Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A37

Below, we will be analyzing the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A37, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and A37 (16MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and A37 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital IV was released 8 months earlier than the A37 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the GR Digital IV matches up versus the A37 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony SLT-A37. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV provides outer measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A37 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the GR Digital IV vs the A37.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital IV and A37 is 92 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The pic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR Digital IV and A37.

As you have seen, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GR Digital IV due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A37 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GR Digital IV will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.