Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony QX30

Below, we are reviewing the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony QX30, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Lens-style by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and QX30 (20MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and QX30 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The GR Digital IV was revealed 4 years before the QX30 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the GR Digital IV grades against the QX30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Sony QX30 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV features 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) while the Sony QX30 has dimensions of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony QX30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the GR Digital IV versus the QX30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and QX30 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through specifications. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and QX30.

Plainly, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital IV with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony QX30 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.