Ricoh G700SE vs. Sony W560: A Detailed Showdown for Discerning Photographers

Selecting the right compact camera can feel like navigating a sea of seemingly similar specs and buzzwords. From rugged adventure-ready shooters to sleek pocket-friendly ultracompacts, the options are vast - but your photography needs narrow the field considerably. Today, I’m putting two distinct contenders side by side: the Ricoh G700SE, a rugged waterproof specialist released in late 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560, a classic ultracompact from early 2011. Both target photographers looking for easy-to-use, fixed-lens compacts but approach that goal from very different angles.

Having spent thousands of hours testing gear, including countless compacts spanning rugged models to low-key street shooters, I’ll break down where each excels and where it falls short - from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and suitability across popular photographic disciplines. I also emphasize real-world usability rather than just specs on paper. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions and Physical Presence: Ergonomics You Can Feel

Before even firing a shutter, how a camera feels in hand and fits your purpose often matters more than pixels. The Ricoh G700SE is designed with ruggedness and versatility front and center. It’s thick and sturdy, weighing 307g, and measures 117x68x32 mm, sporting serious environmental sealing including waterproof capabilities. This solid build understandably comes at the cost of bulk and weight.

In comparison, the Sony W560 is feather-light at just 110g and ultra-slim with dimensions 94x56x19 mm. It’s the kind of camera you can literally slip into a pocket and forget about - perfect for those valuing discretion or convenience.

Ergonomically, the G700SE’s deep grip and rugged buttons are made for use with gloves or in adverse conditions, whereas the W560 favors minimalism and sleekness. If workspace constraints or discreet shooting styles appeal to you, the Sony clearly has the edge. But if durability and a robust feel under tough shooting scenarios are your priority, the Ricoh commands respect.

Design and Interface: Controls for Purpose or Portability?

Picking up the cameras, you'll immediately notice not just the size difference but how the two marry design with user interface. The Ricoh G700SE sports a utilitarian layout with buttons that are large and spaced, ideal for tactile feedback and operation in challenging environments - think wet or heavily gloved hands.

The Sony W560 prioritizes slimness and simplicity, limiting button size and spacing to conserve real estate. Controls are minimal but sufficient for most casual shooting needs, although rapid manual adjustments are less intuitive here.

Notably, neither camera offers manual exposure modes or focus options beyond straightforward point-and-shoot styles - typical for their categories and release periods. The lack of touchscreen or extensive custom control in both means users prioritize quick ease over detailed tweaking.

For photographers who enjoy rugged fieldwork with quick access to settings, Ricoh’s control layout wins. For travelers or street photographers who prefer an ultracompact, pocket-friendly design, Sony’s approach feels modern and clean without overwhelming complexity.

Sensor Comparison: The Heart of Image Quality

At the core of any camera’s image quality lies the sensor, and both these models use the same 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor size, measuring roughly 6.17x4.55 mm. This standard sensor size in compacts strikes a balance between cost and image quality but comes with inherent limitations in noise handling and dynamic range.

The Ricoh captures images at 12 megapixels, while the Sony W560 nudges ahead slightly with 14 megapixels. Both utilize an anti-alias filter to reduce moiré but at the tradeoff of a bit less perceived sharpness. Neither supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing flexibility - an important factor if you’re accustomed to serious editing.

In real-world results, the Sony yields a marginal edge in resolution and slightly crisper JPEG output due to the extra megapixels and Sony’s regarded BIONZ processor (absent from Ricoh). Dynamic range and color depth largely mirror each other given their similar sensors, though Ricoh’s proprietary image processing leans toward punchier colors, arguably better for quick social sharing.

LCD and Live View: Window to Your Creativity

Neither of these cameras features an electronic viewfinder, so live view on the rear LCD is the primary composition tool. Both use fixed 3-inch screens, but their resolution and display technology differ significantly.

The Ricoh G700SE has a 920k-dot screen offering detailed previews even under bright light, though reflections can still be an issue as it lacks an anti-reflective coating.

Sony’s W560 sports a lower-res 230k-dot Clear Photo LCD which delivers decent clarity indoors but tends to wash out in sunlight.

For landscape photographers and detailed macro work, the Ricoh’s sharper screen aids more precise framing. However, the Sony’s screen helps maintain minimal power consumption and a sleeker profile, fitting its ultracompact ethos.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Critical Moments

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF systems without phase detection or advanced tracking, which limits speed and efficacy in fast action scenarios.

The Ricoh G700SE has a single AF mode and uses multiple AF areas but no face detection or eye tracking. The Sony W560 features 9 focus points and center-weighted metering plus spot metering options, providing marginally enhanced flexibility for focusing in tricky lighting. Still, neither camera excels in low light or rapid subject tracking.

In burst shooting, the Ricoh does not specify continuous shooting capabilities, implying it’s minimal or absent. The Sony is limited to a paltry 1 frame per second - enough only for casual moments, not fast sports or wildlife.

So, neither will thrill sports or wildlife photographers in need of responsive AF and fast frame rates. The Sony’s slightly improved metering zones can help for street photography where focus speed is less critical but versatility in mixed lighting conditions matters.

Lens and Macro Capabilities: Range and Detail Potential

The Ricoh G700SE features a 28-140 mm (5x zoom equivalent) lens with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.5. The Sony W560 sports a slightly wider 26-104 mm (4x zoom) lens with a brighter aperture range from f/2.7 to f/5.7.

In practice, the Ricoh’s extended telephoto reach favors moderate zoom applications like wildlife observation or portrait cropping, while the Sony emphasizes brighter optics on the wide end, aiding low-light indoor and street scenes.

Macro capabilities differ markedly. Ricoh’s lens can focus down to an impressive 1 cm, making it excellent for intimate macro shots - think textures, insects, or products. The Sony’s macro limit is 5 cm, which is respectable but not class-leading.

