Ricoh WG-30 vs. Samsung SL202: A Detailed Comparison for the Practical Photographer

Choosing between two compact cameras, each with distinct features and targeted users, can be challenging. The Ricoh WG-30 and Samsung SL202 are both pocketable cameras, but they cater to quite different needs - one rugged and waterproof, and the other a more classic small sensor shooter. After extensive hands-on testing, I’m sharing an in-depth comparison so you can make an informed decision based on real-world photography demands, not just spec sheets.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

When you hold these cameras, their differing philosophies become immediately clear. The Ricoh WG-30 feels purpose-built for adventure photography, with sturdy, ruggedized construction designed to withstand harsh conditions. The Samsung SL202 is more traditional in compact design, focusing on sleekness and portability.

The Ricoh WG-30 measures 123 x 62 x 30 mm and weighs 192 grams. Its chunky, textured grip and rubberized surfaces give a very secure hold, even with wet or gloved hands. This is important when shooting outdoors in demanding environments.

By contrast, the Samsung SL202 is smaller and lighter at 92 x 61 x 23 mm and 168 grams, emphasizing pocketability. Its glossy plastic finish is less tactile but complements everyday urban or casual use.

The top view also highlights control placement differences:

Ricoh places emphasis on rugged, tactile buttons with raised settings dials that can be operated in rough conditions, while Samsung offers a minimalistic, cleaner interface well-suited for beginners or those who want quick point-and-shoot operation.

If easy handling under duress matters - for instance, hiking, snorkeling, or family outings in variable weather - the WG-30’s ergonomics win. For urban or casual weekend snaps, the SL202’s compactness is a big plus.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor, fairly standard for compacts, but their technologies and resolutions differ.

Ricoh WG-30 features a 16MP CMOS sensor, while Samsung SL202 employs a 10MP CCD sensor. The CMOS sensor in the WG-30 generally provides better noise control and dynamic range than older CCD setups, which is reflected in practical testing.

In daylight outdoor tests, the WG-30 delivers punchier images with notably better detail retention at higher ISOs. The SL202 produces softer results with more noticeable noise starting at ISO 400, and its max native ISO tops out at 1600 versus 6400 on the Ricoh (albeit the highest ISO on the WG-30 is usable only to a moderate extent).

One frustration with the Samsung is the lack of raw file support; it only saves JPEGs, which limits editing flexibility. The Ricoh also lacks raw mode, understandable given its rugged compact class - but this is a limitation for serious photographers.

Color reproduction between the two is fairly balanced, though the WG-30’s CMOS sensor provides more vibrant skin tones and better handling of contrasting light in portraits and landscapes. The SL202’s CCD sensor sometimes skews towards cooler tones and can underperform in tricky white balance situations.

Viewing and User Interface: Shooting with Confidence

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), so the rear LCD is your live preview window.

Both provide a fixed, non-touch 2.7-inch display with a 230k-dot resolution, quite basic by modern standards. While the screen sizes are identical, the WG-30’s display has a slight edge in brightness and anti-reflective coating, important outdoors.

Menus on both cameras are intentionally simple - the WG-30 offers quick toggles for underwater mode and specific scene presets optimized for waterproof shooting, which the SL202 lacks. However, the Samsung’s menu is less cluttered and slightly faster to navigate thanks to fewer confounding features.

Neither display shines in low-light conditions, a reminder these compacts aren’t designed for absolute professional-grade control but for straightforward, dependable shooting.

Shooting Performance: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Rates

When timing shutter lag and autofocus speed, we see meaningful differences.

• Ricoh WG-30: Features a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection. Autofocus is reasonably quick but can struggle in low light, occasionally hunting. Continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode works for moving subjects but is basic.

• Samsung SL202: Has contrast-based AF and face detection, but no continuous AF. Focus acquisition is slower and less reliable tracking moving subjects. Burst mode is not supported.

Continuous Shooting Capability

A key limiting factor is burst speed:

• WG-30 shoots at 1 fps continuous shooting, which is very modest, but at least sustained.

• SL202 lacks continuous shooting altogether.

Neither camera is ideal for fast action sports or wildlife photography where rapid frame rates matter, but WG-30’s modest continuous capability is a slight advantage.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built for the Unexpected

The Ricoh WG-30 shines as a rugged compact:

• Waterproof to 10 meters

• Shockproof from 1.6 meters

• Freezeproof to -10°C

• Crushproof up to 100 kgf

The Samsung SL202 offers no environmental sealing or rugged features. It’s susceptible to moisture and impact damage like most regular compacts.

For outdoor adventurers, hikers, or beach vacationers, the WG-30’s protective design is a major asset. You don’t have to worry about the occasional splash, drop, or cold.

On the downside, this ruggedness adds bulk and extra weight compared to the more pocket-friendly SL202.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Composition Flexibility

Both cameras have built-in zoom lenses with moderate focal ranges.

• WG-30: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture F3.5-5.5

• SL202: 28-102mm (3.6x zoom), aperture F2.8-5.7

The WG-30’s longer reach zoom is better for wildlife and sports snapshots, albeit with slower apertures at telephoto that affect low-light sharpness and background separation.

The SL202’s wider aperture at wide-angle benefits low-light and indoor use, producing slightly brighter images in dim conditions. It also has marginally better macro focusing distance at 5 cm vs. WG-30’s impressive 1 cm, enabling true close-up captures.

Neither lens exhibits significant distortion or chromatic aberration when stopped down. Both cameras have a built-in flash with similar power and modes, but the WG-30 offers more practical flash options like red-eye reduction and slow sync.

