Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony a5100

Here is a complete analysis of the Ricoh WG-4 GPS versus Sony a5100, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the WG-4 GPS (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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The WG-4 GPS was unveiled 6 months before the a5100 and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the WG-4 GPS scores versus the a5100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-4 GPS & Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-4 GPS provides external 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 a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh WG-4 GPS versus Sony a5100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the WG-4 GPS vs the a5100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-4 GPS and a5100 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through specifications. The graphic here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-4 GPS and a5100.

To sum up, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The WG-4 GPS with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a5100 will resolve greater detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively.