Ricoh G700SE vs Sony WX500: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer's Need

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, finding the right balance between ruggedness, zoom capability, image quality, and versatility can be a daunting task. Today, we put side-by-side two distinctly different contenders in the compact camera arena: the Ricoh G700SE and the Sony WX500. While their release dates separate them by almost five years and their target demographics differ, this comparison aims to cut through marketing jargon and offer a clear-headed view based on extensive hands-on testing and practical photography applications.

Before diving into capabilities, take a moment to check their physical dimensions and ergonomics - they set the stage for how these cameras might feel in your hands during a shoot.

Design and Handling: Rugged Workhorse vs. Sleek Urban Companion

The Ricoh G700SE was built with durability front and center. It’s a waterproof compact camera designed primarily for demanding environments - think construction sites, fieldwork under wet conditions, or adventurous hikes into unpredictable weather. Its robust body measures 117 x 68 x 32 mm and weighs roughly 307 grams. The camera features a fixed 28-140mm zoom lens, which, combined with environmental sealing, makes it a reliable choice for users prioritizing ruggedness over pocketability.

Sony’s WX500, on the other hand, takes a very different approach. With its trim, sleek profile at 102 x 58 x 36 mm and lighter weight of 236 grams, the WX500 caters to travelers and street photographers who need a powerful zoom range (24-720mm equivalent) in a compact, unobtrusive package. Its build, while solid, doesn’t include any weather sealing, which is a trade-off for the much larger zoom range and slightly lighter weight.

Ergonomically, testing revealed the G700SE’s fixed grip and rubberized finish provide a secure hold in wet or rough conditions. The WX500’s design is more refined, featuring a tilt screen for flexible shooting angles - a nod to modern, creative usage styles. However, its smaller exterior may make it less comfortable on extended handheld sessions compared to the Ricoh.

Comparing control layouts from above shows the Sony’s design is more modern and versatile for photographers who want manual control at their fingertips.

Sensor and Image Quality: Older CCD vs. Modern BSI-CMOS

Diving under the hood, both cameras share the same sensor size: the 1/2.3" format, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, a standard for compact cameras. However, their sensor technologies couldn't be more different, reflecting the generational gap and target markets.

The Ricoh G700SE uses a CCD sensor producing 12 megapixels. CCDs of that era excelled in color fidelity but tend to lag behind CMOS sensors when it comes to noise performance and dynamic range. Without raw image support, the camera’s ability to deliver creative control in post-production is limited.

The Sony WX500 wields a more modern Backside-Illuminated CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels, allowing for better light gathering, especially in low-light scenarios. Although still the same physical sensor size, this technology delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs and improved dynamic range.

It’s worth noting that both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter applied, which tends to slightly soften images to prevent moiré but is typical for compact models.

A detailed view of their sensor specs paints the full picture:

From extensive testing, the WX500's images reveal more detail and greater clarity, especially at moderate to high ISOs (above ISO 400). The Ricoh struggles when lighting dims, largely due to its older sensor and lack of image stabilization.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Fixed vs. Tilting Screens

The user interface experience is a practical consideration and often overlooked in specs. The G700SE sports a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with 920,000 dots resolution. The screen is bright and adequately sharp for composing and reviewing shots, but the lack of a tilting mechanism limits flexibility - shooting at low or high angles becomes cumbersome.

In comparison, the Sony WX500 boasts a 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots resolution, nearly the same sharpness but usability is greatly enhanced due to its ability to angle the screen up to 180 degrees. This feature is a boon for street photographers seeking candid shots or vloggers who require screen visibility during self-recording.

Pixellated nuances aside, the WX500's menu system and touchscreen omission mean relying on physical buttons and knurled dials which are well-implemented and intuitive. The Ricoh G700SE offers manual focus but limited exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), making the interface simpler but less flexible.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs. Precision

Autofocus capability defines practical usability, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography. Here, the Sony WX500 shines with a contrast-detection AF system that supports continuous autofocus, face detection, and tracking - a commendable feature set for such a compact model. It achieves a burst rate of 10 frames per second, which is quite fluid for shooting fast action, supported by its BIONZ X processor.

The Ricoh G700SE presents a more rudimentary autofocus approach: single AF only, with contrast detection as well, but no continuous or tracking modes. Its offering is geared more towards steady, planned shots rather than fast-moving subjects. Burst shooting is absent and shutter speeds max out at 1/1,500s, limiting options for freezing very fast motion.

Given the Ricoh’s rugged intent, the slower focus system is understandable. It prioritizes reliability over speed, which will please industrial or field users more than sports photographers.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Moderate vs. Superzoom Versatility

Lens specs reveal the Sony WX500’s winning card for versatility: a 24-720mm equivalent superzoom lens covering an impressive 30x magnification range with an aperture spanning f/3.5-6.4. This allows photographers to go from wide-angle landscapes to detailed telephoto shots without changing lenses.

The Ricoh G700SE is more modest, with a fixed 28-140mm lens (5x zoom) and an aperture range of f/3.5-5.5. Its macro focus distance impressively reaches as close as 1 cm, enabling small-scene photography that’s excellent for field documentation.

While the Ricoh lens is durable and optically sharp across its range, the Sony's extensive zoom makes it a traveler's dream for capturing anything from vast cityscapes to distant wildlife. Image stabilization on the WX500 is optical, a huge boon in telephoto shooting, whereas the Ricoh offers none.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Designed for the Elements

Perhaps the most glaring difference between these cameras is the Ricoh G700SE's environmental sealing. It is waterproof and sealed against dust, ideal for harsh environments or underwater use (to a certified depth). This camera can withstand the rigors of construction sites, hydroelectric facilities, or rainy hikes without worry.

