Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A57

Let's take a closer look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A57, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and A57 (16MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and A57 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GR Digital IV was introduced 12 months earlier than the A57 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the GR Digital IV matches up versus the A57 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Ricoh GR Digital IV comes with physical 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 A57 has proportions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") along with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A57 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the GR Digital IV and the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and A57 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through specifications. The photograph below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR Digital IV and A57.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A57 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.