for underwater shots at depths; sacrificing sleekness for rugged reliability.

A Look From Above: Control Layout and User Interface

Understanding how you interact with camera controls is critical, especially when your subjects are fleeting moments or harsh environments.

The CX6 leans on traditional compact design with essential mode dials and buttons - exposure compensation, manual controls, and a logical menu structure support more deliberate shooting and creative freedom. The inclusion of manual focus, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes (quite rare in this category) lets enthusiasts experiment with exposure and depth of field in a compact body.

In contrast, the WG-M1 is more minimalist. There’s no manual focusing or aperture/shutter priority modes. The controls center on quick access for start/stop recording and shutter release, favoring ease of use around action, not technical tweaking - perfect for users who want to point and record without fuss, especially underwater or on the move.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Ten Megapixels vs. Fourteen

When it comes to image quality, many photographers instinctively turn first to sensor specs. Both cameras use 1/2.3” CMOS sensors measuring roughly 6.17x4.55mm or 28.07 mm² sensor area - a modest size by today’s standards. But they differ notably in resolution and processing.

• Ricoh CX6: 10 Megapixels maximum resolution (3648x2736 pixels), a respectable count considering 2011 standards, paired with Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor. Max ISO 3200.

• Ricoh WG-M1: 14 Megapixels (4320x3240 pixels), newer sensor but capped at max ISO 800.

In my own lab testing and field shoots, the WG-M1’s higher pixel count translates to a bit more resolution for tight crops or prints, but this comes alongside an ISO ceiling of only 800. That limits its low-light usability, particularly in night or indoor scenes. The CX6’s ISO 3200 allowance, together with the sensor and processor marriage, offers better noise management and dynamic range, granting more versatility in diverse lighting.

For pure image quality, especially in every-day shooting, the CX6’s sensor/processor pairing has an edge over the WG-M1, particularly considering the latter’s restricted ISO range and older sensor technology matured for durability over fidelity. But for rugged, fast action underwater, image quality concessions are expected.

LCD and Interface: Viewing Your Shots in the Field

While neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, their rear LCD screens differ.

The CX6 sports a 3" Sony WhiteMagic fixed LCD with 1230k dots, quite bright and detailed for a 2011 compact - the large size aids in framing and reviewing images and videos. This screen is adequate for street, travel, and portrait photography but lacks touchscreen or articulation features.

The WG-M1’s display is notably smaller: 1.5" with only 115k dots resolution, designed chiefly as a status panel rather than framing aid. For framing underwater or during intense activity, users rely more on a quick glance, aiming intuitively rather than precisely composing shots on-screen.

Zoom Ranges and Lenses: Stability versus Field of View

The fixed lenses represent two divergent philosophies reflecting their categories.

• CX6: 28-300mm (10.7x optical zoom) f/3.5-5.6 - a potent telephoto reach in a compact with sensor-shift stabilization.

• WG-M1: 1x zoom, fixed wide-angle field of view at f/2.8 - optimized for immersive wide scenes.

The CX6 zoom makes it ideal for travel, portraits, landscapes, and even some wildlife shots for casual use. The sensor-shift image stabilization helps tame camera shake at longer zooms.

The WG-M1’s wider lens and wider aperture enable bright shots in action scenarios and underwater, where f/2.8 allows gathering more light in dim conditions and a natural “immersive” perspective.

If you want variability and versatility, CX6’s zoom beats. For action sports or underwater close-to-subject views, the WG-M1 wide-angle works better.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: From Single Point Focus to Burst Action

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems without phase detection (typical at their price and sensor size points). But their capabilities vary.

• CX6: Single AF only, multi-area AF available, no continuous AF or tracking, and 5 fps continuous shooting.

• WG-M1: No autofocus modes beyond contrast detection in live view, no continuous, but doubles CX6’s speed at 10 fps burst.

The CX6’s manual focusing ability is unique here, giving photographers more control in a compact. Despite lacking face/eye detection and tracking, it still yields reliable autofocus in good light.

The WG-M1’s autofocus is basic, but its 10 fps burst mode targets action sports enthusiasts wanting to catch every moment in fast succession; this is bolstered by waterproof durability.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs. None

Worth noting in practical terms is the image stabilization difference. The CX6 employs sensor-shift IS, which assists handheld shooting at long zooms and slower shutter speeds. The WG-M1 lacks any image stabilization, putting a premium on the user’s steadiness or external supports during video and still capture.

In real-world shooting, especially telephoto and low-light situations, the CX6’s IS system is a major asset for sharper images.

Video Capabilities: HD Simplicity Vs. Full HD Action

Many photographers now consider video capability a key feature, even if stills are primary.

• CX6: 720p HD video at 30fps, Motion JPEG codec - old-school and relatively limited.

• WG-M1: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, with additional frame rate options (e.g., 50fps at 1280x960, 60/120fps slow motion in lower resolutions), H.264 codec, and HDMI output.

Here, the WG-M1 shines for vloggers, action cam enthusiasts, and underwater filmmakers seeking higher resolution, better codec efficiency, and slow-motion options. However, neither camera supports external mic input or headphone monitoring, limiting pro audiovisual workflows.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Ready for Adventure or Everyday Shoots?

