Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony HX50V

Below, we are reviewing the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony HX50V, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and HX50V (20MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and HX50V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital IV was revealed 19 months prior to the HX50V making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the GR Digital IV grades against the HX50V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Sony HX50V Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV features outside 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 Sony HX50V has measurements of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony HX50V in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the GR Digital IV and the HX50V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital IV and HX50V is 92 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and HX50V.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GR Digital IV with its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX50V will give you greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged GR Digital IV is going to be behind in sensor tech.