Ricoh WG-30W vs Sony HX9V

Below is a extended analysis of the Ricoh WG-30W and Sony HX9V, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-30W (16MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is fairly similar and they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The WG-30W was released 3 years later than the HX9V and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the WG-30W matches up versus the HX9V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-30W and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh WG-30W Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Ricoh WG-30W comes with exterior dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony HX9V has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh WG-30W and Sony HX9V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the WG-30W against the HX9V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-30W and HX9V is 91 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The photograph here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-30W and HX9V.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels so you should expect similar quality of photographs though you need to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The fresher WG-30W will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.