Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Samsung NX200: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the vast, evolving landscape of digital cameras, niche devices with distinct use cases often get lost in the crowd. Today, we delve into such a pair: the Ricoh WG-4 GPS, a rugged compact built for adventure, against the Samsung NX200, an early mirrorless offering designed for more traditional photography disciplines. Despite their differing categories - one waterproof and shockproof, the other an APS-C mirrorless - their overlapping feature sets invite an in-depth comparison.

Over numerous field tests and technical evaluations, I’ve scrutinized both to uncover real-world performance, handling nuances, and image quality distinctions. In this article, we'll not just compare specs but share authentic insights along multiple photography axes. Whether you’re a landscape hiker, a street shutterbug, or a budding wildlife photographer, you’ll find data-driven guidance here.

Let’s start by visualizing their fundamental physical differences.

Ergonomics and Physical Design: Compact Durability vs Mirrorless Precision

The Ricoh WG-4 GPS champions rugged portability, designed as a compact for harsh conditions. The Samsung NX200, by contrast, opts for a rangefinder-style mirrorless form, a bridge between compacts and DSLRs aimed at better handling and creative control.

Dimension and Weight

The WG-4 GPS measures 124 x 64 x 33 mm and weighs 235 grams, whereas the NX200 is slightly smaller at 117 x 63 x 36 mm but also slightly lighter at 223 grams. The weight difference is marginal but significant when considering grip and tool robustness.

The WG-4’s thick, rubberized chassis reassures you it can withstand drops, crushes, and water immersion up to 14 meters. This is a camera you can take snorkeling or on a mountain bike without batting an eye. Shockproof and freezeproof ratings further cement its appeal for extreme environments.

The NX200 lacks environmental sealing, not surprising given its early mirrorless pedigree, but it offers a more traditional grip profile and a flexible lens mount enabling versatile lens changes.

Control Layout and Build Quality

Examining the control layout, the WG-4 GPS keeps things simple, with a small number of buttons designed for gloved, outdoor use. The dedicated GPS button and the shutter-release integration are commendable for geotagging enthusiasts. However, the absence of an articulated screen or electronic viewfinder limits compositional flexibility under bright sunlight.

The NX200’s top plate is cleaner, emphasizing dedicated dials and manual controls - aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and manual exposure modes are all present. It also supports external flash units and even an optional electronic viewfinder, a luxury the Ricoh lacks.

Build quality of the NX200 is commendable for its class, featuring solid metal construction with a premium feel despite no weather sealing.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Tool vs APS-C Powerhouse

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, shaping the ultimate image quality and creative possibilities.

Sensor Specifications and Technology

The Ricoh WG-4 GPS sports a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16 megapixels resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels). This sensor size is common in compact cameras but considerably smaller than the NX200’s APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) boasting 20 megapixels (5472 x 3648 pixels).

The fundamental advantage of APS-C sensors lies in pixel size and light gathering ability, leading to better dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance.

Image Quality Metrics

The NX200 achieves a DxO overall score of 69, color depth of 22.6 bits, dynamic range of 12.6 EV, and ISO low-light rating of 618. Though Ricoh’s WG-4 GPS lacks DxO Mark data, empirical testing and comparison with similar sensors reveal reduced low-light ISO capacity, more noise at higher ISOs, and narrower dynamic range.

Color reproduction is respectable on the WG-4 GPS, with natural skin tones and decent saturation, but it is not in the league of the NX200’s APS-C sensor, which delivers richer, more nuanced colors and better highlight retention.

RAW Support

One critical differentiator for serious photography is RAW file support. The Samsung NX200 allows full RAW shooting, enabling photographers to squeeze maximum data during post-processing. The WG-4 GPS only offers JPEG output, limiting flexibility and reduced image manipulation prospects.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing With Confidence

Display and finder options profoundly affect shooting experience, especially in challenging light.

Both cameras sport 3-inch rear LCDs, but the NX200 uses an Active Matrix OLED panel with 614k pixels, offering deeper contrast, more vivid colors, and better outdoor visibility. The WG-4 GPS opts for a more modest TFT LCD with 460k pixels. The difference is noticeable, with the Samsung’s screen delivering sharper previews and more accurate color rendition on the rear display.

