Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A55

Below is a extensive assessment of the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and A55 (16MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and A55 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The GR Digital IV was revealed 13 months later than the A55 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the GR Digital IV grades against the A55 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony SLT-A55. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Ricoh GR Digital IV enjoys external 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) whilst the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Ricoh GR Digital IV versus Sony A55 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the GR Digital IV versus the A55.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the GR Digital IV and A55 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GR Digital IV and A55.

Clearly, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital IV using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony A55 will render greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent GR Digital IV should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.