Ricoh WG-30 vs Sony Cyber-shot W800: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Practicality and Performance

When it comes to entry-level compact cameras, few comparisons are as intriguing as the Ricoh WG-30 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. Announced in 2014, both models target casual photographers with different priorities: the WG-30 touts ruggedness and versatility for outdoor enthusiasts, while the W800 aims at straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity and affordability. Over years of hands-on testing countless compacts, including these two stalwarts, I’m uniquely positioned to analyze their nuanced strengths, weaknesses, and real-world suitability.

Let’s embark on a thorough cross-examination spanning ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, and use-case adaptability, culminating in tailored recommendations for distinct photography needs.

Getting a Grip: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

The physical feel of a camera often dictates the shooting experience, yet many overlook it until after purchasing. Between the WG-30 and the W800, these differences are pronounced in form and function.

The Ricoh WG-30, built expressly for the outdoors, is a noticeably chunkier compact. With dimensions of roughly 123 x 62 x 30 mm and weighing 192 grams, it feels robust in hand, with pronounced rubberized grips and ruggedized buttons designed to withstand rough use. The camera boasts environmental sealing - waterproof up to 10m, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. Its blocky form communicates dependability for the adventurous soul engaging in underwater shoots or hiking in adverse weather. The fixed 2.7" LCD lacks touchscreen functionality, but its physical buttons are thoughtfully arranged for tactile use even with gloves.

Sony’s W800, by contrast, adheres to classic pocket-friendly compact dimensions: 97 x 55 x 21 mm and a mere 125 grams. It sports a slimmer profile with easy, rounded edges that slide effortlessly into a coat or jeans pocket. However, it lacks any weather sealing, limiting confidence in harsher environments. Its 2.7" TFT LCD screen matches the WG-30’s resolution but doesn’t fare much better in direct sunlight visibility.

In summary, the WG-30’s bulk and rugged body cater to durability-focused users willing to trade portability for resilience. The W800, more diminutive and lighter, appeals to those prioritizing convenience and unobtrusiveness.

Design Language and Control Layout: How Intuitive Are They?

Beyond physical feel, a camera’s top-down control layout determines ease of use during fast-paced shooting situations.

The WG-30 offers a functional but utilitarian design - a top plate organized with clearly marked mode dials and buttons. The textured surface and strategic button spacing lend confidence in quick mode switching or manual adjustments. Notably, the camera lacks advanced manual exposure control modes (no shutter or aperture priority), but custom white balance, exposure bracketing, and focus tracking provide some creative latitude in capturing tricky lighting.

Sony’s W800 opts for simplicity, with a minimalist control set: a power button, shutter release, zoom rocker, and a four-way directional pad for menu navigation. Absence of manual exposure control limits tinkering, but the menu remains straightforward for beginners. A notable omission is an HDMI port, which the WG-30 includes, enabling easier tethering or direct monitor preview.

While the WG-30’s buttons assert practical ruggedness and moderate customization, the W800’s minimalist controls streamline operation for casual users unwilling to delve into settings.

Imaging Hardware: Sensors and Their Real-World Impact

Under the hood, both cameras rely on small sensors common to their era, but differences in sensor type and resolution hint at distinct characteristics.

Both employ the classic 1/2.3" sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), typical for pocket compacts - so sensor real estate for light gathering is limited. The Sony W800 instead uses a CCD sensor offering 20 megapixels, while the Ricoh WG-30 uses a CMOS sensor with a 16-megapixel resolution.

CCD sensors like Sony’s often have slightly better color rendition and lower noise at base sensitivities but tend toward higher power consumption. CMOS sensors in the WG-30 benefit from faster readout speeds and more on-chip processing prowess.

Both cameras apply an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré and false color but at a modest expense of sharpness.

From experience shooting side-by-side, the Sony W800’s higher resolution yields more detail in well-lit scenarios, but it struggles in low light due to limited high ISO performance (max ISO 3200). The WG-30, with a broader ISO range up to 6400, maintains better noise control at moderate ISOs, thanks to the CMOS sensor and its digital noise reduction pipeline - more on that later.

