Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs WG-50: A Deep Dive into Ricoh’s Rugged Compact Waterproof Cameras

When it comes to rugged compact cameras that can take a beating - whether shooting underwater, hiking in snow, or enduring dust and shock - Ricoh’s WG series has long been a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals who need durability without breaking the bank. But with the WG-4 GPS launching in 2014 and the WG-50 arriving three years later in 2017, there’s some natural curiosity about what strides Ricoh made, and which model better suits today’s outdoor shooter.

As someone who’s handled countless rugged compacts in all manner of demanding conditions, I dug deep into these two siblings to help answer: Should you stick with the tried-and-tested WG-4 GPS, or is the WG-50 worth shelling out more for? If you’re considering either camera as your next adventure partner or backup, this article will give you the nitty-gritty details, comparison insights, and honest takeaways you can’t find in marketing blurbs.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

Let’s kick off by talking size and feel, the foundations of handling under sweaty palms or wet gloves. Both cameras are compact water- and shockproof compacts with fixed lenses, but subtle differences in dimensions and control placement affect real-world shooting.

The WG-4 GPS is slightly chunkier at 124 x 64 x 33 mm versus the WG-50’s 123 x 62 x 30 mm - it’s modest but notable when shoving into a tight jacket pocket or when you have slim hands. The WG-4 GPS weighs in heavier at 235 grams, whereas the WG-50 manages 193 grams without sacrificing build quality.

Despite the lighter weight, the WG-50 maintains robust environmental sealing - it’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, though it forgives the WG-4’s rare “crushproof” claim (meaning the WG-4 is slightly tougher when it comes to compression forces, relevant for rock climbing mishaps or bouldering falls).

The WG-4 GPS’s more substantial body offers better grip security and larger buttons, which I appreciated with gloves or quick shots - important if you’re the kind who prefers clubs for thumbs over dainty digits.

Control Layout and Usability

When you need to operate cameras underwater or on the fly, intuitive controls matter. Here’s how the two stack up:

The WG-4 GPS controls exude simplicity and confidence with distinct dials and a dedicated shutter release alongside a dedicated video button. The WG-50 simplifies further, losing manual shutter priority mode and aperture control but picking up wireless connectivity and some advanced burst shooting – more on that later.

Neither camera features a touchscreen, and both have no EVF, relying heavily on their LCDs. Their buttons aren’t illuminated - something to bear in mind for night or cave use. Personally, I always recommend getting used to button combos in controlled conditions or risk fumbling during key shots.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Lens Specs: What’s Under the Hood?

Image quality is a cornerstone for photographers - rugged or not - and these two Ricoh compacts share some DNA but differ in optics and sensor technology implementation.

Shared Sensor Platform

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 resolution) and an anti-alias filter. It’s the same sensor size and pixel count - adequate for casual shooters and web-ready images but below professional APS-C or full-frame standards.

Here’s the catch: Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting your post-processing latitude. JPEGs are the mission here, with in-camera processing taking on noise reduction (especially in higher ISOs).

Lens and Aperture Differences

• WG-4 GPS: 25-100 mm (equivalent), f/2.0-4.9
• WG-50: 28-140 mm, f/3.5-5.5

The WG-4 GPS packs a brighter, wider starting aperture at f/2.0 - a significant advantage for low light and depth of field control. Its 4x zoom range covers typical wide-angle to short telephoto. Meanwhile, the WG-50 extends to a 5x zoom at a narrower maximum aperture f/3.5, trading some brightness for reach.

In practice, that means the WG-4 GPS is better at wide-angle shots with shallow depth (think portraits or macro), and the WG-50 excels if you want more telephoto compression or detail at a distance (think wildlife or sports, within the compact class limits).

Rear Screens and Interface: Your Window to the World

Crucial for framing and reviewing shots, both cameras have fixed LCD screens with no touch input.

• WG-4 GPS: 3-inch screen, 460k-dot resolution
• WG-50: 2.7-inch screen, 230k-dot resolution

The WG-4 GPS offers a visibly higher resolution screen with about double the pixel density, delivering a sharper live view and image review experience. The WG-50’s smaller screen feels a bit cramped under bright outdoor conditions, requiring squinting or trial-and-error for precise composition.

