Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony A500

In this write-up, we are comparing the Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony A500, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the WG-4 GPS (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The WG-4 GPS was unveiled 4 years later than the A500 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the WG-4 GPS matches up vs the A500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are available at Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Ricoh WG-4 GPS has got exterior dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) and the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony A500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the WG-4 GPS versus the A500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 GPS and A500 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by reading specifications. The graphic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-4 GPS and A500.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-4 GPS having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS will offer greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher WG-4 GPS provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.