Head-to-Head: Ricoh WG-30 vs Sony NEX-3 - Which Camera Deserves Your Attention?

In the vast world of digital cameras, choosing the right model can be overwhelming - especially when two cameras seem to occupy very different niches. The Ricoh WG-30 and Sony NEX-3 offer starkly contrasting designs and capabilities, yet each brings unique value to the table. Having extensively tested both cameras in the field across various photographic disciplines, I’ll take you through an in-depth, hands-on comparison. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which camera is best suited for your photographic ambitions.

The Basics: Understanding the Cameras’ DNA

Before diving into real-world performance, it’s essential to appreciate what each camera fundamentally represents.

• Ricoh WG-30: A rugged, waterproof compact boasting a fixed zoom lens and designed for action, adventure, and underwater photography.
• Sony NEX-3: An entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) that delivers higher image quality and manual control, aimed at enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or compacts.

Knowing their heritage guides interpretation of their technical specs and use scenarios. I’ve spent hours with both, testing everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, with particular attention to their key selling points: durability and simplicity for the WG-30; image quality and versatility for the NEX-3.

Size, Design, and Handling: Grip and Controls in Your Hands

Right out of the gate, the Ricoh WG-30 is built to endure the elements. It sports a compact, solid chassis measuring 123x62x30 mm and weighing a mere 192 grams, thanks to its plastic build reinforced for waterproofness, shockproofing, freeze-proofing, and crush resistance. It fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag, making it ideal for active scenarios where protection is paramount.

The Sony NEX-3, by contrast, is bigger at 117x62x33 mm and heavier - about 297 grams without a lens - owing to its mirrorless body accommodating interchangeable optics and an APS-C sensor. Its design recalls a mini rangefinder, with a simple but effective grip. While not as rugged as the WG-30, it feels more substantial and “professional” in the hand.

From a control standpoint, the WG-30 keeps it simple with straightforward buttons and minimal dials, all sealed under rubberized covers. No touchscreen and no customization options - but that’s a deliberate tradeoff for water resistance. The 2.7-inch, low-res LCD can be a bit frustrating in bright sunlight and lacks flexibility.

Meanwhile, the NEX-3 sports a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution, making live view composition crisp and comfortable. Its menu system is typical Sony - modestly complex but with logical navigation. The camera offers dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, focus mode, and shooting modes, appealing to those who want creative input.

Sensors and Image Quality: Pixel Warfare

If image quality is paramount, the NEX-3’s larger APS-C sensor (23.4x15.6mm) dramatically outperforms the WG-30’s 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17x4.55mm). With over 365 mm² sensor area versus just 28 mm², the Sony gathers substantially more light. Despite the WG-30’s 16-megapixel count being marginally higher than NEX’s 14MP, pixel size and sensor tech count far more in real-world quality.

In practical terms, the NEX-3 delivers richer colors, finer detail, greater dynamic range (about 12 EV at base ISO), and far cleaner high-ISO performance (native ISO up to 12,800 with usable results up to 1600-3200 ISO indoors). The WG-30 struggles beyond ISO 400, where noise and detail softness become noticeable - not surprising given its tiny sensor and digital stabilization.

Shooting landscapes or portraits, the NEX-3’s ability to render subtle tonal gradations and depth is a significant advantage. I captured files in RAW on the Sony, opening a world of post-processing flexibility unavailable on the WG-30’s JPEG-only output. This makes the Sony highly recommended for enthusiasts who want to refine their images or print large.

Compose Your Shot: Display and Interface

Though the WG-30’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD is sufficient for casual framing, its low resolution (230k dots) and lack of touch or articulation make it challenging in difficult lighting or creative angles. It’s a fixed, basic window - which is consistent with the camera’s rugged ethos.

The NEX-3’s tiltable 3-inch LCD with 920k dots provides considerable advantage. Tilting the screen up or down enables comfortable low or high angle shooting, critical for street or travel photography. Despite lacking a viewfinder, the ample screen resolution helps maintain composition precision.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder - less of a surprise given their market positioning and price points - but the NEX-3’s higher screen quality and tilt mechanism improve usability quite noticeably.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

For fast-moving subjects, autofocus performance and burst speed are decisive.

The Ricoh WG-30 uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection but lacks phase-detect autofocus. I found it generally reliable in good light but prone to hunting or slow focus lock in dim conditions, especially underwater or at macro distances. Its continuous shooting speed is a pedestrian 1 fps, meaning fast action or rapid burst sequences are out of reach.

