Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony RX100 V: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera often boils down to what you shoot, where you shoot, and how much gear you’re willing to carry along. Today, I want to put two very different compacts head-to-head: the rugged, go-anywhere Ricoh WG-4 GPS and the sophisticated, large-sensor powerhouse Sony RX100 V. Both cameras debuted a few years back (2014 and 2016, respectively), but each remains relevant for very distinct niches.

Having tested both extensively through varied shooting conditions - from landscape hikes and urban street sessions to bustling sports events and low-light nighttime captures - I'll draw on firsthand experience and technical analysis to help you navigate their real-world strengths and limitations. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer craving durability or a discerning enthusiast craving image quality and speed, this comparison will get you straight to the heart of what matters.

Let’s get under the hood.

Getting Physical: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

The Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony RX100 V occupy different spots on the compact camera spectrum, and that distinction is crystal clear as soon as you handle both.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS: The Weatherproof Warrior

The WG-4 GPS is designed like a tank - built to survive drops, submersion, freezing temps, and shocks. The bulky, squarish chassis feels like it was engineered more for grip and protection than sleekness, measuring 124 x 64 x 33 mm and weighing 235g. The controls are straightforward and tactile, optimized for gloved fingers and wet conditions - a boon when out kayaking or climbing. However, the fixed lens and no electronic viewfinder mean you rely heavily on the rear LCD to compose shots, which can get tricky under bright sunlight.

Sony RX100 V: The Compact Powerhouse

At 102 x 58 x 41 mm and tipping the scales at 299g, the RX100 V strikes a delicate balance between pocketability and premium build. Its sleek magnesium alloy body feels solid yet refined, with a well-thought-out handgrip that makes shooting one-handed comfortable. Buttons and dials are tightly packed but intuitively placed (more on the control scheme shortly). The tilting LCD and pop-up electronic viewfinder add compositional flexibility that the Ricoh lacks. It is less rugged - no weather sealing here - so a bit more care and protective thinking is required. But for urban daily use or travel, this camera stands out.

In sum, the Ricoh is for the rough and ready user who prioritizes toughness and guaranteed operation in extreme environments. The Sony caters to someone who prefers finesse and design sophistication without giving up all compactness.

Control, Display, and Usability: Interfaces That Either Simplify or Impress

Touchscreens? Pop-up EVFs? How do these cameras help you actually use their capabilities?

Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Simply Functional

No touchscreen, no EVF, just an unpretentious 3-inch fixed TFT LCD at 460k dots - adequate but decidedly plain by 2020s standards. Controls stick to the basics: directional buttons for AF, a dedicated macro mode button, and a well-marked shutter release. It doesn’t dazzle, but everything is accessible - sometimes even under wet fingers or ice-clad gloves, which is vital for its intended use cases.

Sony RX100 V: Class Acts Everywhere

The 3-inch tilting LCD at 1229k dots is a treat, offering sharp, bright previewing with anti-reflective coating. Add to that a pop-up electronic viewfinder with 2359k dots and nearly 1:1 magnification, and you have compositional precision even under glaring sun or tricky angles. The physical controls - five-way joystick, customizable function buttons, and dedicated dials for aperture, shutter, and exposure - deliver a professional feel and quick adjustments on the fly, something many pros will appreciate in fast-paced shooting.

While touching the screen is not supported on either, the RX100 V's interface is cleaner and less menu-heavy, making navigation snappier.

Both cameras are intuitive, but the Sony makes you feel you’re piloting a refined machine rather than a ruggedized tool.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size and Resolution Matter

Sensor is the heart of a digital camera. It's where the magic starts - or sometimes ends.

Sensor Specs at a Glance

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS:

  • 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • 16MP resolution (4608x3456)
  • Sensitivity: ISO 125–6400 (native), no RAW support

• Sony RX100 V:

  • 1.0” BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
  • 20MP resolution (5472x3648)
  • Sensitivity: ISO 80–12800 (extended), RAW capable

Real-World Output and Image Detail

Sensor size is the headline here: the Sony's 1-inch sensor is around four times the physical area of Ricoh's 1/2.3” chip, allowing for better light-gathering, less noise, improved dynamic range, and higher resolution details. Indeed, shooting outdoors in bright light, you’ll notice the RX100 V produces cleaner images with more nuanced color fidelity and finer details on foliage or textured surfaces.

