Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Ricoh WG-4

On this page, we are reviewing the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Ricoh WG-4, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof and they are both sold by Ricoh. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and WG-4 (16MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and WG-4 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The GR Digital IV was unveiled 3 years prior to the WG-4 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the GR Digital IV scores versus the WG-4 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Ricoh WG-4. The full galleries are available at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Ricoh WG-4 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Ricoh GR Digital IV comes with exterior measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-4 has proportions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Ricoh WG-4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the GR Digital IV versus the WG-4.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and WG-4 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and WG-4.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV with its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Ricoh WG-4 will resolve more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.