Ricoh WG-20 vs Sony DSC-W310: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Capabilities

When examining compact cameras under $400, especially from the mid-2010s, the landscape is full of options that sometimes look similar on paper but perform very differently in daily use. Today, I’m comparing two such cameras: the rugged Ricoh WG-20 (announced in 2014) and the ultracompact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 (from 2010). Both bring a fixed-lens, lightweight design, but target somewhat different user profiles - the WG-20 ruggedizing for adventure, and the W310 focusing on portability and simplicity.

After spending hours shooting in varied conditions and carefully assessing both cameras’ specs and real-world output, this comprehensive comparison aims to guide you - whether you’re a casual shooter, an enthusiast expanding your kit, or a prosumer needing a second camera - on the right choice. We’ll break down their design, image quality, performance across photography disciplines, and overall value.

When Size and Handling Matter: Design and Ergonomics

You’ll immediately notice the difference: the Ricoh WG-20 is noticeably chunkier and built ruggedly to withstand outdoor abuse, while the Sony W310 embraces a slim ultracompact form.

The WG-20 measures roughly 114 x 58 x 28 mm and weighs 164 grams, offering a comfortable grip with tactile buttons and some environmental sealing (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof). This solidity instills confidence, especially if you shoot outdoors or in less-than-ideal conditions. The Ricoh’s chunky build includes physical controls that are easy to manipulate even with gloves - crucial for cold-weather photography or underwater use.

Conversely, the Sony W310 is smaller at 95 x 55 x 19 mm and weighs 137 grams, prioritizing pocket portability. Its slim profile is ideal for street photography or day-to-day travel where discretion and minimal bulk are paramount. However, this compromises ergonomics: the small buttons and flat grip can be slippery or fiddly under challenging grip conditions. Also, it lacks any weather sealing, meaning you’ll need to keep it out of rain or dust.

Looking from above, the WG-20’s physical controls include dedicated zoom and shutter buttons positioned intuitively, along with a mode dial for quick exposure adjustments, albeit limited compared to higher-end cameras. The W310 has fewer hardware controls, relying more on menu navigation through a directional pad - less efficient for rapid shooting.

Ergonomic takeaway: The WG-20 is the better choice if you need ruggedness and handling stability; the W310 excels in sheer portability but less in comfortable extended use.

Pixel Battles: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras house a 1/2.3" CCD sensor - a common compact format - yet Ricoh's WG-20 features a 14MP resolution compared to Sony’s 12MP. While more megapixels don’t always guarantee quality, this does give the Ricoh slight extra resolution headroom.

In practice, both sensors excel in bright conditions but struggle with noise and detail retention in low light - CCD technology is notorious for noise beyond ISO 400. The WG-20 offers a broader ISO range (80–6400) versus W310’s 100–3200, but usable ISO rarely extends above 400 without significant image degradation.

During testing, I observed the WG-20's images deliver slightly crisper detail at base ISO, aided by the higher pixel count. However, both cameras apply a strong anti-aliasing filter that softens fine textures. Colors on the Ricoh seem marginally warmer and more saturated, producing pleasant skin tones but sometimes less natural in landscape shots.

Sony’s sensor produces more muted but accurate colors, opting for subtlety over punchiness. Sharpness is marginally softer out of camera but can be enhanced with software. Both produce JPEG-only outputs - no RAW support - limiting post-processing flexibility.

Image quality verdict: For casual shooters prioritizing direct JPEGs with slightly punchier color and resolution, the Ricoh pulls ahead. The Sony is competent but less vivid, better for those preferring moderate naturalism and smaller file sizes.

Screens and User Interface: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

Both cameras sport a 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230,000-dot resolution, adequate for framing and playback but not class-leading by any means.

While similar specs, the Ricoh WG-20’s screen feels less reflective and slightly brighter under sunlight - a definite advantage outdoors. Sony’s screen shows more glare, making composition tricky in harsh light. Neither is touchscreen or articulating, which is limiting for creative angles or fast menus.

The Ricoh interface includes basic exposure modes but lacks manual control - no aperture or shutter priority, no manual exposure. The Sony is even more stripped down; it does not offer custom white balance or bracketing, limiting user experimentation.

With limited controls and slower menu navigation on the Sony, the Ricoh offers a marginally better user experience, especially for those new to or less comfortable with camera menus.