Viewing and Interface: How the Screen Serves the Shooter

Both cameras share a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with low 230K pixel resolution. This screen size and resolution provide a basic image preview but lack the crispness and touch responsiveness found in modern compacts.

In field testing under bright outdoor conditions, neither screen is particularly legible, but the WG-30’s anti-reflective coating helps slightly. Unfortunately, neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which can hinder composition in bright daylight or fast action.

User interface-wise, the WG-30’s physical buttons navigate menus with moderate agility, and its live view autofocus function responds acceptably. The W800’s interface is streamlined but limited - it depends heavily on auto modes with minimal real-time feedback.

Overall, for routine snapshots, both displays suffice, but the WG-30 nudges ahead in usability where one might wear gloves or be outdoors.

Image Quality in Practice: Portraits and Everyday Scenes

Image quality results cradle sensor capabilities intertwined with lens optics, processing, and autofocus efficiency.

The WG-30’s lens runs 28-140 mm equivalent with a moderately wide aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.5. The Sony W800 features a slightly wider 26-130 mm zoom but peaks at f/3.2 wide and has a slower f/6.4 telephoto end.

In testing portraits under natural light, both cameras render pleasing skin tones with reasonably neutral color profiles - a notable accomplishment since many budget compacts skimp on color accuracy. The WG-30’s slight bump in ISO enables cleaner images indoors or in shadow, though digital stabilization sometimes results in a softening effect.

Neither camera produces significant background blur due to their small sensors and limited maximum apertures, but the WG-30 attempts better near-macro focusing down to 1 cm, helping isolate details.

Autofocus across both models relies on contrast detection. The WG-30’s nine focus points and face detection system offer more accurate eye-level focus, speeding portrait capture. The Sony’s AF is slower and less reliable in tricky lighting.

Ricoh WG 30 front Ricoh WG 30 screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

To sum up, for straightforward portrait work and casual family photography, the WG-30’s autofocus refinements and slightly better noise management make it the more dependable choice.

Versatility in Specialty Genres: Macro, Landscape, Wildlife, and Sports

Turning to niche disciplines, neither compact will replace professional gear, but they provide interesting insights into capability extremes.

Macro Photography

The WG-30 excels with a claimed 1 cm macro focus distance and stabilization that aids handheld close-ups. Sharpness is acceptable but not stellar; expect softness at corners. The W800 offers no dedicated macro mode or near focus information, making macro shooting largely hit-or-miss.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras’ small sensors limit dynamic range (contrast recovery in shadows and highlights). The WG-30 supports aperture-priority modes and exposure bracketing to aid HDR post-processing, while the W800 lacks these features. Resolution-wise, the W800’s 20 MP sensor yields slightly more detail in daylight landscapes.

Weather sealing gives the WG-30 a huge advantage for outdoor use in mist or rain - the W800 hesitates in anything above bright, dry skies.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera shines in fast action genres. Both max out at 1 frame per second continuous shooting, trivial for capturing decisive moments. The WG-30’s face detection and AF tracking perform better but still stutter on quick-moving subjects. The W800’s single autofocus is less responsive under these conditions.

Telephoto reach parity negates optical advantage. Neither has the burst rate, buffer depth, or advanced tracking to satisfy wildlife or sports photography enthusiasts.

Low Light and Nighttime Performance: Can They Handle the Dark?

Shooting in dim environments or nightscapes tests sensor sensitivity, noise reduction, stabilization, and exposure controls rigorously.

The WG-30’s maximum ISO rating of 6400 coupled with digital image stabilization offers moderate success in low light. Photos at ISO 3200 are usable but begin showing pronounced chroma noise and softness from noise reduction. The built-in illumination from its flash extends indoor range to around 4 meters.

The Sony W800 tops out at ISO 3200 but is handicapped by its CCD sensor’s amplified noise and slower shutter ceiling of 1/1500 sec, limiting handheld exposure flexibility. Its optical stabilization aids steadiness but can’t fully compensate for noise.

Both cameras support timelapse, but neither offers manual bulb modes or long exposure controls preferred for astrophotography.

Bottom line: For casual night snapshots and dim interiors, the WG-30’s higher ISO flexibility grants an edge, though neither delivers satisfying nightscape fidelity.

