Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs. Ricoh WG-5 GPS: An Expert’s Detailed Camera Comparison for Photographers

When Ricoh announced the GXR GR Lens A12 back in 2010 and then the WG-5 GPS in 2015, they aimed these cameras at very different photographic audiences. I’ve had the opportunity to put both through extensive hands-on testing, covering a variety of shooting scenarios across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more. In this comparison, I’ll share my real-world experience, technical insights, and practical guidance to help you decide which of these two Ricoh offerings deserves a place in your kit.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build

Right out of the gate, these two cameras tell you what kind of user they’re designed for. The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 is a small, rangefinder-style mirrorless with a fixed 28mm f/2.5 lens. Weighing just 140g with compact dimensions (113x70x56mm), it fits neatly into a jacket pocket or compact bag. The GXR has no built-in viewfinder but supports an optional electronic accessory - quite minimalistic by modern standards, yet deliberate.

By contrast, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a rugged, weatherproof compact designed to handle extreme conditions - waterproof, shockproof, even freezeproof. It’s chunkier (125x65x32mm, 236g) with a beefier build that gives serious peace of mind if you’re trekking, diving, or climbing. Its lens zooms roughly 25-100mm equivalent, making it far more versatile in framing but less specialized.

My takeaway: If you prize a sleek, lightweight rangefinder feel for urban street or casual travel shooting, the GXR is comfy to hold and pocket. The WG-5 GPS leans towards adventure photographers who want robustness over subtlety.

Design & Controls: Intuitive Layout or Rugged Minimalism?

Looking at the top controls, the GXR offers traditional manual exposure modes - shutter priority, aperture priority, manual - appealing to exposure purists. The rotary dials and buttons are clean and spaced for deliberate input. However, there are no illuminated buttons, and the screen is fixed without live touchscreen abilities.

The WG-5 GPS simplifies controls for quick access in tough environments, with fewer dedicated dials. It supports shutter priority but lacks aperture priority or full manual exposure control - a nod towards ease of use for non-technical shooters or those focusing on snapshot versatility. The menus and buttons are designed to be operable with gloves, an important detail my hiking clients appreciate.

My experience: The GXR rewards you if you’re comfortable dialing settings manually, inviting a more engaged shooting process. WG-5 GPS is more “point and shoot” friendly, perfect when you want to focus on the climb, not fiddling with menus.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

Arguably, the heart of any camera comparison lies in sensor tech. The GXR GR Lens A12 features a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.7 mm, quite large considering the system’s compactness. This sensor size provides excellent dynamic range and superior noise performance, even at its modest resolution.

The WG-5 GPS employs a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution (6.17x4.55 mm). This chipset maximizes pixel count on a tiny surface, which often translates to more noise, less dynamic range, and less sharpness, especially in low light.

In practical tests, the GXR’s images show cleaner color gradients and smoother tonal transitions. Low-light shots retain detail and suppression of grain up to ISO 1600, whereas the WG-5 GPS starts showing more aggressive noise beyond ISO 400.

This difference is pronounced in landscape and portrait work (more on those next). However, the WG-5 GPS compensates with in-camera sensor-shift stabilization, which helps handheld sharpness at slower shutter speeds - something the GXR lacks.

Making Portraits: Character and Control

Portrait photography is all about capturing skin tones pleasingly and creating a subject-background separation. The GXR’s 28mm f/2.5 lens (equivalent to about 42mm on full frame) brings a slightly wider perspective than the classic 50mm, which some consider less flattering for portraits but opens environmental storytelling opportunities.

The fairly bright f/2.5 aperture allows a natural bokeh, although the depth of field control is less pronounced than with a faster 50mm f/1.8. Autofocus on the GXR performs adequately with its contrast-detection system; it supports face detection but does not offer eye or animal eye AF. Because of the lack of continuous AF tracking, subjects need to keep relatively still for pin-sharp results.

The WG-5 GPS’s zoom lens (25-100mm eq.) lacks aperture priority and manual exposure modes, but the f/2.0 brightness at the wide end is noteworthy. Its 9-point autofocus with contrast detection and tracking works surprisingly well, including face detection, which helps nail focus on moving subjects at events or casual portraits. However, the aggressive JPEG processing and smaller sensor limit the fine tonal nuances, especially in challenging light.

