Ricoh GR II vs Sony WX30

In this write-up, we are comparing the Ricoh GR II and Sony WX30, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The image resolution of the GR II (16MP) and the WX30 (16MP) is very similar but the GR II (APS-C) and WX30 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GR II was brought out 3 years later than the WX30 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony WX30 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the GR II scores versus the WX30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX30. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR II Gallery and Sony WX30 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR II has 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) while the Sony WX30 has measurements of 92mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR II and Sony WX30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the GR II and the WX30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GR II and WX30 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The graphic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GR II and WX30.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact MP but not the same sensor measurements. The GR II has got the larger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF easier. The fresher GR II is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.