Neither camera offers optical stabilization on the lens, though the Sony compensates somewhat with optical image stabilization technology built-in, notably absent in the Ricoh.

Video Features: Not Just Still Cameras Anymore

Video capture is increasingly essential when considering a compact. The Ricoh G700SE offers VGA-level video at 640x480 resolution with no audio input or advanced recording features. It supports time lapse recording, which is a bonus for creative experimentation.

The Sony W560 raises the bar slightly with HD video at 1280x720 at 30 fps, recorded in MPEG-4 format. While not professional-level, it’s a significant step up for casual videography and social media sharing. The Sony also includes HDMI output, useful for playback on TVs, and supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for image transfer - a feature the Ricoh lacks.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Rugged vs. Sleek

Environmental sealing is a major dividing line. The Ricoh G700SE is purpose-built rugged, waterproof to unspecified depths, and designed for harsh environments including rain, dust, and moderate impact. This makes it invaluable for outdoor, adventure, and field photographers who require reliability over style or compactness.

The Sony W560 has no weather sealing and is susceptible to moisture and dust - typical of ultracompacts aimed at everyday consumer use.

If you’re hiking, snorkeling, or shooting in challenging climates, Ricoh’s tank-like toughness is a clear advantage. If you prefer smooth pocketability and don’t battle elements often, Sony’s design works.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Usage Considerations

Battery life data is incomplete for both, but based on my testing and similar models, expect moderate endurance - with the Ricoh’s bigger body likely housing a larger battery than the Sony’s compact form. Both accept SD/SDHC cards, but Sony adds Memory Stick support for legacy users.

Storage-wise, the Ricoh offers internal memory but limited capacity, so investing in high-capacity SD cards is a must. USB 2.0 connectivity supports basic file transfers on both cameras.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Genres

Here’s where the rubber meets the road - how these cameras perform in your favorite photographic disciplines.

Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back

Portraits:
Neither camera supports face detection, autofocus eye tracking, or shallow-depth bokeh effects commonly achieved with larger sensors and fast lenses. However, the Ricoh’s longer 140 mm reach allows tighter framing and reasonable subject isolation. Skin tones are generally pleasing on both, but Ricoh’s punchier rendering may oversaturate some hues.

Landscapes:
Resolution differences matter here; Sony’s 14 MP sensor yields more detailed landscapes when paired with a steady tripod and good light. Lack of weather sealing on Sony is a drawback outdoors, where Ricoh shines with waterproofing and a sharper rear screen for careful composition. Dynamic range is tight on both - post-processing is required to recover shadows and highlights.

Wildlife:
Ricoh’s longer zoom and rugged body could appeal to casual wildlife shooters; however, slow autofocus and no burst mode limit capturing action. Sony can’t zoom as far and lacks build toughness but offers slightly faster focusing in ideal conditions.

Sports:
Both cameras are ill-suited for fast sports due to slow AF, low continuous shooting rates, and no advanced tracking. If sports is a priority, look elsewhere.

Street Photography:
Sony’s ultracompact size, stealthy design, and brighter wide aperture lend itself well to street shooting. Ricoh’s bulk and rugged look may draw unwanted attention. Sony’s image stabilization also aids crisp shots in variable light.

Macro:
Ricoh offers far superior macro capabilities with near 1 cm focusing distance, perfect for detail work where ultra-close focusing matters. Sony’s 5 cm minimum focus is less versatile here.

Night/Astro:
Both cameras struggle with noise at ISO levels above 800, a common limitation of 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors. Neither supports bulb exposures or long exposure stacking tools.

Video:
Sony’s HD video at 720p is practical for casual videographers while Ricoh’s VGA videos feel dated by comparison. Lack of microphone inputs limits versatility on both.

Travel:
Sony’s small size, lightweight build, and wireless transfer options make it ideal as a travel companion. However, Ricoh’s ruggedness may suit adventurous travelers prioritizing durability over pocketability.

Professional Work:
Neither camera supports RAW files, crucial for professional image workflows. Both lack advanced customization or tethering options. These models are best suited as secondary or casual cameras rather than professional tools.

Summary of Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose Which?

If your photography often ventures outdoors, through wet or rugged terrain - hiking, fieldwork, underwater exploration - the Ricoh G700SE wins hands down. Its waterproof design, durable build, and close-up macro capabilities provide tangible benefits where typical compacts fail. Just be ready to manage a chunkier camera with limited manual controls and modest image quality by modern standards.

For photographers prioritizing a slim, lightweight camera to slip in a pocket for everyday use, street photography, or casual travel, the Sony W560 fits better. Its brighter lens on the wide end, optical stabilization, and HD video recording offer practical features for social shooting and trips. But be mindful of its fragile construction and slower autofocus system in challenging light or action scenes.

Final Thoughts: Context is Everything With Compact Cameras

For a camera enthusiast or professional seeking a compact for quick snapshots or as a secondary body, knowing your priorities drastically simplifies the matter. Neither Ricoh G700SE nor Sony W560 breaks new ground technologically, but both excel within their targeted niches.

I’ve aimed to provide a comprehensive, experience-backed analysis rather than just rehash specs. Seen through the lens of actual shooting scenarios - portrait, landscape, travel, macro, video - you can now make an informed choice appreciating each camera’s real-world strengths and caveats.

If ruggedness and close-up versatility in demanding environments are your priorities, the Ricoh will serve faithfully. But for a lightweight companion delivering HD video and portability, Sony’s compact is still a sensible pick years later.

I hope this deep dive helps you find the camera that truly fits your photography style and adventure level. Happy shooting!

If you want to explore further, feel free to check my hands-on video reviews and sample galleries to get a better feel for their image personalities.