Ricoh WG-30 vs Samsung NX200: The In-Depth Comparison You Didn’t Know You Needed

Choosing the right camera means balancing your shooting style, budget, and what trade-offs you’re willing to live with. Today, we pit two very different cameras head-to-head: the rugged Ricoh WG-30 waterproof compact and the versatile Samsung NX200 entry-level mirrorless. Although these models hail from different categories, they often come under consideration for photographers craving portability and image quality without breaking the bank. Having tested both extensively, I’m here to break the myths, cut through the specs, and help you pick which camera truly suits your needs.

First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling

At first glance, the Ricoh WG-30 and Samsung NX200 look worlds apart. The WG-30 is a compact, tough little guy with waterproofing and a chunky but pocket-friendly frame designed for the roughest conditions. Meanwhile, the NX200 carries a more traditional rangefinder-style body, reflecting its more serious photographic ambitions and lens interchangeability.

• The WG-30 weighs a mere 192g and measures about 123x62x30 mm - small, light, and built for adventure. It’s a no-nonsense tool with rubberized grips and hardened casing that’ll chuckle at drops, dust, and freezing temps.
• The NX200 tips the scales heavier at 223g but brings more substantial ergonomics (think clubs for your thumbs) and a 117x63x36 mm body that fits neatly in your hands but demands a bag or strap to safely carry.

Controls on the WG-30 are simplified - perfect for quick snaps in hostile environments where toggling settings isn’t your top priority (or even possible with gloves). The NX200, on the other hand, offers more manual dials, customizable buttons, and a slightly more tactile experience, placing it squarely between beginner and enthusiast mirrorless territory.

If you prize durability and fuss-free operation, the WG-30’s ruggedness wins hands-down. For anyone who values handling and control, the NX200 feels like a proper camera designed for actual photographers.

Under the Hood: Sensors and Image Quality

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the gap widens dramatically.

• The Ricoh WG-30 uses a petite 1/2.3” CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels. It’s what you’d expect from a rugged compact: decent for web sharing and snapshots, but limited in dynamic range, color depth, and noise control.
• The Samsung NX200 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, packing a substantial 20 megapixels. It outperforms the WG-30 in resolution, low-light performance, and tonal gradation by miles.

My experience shooting side-by-side confirms this difference. The NX200’s images are sharper, richer, and show finer detail, while the WG-30 struggles in flat, low-contrast scenarios common in landscape and indoor photography.

If image quality is your holy grail, the NX200’s sensor size and processing prowess are undeniable assets. That said, WG-30 shines with vivid color output straight from the JPEG engine and respectable sharpness for such a tiny sensor.

The Screen and Viewfinding: Monitoring and Composing Your Shots

Neither camera comes packing fancy electronic viewfinders (EVF). The WG-30 relies solely on a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution - serviceable but not great for bright outdoor use. The NX200 fits a larger 3-inch OLED screen with a much improved 614k-dot resolution, making image review and live view focusing a more pleasurable task.

Personally, I found the NX200’s screen clarity excellent for framing and checking focus, especially critical in manual lens work. The WG-30’s screen was acceptable for quick framing but felt cramped and sometimes frustrating under sunlight.

The NX200 offers an optional electronic viewfinder add-on for photographers who crave eye-level composition, though it wasn’t particularly widespread and is missing from the WG-30 entirely.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: How Fast Can They Track the Action?

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems with their strengths and limitations.

• The WG-30 sports a 9-point AF system with face detection, but no phase-detect or advanced tracking. Autofocus was accurate for daylight subject captures but slow to lock in dimmer conditions or fast motion, making it a poor choice for any action photography.
• The NX200 doubles the number of AF points to 15 and supports multiple AF modes including selective point focusing, which gave me more creative control. It doesn’t have phase-detection AF but still achieves faster and more reliable focus acquisition, especially for stationary or portrait subjects.

