Ricoh WG-30 vs. Sony A99 II: An Exhaustive Comparison for Informed Camera Buyers

Choosing the right camera often feels like navigating between polar opposites - compact ruggedness versus professional-grade sophistication, affordability versus high-end investment, simple point-and-shoot functionality versus advanced manual control. Today, we dissect two cameras that seemingly occupy entirely distinct ecosystems: the compact, waterproof Ricoh WG-30, announced in late 2014, and the powerhouse full-frame Sony Alpha A99 II, launched in 2016.

This detailed comparison article draws from over 15 years of hands-on experience and rigorous camera testing, using systematic benchmarks, real-world shooting scenarios, and technical evaluations. The goal is to provide photographers and enthusiasts with a clear understanding of how these cameras perform across multiple disciplines - portraiture, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night shooting, video, travel, and professional workflows - so you can make your next camera purchase decision confidently and effectively.

First Impressions: Build, Design, and Physical Handling

Before diving into sensor specs or autofocus intricacies, the physical characteristics fundamentally influence your daily interaction with any camera.

Ricoh WG-30: Durable Compactness for Adventure Photography

The WG-30 is purpose-built as a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof compact camera with a 123 x 62 x 30 mm body weighing just 192 grams - extremely portable and ready for environments where ruggedness is paramount. Its polycarbonate chassis emphasizes durability over premium hand feel but offers secure grip zones and user-friendly button placement. Importantly, the camera features environmental sealing designed to withstand immersion and physical impact that can derail most consumer cameras.

Key ergonomic takeaway: Its small size and tough build make it an ideal solution for travelers, hikers, and outdoor photographers unwilling to compromise on resilience.

Sony A99 II: Robust Mid-Size DSLR with Professional Ergonomics

By contrast, the Sony A99 II comes in a larger mid-size DSLR form factor at 143 x 104 x 76 mm and 849 grams (body-only), reflecting its professional ambitions. The magnesium alloy chassis is weather-sealed but does not claim waterproofing or shockproof capabilities, emphasizing careful handling in controlled environments.

Its deep grip, numerous dedicated dials, a top screen providing status readout, and customizable buttons cater to professional shooters demanding precise control at their fingertips. The design prioritizes stability and balance when paired with heavy professional telephoto lenses.

User consideration: For those accustomed to DSLR or high-end mirrorless cameras, the A99 II offers reassuring handling and extensive tactile control essential for intensive shooting days.

Sensor Technology: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Arguably the most critical determinant of image quality lies in sensor technology - both in absolute terms (sensor size and resolution) and sensor performance (noise control, dynamic range).

Ricoh WG-30: Modest 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

The WG-30 employs a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), with a surface area of about 28.07 mm² - a typical size for advanced compact cameras. It outputs 16MP images at 4608 x 3456 pixels, featuring an anti-aliasing filter. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 125 to 6400, though practical use beyond ISO 800 can introduce noticeable noise due to the sensor's limited light-collecting area.

This sensor is not DxOMark tested, reflecting its positioning in the compact terrain. While adequate for snapshots and sharing, it lacks the tonal latitude and low-light finesse characteristic of larger sensors.

Sony A99 II: High-Resolution Full-Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor

Sony’s A99 II features a gargantuan 35.9 x 24 mm full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor - the same dimension found in professional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras - yielding an impressively sharp 42.4MP resolution (7952 x 5304 pixels). Eliminating the anti-alias filter (no OLPF) improves resolution further.

The native ISO range is 100 to 25600, expandable to 50-102400, which coupled with advanced BSI (Back-Illuminated Sensor) design dramatically enhances low-light capability and dynamic range, validated by DxOMark results (overall score 92, color depth 25.4 bits, dynamic range 13.4 EV, low-light ISO 2317).

Technical insight: Larger sensor area combined with BSI architecture means vastly improved photon gathering, reduced noise, and finer tonal gradations, critical for professional-grade image output.

