Ricoh WG-20 vs Sony TX1

Here is a in-depth review of the Ricoh WG-20 versus Sony TX1, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the WG-20 (14MP) and TX1 (10MP) and the WG-20 (1/2.3") and TX1 (1/2.4") offer totally different sensor size.

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The WG-20 was brought out 4 years later than the TX1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-20 being a Compact camera and the Sony TX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the WG-20 grades against the TX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-20 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1. The entire galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-20 Gallery & Sony TX1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-20 has got outside dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony TX1 has sizing of 94mm x 58mm x 17mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh WG-20 versus Sony TX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the WG-20 compared to the TX1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-20 and TX1 is 93 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-20 and TX1.

Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The WG-20 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Ricoh WG-20 will provide greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer WG-20 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.