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder by default, but the NX200 optionally supports an external electronic viewfinder, a significant bonus for bright outdoor shooting and precision framing. The WG-4 GPS has no viewfinder option, limiting compositional comfort in harsh sunlight.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus precision and speed are primary factors for action, wildlife, and candid photography.

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points. Face detection is supported, but advanced tracking and animal eye detection are absent. Continuous AF is available but limited in speed. The burst rate peaks at a modest 2 frames per second (fps), constraining its use for fast action shots.

• Samsung NX200: Also relies on contrast-detection AF with more focus points (15), including multi-area and selective AF modes. It lacks phase detection but compensates with faster AF acquisition and better accuracy, evidenced in real-world shooting. Burst shooting clocks in at 7 fps, ideal for sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture fleeting moments.

In practical terms, the NX200’s faster, more sophisticated AF system and higher burst rate place it leagues ahead for action scenarios. The WG-4 GPS’s AF system is acceptable for landscapes, macro, and casual shooting but feels strained under fast-moving subjects.

Lens Systems and Compatibility

Lens selection is critical for creative versatility.

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: A fixed 25-100mm (35mm equivalent, 4x zoom) lens with a bright maximum aperture range of f/2.0-4.9. Its standout macro capability enables focusing as close as 1 cm, making it great for close-ups in nature or detail work. However, the fixed zoom lens limits focal flexibility - no telephoto reach beyond 100mm equivalent and no option to swap lenses.

• Samsung NX200: Based on the Samsung NX mount, the system features 32 compatible lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto and fast primes. The crop factor of 1.5x puts lenses in a useful middle ground between micro four-thirds and full frame. This versatility supports various genres - from portraits with creamy bokeh to wildlife with long telephotos.

If lenses are your playground, the NX200 is the clear winner. The WG-4 GPS’s fixed lens design trades versatility for rugged reliability and simplicity.

Handling in Real-World Photography Genres

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s parse how each camera fares across specific photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Capturing flattering skin tones, sharp eyes, and beautiful bokeh requires sensor quality, lens speed, and AF finesse.

• WG-4 GPS: The fixed lens’s f/2 aperture at the wide end helps isolate subjects, but the 1/2.3" sensor can create noisier images in low-light portrait scenarios and produce less creamy bokeh due to its small sensor size. Face detection AF assists in maintaining sharp focus on eyes, but selective focus control is absent.

• NX200: Larger APS-C sensor delivers smoother tonal gradations and superior noise control, critical for flattering skin detail. The availability of fast primes like 30mm f/2 means richer background blur. Manual focus support and aperture-priority mode allow deft exposure and focus control.

Verdict: The NX200 is well suited to portraits; the WG-4 GPS works best for casual, on-the-go snaps rather than professional portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and high resolution define stellar landscapes.

The NX200’s superior sensor size and raw support mean more latitude to recover shadows and highlights, and the 20MP resolution allows large prints without detail loss. Though the WG-4 GPS’s sensor struggles here, its sensor-shift image stabilization and environmental sealing let you shoot in challenging outdoor conditions absent from the Samsung.

Weather sealing and ruggedness give the WG-4 a niche for harsh environments, but if image quality is paramount and conditions are moderate, the NX200 excels.

Wildlife Photography

Fast, accurate AF and burst shooting matter above all.

Samsung’s 7 fps burst rate and more robust AF system offer a meaningful advantage for tracking animals. The WG-4 GPS’s 2 fps and moderate AF speed struggle to capture action sequences. Plus, the Samsung’s extensive telephoto lens options enable you to reach distant subjects effectively.

Wildlife shooters seeking quality and versatility lean toward the NX200.

Sports Photography

Mirroring wildlife requirements, the NX200’s continuous shooting and dedicated manual controls make it suitable for amateur sports photography. The WG-4 GPS’s slower 2 fps burst limit and fixed lens make it impractical here.

Street Photography

Portability and discreteness can make or break street shooting.

The WG-4 GPS’s rugged, chunky body might draw attention, while the NX200’s compact rangefinder style with interchangeable primes offers more stealth. Additionally, the NX200’s faster shutter speed range (up to 1/4000s) and aperture priority mode empower quick exposures in varying urban lighting.

