Ricoh WG-20 vs Sony WX300: A Hands-on Comparison for Everyday Photographers

As someone who’s tested hundreds of compact cameras over the years, I approach comparisons like this with a mix of technical scrutiny and practical expectations. The Ricoh WG-20 and Sony Cyber-shot WX300 don’t compete in exactly the same arena, yet both appeal to photographers craving pocketable, versatile cameras without the bulk or complexity of interchangeable lenses. Let me take you through a detailed journey breaking down their design, imaging performance, and real-world usability, highlighting nuances that only emerge through hands-on use. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera fits your photography style, be it urban streets, rugged hikes, or casual family portraits.

Feeling the Bodies: Size, Shape, and Handling

The physical interface between you and a camera is surprisingly important. Ergonomics affect shooting comfort, stability, and even the spontaneity of your compositions.

The Ricoh WG-20 is built primarily for harsh conditions and adventure, and it shows. Weighing just 164g and measuring 114 × 58 × 28 mm, it’s compact but ruggedly designed with environmental sealing that promises waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof protection. This focus on durability translates to a grip that feels rubberized and secure, crucial when shooting in wet or cold environments or while on the move.

On the other hand, the Sony WX300 tips the scale at 166g but measures slightly smaller at 96 × 55 × 25 mm. It’s a slender, sleek design that fits neatly into a jacket pocket or purse. Unlike the Ricoh, it lacks weather sealing, so it’s better suited for everyday urban shooting and travel in dry conditions.

When I handled both side-by-side, the WG-20 afforded me a confident grasp during a rainy morning hike, with button feedback that remained tactile even when wearing gloves. The WX300, while more elegant, feels somewhat delicate and better suited to controlled conditions.

The control layout favors simplicity on the Ricoh - fewer customizable buttons but straightforward navigation. Meanwhile, the Sony offers a slightly more refined button array with quick access to zoom and playback functions, but the smaller size makes for tighter button spacing, sometimes hindering fast one-handed operation.

Top Deck and Interface: What Your Fingers Encounter

A camera’s top plate and interface design can influence speed and spontaneity, especially on the street or fast-paced shoots.

Here, the Ricoh WG-20 keeps it minimal - a mode dial is absent, emphasizing an automated, point-and-shoot experience. Power and shutter buttons dominate, complemented by a flash pop-up and playback controls on the rear. The lack of advanced exposure modes (no aperture or shutter priority) means less manual tweaking but also reduces learning curve complexity.

The Sony WX300 does not include manual exposure modes either; however, it has a zoom rocker integrated around the shutter release, allowing smooth focal length adjustments between 25-500 mm equivalent. This long zoom range bestows great optical reach, which I found invaluable when shooting candid street scenes or distant subjects without hopping around physically.

While neither camera features a touchscreen or customizable buttons, the WX300’s slightly larger 3” screen (460k dots) versus the Ricoh’s 2.7” (230k dots) means better framing and focus confirmation in varied lighting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” sensor size but differ significantly in sensor type, resolution, and expected image quality.

The Ricoh WG-20 employs a 14MP CCD sensor, a technology that’s somewhat dated but historically strong for vibrant color rendition under sufficient lighting. However, the CCD sensor generally lags behind CMOS counterparts in noise performance at higher ISO settings and speed.

In contrast, the Sony WX300 boasts an 18MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. BSI-CMOS sensors excel in light gathering efficiency, delivering cleaner images with better dynamic range and low-light sensitivity. The WX300 also supports a max native ISO of 3200, half the Ricoh’s scantly usable 6400 ISO ceiling, but with considerably superior noise control up to ISO 1600.

When putting both cameras on test charts and in real-world outdoor shoots, the Sony distinctly outperformed the Ricoh in clarity, edge detail, and color accuracy, especially in shadow recovery and twilight shots. The Ricoh’s CCD sensor displayed softness in low light and evident noise creeping beyond ISO 400, which reflects its intended use for bright daylight adventures rather than dim scenarios.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Electronic Viewfinders

Neither camera includes an electronic or optical viewfinder - an expected omission in this category - making the LCD screen the primary tool for composing.

The Sony WX300’s 3-inch 460k dot LCD works well outdoors, with decent anti-reflective coating and crisp previews. Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio facilitates framing for video and stills alike.

