Ricoh GR vs Sony W530

Below is a extensive assessment of the Ricoh GR versus Sony W530, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The image resolution of the GR (16MP) and the W530 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the GR (APS-C) and W530 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The GR was launched 2 years later than the W530 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W530 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the GR scores vs the W530 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Gallery and Sony W530 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh GR has external measurements of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony W530 has specifications of 93mm x 53mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 113 grams (0.25 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR versus Sony W530 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the GR compared to the W530.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR and W530 is 90 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The graphic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR and W530.

Plainly, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GR featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Ricoh GR will give you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent GR should have a benefit in sensor technology.