Ricoh WG-30 vs WG-5 GPS: Tough, Waterproof Compacts Put to the Test

When it comes to rugged cameras that won’t flinch in harsh environments, Ricoh’s WG series has long held a strong reputation among adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts needing durability without sacrificing decent image quality. But with two similarly specced waterproof compacts – the WG-30 and its successor, the WG-5 GPS – how much has improved beyond the model number? I spent weeks shooting with both cameras across a range of scenarios to help you decide which of these robust imager companions deserves a spot in your gear bag.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll unpack their technical cores, ergonomic designs, real-world image and video capture, and importantly, how they hold up across popular photography disciplines. Whether you’re capturing underwater landscapes, snapping wildlife in active sports zones, or just need a go-anywhere shooter for travel, my goal is to provide a no-nonsense, hands-on evaluation to guide your choice.

First Impression and Build: Toughness and Ergonomics

Both cameras are targeted squarely at adventurers and active photographers who demand waterproof, shockproof reliability. The WG-30 and WG-5 GPS share a compact body type, but a side-by-side looks and handling comparison reveals some critical differences in size, weight, and control layout.

The WG-30 is a bit smaller and lighter, coming in at 123 x 62 x 30 mm and just 192 grams. Its controls feel adequate but can get fiddly with gloves. The WG-5 GPS, by contrast, is chunkier and heftier at 125 x 65 x 32 mm and 236 grams, which translates into a more secure grip and better handle of the clubs-for-thumbs types like me.

Turning to the button layout, a glance from above makes it clear there’s been some ergonomic refinements.

The WG-5 GPS sports larger, better-spaced dials and buttons with tactile feedback. It also adds a dedicated shutter speed dial (shutter priority mode) missing from the WG-30 - a nice step up for more control-hungry shooters. Both share a fixed lens mount and fully sealed bodies rated for water, shock, freeze, and crush resistance.

If physical robustness and usable controls in harsh conditions matter (and they do here), the WG-5 GPS edges ahead, while the WG-30 remains a lightweight contender for simpler grab-and-go use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Results?

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor with 16-megapixel resolution.

The WG-30's sensor is a standard CMOS type, while the WG-5 GPS incorporates a back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor - a design known to improve low-light sensitivity and dynamic range by capturing more light efficiently. Although neither camera supports RAW shooting (a common tradeoff in rugged compacts), the WG-5 GPS’ improved sensor brings subtle but visible benefits, especially in dynamic scenes.

In practical testing:

• Portraits: The WG-5 GPS produces slightly cleaner skin tones and a more natural bokeh - likely helped by its faster wide-end aperture (F2.0 vs. F3.5 on the WG-30). Its 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD also aids careful framing and review versus the WG-30’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen.
• Landscape and Outdoor Shots: The WG-5’s sensor handles bright-high contrast conditions with better preservation of highlight and shadow details, confirming BSI sensor benefits. Both cameras struggled similarly at ISO 1600+, showing noisy output, but the WG-5 maintained cleaner images at base sensitivities.
• Color Rendition: Both Ricoh compacts firm up a natural color palette key for nature and travel snaps, but WG-5’s slightly greater bit depth output and sensor design avoid the flatness you sometimes get in the WG-30.

If image quality underpins your decision, especially in challenging light, the WG-5 GPS’s sensor upgrade is worth noting, although neither camera rivals mid-level compacts or interchangeable-lens cameras in detail or noise control.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: When Every Split-Second Counts

For every camera test I perform, I run through autofocus responsiveness across varied situations - from still portraits to active street shooting, which demands quick, reliable focus lock.

Both models share a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking features. However, continuous shooting speed is drastically different:

Yes, the WG-5 GPS’s 14 frames per second burst rate is a game-changer for sports and wildlife, putting it on par with dedicated action cams and entry-level DSLRs. I tested this with a rapid-fire run of motorbike racing shots - the WG-5 GPS nailed sharp frames with steady tracking, while the WG-30 stuttered along at a pedestrian pace.

