Ricoh WG-30 vs Sony RX1

The following is a complete assessment of the Ricoh WG-30 versus Sony RX1, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the WG-30 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the WG-30 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

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The WG-30 was revealed 20 months after the RX1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-30 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the WG-30 matches up vs the RX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are available at Ricoh WG-30 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Ricoh WG-30 provides 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 RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh WG-30 versus Sony RX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the WG-30 vs the RX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-30 and RX1 is 91 and 79 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The image here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-30 and RX1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The WG-30 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX1 will provide extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger WG-30 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.