Ricoh WG-30W vs Sony A100

Below, we will be evaluating the Ricoh WG-30W vs Sony A100, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the WG-30W (16MP) and A100 (10MP) and the WG-30W (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The WG-30W was introduced 8 years later than the A100 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-30W being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the WG-30W scores versus the A100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-30W and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-30W Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-30W offers outer measurements of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh WG-30W vs Sony A100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the WG-30W vs the A100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-30W and A100 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-30W and A100.

To sum up, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The WG-30W using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Ricoh WG-30W will show extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher WG-30W will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.