I found the WG-4 GPS’s LCD more usable for macro work or subtle manual focusing tweaks (when you experiment beyond default autofocus). Still, the absence of a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder on either model makes accurate manual focus a challenge.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Action

Rugged cameras often struggle to nail speed and focus accuracy in tricky lighting or fast-moving subjects. In this respect, these Ricohs take notably different approaches.

Autofocus Systems

Both employ contrast-detection AF systems with 9 focus points and face detection but no phase detection or advanced tracking modes. They do offer continuous AF during burst and live view, pertinent for active shooting.

In my hands-on tests:

• The WG-4 GPS focusses adequately for static or slow-moving subjects but struggles with quick focus changes, especially in low light or low contrast scenes.
• The WG-50 feels snappier, likely thanks to software tweaks and its faster continuous shooting (more on that below).

Burst Rates

• WG-4 GPS: 2 fps max continuous shooting
• WG-50: 8 fps max continuous shooting

Here lies a critical advantage for the WG-50. If you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or any fast-paced situations where capturing the decisive moment is vital, 8 frames per second is a significant step up from 2 fps. Even if the sensor resolution and autofocus are similar, more frames provide a higher chance to catch sharp, well-timed images.

Weather-Sealing and Durability: Beyond Just Waterproofing

Both cameras are built with rugged outdoor usage in mind, featuring waterproof and shockproof designs - with notable differences.

The WG-4 GPS’s crushproof certification means it can survive bigger compressive forces - valuable for climbers or explorers who risk gear under rocks or heavy equipment bags. The WG-50 adds dustproofing, a plus in sandy or gritty environments, but loses the crushproof guarantee.

For most users aiming for rugged durability, either camera will suffice, but consider your environment’s specific challenges.

Real-World Photography: Use-Case Scenarios

Now that we have the basics, let’s see how these cameras perform in various photographic disciplines important for enthusiasts and professionals who might want a rugged backup or an all-weather travel companion.

Portrait Photography: Bokeh, Skin Tones & Eye Detection

Portraits benefit from good skin tone rendition, accurate eye detection autofocus, and background separation.

• Skin Tones: Both cameras’ JPEG engine renders colors somewhat muted but natural - typical for compact waterproofs without advanced color science. Under daylight, skin tones look acceptable but can appear flat under fluorescent or indoor lighting.
• Eye Detection: Yes, both have face detection autofocus, but no eye detect AF, limiting precision on the eyes.
• Bokeh: WG-4 GPS’s f/2.0 wide aperture gives superior background blur at the wide end, creating more pleasing portrait separation. WG-50’s narrower aperture and longer focal length yield less flattering bokeh.

Verdict: WG-4 GPS wins for portrait shooters who want softer backgrounds and better low-light face capture.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers cherish dynamic range to preserve shadow and highlight details, alongside ample resolution for large prints.

Since both use the same sensor, they offer comparable resolution and dynamic range. Neither supports RAW, so in-camera JPEG processing determines effective range.

• WG-4 FPS’s slightly better LCD helps frame wide vistas more comfortably.
• Both cameras lend themselves well to 4:3 or 16:9 crops for landscape aesthetics.

Given equivalent sensor performance, landscape shooters should consider durability features: WG-50’s dustproofing could be handy in desert landscapes, while WG-4’s crushproof design suits rocky trails.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Reach

The WG-50 shines here with its longer 28-140 mm lens and much faster 8 fps burst. Whether you’re shooting birds or kids’ soccer games, that matters. Autofocus speed is still modest - don’t expect pro-level tracking - but the extra frames and focal reach capture more keepers.

Ricoh WG 4 GPS front Ricoh WG 4 GPS screen back Ricoh WG 50 front Ricoh WG 50 screen back

The WG-4 GPS’s 4x zoom is limiting and slower burst feels frustrating.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

Street shooters value small size, light weight, minimal shutter noise, and fast responsiveness.

WG-50’s slimmer build and lower weight make it easier to carry all day, but the louder flash and slightly slower autofocus may draw unwanted attention. WG-4 GPS is chunkier but simpler controls could mean fewer fumbling moments.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision & Magnification

Both cameras excel here with minimum focus distances of just 1 cm - impressive for compacts.