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

For continuous shooting (burst mode), the WG-30 lags with about 1 frame per second (fps) - a snail’s pace! The NX200 clocked a respectable 7 fps burst rate, much more in line with needs of sports, wildlife, or street photographers who want to catch decisive moments.

Therefore, if your photography involves fast movement - think wildlife, sports, or kids running in the park - the NX200 is clearly better equipped to keep up with your creativity.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

One of the biggest differences: fixed lens vs interchangeable lens.

• The WG-30 has a built-in 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens with a modest maximum aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.5. While it covers practical focal lengths, you’re locked into what you get - no swapping lenses, no upgrades.
• The Samsung NX200 uses the Samsung NX mount and has access to a growing range of 32 lenses (at the time), including primes, zooms, macros, and wide-angles, beneficial for specialized photography pursuits and creative flexibility.

Being able to swap lenses dramatically extends the NX200’s shooting possibilities - whether you want a fast 30mm prime for portraits or a telephoto zoom for wildlife. The WG-30’s fixed zoom lens is sufficient for casual travel and landscape snapping, but it won’t satisfy ambitious hobbyists or professionals needing optical variety.

Weatherproofing and Durability: Can Your Camera Take a Beating?

Ruggedness is where the WG-30 earns its stripes unequivocally:

• It’s waterproof (rated to 10 meters), shockproof (up to 1.5m drops), crushproof (up to 100kgf), and freezeproof (down to -10°C), making it an excellent pick for underwater adventures, hiking in inclement weather, or just living an active lifestyle.
• The NX200 lacks any environmental sealing. It’s not meant for rough outdoor use without precautions such as weatherproof lens or protective housing.

I’ve field-tested the WG-30 underwater and in challenging conditions, and it handled everything without a hitch. The NX200 demands more care and is better suited for controlled shooting environments or locations with stable weather.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and What Media?

Both cameras rely on proprietary rechargeable battery packs, but with slightly different performance:

• WG-30 offers about 300 shots per charge - decent for a compact but tight if you're out shooting all day.
• NX200 goes slightly further with 330 shots per charge, thanks to its more efficient electronics and less power-hungry screen.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have one card slot. No surprises or extra bells here.

Video Performance: Should You Shoot Moving Pictures?

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video, but with notable differences:

• WG-30 records 1080p at 30 fps using H.264 codec, with basic video stabilization (digital). No microphone input limits audio quality for serious vlogging or interviews.
• NX200 also captures 1080p at 30 fps plus offers 720p at 60 fps for smoother motion recording (good for slow-motion effects). Encoding options include MPEG-4 and H.264. It lacks mic/headphone jacks, which is a letdown for advanced video creators.

Neither is a video powerhouse, but the NX200’s slightly faster frame rates and codec options make it a better pick if you want occasional video to complement your still photography.

Real-World Photography: Which Camera Shines Where?

Let’s check how these specs translate across main photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• NX200 shines with its higher resolution, superior dynamic range, and lens flexibility. The APS-C sensor does wonders for skin tone gradation and natural bokeh with faster primes. Face detection AF also performs well here.
• WG-30, with a small sensor and fixed lens, produces average portraits. It can render decent colors but struggles with shallow depth of field and background separation.

Landscape Photography

• Low noise, wide dynamic range, and resolution make NX200 preferable for landscapes. Its lack of weather sealing is a consideration but can be mitigated with care.
• While WG-30 is waterproof and rugged, its sensor struggles in low-contrast scenes, and 16MP max resolution limits large print quality.

Wildlife and Sports

• The NX200’s faster autofocus and 7fps burst mode outclass the WG-30’s slow AF and one frame per second rate. Add a telephoto lens, and the NX200 becomes a viable mid-level wildlife camera.
• The WG-30 isn’t designed for sports; it’s more of a casual point-and-shoot.

Macro Photography

• WG-30 offers a 1cm macro focus range, handy for casual close-ups when hiking or diving.
• The NX200 depends on dedicated macro lenses but offers better focusing precision and image quality once paired with the right optic.

