Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The GR Digital IV was unveiled 16 months later than the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the GR Digital IV grades versus the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV provides outer measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the GR Digital IV against the NEX-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and NEX-5.

Plainly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital IV having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer GR Digital IV should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.