The WG-4 GPS’s sharper screen and brighter lens give macro shots more pop. The sensor-shift image stabilization helps nail handheld close-ups. WG-50 uses digital stabilization - less effective for macro.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Neither camera is stellar for astrophotography due to sensor size and inability to shoot RAW. However, WG-4 GPS’s wider aperture and sensor-shift stabilization make longer exposures less shaky, though noise remains an issue.

WG-50’s longer zoom provides interesting framing but fainter apertures limit stars captured.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Stabilization

Both shoot Full HD 1080p @ 30fps with H.264 encoding but WG-50 can also do 720p at 60fps for slow motion.

WG-4 GPS offers sensor-shift stabilization, beneficial for smoother handheld footage. WG-50 only has digital stabilization, less natural and sometimes jittery.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, limiting serious filmmaking.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Being easy to carry and shoot anywhere is key for travel cameras.

The WG-50’s extra battery life and wireless connectivity (for remote control or image transfer) enhances travel versatility. WG-4 GPS’s built-in GPS tagging is a plus if geotagging photos is crucial.

Professional Work: Workflow and Reliability

For pros, RAW support and tethering might be expected - neither camera delivers here. However, robust weather sealing and solid JPEG output suit as a rugged second shooter or for fieldwork documentation.

WG-4 GPS’s crushproof advantage offers peace of mind in hazardous jobs. WG-50 is lighter, faster, and easier to integrate wirelessly but sacrifices crush resistance.

Technical Deep Dive: Connectivity, Storage, and Power

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot each. USB 2.0 ports for data transfer aren’t blazing fast, but functional.

Battery Packs: Both use Ricoh D-LI92 battery packs. WG-50’s longer rated battery life (300 vs 240 shots) is a tangible plus for long excursions.

WG-50 adds wireless, a modern feature missing in WG-4 GPS, enabling basic remote control and image sharing - a nice touch for social media shooters.

Price and Value: Stretching Your Dollar

At launch price, WG-4 GPS was around $210, WG-50 about $280. Today, secondhand or clearance deals will vary. Both are affordable options in rugged compacts.

In sum, the WG-4 GPS offers ruggedness and better wide-angle optics at a lower price, while WG-50 delivers speed, zoom reach, and wireless - trading toughness and aperture for modern perks.

Wrapping Up With the Final Verdict

After weeks of in-the-field testing and side-by-side comparisons, here’s how I’d advise photographers depending on your priorities and budget:

Choose the Ricoh WG-4 GPS if you:

• Need maximum ruggedness with crushproof capability.
• Shoot portraits and macro with emphasis on wide aperture and image stabilization.
• Rely on GPS geotagging for adventure and travel cataloging.
• Prefer a larger, clearer LCD for composing shots.
• Mostly shoot slower-moving subjects and prioritize simplicity and rugged ergonomics.
• Want solid value under $220.

Opt for the Ricoh WG-50 if you:

• Desire faster continuous shooting for action, wildlife, or sports.
• Need longer zoom reach (up to 140mm).
• Appreciate wireless features for remote control and social sharing on the go.
• Prefer a lighter travel or street photography compact.
• Can surrender some aperture brightness and crushproof durability.
• Have a flexible $270-$300 budget.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Final Thoughts for the Budget-Conscious Outdoors Photographer

If you’re a practical, cheapskate adventurer looking for a tough camera that performs well for general outdoor, travel, and everyday use, the WG-4 GPS ticks a lot of boxes with its excellent ruggedness and solid image quality for the money.

If you lean toward capturing fast action, wildlife, or want bells and whistles like wireless control and longer telephoto reach, the WG-50 advances the formula - but at a cost to those who prize durability above all else.

No Ricoh rugged compact is going to replace a pro mirrorless or DSLR in image quality or feature set - but for reliable, affordable, damage-resistant photography in the wild, both WG-4 GPS and WG-50 earn their place in your gear bag. Just pick your poison based on what kind of shooting fitness your photography lifestyle demands.

Thanks for coming on this comparative journey with me. If you’re eyeing one of these stalwart Ricohs, hopefully this detailed analysis saves you both time and money while delivering images and memories you can trust. Safe shooting out there!

• • Your Outdoor Camera Gear Guy*