Rugged Reliability in Focus: Ricoh G700SE vs Ricoh G900 - An Expert Comparison

When it comes to rugged, waterproof cameras, Ricoh has carved out a niche that marries durability with practicality. But the difference between models can be striking - not just in specs, but how they perform in real-world scenarios photographers care about. I spent extensive hands-on time shooting with both the Ricoh G700SE and the newer Ricoh G900, subjects of this in-depth comparison. Beyond the specs sheet (which we’ll dive into), I’ve tested these two in challenging conditions across multiple photo disciplines, from the polished portraits you expect in studio-like situations to the wild unpredictability of sports and wildlife.

This article doesn’t only answer “Which rugged Ricoh should you get?” but also clarifies why specified upgrades matter in practical terms. Whether you’re a field photographer needing a tough point-and-shoot backup, an adventurer seeking versatility, or a pro looking for reliability in demanding environments, the following breakdown helps decode which camera delivers the performance and features you actually need.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Built Tough, Built Practical

A camera’s physical design and feel often make or break comfort and control during extended use - especially in the field where quick access and one-handed operation matter.

At a glance, both Ricoh models sport a compact, boxy frame designed for durability above all else. The G700SE measures 117 × 68 × 32 mm and weighs around 307g, while the G900 is slightly taller and thinner (118 × 66 × 33 mm) but lighter at 247g. While a 60-gram difference might seem minor, this weight drop noticeably reduces wrist fatigue over hours - something I appreciated while shooting hiking trails or extended street sessions.

Comparing their grip and button placement, the G900 shows older brother improvements - streamlined control access with buttons that are locked against accidental presses but provide confident tactile feedback once engaged. The G700SE’s buttons are functional yet less refined, feeling a tad mushy in comparison. Neither features illuminated buttons, which can be a minor hindrance in low light, but both keep control layouts simple enough to grasp quickly.

The top panel layout reveals interesting choices: the G700SE keeps things basic with no shutter-priority or aperture-priority modes, focusing instead on simplicity. The G900 builds slightly more control sophistication (AE bracketing and spot metering, for example) but still eschews extensive manual exposure modes. I found this both a strength and limitation - users wanting full manual control should look elsewhere, but both cameras deliver consistent exposure in most automated situations.

In essence, for rugged, everyday point-and-shoot use where fast, reliable access matters more than semi-pro dials, the G900's ergonomics edge ahead slightly. The G700SE remains perfectly acceptable but shows its 2010 heritage.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evolving Capture Technologies

Let’s get to the heart of image quality, arguably the most critical criterion. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor - common for waterproof compacts - but the similarities stop there.

The G700SE employs a 12MP CCD sensor, typical for its release era, while the G900 upgrades to a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor. This jump is meaningful: CMOS sensors generally outperform CCDs in noise handling, dynamic range, and readout speed.

In daylight, both cameras deliver usable images, but the G900's increased resolution (5184 x 3888 max vs. 4000 x 3000) and better signal-to-noise ratio produce crisper details and more room for cropping without losing fidelity. The G700SE’s CCD sensor shows acceptable color but can struggle to maintain sharpness when pushed in post.

At high ISOs, the story diverges more starkly: the G700SE maxes out at ISO 3200 natively but with noticeable grain and color smearing beyond ISO 400. The G900, conversely, offers ISO 6400 native, with respectable noise control thanks to more modern CMOS design. For night photography or poorly lit indoor scenes, this difference means the G900 is far more versatile.

Despite the solid hardware improvements, neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a compromise for most rugged compacts targeting easy-to-use JPEG output. Both cameras apply an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening images, but this is balanced by digital sharpening.

Camera Interface and User Experience

Ease of use matters - not just the button layout, but how the camera communicates settings feedback and guides the photographer.

Both cameras have fixed 3-inch LCDs, but the G900 boasts a higher resolution panel (1040k dots vs. 920k on the G700SE). In practice, this brighter, crisper display on the G900 aids in assessing image sharpness and framing in bright light, a subtle but important upgrade. Neither camera includes a viewfinder - electronic or optical - so relying on the LCD is unavoidable outdoors.

Neither unit includes a touchscreen, which feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise modern 2018 design in the G900. However, given the gloves-on usage and rugged intent, physical buttons arguably offer better reliability than touchscreen controls prone to moisture or dirt interference.

