Ricoh WG-20 vs Sony A57

The following is a extended analysis of the Ricoh WG-20 and Sony A57, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-20 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the WG-20 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The WG-20 was released 17 months after the A57 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-20 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the WG-20 matches up against the A57 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-20 & Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh WG-20 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-20 features physical measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

See the Ricoh WG-20 and Sony A57 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the WG-20 versus the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-20 and A57 is 93 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through specifications. The image underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-20 and A57.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The WG-20 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A57 will show more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher WG-20 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.