Ricoh WG-4 vs Samsung SL30

A Detailed Comparative Review: Ricoh WG-4 versus Samsung SL30

In the highly competitive compact camera market, distinguishing functional suitability and real-world performance among similarly classed models presents an ongoing challenge for enthusiasts and professionals alike. This article offers an in-depth comparative analysis of two compact cameras - the Ricoh WG-4, announced in early 2014 and designed explicitly as a rugged waterproof model, and the earlier Samsung SL30 (known as the ES15 in some regions), released in 2009 aiming at general small sensor compact consumers.

Drawing on comprehensive hands-on testing, real shooting scenarios, and meticulous technical evaluation, this comparison considers every significant technical and user-oriented aspect, focusing on practical implications and suitability across diverse photography genres. Our examination encompasses sensor and image quality characteristics, ergonomics, autofocus capabilities, video performance, and more, providing readers with expert insights grounded in extensive industry experience.

Body Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

Physical dimensions, weight, and structural resilience are primary considerations impacting portability, handling comfort, and use in demanding environments. The Ricoh WG-4 measures 124 x 64 x 33 mm and weighs approximately 230 grams, whereas the Samsung SL30 is more compact and lighter at 94 x 61 x 23 mm with a 140-gram weight.

The WG-4 clearly prioritizes durability and environmental resistance, boasting comprehensive weather sealing, including waterproof (rated for submersion), shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof certifications. These capabilities enable use in adverse conditions such as underwater exploration, winter sports, or rugged outdoor activities. In contrast, the SL30 lacks any environmental sealing and should be considered strictly an indoor or fair-weather compact.

Ergonomically, the WG-4 offers a more substantial grip and robust physical controls tailored for operation with gloves or wet hands. The SL30’s smaller form factor warrants easier pocketability but compromises grip security and button feedback.

Reviewing the top-centric control layout, the WG-4 features clearly labeled buttons and mode dials suitable for quick operation. The SL30, being a more basic compact, has simplified controls with fewer dedicated buttons and lacks advanced functionalities like shutter or aperture priority modes.

Conclusion on Build and Handling

For photographers valuing rugged reliability - especially in outdoor, adventure, or marine contexts - the Ricoh WG-4 is the unequivocal choice. The Samsung SL30 is better suited for casual everyday photography, emphasizing portability over physical resilience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Profile

Comparative sensor analysis focuses on size, resolution, and technological aspects that influence detail rendition, dynamic range capacity, noise characteristics, and color accuracy.

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch type sensors with near-identical physical dimensions (Riho WG-4: 6.17 x 4.55 mm; Samsung SL30: 6.08 x 4.56 mm). This sensor size is standard in compact cameras but significantly smaller than in interchangeable-lens systems, inherently limiting noise performance and depth of field control.

The WG-4 uses a modern 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, while the SL30 features a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, an older technology with slower readout speeds and generally lower high-ISO performance.

Sensor Implications:

• Resolution: The WG-4’s higher pixel count provides more detail potential and cropping flexibility, advantageous for landscape or studio work.
• Sensor Type: BSI-CMOS sensors exhibit improved light efficiency and lower noise at elevated ISO values, beneficial for low-light, indoor, or event photography.
• ISO Range: The WG-4’s ISO extends up to 6400 native versus SL30’s maximum of 1600, markedly impacting usable low-light capabilities.
• Antialiasing Filters: Both keep the AA filter to avoid moiré, though this may slightly soften critical acuity.

Real-world testing confirms the WG-4 produces images with better tonal gradation, less chroma noise, and finer detail retrieval, especially notable from ISO 400 and above. The SL30’s images tend to show early noise onset beyond ISO 200 and limitations in dynamic range that affect detail retention in shadows and highlights.

Display and User Interface Comparison

LCD displays and menu architectures significantly affect framing accuracy, exposure confirmation, and ease of interaction.

The WG-4’s 3-inch fixed TFT LCD provides 460k-dot resolution, offering clearer, brighter previews conducive to outdoor visibility. The SL30’s display is smaller (2.5 inches), with a 230k-dot resolution, resulting in a less sharp and comparatively dim image review experience under strong ambient light.

Neither camera includes touch sensitivity or articulating screens, which restricts compositional flexibility, though the WG-4’s superior resolution partially compensates.

Menu systems on the WG-4 are more advanced, supporting features like exposure bracketing for dynamic range optimization, white balance bracketing, and more comprehensive customization. The SL30 menu is relatively basic, reflecting its consumer-grade orientation.

Autofocus System and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) speed, accuracy, and mode versatility are crucial for capturing decisive moments, particularly in fast-paced environments like sports, wildlife, or street photography.

• Ricoh WG-4: Utilizes a 9-point contrast-detection AF system supplemented by face detection, continuous autofocus, and tracking capabilities. It supports single and continuous AF modes.
• Samsung SL30: Employs a basic contrast detection AF with no continuous autofocus or tracking, relying mainly on center spot focusing.

In practice, the WG-4’s AF delivers quicker focus lock with better subject acquisition in varied lighting and moving subjects. Tracking performance, although basic versus professional systems, is sufficient for casual wildlife or moving subject shooting.

The SL30’s autofocus system is slower to acquire subjects and struggles under low contrast or dim conditions, leading to frequent focus hunting and missed shots, emphasizing its limitation for action photography.