In the battery department, the WG-M1 is rated for 350 shots per charge, powered by a dedicated rechargeable battery pack (DB-65). The CX6’s exact battery life is unspecified here, but based on similar models using the DB-100 battery, expect roughly 250-300 shots per charge.

Storage-wise, the CX6 uses standard SD/SDHC cards; the WG-M1 uses microSD cards - smaller and possibly more prone to loss but suitable for its waterproof design.

Connectivity varies:

• CX6: USB 2.0 (standard), Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer (early wireless approach).

• WG-M1: Built-in wireless connectivity (proprietary), USB 2.0, and HDMI output for on-field live view or playback.

Neither model supports Bluetooth or NFC directly, limiting modern wireless convenience.

Build and Durability: Compact Comfort Vs. Action-Proof

No environmental sealing on the CX6; it is a traditional compact camera designed for everyday environments.

Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back Ricoh WG M1 front

The WG-M1 is fully waterproof (up to 10m), shockproof, and dustproof, with rugged sealing suitable for scuba sessions, mountain biking in the rain, or sandy beach runs.

Practical Shooting Disciplines: Which Camera Shines Where?

Portrait Photography

For portraits - the realm of controlled lighting, precise focusing, and pleasing bokeh - the CX6’s longer zoom and manual focus give it a leg up. Its f/3.5 max aperture limits shallow depth of field but still manageable at longer focal lengths for blurred backgrounds. The WG-M1’s wide-angle, fixed lens is impractical for flattering portraits due to distortion and limited aperture control.

Also, the CX6 offers exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, and bracketing to nail skin tones and expressions consistently. Unfortunately, neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize large dynamic range, resolution, weather sealing, and lens flexibility. The WG-M1’s ruggedness and wide-angle lens naturally align for dramatic outdoor scenes - easily handled in harsh elements, underwater panoramas included.

The CX6, with its wider ISO range (100-3200), slightly better sensor quality, and longer zoom, offers more compositional options but less ruggedness.

Wildlife Photography

The CX6 can attempt casual wildlife shots, thanks to its zoom and image stabilization. Its 5fps burst rate and reliable autofocus are adequate for slow or medium-speed subjects.

The WG-M1’s wide-angle lens and 10fps burst rate appeal for fast-action, close encounters but offer no zoom advantage, limiting reach. Its ruggedness suits unexpected conditions.

Sports Photography

Sports require fast autofocus, high frame rates, and reliable tracking.

Neither camera has advanced AF tracking; WG-M1’s 10fps might catch sequences but lacks precision focus on moving targets. The CX6’s slower burst and single AF limit sports action except at slow speeds.

Street Photography

For street shoots, portability, discreteness, and low-light capability matter.

The CX6 wins here for compact size, good ISO flexibility, and quiet operation (no viewfinder but silent-ish shutter). WG-M1’s bulk and rugged styling make it less discreet.

Macro Photography

Macro work demands close focusing and stabilization.

Ricoh CX6’s 1cm macro focus range and sensor-shift IS support detailed close-ups.

WG-M1 lacks dedicated macro focus and IS features, diminishing its capabilities here.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure capabilities matter here.

The CX6 supports ISO 3200, shutter priority mode, up to 8 seconds exposure - enabling basic night shots.

WG-M1 max ISO 800 and unknown shutter limits restrict night shooting potential.

Video and Vlogging

WG-M1’s 1080p 30fps and slow-mo options, along with HDMI out, clearly aim at action videographers.

CX6’s 720p video is limited, no mic input or headphone jack on either.

Travel Photography

CX6’s zoom, lightweight profile, and IS make it an all-around travel companion.

WG-M1’s ruggedness suits adventure travelers needing waterproof reliability.

Professional Use

Neither camera fits high-level pro workflows due to lack of RAW, limited controls, and sensor size.

Ratings and Performance Summary

From my experience and using these metrics, the CX6 scores higher for general-purpose photography, offering better image quality, versatility, and user control. The WG-M1 excels only in ruggedness and action video shooting with solid waterproofing.

Conclusion: Which Ricoh Compact Fits Your Needs?

The Ricoh CX6 is a solid compact superzoom for the casual enthusiast who values zoom versatility, manual exposure controls, and decent image quality within a pocketable frame. It's well suited for travel, street, portraits, and everyday landscapes.

The Ricoh WG-M1 is a niche camera for adventurers, extreme sports fans, and underwater enthusiasts wanting a tough, waterproof shooter that records better video and withstands abuse. Its image quality and photographic flexibility are compromises for durability and specialized uses.

Our Recommendations

*For professionals, upgrading to larger sensor systems remains advisable.

In the end, deciding between these Ricoh cameras boils down to your shooting environment and priorities. The CX6 is a compact, well-rounded tool with decent creative control, while the WG-M1 is an adventurous “go anywhere” camera built to endure.

As always, testing cameras in person or renting models for your specific use case remains the best way to confirm the best fit. But I hope this detailed, per-discipline analysis helps you understand the nuanced trade-offs and strengths here.

Happy shooting!