The Ricoh WG-20 uses a smaller 2.7-inch 230k dot fixed TFT LCD, which I found dimmer and harder to see under direct sunlight, requiring careful angling or shading. The absence of live histogram or focus peaking also makes critical focus confirmation trickier.

In scenarios where the Ricoh’s sturdiness and waterproof capabilities shine - say a splashing creek or cold mountain summit - I was willing to accept the display compromise, but if detailed image review or manual focus precision is important, the Sony’s screen offers a more satisfying experience.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

For action, street, or wildlife photography, autofocus speed and accuracy are paramount.

The Ricoh WG-20 features a contrast-detection AF system with nine focus points, face detection, and continuous AF. It supports basic tracking but lacks phase-detection or hybrid autofocus, so slow-moving subjects are generally manageable, but fast action will often result in missed focus or hunting.

Conversely, the Sony WX300 uses a contrast-detection AF optimized by its BSI-CMOS sensor with face detection and tracking, although it foregoes continuous AF during video recording. It supports a faster burst shooting rate of 10fps (versus 1fps on the Ricoh), making it more capable of capturing fleeting moments in sports or street environments.

From my field tests photographing children playing soccer and a bustling market scene, the Sony’s autofocus repeatedly nailed sharp results on the first try. The Ricoh struggled to keep up, locking focus slightly behind the motion and reducing keeper shots.

Lens Flexibility and Zoom Range

Both cameras sport fixed lenses but differ heavily in focal length reach and aperture.

The Ricoh WG-20 lens covers 28-140 mm equivalent at a max aperture of f/3.5-5.5, fixed optical zoom 5×. The wide end is usable for landscapes and group shots, but the telephoto is limited for distant subjects. Notably, the WG-20 shines with a super-close macro focus range starting at 1 cm, enabling intimate detailed shots rarely feasible on compacts. Combined with digital image stabilization, it’s handy for nature close-ups and textures.

The Sony WX300, meanwhile, stretches from 25-500 mm equivalent, f/3.5-6.5 aperture with 20× zoom. This extreme telephoto reach allows capturing wildlife or architectural details far off, delivering more compositional versatility. However, the narrower aperture and long zoom compromise some low-light and bokeh quality, especially at the 500 mm end.

For portraits, neither camera will produce creamy bokeh akin to lenses with wider apertures and larger sensors, but the WG-20’s shorter telephoto range and macro capabilities result in smoother background separation at close distances.

Video Recording and Multimedia: Beyond Still Photos

Video specs play an increasingly important role in decision making today.

The Ricoh WG-20 records HD video at 1280×720 pixels and 30fps max in Motion JPEG format, an older codec resulting in larger files and less efficient compression. It lacks stereo microphones, headphone jacks, or modern stabilization during video - only digital IS applies - limiting smoothness and audio quality.

In contrast, the Sony WX300 shoots full HD at 1920×1080 up to 60fps, encoded in AVCHD, a more efficient and visually pleasing format. Optical image stabilization aids steadier handheld recordings, and though microphone input ports are absent, the video quality is generally more usable for casual vlogs or family events.

Neither camera has 4K support or advanced video features like zebra patterns or manual exposure controls during recording, consistent with their consumer-oriented market positions.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Who Can Bravely Accompany You

If you often shoot outdoors or in challenging environments, camera toughness and weatherproofing become prime considerations.

The Ricoh WG-20 is notably waterproof (down to 10 meters), shockproof (up to 1.5 meters), freezeproof (to −10 °C), and crushproof (barely). This ruggedness is a distinct advantage for adventure photographers, hikers, and those drawn to underwater or snowy terrain shooting without adding bulky housing.

The Sony WX300 offers no official weather sealing or drop resistance, so it’s best kept clear of rain, dust, or rugged conditions.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity: How Long and How Easily

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable battery packs, but the Ricoh’s D-LI92 model claims around 260 shots per charge, whereas the Sony’s battery (NP-BX1) is rated slightly lower (exact official count varies). In practice, I found both cameras manageable for daily outings, but neither is stellar for extended shoots without recharging or spare batteries.

On storage, both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Sony also supports Memory Stick formats, offering some legacy flexibility.

