Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Samsung NX500

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Samsung NX500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and NX500 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital IV was released 4 years prior to the NX500 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the GR Digital IV grades against the NX500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Samsung NX500. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you should factor its weight and volume. The Ricoh GR Digital IV comes with external 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 Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Samsung NX500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the GR Digital IV versus the NX500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital IV and NX500 is 92 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and NX500.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital IV due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX500 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 18MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.