Ricoh WG-30 vs Sony NEX-5R

Below is a in-depth review of the Ricoh WG-30 versus Sony NEX-5R, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-30 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is fairly well matched but the WG-30 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-30 was unveiled 2 years later than the NEX-5R and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-30 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the WG-30 matches up against the NEX-5R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-30 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-30 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-30 comes with physical dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5R has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh WG-30 versus Sony NEX-5R in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the WG-30 and the NEX-5R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-30 and NEX-5R is 91 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-30 and NEX-5R.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The WG-30 comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult. The newer WG-30 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.