The Sony WX500 has no weather sealing. Its lightweight design and compactness come at the cost of vulnerability to moisture and dust, making it more suitable for controlled or urban environments rather than extreme conditions.

In situations where reliability under adverse weather is paramount, the Ricoh cannot be beaten. But if you shoot mostly in stable conditions, the WX500’s superior imaging and zoom take the lead.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Concerns in the Field

The Ricoh relies on a DB-60 battery (specific to the model), with no official battery life rating listed. Given its older design and lack of power-consuming features like continuous autofocus or large zoom ranges, it can last through a moderate day’s work. It supports SD/SDHC memory cards as well as internal storage, useful for quick backups.

Sony’s WX500 uses the NP-BX1 battery, with an official CIPA rating of approximately 360 shots per charge - typical for compact cameras with electronic zoom and an LCD screen. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo cards, providing flexible storage options.

When embarking on extended shoots, packing spare batteries is prudent for both, but the WX500’s wireless connectivity enables easy offloading, reducing dependence on bulky card readers.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Options vs Basic Functionality

Connectivity marks another generational gap. The Sony WX500 offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy pairing with smartphones or tablets, allowing instantaneous sharing or remote control via dedicated applications. It even sports an HDMI output for quick playback on large screens.

The Ricoh G700SE has no wireless capability and employs USB 2.0 for file transfer. GPS is optional, reflecting its more utility-driven design rather than multimedia focus.

In practical terms, the WX500 is friendlier for travelers and casual users keen on integrating social sharing or quick editing into their workflow, whereas the Ricoh leans into its sturdiness and simplicity.

Real-World Sample Comparisons: What Do the Images Tell Us?

In testing varied shooting scenarios - portrait to landscapes to macro - the cameras reveal their distinct strengths.

The Ricoh G700SE, with its smaller sensor and CCD, produces images with modest sharpness and tepid low-light responses. Its macro mode at 1cm is a highlight, delivering impressive close-up detail ideal for on-site documentation of small objects or textures.

The Sony WX500 delivers higher resolution, richer colors, and cleaner images overall. Its autofocus and continuous shooting are adept for tracking fleeting moments in nature and urban scenes. The expanded zoom range is especially apparent in wildlife and sports photography, where distant subjects benefit greatly.

Below are representative sample images side by side, demonstrating these differences visually.

Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Scoring Their Overall Performance

Based on quantitative testing metrics and qualitative usability tests, I compiled an overall performance score reflecting image quality, autofocus, build, and features.

The Sony WX500 scores notably higher for its agility, image detail, zoom versatility, and user interface.

The Ricoh G700SE earns credit primarily for its unrivaled waterproofing and durability, suitable for demanding industrial and field use.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Let’s look more granularly at how these two cameras fit into prevalent photography types based on our tests and real-world usage:

• Portraits: WX500’s superior sensor resolution and face detection offer more natural skin tones and reliable eye AF. Ricoh’s CCD and lack of face detection limit portrait finesse.
• Landscapes: WX500’s higher resolution and dynamic range deliver crisper images. However, Ricoh’s weather sealing shines when shooting in unpredictable conditions.
• Wildlife: WX500’s 30x zoom and fast AF make it the better choice.
• Sports: WX500 again outperforms thanks to burst shooting and continuous AF.
• Street: WX500’s compact size and tilt screen favor candid shooting.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1 cm focus distance excels for close-ups.
• Night/Astro: WX500’s CMOS sensor and higher max ISO prove advantageous.
• Video: WX500 supports full HD at 60p with optical stabilization. Ricoh is limited to low-resolution VGA video.
• Travel: WX500’s zoom, weight, and wireless features edge it ahead.
• Professional Use: Ricoh’s robustness is valuable for industrial documentation but image quality limits creative professionals.

This side-by-side genre breakdown helps identify each camera’s sweet spots.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Having put both cameras through their paces, here’s how I’d advise various users:

Choose the Ricoh G700SE if:

• You’re working in tough, outdoor, or industrial environments where weather-sealing and rugged construction are paramount.
• You need extreme close-up focusing capabilities.
• Image quality is secondary to durability and dependable mechanical operation.
• You shoot mostly in daylight and do not rely on video or rapid autofocus.

Choose the Sony WX500 if:

• You want a versatile travel or street camera with an extensive zoom range.
• Image quality, autofocus speed, and video capabilities matter.
• You appreciate a more refined touchscreen interface and wireless connectivity.
• Portability and shooting flexibility are key for your workflow.

In concluding this comparison, it boils down to purpose over specs alone. The Ricoh G700SE remains a niche champion - a rugged companion for challenging conditions. The Sony WX500 represents a well-rounded hybrid that keeps pace with consumer demands for image quality and versatility in a compact frame.

For many enthusiasts and professionals alike, the WX500 delivers the better all-round photographic experience. But put the Ricoh in conditions where others fear to tread, and its value becomes crystal clear.

Choosing either model means understanding your shooting priorities deeply - as with all camera decisions, the best tool is the one that fits your vision and workflow seamlessly.

If you found this analysis valuable or want to dive deeper into either camera’s features or sample images, feel free to reach out. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’m here to help you make truly informed choices.

Happy shooting!