Connectivity wise, the Sony WX300 includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing, a significant feature for today’s social media-savvy users. The Ricoh has no wireless options, relying solely on USB 2.0 connection or manual card transfers.

Performance Summaries and Final Analysis

After thoroughly testing both cameras in city streets, nature settings, and casual portraits, I compiled overall scoring metrics considering image quality, speed, features, and value.

Further breaking down strengths per photography genre:

This transparent scoring helps illustrate that:

• The Ricoh WG-20 excels in outdoor adventure, macro photography, and rugged conditions where durability trumps image finesse.
• The Sony WX300 shines in street, travel, sports, and video thanks to advanced sensor tech, longer zoom, faster AF, and better screen.

Practical Insights By Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

While neither camera is a portrait specialist, the Ricoh WG-20’s macro capabilities enable lovely close-up shots with soft background falloff, great for expressive detail studies. Its face detection helps but less so than the Sony’s.

The Sony WX300 provides more resolution to crop and finer detail retention. However, the long zoom’s narrow apertures limit bokeh quality; for environmental portraits, it suffices well.

Landscape Photography

The Sony’s 18MP BSI-CMOS offers better dynamic range to capture rich skies, and its higher resolution aids large prints.

The Ricoh’s waterproof body allows shooting waterfalls or rainy scenes with peace of mind. But softer images and lower resolution restrict fine detail.

Wildlife and Sports

The Sony WX300 is superior for wildlife and sports due to its 20× zoom and 10fps burst. Autofocus is more reliable for moving subjects.

The Ricoh’s 5× zoom and slow burst rate make it ill-suited for fast action, better reserved for casual snapshots.

Street and Travel

Sony’s compact size, zoom, and image quality make it preferable for street and travel photography.

Ricoh’s bulkier, rugged shell is less discreet but perfect for adventurous travel into wet or rugged locations.

Macro and Night/Astro

Ricoh WG-20’s 1cm macro focus is a clear differentiator for flower and texture close-ups.

Both perform modestly in low light, but Sony’s cleaner high ISO is advantageous for night scenes, though neither is astrocamera-ready.

My Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re an outdoorsy enthusiast who needs a robust, waterproof camera that won’t hesitate to go underwater or withstand drops, and you treasure macro photography for nature, then the Ricoh WG-20 is a sound pick. It offers dependable ruggedness and intuitive simplicity, ideal for casual adventures and family hikes.

Alternatively, if you favor image quality, zoom flexibility, and faster autofocus for urban shooting, travel, and social content creation, plus better video features, then the Sony WX300 stands out as a more versatile all-rounder compact camera suitable for everyday and semi-professional use.

Both cameras are budget-friendly, priced under $400 at launch, but diverge sharply in performance priorities. Your choice boils down to whether you prioritize durability and unique macro capability (Ricoh) or image quality and zoom range with better shooting speed (Sony).

Final Thoughts on Value and Legacy

Neither camera supports raw capture, limiting post-processing freedom - a concession to size and simplicity. Still, both produce JPEGs with pleasing colors out of the box.

The Ricoh WG-20 is somewhat of a niche product tailored to adventure seekers, and its older CCD sensor reflects its 2014 design era and rugged intent.

The Sony WX300, introduced a year earlier (2013), represents a solid all-around compact zoom with better sensor tech and multimedia features that still hold up well for casual photographers today.

Given rapid advances since these models launched, if you’re seeking modern connectivity or video prowess, newer options with touchscreen, 4K, and integrated wireless are available, often at a slightly higher cost.

Bringing It All Together

This detailed comparison should equip you to make a confident choice based on how and where you plan to shoot. I’ve personally put both cameras through their paces in diverse environments - dusty trails, bustling markets, dim interiors, and misty waterfalls - to assess their strengths authentically.

I hope my insights into ergonomics, sensor technology, autofocus performance, and real-world shooting scenarios clarify which camera aligns best with your photographic journey. And remember, the best camera is ultimately the one you actually carry, trust, and enjoy using day after day.

Ricoh WG 20 front Ricoh WG 20 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Thank you for reading this in-depth exploration. If you have questions or want to share your own experiences with these cameras, don’t hesitate to connect below. Happy shooting!