Contrastingly, Sony NEX-3 leverages a 25-point contrast-detection AF array (no phase-detect yet in this early Sony mirrorless), delivering snappier lock times and more precise selective focus. The camera supports continuous shooting at up to 7 fps, enabling decent sports and wildlife capture in bright conditions. Face detection is present (and quite effective), but no animal eye AF or advanced tracking modes.

Overall, if sports or wildlife photography is in your ambitions, the NEX-3 offers a clear edge in responsiveness and burst capability.

Lenses and Optical Abilities: Zoom, Macro, and Beyond

One of the fundamental differences is Ricoh’s fixed lens vs Sony’s interchangeable system.

• WG-30 sports a 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) 5x optical zoom lens with f/3.5–5.5 aperture and a macro mode capable of focusing as close as 1cm from the subject.
• NEX-3, with its Sony E-mount, boasts compatibility with an extensive lens catalog - over 120 compatible lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes and fast standard zooms to lengthy telephotos suitable for wildlife and sports.

The WG-30’s lens is versatile for casual use, and its macro mode is surprisingly fun for close-up shots, offering decent details within its compact limits. However, image sharpness softens notably toward the telephoto end, and aperture limits hinder low-light flexibility.

On the other hand, the NEX-3’s lens ecosystem enables the photographer to tailor the system to specific needs - fast primes for portraits with creamy bokeh, ultra-wide zooms for landscapes, macro lenses for close-up work, and telephoto zooms reaching beyond 300mm equivalent. This adaptability is a compelling reason to choose the NEX-3 for serious photography.

Evaluating Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

If you’re an adventurous photographer, there’s no ignoring the WG-30’s rugged construction and weather sealing. Certified waterproof to 10m, shockproof from 1.5m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, and crushproof under 100kg of force, this camera is a digital tank. Use it snorkeling, underwater hiking, or in snowy conditions without a housing - a distinct advantage for outdoors enthusiasts.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-3 offers no environmental sealing and requires careful handling in harsh environments. Its body is compact and lightweight but vulnerable to dust and moisture. If you’re in rugged conditions, protecting the camera with a weather-resistant bag or shell is necessary.

Handling in Different Photography Styles

Let’s examine how each camera performs across popular photography types.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: The limited lens speed and small sensor constrain depth-of-field control and bokeh separation. Face detection autofocus is present but rudimentary. Skin tones are decent in good light but become noisier at higher ISOs.
• Sony NEX-3: Larger sensor and plethora of fast lenses allow beautiful subject isolation and smooth background blur. Face detection improves focus accuracy on eyes. RAW support enables tonal refinement for natural skin tones.

Verdict: NEX-3 clearly leads for portraitists wanting creative expression and image control.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Its ruggedness is a plus outdoors, but the limited sensor resolution and dynamic range mean less detail and tonal subtlety in shadows/highlights.
• Sony NEX-3: Produces high resolution and wide dynamic range images ideal for landscapes. Interchangeable wide-angle lenses help capture sweeping vistas effectively.

Verdict: For serious landscape work, NEX-3 is superior - unless you need waterproof durability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Slow autofocus and 1 fps continuous shooting restrict capturing fast action. Zoom lens range is moderate but not specialized.
• Sony NEX-3: Faster and more accurate AF, higher burst rates, and access to powerful telephoto lenses make it a better choice for these disciplines.

Street Photography

• Ricoh WG-30: Compact and rugged, discrete in urban scenarios, but lacks speed and creative control.
• Sony NEX-3: Bulkier with interchangeable lenses, but the tilting screen aids shooting at awkward angles; silent shutter absent.

Verdict: Both can work, but NEX-3 suits enthusiasts needing image quality; WG-30 fits those who prioritize compact ruggedness over subtle control.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

• WG-30’s macro focus to 1cm is fun for casual close-ups but limited by sensor and optics.
• NEX-3 benefits from dedicated macro lenses and better noise control at night; ideal for astrophotography with manual exposure and remote control options.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer only basic video features. WG-30 shoots full HD (1920x1080p30) in H.264 but lacks external mic input and advanced stabilization beyond digital IS. NEX-3 maxes out at 720p30 in MPEG-4, also lacking audio input and stabilization.

Neither is a video powerhouse, but WG-30’s higher resolution video and in-body digital stabilization provide modest edge for casual users.

Travel Photography

The WG-30’s waterproof, shockproof build and compact footprint excel for travel adventure photographers who want one camera and no fuss. The Sony NEX-3’s flexibility and superior image quality appeal to travelers seeking the sharpest images and creative control, willing to carry extra lenses.