If I were shooting portraits seriously, especially studio or controlled lighting setups, the GXR’s RAW support and sensor size win hands down. But if you want quick, decent portraits on the go without fuss, the WG-5 GPS simplifies the process.

Landscapes and Outdoors: Resolution, Range, and Durability

Landscape shooters prize high resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather sealing. The GXR grants you a moderately high-res 12MP file with excellent sensor area, yielding finely textured images with vibrant but natural color rendition.

However, the GXR includes no weather sealing, no dustproofing or waterproofing, so you’ll need to be mindful in adverse weather conditions or rugged environments.

On the flip side, the WG-5 GPS is ruggedly built for adventure with full waterproofing, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof certifications. The wide-to-tele 25-100mm equivalent zoom offers framing flexibility beyond the fixed lens on the GXR. Its 16MP sensor, despite being smaller, produces adequate files for social or travel blog landscapes.

If harsh environmental resistance is paramount for your landscape and travel shooting - think waterfalls, mountains, beaches - the WG-5 GPS is the reliable, no-fuss workhorse. For serene, controlled landscape framing with superior detail and color fidelity, the GXR prevails under ideal conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Tracking, and Responsiveness

For dynamic disciplines like wildlife or sports, autofocus speed, burst shooting, and tracking accuracy are crucial. The WG-5 GPS boasts a continuous shooting rate of 14 frames per second (fps) - impressively fast for a compact camera - plus autofocus tracking across nine points. This makes it more adept at capturing fleeting action moments, say a bird in flight or a quick sports play.

The GXR offers a more modest 5fps burst, with no autofocus tracking but includes continuous AF for static or predictable subjects. Given its contrast-detection AF system, focusing speed is generally slower than phase-detection-equipped sports cameras. The GXR is better suited to deliberate framing than rapid action.

I’ve found the WG-5 GPS easier to handle in fast-paced action with its quick response and tracking, though image quality at higher ISO (needed in sports halls or dusk) drops due to sensor size.

So, if your priority is speed and ruggedness during active shoots, WG-5 GPS edges ahead; for controlled portrait-style wildlife close-ups with fine detail, the GXR is preferable.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, Portability

Street photographers often demand small, unobtrusive cameras that perform well in changing lighting. The GXR’s compact rangefinder styling, light weight, and quiet shutter system fit the bill nicely. Its low native ISO of 200 and top ISO of 3200 balances noise and detail.

I enjoyed using the fixed 28mm lens for environmental captures - not too wide, not too telephoto. Manual controls allow precise exposure adjustments on the fly, and the lack of touchscreen avoids accidental menu entry. However, the lack of a built-in viewfinder forced reliance on the rear screen, which can be limiting in bright light.

The WG-5 GPS, bulkier and more rugged, is less discreet. Its fixed 3-inch screen has modest resolution, limiting critical sharpness checks. On the upside, wide ISO 125-6400 and image stabilization lend better handheld low-light shooting. However, the lens at 25mm (wide end) provides wider framing, not always desired for street portraits or isolated subject focus.

For inconspicuous street shooting with refined manual control, GXR fits better. For casual, weather-resistant walks with fast autofocus, WG-5 can serve - but expect more attention from bystanders due to its size.

Macro and Close-Ups: Precision and Magnification

Macro is an area where the WG-5 GPS surprisingly shines with a remarkable 1cm macro focus distance and sensor-shift image stabilization. This allows you to get extremely close to subjects like flowers or insects with sharpness and detail, something you rarely see in waterproof compacts.

The Ricoh GXR’s fixed lens lacks macro-specific capabilities, limiting close focusing range. While the 28mm focal length can capture overall scenes nicely, it’s not optimized for tight close-ups.

If macro photography is an important part of your creative arsenal - especially outdoors or in wet conditions - the WG-5’s dedicated macro performance and stabilization are invaluable.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Controls

For night and astro use, sensor noise at high ISO and control over exposure matter greatly. The GXR’s APS-C sensor maintains acceptable noise up to ISO 1600 and benefits from full manual exposure modes, letting you fine-tune shutter speed and aperture.

Unfortunately, the GXR lacks electronic shutter options and offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/3200s, slightly limiting for long exposures but acceptable overall. The lack of in-body image stabilization means you’ll want a tripod for night work.