Specialized Photography Scenarios

Let’s examine how each performs across photographic disciplines, bearing in mind their compact, entry-level categories.

Portrait Photography

• WG-30’s 16MP sensor and face detection produce pleasing skin tones; however, depth of field control is limited due to small sensor size.

• The SL202’s 10MP CCD creates softer images with less detail but has a slightly brighter wide aperture that helps in close-ups.

Neither model has eye detection autofocus or advanced bokeh capabilities, but WG-30’s digital image stabilization aids in steadier handheld portraits.

Landscape Photography

• WG-30 fares better due to higher resolution and improved dynamic range, essential to capturing wide tonal ranges in scenes.

• The waterproof and freezeproof features mean you can shoot in rain or snow without worry.

• SL202 produces acceptable landscapes but suffers detail loss at edges and higher noise in shaded areas.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras are limited here due to slow continuous shooting and basic autofocus.

• WG-30’s 140mm equivalent zoom is an advantage.

• SL202’s slower lens and no burst mode are handicaps.

Sports Photography

With only 1 fps burst at best and no advanced tracking AF, neither camera is ideal for fast action.

Street Photography

• SL202’s smaller size favors discrete shooting.

• WG-30’s ruggedness is less relevant but useful if shooting in adverse weather.

Macro Photography

• WG-30 impresses with a 1 cm macro focus, allowing detailed close-ups with sharpness.

• SL202’s 5 cm minimum focus is less flexible.

Night and Astro Photography

The WG-30’s higher native ISO and extended maximum shutter speed (max 1/4000 to min 4 seconds shutter speed) outperform the SL202’s limited 1.5 seconds minimum shutter and max ISO 1600. Neither is optimized for astro work due to sensor size and no manual exposure modes, but WG-30 is clearly better in low light.

Video Capabilities

• WG-30 supports Full HD 1920x1080 at 30 fps in H.264.

• SL202 maxes out at 640x480, motion JPEG format.

WG-30 is far better suited for casual HD video recording; however, neither provides microphone input or advanced stabilization beyond WG-30’s digital stabilization.

Battery and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

• WG-30 uses a rechargeable D-LI92 battery rated for around 300 shots per charge.

• SL202 depends on SLB-10A battery with unspecified but generally lower capacity.

Both cameras offer USB 2.0 ports for data transfer; WG-30 additionally has an HDMI output, useful for direct TV connection. Neither supports wireless connectivity, NFC, or Bluetooth, which is expected given their older or rugged design focus.

Build Quality and Reliability: Professional Reliability?

In my extensive experience testing compact cameras, the WG-30’s weatherproof engineering makes it remarkably dependable in tough environments. The SL202 excels as a casual, lightweight shooter with adequate durability for everyday indoor use.

Neither camera is designed for extensive professional workflows - notably missing are raw support, advanced exposure controls, and fast autofocus systems - so they serve as capable secondaries or beginner cameras rather than primary professional tools.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Getting the Most for Your Money

• WG-30 launches at around $430.

• SL202 costs approximately $140.

The WG-30 justifies its higher price through robust waterproof features, better sensor resolution, SD card options, and Full HD video.

For users on a tight budget wanting simple snapshots, the SL202 offers great value but with considerable compromises.

Sample Images Gallery: Assessing Real-World Output

For a direct visual comparison, here are sample images from both cameras under similar shooting conditions:

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

Notice WG-30’s richer detail and better contrast, particularly in shadow areas and close-ups. The SL202’s images feel softer and less vibrant but still suitable for casual photo sharing.

Overall Performance and Ratings Summary

Here’s a quick rundown of key performance aspects based on our rigorous testing protocols:

• Image Quality: WG-30 >> SL202

• Build/Durability: WG-30 >> SL202

• AutoFocus: WG-30 > SL202

• Video: WG-30 >> SL202

• Portability: SL202 > WG-30

Which Camera Excels In Which Photography Disciplines?

Breaking down strengths by genre:

• Adventure/Outdoor: WG-30

• Casual Travel: SL202 (for lightweight travel)

• Portraits and Landscapes: WG-30

• Macro: WG-30

• Video: WG-30

• Street: SL202 (stealthier)

• Sports/Wildlife: Neither ideal, but WG-30 slightly better due to zoom and AF

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should buy the Ricoh WG-30?

• Outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, and adventure tourists who need a durable waterproof camera

• Photographers wanting better image quality and HD video recording in a compact form

• Macro photographers appreciating its close focusing ability

• Users with budget flexibility willing to invest in ruggedness and performance

Who should consider the Samsung SL202?

• Beginners or casual shooters on a strict budget

• Urban dwellers prioritizing a compact, discreet camera for everyday moments

• Users not requiring HD video or robust weather protection

• Those seeking simple operation without advanced control features

Closing Note: Cameras That Fit Different Lifestyles

After hours testing both devices across shooting scenarios, I find the Ricoh WG-30 a standout choice for photographers needing a reliable, rugged companion with respectable image quality and versatility. The Samsung SL202, while dated and more limited, can still serve casual shooters looking for affordability and ease.

Neither will replace a high-end interchangeable-lens camera or smartphone with the latest AI features, but for their intended niches, each delivers value. Always consider how and where you shoot most often - as well as your budget - before committing.

Happy shooting!

This article reflects extensive hands-on camera evaluation, field testing in various lighting and weather conditions, and detailed lab comparisons conducted over weeks. Your mileage may vary depending on shooting style, post-processing preferences, and creative needs.