However, the WG-4 GPS’s weatherproof design affords shooting in inclement weather without worry, a plus for street shooters in unpredictable environments.

Macro Photography

With a 1 cm closest focusing distance, WG-4 GPS shines here. Its Macro mode produces crisp close-ups, beneficial for flora or texture studies. The NX200 supports macro with dedicated lenses, which can offer superior image quality but require carrying extra gear.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capabilities favor cameras with big sensors, high ISO performance, and raw support.

Samsung’s NX200, with max ISO 12800 and RAW, is in a better position for night photography. Its slower max shutter speed (30 seconds) is enough for astrophotography basics with tripod use, while the WG-4 GPS’s minimum shutter speed of 4 seconds limits exposure play.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. However, the NX200 accommodates multiple codecs (MPEG-4, H.264), potentially offering better post-production flexibility.

The WG-4 GPS supports up to 720p at 60fps and features sensor-shift stabilization that can help handheld video. Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio monitoring.

Video-wise, the NX200’s slightly better codec support and sensor size take the prize for quality.

Travel Photography

The WG-4 GPS’s durability, GPS tagging, and compact waterproof body make it ideal for rugged travel and expedition photography. It can handle dusty deserts or wet rainforest trails without case or worry.

The NX200, meanwhile, provides higher quality imaging and lens flexibility but lacks weather sealing. It’s better suited to urban or controlled environments where protection is less critical.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a professional workhorse outright. However, the NX200’s raw support, manual exposure modes, and broad lens ecosystem make it more adaptable to professional workflows, especially for studio or controlled outdoor shoots.

The WG-4 GPS lacks raw shooting and professional-grade ergonomics or controls, positioning it as a rugged enthusiast or prosumer tool rather than a pro body.

Performance Scores and Genre Overview

Let’s consolidate performance metrics visually.

The NX200 scores higher across most categories, especially image quality, burst shooting, and manual control. The WG-4 GPS leads only in ruggedness, weatherproofing, and macro close-focus distances.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, reducing options for instant sharing or remote shooting.

Battery endurance favors the NX200 at approximately 330 shots per charge compared to the WG-4 GPS’s 240 shots. Both utilize proprietary lithium-ion packs, with easy SD/SDHC/SDXC card support.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera Fits Your Photography?

Choose the Ricoh WG-4 GPS if:

• You require a rugged, waterproof camera for outdoor adventures, snorkeling, hiking, or action sports.
• You prioritize simplicity and reliability over raw image quality.
• You need macro capabilities with close focusing without carrying multiple lenses.
• Your budget is restricted (~$210), and you prefer a camera that can survive harsh conditions.

Choose the Samsung NX200 if:

• You want superior image quality with a sizeable APS-C sensor and RAW file flexibility.
• You value manual control, aperture priority, and high burst rates for action photography.
• You plan to expand with a variety of lenses - from portraits to telephoto wildlife work.
• You need better video codecs and display quality.
• You prioritize battery life and better overall control layouts.
• Your budget allows (~$818), and you want a camera that grows with your photographic ambitions.

Final Thoughts

Comparing the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Samsung NX200 is fundamentally a study in rugged specialization versus imaging sophistication. The WG-4 GPS is a specialist compact for intrepid explorers, excelling where durability and macro convenience trump image finesse. Meanwhile, the NX200, though slightly dated today, remains a compelling entry-level mirrorless camera primed for enthusiasts seeking image quality, control, and lens versatility.

In my multi-day trials - capturing misty mountain jungles, urban street scenes, close-up flower details, and impromptu portraits - the WG-4 GPS never faltered in challenging conditions, but the NX200’s images sing with warm detail and flexibility.

So, as always, decide your priority: Do you desire a robust, grab-and-go shooter that laughs at the elements? Or a camera meant to partner with your creative vision, offering sharp control and expansive lens options? The answer defines which of these two dogs is a good boy in your photographic kennel.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

To better appreciate their output, here is a gallery highlighting their characteristic images:

Ricoh WG 4 GPS front Ricoh WG 4 GPS screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

I encourage you to judge the subtle color rendering, noise levels, and dynamic range exhibited in each to inform your decision.

I hope this thorough, experience-backed comparison aids your camera selection journey. Should you have questions or wish to share your own insights testing these cameras, I welcome the conversation. Happy shooting!