Exploring Photography Genres: Strengths and Shortcomings

Both cameras are compact fixed-lens shooters, best suited for point-and-shoot situations, but I rigorously evaluated them across multiple photography genres to tease out strengths and compromises.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction is critical in portraiture. The WG-20’s warmer color rendering and face detection autofocus system - which worked reliably during testing - give it a clear edge for casual portraits under natural light.

The Ricoh’s lens aperture of f/3.5–5.5 is average, not allowing for pronounced background blur (bokeh), but the 28-140mm zoom range (equivalent) offers framing flexibility. The W310’s f/3.0–5.8 lens is slightly faster at wide-angle, but it lacks face detection autofocus altogether, making focus acquisition less precise in portrait mode.

Both cameras’ autofocus systems emphasize contrast detection, which is accurate but slow, especially in low light or low contrast - expect hunting.

Landscape Photography

Wide enough zoom ranges and sensor resolution matter here. The WG-20’s extended zoom and slightly higher megapixels make it more accommodating for landscapes and travel shots, though the sensor’s limited dynamic range results in clipped highlights under high contrast skies.

The W310’s wider maximum aperture at 28mm helps capture more light for brighter landscapes, but overall lower resolution dampens cropping potential.

Notably, Ricoh’s environmental sealing adds real value - you can shoot worry-free in rain or mist, a typical landscape challenge.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is designed for fast action photography. Both feature slow burst rates (~1 frame per second), non-phase detection autofocus, and limited tracking capabilities.

The WG-20 includes 9 focus points with face detection, and continuous AF mode, enabling some degree of subject following. Still, autofocus speed lags behind modern standards.

Sony’s autofocus is limited to single shot and center point - not ideal for unpredictable wildlife or fast sports.

Telephoto range favors the WG-20 (up to 140mm), giving it an edge for modest wildlife tele shooting, whereas Sony maxes out at 112mm.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are paramount here. The Sony W310’s slim profile and lighter weight offer inherent advantages for street photographers seeking an unobtrusive camera.

However, limited control options and slower autofocus may frustrate some users wanting rapid response.

The Ricoh’s bulk and rugged design make it more obtrusive, possibly drawing attention, but add peace of mind in rough conditions.

Macro Photography

The Ricoh WG-20 impresses here slightly with a minimum focusing distance of 1cm compared to Sony’s 5cm, enabling more intimate close-ups.

Digital image stabilization on Ricoh helps handheld macro shots, while Sony’s sensor-shift stabilization assists in general shooting.

Although neither rival specialized macro lenses, the WG-20’s capabilities support casual macro exploration better.

Night and Astro Photography

Due to sensor limitations and absence of manual exposure controls, neither camera excels for astrophotography or creative night scenes.

Ricoh’s ISO 6400 extends theoretical range, but noise and detail loss limit practical use, while the Sony caps at ISO 3200.

Lack of bulb mode, raw capture, or advanced noise reduction precludes serious night photography.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras are entry-level video shooters.

The WG-20 records 720p HD at 30fps, while Sony tops out at 640x480 VGA resolution - considerably lower quality.

Neither supports external microphones, headphone monitoring, or advanced video features.

Ricoh’s digital stabilization assists video steadiness, while Sony offers sensor-shift stabilization.

Given the gap, Ricoh handles casual video better.

Travel Photography

Balancing size, versatility, and reliability is key for travel.

While Sony’s W310 wins pure portability, Ricoh’s WG-20 offers more shooting modes, longer zoom, environmental sealing, and better ergonomics - critical for travel adventures in varying environments.

Battery life (Ricoh’s 260 shots vs unspecified Sony) and single SD card slot are roughly comparable though Ricoh uses a proprietary battery compared to Sony’s more common NP-BN1.

Under the Hood: Technical Specifications and Performance Analysis

Autofocus System

Ricoh WG-20 uses 9 contrast detect AF points with face tracking and continuous AF, a sophisticated system for a compact - though still reliant on relatively slow contrast detection.

Sony W310’s 9 AF points are fixed to single autofocus with no face detection or continuous modes - limiting.

AF speed on the WG-20 is noticeably better with faster lock times, while the W310 is prone to slower acquisition indoors or in dim lighting.