Autofocus and Metering Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Point Coverage

Autofocus (AF) performance dictates a camera's ability to track moving subjects and maintain sharp focus rapidly. It is especially crucial for wildlife, sports, and fast-paced reportage photography.

Ricoh WG-30: Basic Contrast-Detection AF with Face Detection

The WG-30 uses a CMOS sensor with contrast-detection autofocus across 9 focus points. It supports continuous AF, single AF, tracking AF, and face detection but lacks phase-detection AF or sophisticated AF area selection. The AF system is adequate for static subjects but shows sluggishness and hunting struggles when tracking fast-moving objects or in low contrast scenes.

Limited to center-weighted and spot metering, the exposure system is simple, fitting its compact, casual-grade positioning.

Sony A99 II: Advanced Hybrid Phase-Detection System with 399 AF Points

The A99 II sports a revolutionary 399 phase-detection AF points with 79 cross-type sensors on the full-frame sensor plane, supplemented by contrast detection for live view. This hybrid AF technology provides blazing fast focus acquisition and superior tracking accuracy, particularly impressive in continuous tracking burst modes.

Selective, multi-area, center, and face detection AF modes (minus animal eye AF) are included. Exposure metering is comprehensive, offering multi-segment, spot, and average metering with fine exposure compensation (+/-5 EV).

Real-world outcome: The Sony's AF system excels in sports, wildlife, and any situation demanding reliable capture of fleeting moments, whereas the WG-30 is better suited to still subjects or casual use.

Lens and Mount Ecosystem: Versatility and Compatibility

The lens system shapes the breadth of photographic possibilities a camera supports.

Ricoh WG-30: Fixed 28-140mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens

This ultra-compact camera features a fixed lens with a 5x zoom equivalent to 28-140mm on 35mm terms (focal length multiplier ~5.8). It covers wide-angle to medium telephoto but remains limited by relatively slow aperture values, impacting background separation and low-light shooting.

Macro focusing is impressive, reaching as close as 1cm, benefiting close-up and nature shooters seeking fine detail.

No lens interchangeability or accessory lens supports constrain creative flexibility.

Sony A99 II: Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount with 143 Native Lenses

The A99 II leverages the venerable Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with an extensive lens library of 143 native optics including modern Sony G Master, Zeiss lenses, and legacy Minolta glass.

This vast ecosystem supports everything from ultra-wide-angle, super-telephoto, macro, tilt-shift lenses, to specialized cinema glass, empowering photographers from portraiture to sports and astrophotography.

The mount’s mechanical and electronic interfaces ensure full communication, enabling autofocus, aperture control, optical stabilization, and metadata recording through third-party lenses.

In practice: The Sony’s interchangeable lens ecosystem is a decisive advantage for professionals and serious enthusiasts requiring specialized optics.

Display and Viewfinder Usability: Composing and Reviewing Images

Display technology and viewfinder quality impact both shooting comfort and accuracy of image evaluation.

Ricoh WG-30: Fixed 2.7" 230k-Dot LCD Screen, No Viewfinder

The WG-30 is equipped with a modest 2.7-inch non-touch fixed LCD screen, exhibiting a low resolution of 230k dots - sufficient for basic framing and playback but challenging under bright sun or for critical focus assessment.

It lacks any form of optical or electronic viewfinder, obliging frame composition via the rear screen - a typical limitation in small compact cameras.

Sony A99 II: Articulated 3" 1230k-Dot LCD and High-Resolution Electronic Viewfinder

Sony’s advanced 3-inch fully articulated LCD screen offers 1,229k dots resolution, enabling precise focus check and menu navigation, even in awkward shooting angles. This vari-angle design enhances shooting creativity, particularly for macro, vlogging, or complex perspectives.

The 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification rivals optical viewfinders in clarity and brightness, providing an immersive frameline with real-time exposure preview.

User experience: Professionals demand reliable, bright, and informative viewfinders, where Sony excels far beyond the WG-30’s restrained rear LCD.