The WG-5 GPS offers sensor-shift stabilization and can go up to ISO 6400, but with significant noise at higher sensitivities. Limited exposure control (no aperture priority or manual) restricts precise night setting adjustments. The presence of built-in GPS is handy for geo-tagging night landscapes.

Overall, for deliberate astrophotography setups, the GXR is more capable. For casual night scenes with some motion stabilization, WG-5 offers convenience.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Both cameras offer video, but with different strengths. The GXR shoots up to 1280x720 at 24 fps in MPEG-4 format with no microphone or headphone jack. It’s quite basic by today’s standards, catering best to casual video capture.

The WG-5 GPS can record full HD 1920x1080 at 30p, plus 720p at 60p for slow motion. It includes sensor-shift stabilization that significantly improves handheld results - a strong point for active travel videos or sport sequences. However, it also lacks external mic support, limiting audio quality controls.

Practically, the WG-5 GPS video is more versatile for everyday use while the GXR’s video is secondary at best. Neither camera caters to professional videographers but serve casual shooters adequately.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Convenience

Weighing convenience factors, the GXR’s slim form with a lightweight build (140g) easily slips into pockets without drawing attention - ideal if you prefer stealth travel photography. Its 320-shot battery life is respectable but not exceptional, needing careful power management for extended trips.

The WG-5 GPS’s ruggedness and built-in GPS make it a superb companion for adventurous travel, capable of withstanding rain, dust, shock, and cold. Its 240-shot battery life is slightly lower, but fast shooting (14fps) and image stabilization compensate in usability.

Storage-wise, both support SD cards with a single slot. Connectivity options are minimal - no wifi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either camera.

For travelers focused on urban or cultural scenes with subtle gear, the GXR is the preferred choice. For those with an active, outdoor travel lifestyle demanding reliability and durability, WG-5 GPS holds the advantage.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

Neither the GXR nor the WG-5 GPS is a professional mainstay, but each caters to niches. The GXR’s support for RAW files allows full post-processing control, important for professional or enthusiast workflows demanding image quality.

The WG-5 GPS lacks RAW support, limiting flexibility but presents immediately usable JPEGs with decent color. Its ruggedness and simplicity could appeal to professionals needing a dependable backup or visualization tool in harsh environments.

Neither camera offers advanced wireless connectivity or tethering options expected in current pro gear, so they fill specialist roles rather than everyday professional workhorses.

Final Scorecards and Recommendations

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

To wrap up, here’s a quick breakdown of which camera excels where:

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5

  • Strengths: APS-C sensor size, superior image quality, manual exposure control, RAW capture, lightweight, elegant design.
  • Weaknesses: No image stabilization, limited video capabilities, no weather sealing.
  • Best for: Portraits, street photography, landscapes where image quality and control matter most, travel requiring compactness and discretion.

• Ricoh WG-5 GPS

  • Strengths: Rugged, waterproof and shockproof design, fast continuous shooting, effective image stabilization, macro capability, full HD video.
  • Weaknesses: Small sensor limits image quality, no RAW, limited exposure controls.
  • Best for: Outdoor adventurers, wildlife and sports enthusiasts needing solid tracking, travel in harsh environments, macro shooters.

My Personal Take: Which Ricoh Fits Your Photography?

If you ask me, choosing between these cameras boils down to your shooting style and environment. For deliberate photographers who prioritize image quality and have a knack for manual settings, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 still holds charm despite its age. It’s a camera that invites you to slow down, compose carefully, and revel in tones, colors, and textures unmatched by most compacts.

The WG-5 GPS is the opposite kind of tool - rugged, ready to go anywhere, forgiving, and easier to use under pressure. As someone who hikes and shoots rugged landscapes, I appreciate the security its build offers when conditions turn nasty. Add macro shooting and fast continuous burst, and you gain a versatile hybrid for travel and active photography.

Neither camera is a “jack of all trades” - instead, they’re crafted for very distinct users. Your best pick depends on whether you want precision and image quality, or durability and speed. Either way, you get a unique Ricoh character and trustworthy performance where it counts.

Before purchasing, I recommend handling each model if possible - physical feel, interface comfort, and personal preference often weigh as much as specs. There’s no substitute for firsthand interaction.

I hope this detailed comparison guides your Ricoh choice confidently! Should you lean one way or the other, you’ll have a capable camera backing your photographic vision.

Happy shooting!

• Your Ricoh camera testing expert and fellow enthusiast