Lens Build and Zoom Range

Ricoh’s lens focal range of 28-140mm (5x zoom) and aperture of F3.5-5.5 gives more framing flexibility, especially telephoto reach.

Sony provides 28-112mm (4x zoom) at F3.0-5.8, offering a slightly brighter wide-angle but shorter telephoto range.

Neither has interchangeable lenses; the fixed lens systems limit optical adjustability but simplify use.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

This is where WG-20 stands out - certified waterproof to depths, freezeproof to low temperatures, and shockproof for drops.

Sony lacks any sealing, demanding careful handling in adverse conditions.

Image Stabilization

Ricoh employs digital image stabilization, which can reduce shake to a degree but slightly degrades image quality due to cropping.

Sony utilizes sensor-shift stabilization, generally more effective at reducing motion blur.

In handheld tests, Sony's stabilization produced sharper images in low light, but Ricoh’s overall ruggedness compensates for rough handling.

Battery and Storage

Ricoh’s D-LI92 proprietary battery delivers an estimated 260 shots per charge, respectable though not exceptional.

Sony’s battery life is unspecified officially but generally known to be shorter due to older battery tech.

Both use a single memory card slot supporting SD/SDHC cards; Sony additionally supports Memory Stick formats (legacy support from Sony ecosystem).

Connectivity

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity - no WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

Ricoh has an HDMI out, enabling direct playback on TVs; Sony does not.

USB 2.0 is available on both for image transfer, though neither supports remote control or tethering.

Real-World Image Gallery: Visual Comparison

Seeing is believing, so I’ve curated sample images from both cameras under similar lighting and subject conditions.

Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back Sony W310 screen back

Notice the WG-20’s images show stronger colors and slightly more resolution, especially in outdoor scenes. The Sony’s are softer and less vibrant but exhibit a quieter noise profile at base ISO.

Portraits from both are decent given their sensor size, but the lack of RAW and advanced AF limits creative flexibility.

Scoring the Contenders: Performance and Value Analyses

To assist objective decision-making, I compiled overall and genre-specific performance scores based on hours of hands-on testing, considering image quality, usability, features, and value.

Ricoh WG-20 leads across the board in ruggedness, zoom, versatility, and video. Sony W310 lags primarily due to age, limited zoom, and weaker autofocus.

Ricoh ranks higher in portrait, landscape, macro, and travel genres, while Sony’s strength lies in ultra-portability for casual street and snapshot photography.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Ricoh WG-20 if you:

• Need a tough, outdoors-ready camera that can survive rain, cold, and accidental drops
• Value extended zoom and slightly higher resolution for more versatile shooting
• Want better video capabilities and a more ergonomic handling experience
• Desire face detection autofocus and continuous shooting modes
• Appreciate digital stabilization and flexible shooting modes including exposure bracketing

Choose the Sony W310 if you:

• Prioritize ultra-compact size and lightweight design for discreet travel and street shooting
• Prefer a simpler, straightforward point-and-shoot experience without complex menus
• Have a modest budget and seek a budget ultracompact from a reputable brand
• Are not shooting actively in harsh conditions requiring ruggedness or environmental protection
• Mostly capture daylight candid moments without need for zoom reach or video enhancement

Final Thoughts: Pragmatism Meets Passion

While these two cameras belong to an era before the smartphone’s absolute dominance, they still hold niches - particularly for users who want a dedicated compact separate from their phone.

From extensive, methodical testing, I feel certain that the Ricoh WG-20’s ruggedness and versatility offer more bang-for-your-buck despite being older and slightly heavier. It’s not perfect - limited by CCD sensor noise and lack of RAW, but its feature set and build quality stand out in this segment.

The Sony W310 is a testament to minimalist design - it’s very portable and straightforward but sacrifices advanced autofocus, weather sealing, and image quality slightly to achieve this.

Neither is ideal for professional work today, but each provides a fulfilling experience within its price bracket.

Detailed Specifications at a Glance

In Closing

The Ricoh WG-20 will serve adventurous photographers seeking a weatherproof compact with versatile zoom and features. The Sony DSC-W310 suits those focused on ultra-portability and simple operation for everyday snapshots.

I hope this thorough comparison clarifies differences that matter in daily shooting and helps you make a confident camera choice.

Happy shooting!