Shooting Speed and Continuous Performance

High frame rates and buffer depth are vital for action and wildlife photographers chasing decisive moments.

Ricoh WG-30: Singular 1 fps Continuous Shooting

The WG-30’s continuous shooting caps at roughly 1 frame per second, with no electronic shutter or burst acceleration. This severely limits its use in fast-action contexts.

Sony A99 II: Rapid 12 fps Mechanical Shutter Burst

In stark contrast, the A99 II delivers up to 12 continuous frames per second, utilizing a sophisticated electronic first curtain shutter. Paired with a deep buffer and fast SD card interfaces, it supports sustained bursts suited for sports, wildlife, and reportage photography.

Weather Sealing and Durability Under Diverse Conditions

While the WG-30 is waterproof and crushproof, the A99 II’s weather sealing guards primarily against dust and moisture in controlled environments but offers no waterproof rating or shock resistance.

Users working in extreme outdoor adventure scenarios will find the WG-30’s ruggedness unique, while studio and field professionals benefit from the A99 II’s robust weather-resistant body paired with professional-grade lenses.

Battery Life and Storage Configurations

Longevity and data flexibility are key logistics considerations.

Ricoh WG-30: Moderate 300 Shots Per Charge, Single SD Slot

Powered by a proprietary battery pack, the WG-30 manages around 300 shots per single charge - typical for compacts but constraining for extended excursions. Storage is supported by a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot with internal memory fallback.

Sony A99 II: Extended 490 Shots Per Charge, Dual Memory Slots

The A99 II employs the NP-FM500H battery delivering roughly 490 frames per charge under CIPA standard testing, augmented by energy-efficient circuitry.

Dual card slots facilitate backup storage, extended capacity, and flexible file management - essential for professional shoots and workflow integrity.

Connectivity and Data Transfer Capabilities

Modern cameras increasingly rely on wireless and wired interfaces for rapid sharing and tethered operations.

Ricoh WG-30: Basic USB 2.0 and HDMI, No Wireless

This camera includes USB 2.0 for data transfer and HDMI output but lacks built-in wireless or Bluetooth connectivity.

Sony A99 II: Comprehensive Built-In WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC

The A99 II offers built-in wireless connectivity including WiFi for remote control via smartphone or app, Bluetooth for background pairing, and NFC for streamlined device connections. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports support tethered shooting and external monitors.

Video Functionality: Resolutions, Formats, and Audio Controls

Video capability is increasingly vital, from casual to professional applications.

Ricoh WG-30: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, H.264, No External Mic Input

The WG-30 records Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 30 fps using H.264 compression. Stabilization is digital-only, movement in footage may appear somewhat jittery especially during walking shots. No microphone or headphone jacks limit audio quality options.

Sony A99 II: 4K UHD (3840x2160) at Top Quality, Professional Video Support

Sony’s A99 II supports up to 4K UHD recording (3840x2160) in various codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S), offering greatly enhanced video resolution and bitrates suitable for serious videographers and hybrid shooters.

The camera features 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that greatly reduces shutter shake during hand-held shooting. Additionally, microphone and headphone ports provide precise audio monitoring and recording control.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Breakdown

Let’s examine how these cameras perform across popular photographic disciplines, providing the photography-type cameras scores to ground these assessments.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Limited by fixed lens F3.5-5.5 aperture, small sensor noise at higher ISOs, and moderate bokeh quality. Face detection aids framing but autofocus can be slow.
• Sony A99 II: Superb 42.4MP sensor delivers exquisite skin tones and fine details. Fast, accurate eye-detection AF ensures sharp focus on portraits. Wide aperture lenses possible.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Sensor small, thus limited dynamic range; works under favorable lighting. Weathersealing adds ruggedness for field conditions.
• Sony A99 II: Full-frame, wide dynamic range (13.4 EV), high resolution enables large prints. Weather-sealed build supports hardy outdoor shooting with a complete lens arsenal.

