Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony A580

Here is a in-depth overview of the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony A580, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-4 GPS (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty similar but the WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The WG-4 GPS was revealed 2 years later than the A580 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the WG-4 GPS grades against the A580 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-4 GPS comes with 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 A580 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony A580 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the WG-4 GPS against the A580.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 GPS and A580 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-4 GPS and A580.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The WG-4 GPS offers the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The fresher WG-4 GPS is going to have an edge in sensor technology.