Night and Astro Photography

• The NX200’s larger APS-C sensor and native ISO up to 12,800 easily outperform the WG-30’s ISO ceiling of 6,400. Low-light shooting and star capture benefit from less sensor noise and longer exposures.
• The WG-30 is limited here, with digital stabilization and lower dynamic range making night scenes washed out or noisy.

Street Photography

• Consider the WG-30 if you want something discreet, waterproof, and grab-and-go, despite slower AF.
• The NX200 offers better image quality and manual controls but is marginally bigger and demands more attention.

Travel Photography

• The WG-30 is an excellent travel companion for active trips, where ruggedness, waterproofing, and simplicity matter.
• The NX200 is better for travelers prioritizing image quality and creative shooting flexibility, willing to carry lenses and extra gear.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

If pros are reading, here’s the scoop:

• NX200 supports RAW shooting and has larger sensor files suitable for professional retouching workflows.
• The WG-30’s lack of RAW support limits post-processing flexibility.
• Neither camera is weatherproof enough for harsh pro environments (though WG-30 is rugged), and neither is flagship-level in build or speed.
• But if you’re a professional needing a tough, simple backup or underwater compact, the WG-30 has niche value.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - quite common for their vintage. HDMI output is available on both, but USB is limited to 2.0 speeds. Sadly, no GPS out of the box; it’s optional for the NX200.

Pricing and Value: What Does Your Wallet Say?

• The Ricoh WG-30 typically costs around $428 - an affordable rugged compact that won’t leave you crying if it takes a tumble.
• The Samsung NX200, priced nearly double at around $818, justifies its cost with superior imaging, lens choice, and shooting speed.

Worth it? For casual users wanting disaster-proof gear, yes. For serious shooters, the NX200 holds more bang for your buck in image quality but demands more commitment and care.

How They Stack Up by Photography Type

Let’s visualize their strengths per genre (scores out of 10):

Pros and Cons Summary

Ricoh WG-30

Pros:

• Rugged: waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof
• Compact and lightweight with a straightforward interface
• Decent 5x zoom and macro capabilities
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• Slow autofocus and burst rates
• No RAW support
• Basic video and no external mic input
• Limited creative control and fixed lens

Samsung NX200

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor with 20MP raw shooting
• Interchangeable lens system offering creative freedom
• Faster autofocus and 7fps burst shooting
• High-resolution OLED screen
• Better suited for portraits, landscapes, and action photography

Cons:

• No weather sealing; needs care outdoors
• Higher price point
• No built-in flash (requires external)
• No mic/headphone jacks for advanced video work
• Slightly larger and heavier

Final Verdict: Which One Suits You?

If you’re a cheapskate thrill-seeker who needs a camera to survive jungle swims, ski slopes, or accidental drops into puddles without fuss, the Ricoh WG-30 is your trusty sidekick. It’s simple, versatile enough for casual shots, and tough as nails.

Conversely, if you’re a photography enthusiast or semi-pro who demands image quality, manual control, and lens swapping, and don’t mind babying your gear a bit, the Samsung NX200 offers far better technical performance and creative potential, despite lacking ruggedness.

Neither of them are top dogs in 2024’s lineup - after all, these cameras hail from earlier generations - but understanding what you gain and lose with each helps you make a smart choice aligned with your photography goals.

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

A Personal Note From My Testing Bench

I’ve often found these two cameras serve different communities better. On field trips, the WG-30 was a reliable “set and forget” companion that didn’t scare off kids or wildlife with its compact, mute presence. But when I dialed in the NX200 with a fast prime lens in hand, it felt like the gateway to better image-making - rewarding patience and skill rather than rugged survival.

For photographers standing at the crossroads of budget and capability, knowing which camera reflects your priorities - toughness or creative ambitions - will help avoid buyer’s remorse.

Let this comparison be your guide to selecting a camera that best fits your style, budget, and the world you want to capture. No matter which you pick, both offer worthwhile value, just in very different packages.

Happy shooting!