Ricoh GR II vs Sony W690

Here is a thorough assessment of the Ricoh GR II and Sony W690, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the GR II (16MP) and the W690 (16MP) is very close but the GR II (APS-C) and W690 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GR II was announced 3 years later than the W690 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W690 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the GR II grades against the W690 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh GR II Gallery and Sony W690 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Ricoh GR II provides exterior dimensions of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony W690 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR II and Sony W690 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the GR II vs the W690.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GR II and W690 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching technical specs. The visual below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GR II and W690.

As you can tell, both of those cameras feature the identical MP but not the same sensor sizing. The GR II offers the larger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The more modern GR II is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.