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Slow 1 fps continuous, focus hunting affects action shots. Telephoto reach up to 140mm equiv. insufficient for distant subjects.
• Sony A99 II: 12 fps continuous, advanced AF tracking, paired with pro telephoto lenses, can expertly capture fast-moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Unsuitable due to slow burst and limited AF.
• Sony A99 II: High frame rate and phase-detection AF excelling under rapidly changing conditions.

Street Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Compact and discreet, weatherproof for rainy or dusty urban environments. Good portability.
• Sony A99 II: Bulkier and noisier with DSLR shutter, less discreet but superior image quality if portability trade-off acceptable.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Macro focus down to 1 cm enables detailed close-ups.
• Sony A99 II: Interchangeable macro lenses with precise focus and stabilization make it highly versatile.

Night and Astrophotography

• Ricoh WG-30: Noise buildup tightens ISO ceiling; limited exposure controls.
• Sony A99 II: Wide ISO 100-102400 usable, sensor offers exceptional low-light performance.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh WG-30: Basic Full HD recording with digital stabilization.
• Sony A99 II: Professional 4K video, stabilized sensor, full audio interface.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Lightweight, rugged, waterproof - a reliable partner in unpredictable travel conditions.
• Sony A99 II: Offers versatility and high image quality but at a larger size and weight penalty.

Professional Workflows

• Ricoh WG-30: No RAW support limits post-processing; entry-level suitability.
• Sony A99 II: Full RAW DNG support, dual card slots, tethering and wireless capabilities support professional workflows.

Final Performance Scoring and Value Assessment

The Sony A99 II stands out as a top-tier professional camera, with impeccable image quality, speed, and versatility, reflected in its high DxOMark scores and industry accolades. Conversely, the Ricoh WG-30 answers a niche need: a durable, simple, waterproof compact designed for casual and adventure photographers with a modest budget.

For budget-minded users prioritizing rugged portability over image quality, the WG-30 excels. For professionals or enthusiasts demanding high resolution, fast autofocus, and multi-genre capabilities, the A99 II is the camera to beat - albeit at a price point nearly eight times the WG-30’s.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

User Profile	Recommended Camera	Reasoning
Adventure and travel amateurs	Ricoh WG-30	Waterproof, tough, pocketable, and easy to use with sufficient zoom and stabilization
Serious portraits & landscapes	Sony A99 II	Full-frame quality, exceptional dynamic range, lens flexibility, and professional control
Wildlife & Sports shooters	Sony A99 II	Fast burst, advanced AF points, and telephoto lens ecosystem
Street and casual shooters	Ricoh WG-30 or Sony A99 II*	WG-30 for discreet rugged use; A99 II if image quality and manual control matter more
Video content creators	Sony A99 II	4K video, microphone/headphone jacks, and 5-axis IS for solid professional video
Macro enthusiasts	Sony A99 II	Accessory lenses and precision AF for critical macro work

*Street photographers valuing discretion may prefer compactness of WG-30, but A99 II’s image fidelity could entice those who carry heavier setups.

Conclusion: Align Your Purchase with Practical Priorities

The Ricoh WG-30 and Sony A99 II embody fundamentally different camera philosophies and user segments. The WG-30 is a compact, waterproof rugged camera optimized for casual, outdoor, and travel photographers eager for protection and simplicity without high-end complexity or cost. The Sony A99 II is a heavyweight, technologically advanced full-frame DSLR designed for professionals and advanced enthusiasts demanding peerless image quality, speed, and versatility across all photographic genres, including high-end video production.

Understanding your shooting environment, priorities, and budget will guide you to the camera that best fits your workflow rather than chasing specs in isolation. Both cameras excel in their domains but differ widely in capabilities and price.

We hope this comprehensive comparison has illuminated their key attributes and real-world performance, helping you confidently step into your next photographic adventure.