The Ricoh’s sensor is smaller, limiting its low-light prowess and dynamic range. But considering its target audience - underwater and adventure photography - Ricoh’s well-tuned JPEG engine delivers vibrant colors and decent contrast out of the box. Also, the lack of RAW support in the WG-4 GPS is a downside for those wanting post-processing flexibility.

Noise and High ISO

Once you push ISO above 1600 indoors or at dusk, the RX100 V pulls ahead decisively, retaining image clarity and minimizing grain better than the WG-4 GPS, which rapidly exhibits noise and softening. The Sony’s noise handling and richer color depth (22.8-bit color depth per DxOMark vs. Ricoh's untested but generally limited due to sensor size) make it the choice if image quality tops your priority.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Moment Counts

Whether you’re chasing wildlife or snapping street scenes, autofocus performance combined with burst shooting can make or break your shot.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Modest But Serviceable

With a 9-point contrast-detection AF system and face detection, the WG-4 GPS covers basics but lags behind in speed and tracking ability. Continuous shooting tops out at a pedestrian 2 fps, which is insufficient for demanding sports or wildlife photography. The camera’s focus hunting can be slow in low light or complex focus situations.

Sony RX100 V: Fast, Precise, and Versatile

Sony’s RX100 V boasts a highly sophisticated hybrid autofocus with 315 phase-detection points alongside contrast detection, covering about 65% of the frame. This setup delivers lightning-fast focus acquisition, smooth continuous tracking, and face/eye detection that works reliably even in fast action.

Shooting at 24 fps continuous burst with autofocus and auto exposure locked (and 5 fps with full AF/AE tracking) puts RX100 V in a category well beyond the Ricoh’s reach. If you photograph sports, wildlife, or any rapidly moving subjects, this is a clear advantage.

Lens and Magnification: Versatility Versus Reach

Lens matters as much as sensor - it dictates perspective, magnification, and brightness.

WG-4 GPS: 25-100mm Equivalent, Bright Macro

Ricoh’s fixed wide-angle to moderate telezoom (4x optical, 25–100 mm equivalent), combined with bright F2.0 aperture at the wide end shrinking to F4.9 tele, serves well for macro and mid-range shots. Its super-close 1 cm macro focusing is exceptional among compacts here, ideal for textures, notes, insects, and small details right in front of your lens.

However, the telephoto reach is limited compared to interchangeable telephoto lenses on APS-C or full-frame cameras and even the RX100 V’s zoom.

Sony RX100 V: 24-70mm with Great Brightness

Sony’s zoom lens offers a useful 2.9x range, wide enough for landscapes and street, tight enough for pleasing portraits and some wildlife telephoto crops. The bright F1.8–2.8 aperture is a huge advantage for low light and depth-of-field control.

Though its closest focusing distance is 5 cm (less macro-friendly than Ricoh), the wider aperture delivers beautiful bokeh for portraits and selective subject isolation. The RX100 V melds sharpness with creamy backgrounds noticeably better than Ricoh’s.

Photography Disciplines: Which Shines Where?

Different cameras suit different genres - for many, this is the decisive factor.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Decent color rendition and face detection, but limited aperture and sensor size hinder shallow depth of field and fine skin tone modeling.
• Sony RX100 V: Superior bokeh, smooth skin tones, and superb eye detection autofocus make it excellent for portraits on the go.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Robust build and waterproofing make it excellent for adventures in harsh environments. However, smaller sensor and lower resolution limit detail in large prints.
• Sony RX100 V: Larger sensor and higher dynamic range create detailed, high-res landscapes, but lack of weather sealing is a consideration.

Wildlife and Sports

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Too slow for serious wildlife or sports, autofocus and burst rates lag.
• Sony RX100 V: Fast hybrid AF, 24 fps bursts, and better lens speed position it solidly for casual wildlife or sports shoots.

Street Photography

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Bulky, rugged look less discrete.
• Sony RX100 V: Compact, unobtrusive, with EVF for quick framing.

