Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony W550

On this page, we will be comparing the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony W550, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and W550 (14MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and W550 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GR Digital IV was introduced 2 months after the W550 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the GR Digital IV scores vs the W550 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh GR Digital IV features outside dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony W550 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony W550 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GR Digital IV vs the W550.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and W550 is 92 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading specs. The image here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GR Digital IV and W550.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GR Digital IV using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony W550 will offer you greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively.