Ricoh GR II vs Sony W290

In this article, we are evaluating the Ricoh GR II vs Sony W290, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the GR II (16MP) and W290 (12MP) and the GR II (APS-C) and W290 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GR II was introduced 6 years later than the W290 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the GR II matches up vs the W290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh GR II Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh GR II provides outer measurements of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh GR II vs Sony W290 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the GR II against the W290.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the GR II and W290 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR II and W290.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GR II having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Ricoh GR II will produce extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher GR II is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.