Autofocus speed is equally notable. The WG-5 GPS zooms in focus faster, with less hunting, while the WG-30 sometimes struggled in dimmer light or moving subjects, despite both cameras having a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

If wildlife, sports, or street photography with fast-moving subjects matter, WG-5 GPS is the clear winner.

LCD Screens and User Interface: More Pixels, More Usability

Because rough environments demand immediate feedback and ease of use, screen design counts for a lot. Here’s what I found.

The WG-5 GPS has a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD, nearly doubling the pixel density of the WG-30’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot display. This sharper, larger screen vastly improves image review on the fly, live view shooting accuracy, and menu navigation.

Both cameras have fixed displays (no articulating or touch features), so shooting from unusual angles is limited. The WG-5 GPS menus feel modernized and more intuitive; the WG-30, meanwhile, lags behind with a slightly clunkier UI.

Video Recording Capabilities: Enough For Casual Creators

Neither camera targets serious video creators, but let’s outline their specs for vloggers or casual footage.

The WG-5 GPS comes out ahead with smoother 720p 60fps capture and superior sensor-shift stabilization minimizing hand shake in video. The WG-30 relies on digital stabilization that can cause noticeable cropping and jitter in footage.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control, and both max out at 1080p - so if cinema-level video is a must, look elsewhere.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Let me walk you through how these two compact toughies perform in the most common and demanding photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• WG-30: Average 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equiv.) and F3.5-5.5 aperture limits shallow depth of field and bokeh effects. Face detection autofocus is functional but somewhat slow, occasionally hunting on shadowed faces.
• WG-5 GPS: Faster F2.0-4.9 lens offers more background blur options, crisper skin tones thanks to improved sensor. Face detection is snappier in practice.

Recommendation: WG-5 GPS for portraits, especially in natural light; WG-30 feels more like a backup shooter here.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras have similar sensor sizes, but dynamic range and resolution impact landscape shots heavily.

• WG-30: Lower resolution 230k screen hampers composition precision. Sensor noise rises quickly at ISO 400+, which is limiting outdoors in low light.
• WG-5 GPS: BSI sensor handles dynamic range better, rendering skies and shadows with more nuance. Better LCD aids in checking sharpness; larger lens zoom range is less but brighter.

Plus, both are weather-sealed and waterproof, but the WG-5 GPS’s newer construction affords slightly better weather resistance ratings.

Winner: WG-5 GPS for sharper outdoor shots, though neither replaces a dedicated landscape camera.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Here’s where the WG-5 GPS flexes:

• 14 fps continuous burst vs. 1 fps on the WG-30
• Faster autofocus with continuous tracking
• Brighter lens improves focus accuracy on moving subjects

The WG-30 can capture wildlife in casual strolls but won’t keep pace with fast action or unpredictable animals.

Street Photography

Portability and discreetness are key here.

• WG-30: Smaller size and lighter weight make it less intrusive, easier to carry around all day.
• WG-5 GPS: Slightly bulkier but faster operation and focus helps capture fleeting moments.

Both lack silent shutter modes, however, so street photographers wanting stealth might be moderately annoyed.

Macro Photography

Close focusing (1 cm) capabilities are similar, but stabilization differences matter.

• WG-30: Digital image stabilization can’t compensate well for hand tremors at macro level.
• WG-5 GPS: Sensor-shift IS delivers steadier shots close-up.

For leaf textures, insects, or fine details in natural settings, the WG-5 GPS’s accuracy wins hands down.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light sensitivity is one weak point for both.

• High ISO noise rises from ISO 400 onwards.
• Longest shutter speed is 4 seconds, which limits star-trail or astrophotography potential.
• Neither offers bulb mode or RAW, severely limiting creative options at night.

If you want to experiment seriously with night or astro, you’d be better off with other dedicated cameras.

Video and Travel Photography

Travelers want versatility:

• The WG-5 GPS has built-in GPS for geo-tagging (absent on WG-30), a nice bonus for documenting trips.
• Battery life: WG-30 is rated for 300 shots; WG-5 GPS clocks in at 240 - expect to carry a spare.
• Video-wise, WG-5 GPS offers smoother and better stabilized clips.

Overall, WG-5 GPS’s increased ruggedness and features better suit active travelers.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras operate with the Ricoh D-LI92 battery pack and use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot. Lack of wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either) may disappoint enthusiasts used to instant sharing, so plan on using USB cable or manually offloading files.

One advantage of the WG-5 GPS here: GPS integration slightly speeds your workflow by embedding location metadata directly.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Getting for Your Dollars?

*Prices approximate and subject to market changes.

For roughly $70 more, WG-5 GPS upgrades include faster shooting, improved image stabilization, and enriched video options - a notable leap forward for serious shooters but potentially overkill if you only need a casual waterproof camera for vacations or poolside fun.

Sample Images: See for Yourself

Comparison isn’t complete without visuals.

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back

These sample crops highlight WG-5 GPS’s better detail retention and cleaner colors in varied lighting, while WG-30 images show a little softness and noise creeping up sooner.

How These Cameras Stack in the Market

When rated on a scale of overall value, shooting performance, and durability, here's how the two compare:

The WG-5 GPS leads comfortably in scoring, reflecting its wider feature set and performance gains.

But if you want to dissect further how each device performs by photography type:

The WG-5 GPS takes top marks in wildlife, sports, and travel contexts whereas the WG-30 remains a decent choice for casual use and budget-conscious day trippers.

Final Thoughts: Which Ricoh Waterproof Compact Should You Buy?

If you’re a serious adventurer or demanding photographer who needs rugged durability combined with faster operation, better autofocus, superior image quality, and modern conveniences like GPS tagging - the Ricoh WG-5 GPS is worth the extra investment. It’s noticeably improved, especially in low-light, action, and video shooting, and now that it’s been replaced by the WG-6, you might snag a favorable price.

However, if budget constraints loom or your shooting needs are more casual – say, poolside family fun, snorkeling snapshots, or light travel documentation without the need for lightning-fast AF and burst rates - then the Ricoh WG-30 still remains a worthy, well-built, waterproof compact camera that punches above its weight in clever ruggedness.

Quick Pros and Cons Recap

Ricoh WG-30

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight, great portability
• Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof build
• Simple interface for casual users
• Good macro focusing distance of 1cm
• Solid battery life (300 shots)

Cons:

• Slow continuous shooting (1 fps)
• Smaller and lower-resolution LCD
• Digital stabilization only, video is less steady
• No GPS or wireless connectivity
• Slower autofocus and less refined control layout

Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Pros:

• Significantly faster 14 fps continuous burst
• Brighter F2.0 lens, better in low light and portraits
• Sensor-shift image stabilization for videos and photos
• Higher resolution, larger 3-inch LCD with better UI
• Built-in GPS for geotagging travel photos
• Shutter priority mode, more exposure control
• Rugged, tactile buttons and improved ergonomics

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• Shorter battery life (~240 shots)
• No RAW support limits post-processing flexibility
• No external mic input, only basic video options

Who Should Buy What?

• Choose the WG-5 GPS if you need a rugged compact camera capable of handling action sports, wildlife, or travel photography where quick AF and continuous shooting count. Also for those valuing better stabilization and tripod-less video.
• Opt for the WG-30 if you’re a casual user focused on waterproof reliability without demanding advanced features or action shooting - your wallet will thank you.

Wrapping Up

Ricoh’s WG series remains a durable, versatile option for photographers who want tough compacts that won’t quit in the rain, waves, or winter cold. The WG-5 GPS notably improves on the WG-30 in crucial performance areas and control ergonomics, making it the smarter buy for enthusiasts looking to push their photography in rugged environments.

But the older WG-30 still holds value for budget-conscious purchasers needing straightforward waterproof reliability. Knowing exactly what shooting situations you prioritize will help steer you to the right model.

Have questions about specific features, or want tips on maximizing your new waterproof camera? Feel free to ask - I’ve spent enough wet, muddy hours in the field with these to give you advice that counts!

Happy shooting and stay adventurous!

© 2024 by a camera reviewer who’s been there, pressed the shutter, and fought the rain (and sometimes lost).