Importantly, the G900’s interface incorporates more intelligent exposure tools, including multi-segment, spot, and average metering, plus bracketing options (AE and WB), expanding creative control. The G700SE confines itself to custom white balance and basic exposure automation, which, while beginner friendly, limits nuanced shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) might be the Achilles heel for rugged compacts - small sensor size, fixed focal length lenses, and limited processing power can translate to sluggish or inaccurate focus.

The G700SE’s contrast-detection AF system offers a single autofocus mode with multiple AF areas but no face or tracking detection. In my testing, its AF was noticeably slower, especially in low light or macro situations where hunting increased shutter lag. Continuous AF is absent, making moving subjects challenging.

The G900 advances significantly here: it offers AF single, continuous AF, and tracking AF modes with nine AF points and face detection (though animal eye AF is missing). This translates to smoother focus transitions and better performance tracking moving subjects in real-world wildlife or sports captures - areas where autofocus speed can mean the difference between a keeper and a miss.

Continuous shooting isn’t a headline feature for either, but both cameras remain capable of simple sequential shooting for casual action bursts.

Ruggedness and Environmental Sealing: Built for the Elements

Both models come with waterproofing geared toward rough use, but the G900 expands its durability credentials well beyond the G700SE's core waterproof ruggedness.

The G700SE offers waterproofing and some environmental sealing but lacks dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof ratings. This means while excellent for wet conditions - like kayaking or scuba - the camera requires more care in dusty or harsher impact environments.

The G900 significantly upgrades its protection: it is dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof (down to -10C). This broadens use cases dramatically, from arctic expeditions to industrial shooting sites, without worry of damage.

In terms of practical weight and bulk, the lighter G900 also feels easier to carry comfortably on longer journeys, a boon for travel and adventure photographers who can't afford to be weighed down.

Lens and Optical Performance: Versatility in a Fixed Package

Both cameras share identical focal ranges: a 5x zoom covering 28-140 mm equivalent at f/3.5-5.5 aperture. This is a versatile travel-to-wildlife range, covering wide-angle landscapes through moderate telephoto.

Macro performance is strong on both, with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm delivering excellent closeups in rugged environments. The G900’s slightly more advanced software-supported image stabilization (digital IS) aids in macro sharpness hand-held, something the G700SE lacks entirely.

Neither model offers interchangeable lenses, which is typical for such rugged compacts. For those prioritizing lens ecosystem breadth, these are not the cameras to consider. Still, their fixed lenses are optically solid, with Ricoh's attention to minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration despite compact rugged designs.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to 4K in Rough Conditions

Video is an increasingly essential capability in hybrid stills/video cameras, even rugged ones.

The G700SE offers only VGA (640x480) maximum resolution video - hardly competitive today and clearly intended just for basic documentation.

The G900 significantly generationally leaps ahead here, supporting native 4K UHD video (3840x2160) encoded in MPEG-4 H.264. While lacking advanced video features like microphone inputs, log gamma profiles, or in-body stabilization, it still delivers crisp, detailed clips suitable for casual to semi-pro use in challenging environments.

Digital IS helps reduce handheld shake, but no in-body or optical stabilization means careful shooting or tripod use is advisable for critical work.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Connectivity might not be the first consideration in rugged cameras, but increasing demand for wireless transfer and GPS tagging makes it part of the equation.

The G700SE offers no wireless connectivity and supports SD/SDHC cards plus internal storage. USB 2.0 is the only interface, primarily for image downloads.

The G900 supports FlashAir SD cards enabling Wi-Fi transfer - an elegant solution for fieldwork where removing and loading cards is inconvenient - alongside a built-in GPS for precise geotagging. It also sports HDMI output for direct camera-to-display connection, valuable for scouting images in the field.

Battery life is another improvement: the G900 rates about 340 shots per charge, practically superior to the G700SE, whose official battery life isn’t published but based on its DB-60 battery and older design, is noticeably shorter in extended shoots. The G900 also uses a modern rechargeable lithium-ion battery that's easier and faster to top up.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s cut through the specs and get to how these cameras perform in the most popular photography disciplines, based on my hands-on shooting and test imagery.

Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands skin tone fidelity and eye detection for sharp focus on expressions. The G700SE’s lack of face detection and single AF mode make precise honing on eyes tricky, and images occasionally show minor softness. Color is adequate but limited dynamic range restricts highlight retention on well-lit faces.

The G900 turns in a markedly improved performance. Face detection autofocus ensures sharp locking on eyes, while the extra resolution captures nuanced textures. The wider native ISO gives more flexibility indoors without push noise.

If you want it for portraits in rugged outdoor situations, the G900 is hands-down the better choice.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prioritize dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing for prolonged outdoor sessions.

The G900’s CMOS sensor vastly outperforms the G700SE’s CCD in dynamic range, resolving more shadow and highlight detail critical for landscapes with variable lighting. Additionally, dust and freezeproof features let you shoot confidently in diverse climates - a decisive advantage.

The G700SE can serve for casual landscapes but shows noise and softness under tricky exposures.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands quick autofocus and fast frame rates to track unpredictable subjects.

Neither camera excels in frame rate (both lack specified continuous shooting), but the G900 provides continuous AF and tracking focusing modes essential for wildlife motion capture.

The G700SE’s single AF pattern and slower contrast detection AF struggle to keep pace, particularly in low light.

Sports Photography

Similar AF and continuous shooting considerations apply. The G900 offers continuous tracking AF smoothed by its faster sensor readout, but neither camera suits high-speed sports needing multi-frame bursts or high ISO performance.

For casual action, the G900 is preferable; for anything professional-grade, look beyond these compacts.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability define street shooting. Both models rank equally here, their compact size perfect for subtle shooting.

The G700SE’s weight and older AF system make spontaneous shots less fluid, though it remains tough and discreet. The G900 is lighter and more responsive, better equipped for variable light.

Macro Photography

Both shine here due to 1cm minimum focus distance. The G900’s digital IS helps reduce handheld blur - a real plus for macro work. But macro shots on the G700SE can appear softer due to slower AF and optical constraints.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capability is restricted on both, but G900’s higher ISO ceiling and better noise control offer usable shots at night where the G700SE noise overwhelms past ISO 400.

Neither supports long exposure bracketing or bulb modes necessary for serious astro.

Video Use

G900’s 4K video mode is a major step up from G700SE’s VGA. For casual travel vloggers or documentary shoots under rugged conditions, G900 is definitely recommended.

Travel and Professional Use

Travelers will value the G900’s lighter weight, improved battery life, GPS support, and higher durability. Its stronger lens stabilization features and better video also widen practical shooting situations.

Pro users needing professional-grade RAW, advanced exposure modes, or wide lens support will find both cameras lacking.

Verdict: Which Ricoh Rugged Camera Fits Your Needs?

While the Ricoh G700SE was a capable rugged shooter in its day, the Ricoh G900 not only modernizes much of the core functionality but extends the camera’s useful lifespan profoundly with sensor upgrades, durability, versatility, and connectivity.

Choose the Ricoh G700SE if:

• You need a simple, affordable rugged camera for basic outdoor documentation.
• You are less concerned about image quality or modern video features.
• Budget constraints prevent investment in newer gear.

Choose the Ricoh G900 if:

• You want a rugged camera with strong imaging - better high ISO, higher resolution, more reliable AF.
• Your shooting spans from landscapes and wildlife to portraiture and video.
• You need professional-level environmental sealing and better workflow with GPS and wireless.
• You appreciate more ergonomic controls and longer battery life.

Final Thoughts from a Seasoned Tester

Spending hours behind each camera, pushing their buttons through rain, dust, and varied lighting, I came away sincerely impressed with Ricoh’s rugged camera evolution. The G700SE was an admirable classic, but the G900 confidently strides ahead with welcome refinements that, while incremental on paper, deliver tangible improvements in the field.

Are they perfect? No rugged compact perfectly balances top-tier photo quality, advanced controls, and bulletproof construction - but the G900 comes as close as any camera of its type, price, and class.

Whether you’re diving off cliffs, trekking remote landscapes, or just want worry-free shooting in unpredictable environments, these cameras deserve consideration for your next adventure-ready gear.

Specifications Summary Side-by-Side

I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you navigate these two rugged Ricoh cameras with confidence. If you have any questions or want deeper insights into specific shooting scenarios, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!