Macro

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Outstanding 1 cm macro works great for nature close-ups.
• Sony RX100 V: Reasonable close focus, but not its forte.

Night and Astrophotography

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Sensor struggles in low light, limited ISO range.
• Sony RX100 V: Large sensor, higher ISO range, and manual exposure modes allow for better star and night captures.

Video

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: 1080p at 30 fps, basic stabilization, no mic port.
• Sony RX100 V: 4K video at 30 fps, optical image stabilization, advanced codecs; no mic or headphone port but better video overall.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Built to survive varied environments; perfect for adventure travelers.
• Sony RX100 V: More versatile imaging with higher image quality and discreet form factor.

Professional Use

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Limited by image quality and controls.
• Sony RX100 V: Raw output, manual control, and ergonomics give it more professional workflow integration.

Ricoh WG 4 GPS front Ricoh WG 4 GPS screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Toughness Counts Outside the Studio

Ricoh’s hallmark is environmental protection. Waterproof to 14 meters, crushproof to 100 kgf, freezeproof to −10 °C, and shockproof from falls up to 2 meters, the WG-4 GPS is the definitive rugged compact.

Sony RX100 V, by contrast, offers no weather sealing, requiring extra care or protective housing outdoors. For wet or snowy conditions, Ricoh is a much safer bet.

Image Stabilization and Battery Life

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Sensor-shift stabilization helps in low shutter speeds and underwater; battery rated at 240 shots per charge.
• Sony RX100 V: Optical stabilization provides smooth images and videos; battery life pegged at 220 shots, which is respectable given the screen and EVF usage.

Connectivity and Storage: How Do You Share and Save?

Sony edges ahead here with Wi-Fi and NFC for quick transfers and remote control via smartphone apps. Ricoh lacks wireless connectivity but includes built-in GPS for geotagging, invaluable for travel and outdoor shooters logging locations.

Both accept SD cards; Sony supports Memory Stick formats as well. USB 2.0 and mini HDMI ports available on both for tethered use or playback.

Pricing and Value

• Ricoh WG-4 GPS: Around $210 new (now discontinued but often found used or discounted).
• Sony RX100 V: Approximately $1000 new, reflecting its advanced sensor, AF system, 4K video, and premium features.

If budget is a primary concern and ruggedness paramount, Ricoh provides excellent bang for the buck. For image quality, speed, and versatility, Sony demands a premium.

Genre-Specific Scores: How Each Camera Rates by Use Case

The Sony RX100 V dominates in image quality, autofocus, and video versatility across almost all genres, while the Ricoh WG-4 GPS scores highest in ruggedness and macro specs uniquely.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which should you buy? Here’s how I’d break it down:

• Choose the Ricoh WG-4 GPS if:

  • You need a compact camera that won’t quit in extreme conditions - waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof.
  • Macro photography in nature or underwater scenes is a priority.
  • You desire simplicity and durability, prioritizing JPEG output over complex controls.
  • Your budget is limited, and you want solid performance for everyday rugged adventures.

• Choose the Sony RX100 V if:

  • Image quality, autofocus speed, and video capabilities matter most.
  • You shoot a variety of subjects - portraits, landscapes, sports, street - and want a sophisticated tool.
  • Portability and discretion combine with professional-grade features.
  • You want RAW shooting for post-processing flexibility.
  • You’re willing to invest in a camera that feels like a step beyond casual compact.

Bottom Line

The Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony RX100 V serve very different masters. The Ricoh is an indestructible companion for those hashing out photos in tough conditions, with macro specialty and simplicity. The Sony is a technological marvel packed into a pocket-friendly size, capturing brilliant images in all sorts of lighting with speed and finesse.

Both have earned their places through real-world use. Your choice ultimately rests on your shooting style, environments, and needs. For me, the Sony RX100 V is a remarkable all-rounder and daily driver, but when I’m off to kayak, hike, or snorkel, no other compact (except Rugged Ricohs) give me peace of mind like the WG-4 GPS.

Happy shooting!

I hope this extensive comparison brought you closer to the right camera fit. For additional insights and hands-on demos, see my detailed video reviews linked above - and ask away in the comments if you want personalized advice!