Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony NEX-3N

Below is a detailed review of the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony NEX-3N, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-4 GPS (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is fairly similar but the WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The WG-4 GPS was released 12 months later than the NEX-3N so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the WG-4 GPS matches up vs the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Ricoh WG-4 GPS provides exterior dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has proportions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the WG-4 GPS against the NEX-3N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-4 GPS and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by reading technical specs. The visual here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-4 GPS and NEX-3N.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses the exact same MP but different sensor measurements. The WG-4 GPS has got the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF harder. The fresher WG-4 GPS provides a benefit in sensor technology.