Video Capabilities: Casual Capture or Serious Filming?

Video remains secondary for these models, but it’s worthwhile evaluating their multimedia readiness.

The WG-30 outputs 1080p Full HD video at 30 frames per second using the efficient H.264 codec. It features digital stabilization during recording but no external microphone inputs, limiting audio quality options.

The Sony W800 offers max 720p HD video (1280 x 720) at 30 fps, using AVI MPEG4. It lacks image stabilization in video, making footage shaky. No microphone or HDMI output further restrict professional application.

Neither camera supports 4K, high frame rate slow motion, or advanced video profiles.

For casual holiday videos, the WG-30 noticeably outperforms with crisper resolution and steadier clips, but for serious videography neither is ideal.

Battery Performance and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Long shoots demand generous battery life and flexible storage.

The Ricoh WG-30 employs a D-LI92 rechargeable battery, rated at approximately 300 shots per charge. Real use, especially using flash and video, can reduce this slightly but remains competent for day trips.

Sony’s W800 uses a smaller NP-BN battery with no official CIPA rating, but in testing it offers fewer shots per charge due to compact size and CCD sensor power demands.

Storage options differ: the WG-30 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The W800 boasts compatibility with SD cards plus Sony proprietary Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo cards, adding some flexibility - though SD cards remain standard.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Staying Fixed but Functional

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, typical for entry compacts, limiting interchangeability.

• Ricoh WG-30: 28–140 mm equivalent zoom with a moderately bright aperture at wide end.
• Sony W800: 26–130 mm zoom with slightly brighter wide aperture but slower telephoto.

Neither offers manual focus or focus bracketing features. The WG-30’s 5x zoom with 1cm macro gives it a bit more range for outdoor shots requiring reach or close-ups, albeit without professional optical quality.

Connectivity, Wireless, and Sharing Convenience

A notable shortfall for both models is the near absence of wireless features.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi for remote control or instant image transfer to phones or tablets. They do allow USB 2.0 connections, with the WG-30 additionally providing HDMI output for direct display on compatible monitors.

This lack of wireless sharing feels dated in a 2024 context but was common in budget compacts in 2014.

Price-to-Performance and Value Judgment

Prices fluctuate, but the WG-30 retails around $428, while the Sony W800 often goes for under $90. This price disparity frames much of their performance contrast.

The WG-30’s rugged build, better video, enhanced ISO range, and weather proofing justify its higher cost for users needing durability and versatility beyond casual snaps. The W800 excels as an ultra-affordable snapshot camera for beginners or budget-conscious buyers content with daylight shooting.

Which Camera Excels in What Photography Genre?

Let’s summarize strengths based on major photography types:

Overall Performance Metrics and Ratings

Below is a comparative performance snapshot based on combined test data focusing on image quality, handling, features, and value.

With neither camera receiving professionalDxOMark scores, our hands-on experience and lab results provide an approximate ranking placing the WG-30 ahead on versatility and low light, while the W800 shines in daylight clarity and sheer affordability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Ricoh WG-30 and Sony W800 carve distinct niches within the compact camera landscape, reflective of their design philosophies.

• The Ricoh WG-30 is an excellent rugged companion for outdoor adventurers demanding durability, modest manual control, and reliable autofocus. It’s well suited for travel, casual landscape, and family portraits, offering greater confidence in challenging conditions.

• The Sony W800 epitomizes the entry-level, no-frills snapshot camera. It appeals to casual users seeking a simple, lightweight, and inexpensive point-and-shoot without technical bells and whistles.

If your photographic adventures often venture beyond casual shooting - think hiking, beach trips, or unpredictable weather - the investment in the WG-30 pays off in reliability and image quality flexibility. Conversely, if you prefer snapping quick, sunny-day moments with a pocket-friendly budget, the W800 remains a commendable choice.

In Closing

Choosing between these cameras is akin to deciding between a trail-ready all-terrain vehicle and a city commuter bike. Each fulfills distinct roles in the vast ecosystem of photography. Our comparative analysis based on years of fieldwork and technical scrutiny should guide you toward the right fit for your creative journey.

Happy shooting!

Images used in this article are sourced from product specifications and comparative lab testing galleries.