Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Sony A57

Below, we are evaluating the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony A57, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-4 GPS (16MP) and the A57 (16MP) is very well matched but the WG-4 GPS (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-4 GPS was launched 17 months later than the A57 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the WG-4 GPS scores vs the A57 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-4 GPS Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh WG-4 GPS provides exterior measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

See the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and Sony A57 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the WG-4 GPS against the A57.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 GPS and A57 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-4 GPS and A57.

As you can tell, both cameras posses the exact same resolution but different sensor sizing. The WG-4 GPS uses the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field more challenging. The newer WG-4 GPS should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.