Ricoh WG-20 vs Sony NEX-3

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Ricoh WG-20 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-20 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the WG-20 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The WG-20 was revealed 3 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-20 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the WG-20 scores against the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-20 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-20 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-20 comes with external dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh WG-20 and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the WG-20 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-20 and NEX-3 is 93 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-20 and NEX-3.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The WG-20 includes the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging. The more recent WG-20 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.