Battery life is comparable, with WG-30 offering around 300 shots per charge, NEX-3 about 330 - but always bring spares on the go.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow

Neither camera offers Bluetooth or NFC. The NEX-3 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer - helpful if tethering on shoots. Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI output for tethered shooting and playback.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but NEX-3 also supports Memory Stick formats. WG-30 has a single card slot and internal memory.

The WG-30’s JPEG-only limitation restricts post-processing. NEX-3’s RAW file support unlocks extended editing latitude, crucial for professionals or serious amateurs.

Pricing and Value: What’s Your Investment?

At launch, the WG-30 was priced around $430, directly targeting active users needing a durable, waterproof camera. The Sony NEX-3 is generally available at lower prices today on the secondhand market, reflecting its older generation status and entry-level positioning.

Value depends on your priorities:

• Want robust, waterproof ruggedness and straightforward shooting? WG-30 wins.
• Want image quality, creative control, and lens flexibility? Sony NEX-3 is your better bet - especially if paired with good lenses.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• For the Adventurer: If your photography revolves around rugged environments, water-based activities, or you want a camera that won’t shatter when dropped, the Ricoh WG-30 is a no-brainer. Its waterproof and shockproof features make it a trusty companion on hikes, snorkel trips, or snowboarding runs.

• For the Beginner to Enthusiast Photographer: If image quality, versatility, and creative control are your priorities - not to mention the possibility of growing your kit with multiple lenses - the Sony NEX-3 is more fulfilling. It’s an excellent entry into the mirrorless system, providing tools to learn and grow as a photographer.

• Budget Considerations: The WG-30 maintained higher price points for a niche rugged camera, whereas the NEX-3 can be a bargain on the used market. Both represent decent value within their respective segments but for very different users.

Real-World Sample Images: Putting Pixels to the Test

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons at daylight, the NEX-3’s images reveal sharper detail and richer colors - especially in the highlights and shadows. Portraits show smoother skin tones with pleasing background blur, impossible on the WG-30.

In low light, the WG-30’s images degrade rapidly with noise and softness, while NEX-3 performs reasonably well up to ISO 1600, capturing usable frames even indoors.

Macro shots from WG-30 demonstrate its decent close focusing, but fine detail and color fidelity are better with a dedicated macro lens on the NEX-3.

Landscape photos from the Sony reveal a broad tonal gamut and finely rendered textures, whereas the Ricoh’s images look flatter and sometimes overexposed.

Specialist Scores: How They Fare Across Genres

Here’s the distilled verdict from comprehensive field testing and benchmarking:

• Portrait: Sony NEX-3 far stronger (higher detail, better bokeh)
• Landscape: Sony NEX-3 advantage (dynamic range, lens options)
• Wildlife: Sony leads (autofocus speed, burst rate)
• Sports: Sony dominates (shooting speed, tracking)
• Street: Mixed - Ricoh’s compact ruggedness wins points, Sony’s image quality wins others
• Macro: Sony NEX-3 with lenses outperforms fixed WG-30 lens
• Night/Astro: Sony clearly better (sensor performance, exposure control)
• Video: Ricoh marginally ahead (1080p vs 720p)
• Travel: Depends on style - Ricoh for rough travel, Sony for photo-conscious travel
• Professional use: Sony only (RAW, manual controls, lens flexibility)

Final Thoughts: What Did Our Testing Teach Us?

Over weeks of comparative use, it’s clear these cameras serve different audiences.

• The Ricoh WG-30 is a specialized rugged tool for users who accept basic image quality in exchange for extreme durability and waterproof confidence. Its modest zoom and macro capabilities add fun, but it’s no substitute for a quality sensor or advanced AF system.

• The Sony NEX-3 is a more versatile photographic platform, yielding better images, faster focus, and creative freedom through lenses and manual controls. It demands more careful handling but rewards that with superior visual results.

Choosing between them depends primarily on your photographic priorities. Need a reliable, robust camera that shoots underwater or through harsh conditions? The WG-30 stands out. Seeking better image fidelity and growth potential in a lightweight mirrorless system? The NEX-3 delivers.

Whether you gravitate toward rugged simplicity or creative flexibility, I’m confident these insights help you make an informed decision. There’s no perfect camera, only the right camera for your vision and workflow.

If you want a rugged companion for adventure and casual snapshots: look no further than the Ricoh WG-30.

If you crave image quality, manual control, and the option to grow a lens collection, the Sony NEX-3 is the smarter choice.

Choose wisely - and happy shooting!