Continuous shooting rates favor the WG-4 at approximately 2 frames per second, while the SL30 does not specify burst rates, indicative of a limited or nonexistent continuous shooting function.

Optics: Lens Characteristics and Macro Performance

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with differing focal length ranges and apertures:

• Ricoh WG-4: 25-100 mm (equivalent), 4x zoom, aperture F2.0 to F4.9.
• Samsung SL30: 38-114 mm (equivalent), 3x zoom, aperture F2.8 to F5.7.

The WG-4’s broader wide-angle starting focal length (25 mm vs. 38 mm) offers more flexibility for landscapes and interiors, where wider perspectives are critical.

The maximum aperture advantage of the WG-4’s lens enables improved low-light flexibility and subject isolation via shallower depth of field.

Macro focus distance on the WG-4 achieves a very close 1 cm, allowing detailed extreme close-up shots. The SL30’s macro limit is 5 cm, restricting fine-detail capture at very close distances.

The WG-4’s lens assembly includes sensor-shift image stabilization, essential in handheld shooting and crucial for macro or telephoto uses. The SL30 does not provide image stabilization, resulting in higher susceptibility to blur at slower shutter speeds or extended focal lengths.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia Performance

Video functionality increasingly influences purchasing decisions, especially for versatile content creation.

• Ricoh WG-4: Records Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second and HD 720p at up to 60 fps, employing the efficient H.264 codec. It supports time-lapse recording but lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control.
• Samsung SL30: Limits recording to VGA resolutions (640 x 480 max) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format, an outdated choice causing large file sizes and poor compression efficiency.

The WG-4 thus clearly excels in video quality, frame rates, and codec modernity, suitable for hobbyist multimedia projects. However, the absence of external audio inputs restricts serious videography.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Extended shooting sessions, particularly away from power sources, require reliable power and ample storage support.

The WG-4 uses a proprietary D-LI92 battery pack rated for approximately 240 shots per charge in CIPA standard conditions. The SL30’s battery specification is less documented and tends toward lower capacity given its smaller body.

Both cameras utilize single SD card slots compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC (WG-4 includes “internal” storage, presumably small built-in memory for emergency saving).

The WG-4 benefits from USB 2.0 and HDMI output for file transfer and external monitor support, whereas the SL30 is limited to USB 2.0 only, lacking HDMI or wireless connectivity.

Specialized Photography Use Cases and Genre Suitability

Now turning to how these cameras perform within specific genres and shooting scenarios, informed by direct field evaluations and user scenario assessment.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh WG-4: The wide aperture midfield focal length and face detection autofocus support effective portrait capture. The BSI-CMOS sensor provides more natural skin tones and better noise control at mid-range ISO. However, absence of RAW output limits post-processing latitude for professional retouching.
• Samsung SL30: The narrower aperture and sensor limitations result in softer bokeh and noisier shadows. Autofocus is slower and less accurate, making portrait work less reliable. This camera is suited to casual snapshots only.

Landscape Photography

• WG-4’s broader wide-angle lens and higher resolution sensor better preserve landscape detail and expand compositional options. Environmental sealing facilitates shooting in challenging outdoor conditions without worry.
• SL30’s narrower lens and lower dynamic range make it less effective for high-contrast scenes; fragile construction limits outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• WG-4, with its continuous AF, tracking, and 2 fps burst mode, manages slow to moderate movement subjects fairly well but cannot replace specialized wildlife or sports cameras.
• SL30’s slower AF and lack of burst shooting make it unsuited for dynamic subjects.

Street Photography

• SL30’s smaller size favors inconspicuous shooting, lightweight handling, and portability.
• WG-4’s rugged bulk and more visible controls might attract attention and impede quick street shooting, though improved autofocus responsiveness is a point in its favor.

Macro Photography

• WG-4’s 1 cm close focus and sensor stabilization make it adept at macro shooting.
• SL30’s 5 cm minimum focus distance restricts tight detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle with high noise due to small sensor size, but WG-4’s higher native ISO and sensor technology produce cleaner images. Still, shaky handheld shooting negates long exposure benefits despite WG-4’s stabilization.

Travel Photography

Size and ruggedness balance dictate travel suitability: WG-4 is well-suited for adventure travel in harsh environments, while SL30’s compactness suits casual city or light travel.

Professional Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW file output or advanced tethering, limiting professional use. The WG-4’s superior image quality and exposure bracketing provide limited professional viability in entry-level domains.

Ricoh WG 4 front Ricoh WG 4 screen back Samsung SL30 front Samsung SL30 screen back

Overall Performance Metrics and Value Assessment

Aggregating multi-domain performance delivers a quantifiable view of relative strengths.

According to internally standardized testing scores considering image quality, autofocus, usability, and features, the Ricoh WG-4 outperforms the Samsung SL30 by a significant margin, reflective of its newer technology, rugged design, and better sensor.

Final Evaluation and Purchase Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Ricoh WG-4?

• Outdoor enthusiasts requiring waterproof, shockproof conditions.
• Photographers needing versatile focal range and superior sensor performance.
• Users placing importance on moderate video quality with HD recording.
• Enthusiasts interested in rugged macro and landscape photography with good low-light abilities.

Limitations: No RAW support or advanced manual controls; moderate battery life.

Who Should Choose the Samsung SL30?

• Beginners or casual users on tight budgets.
• Those prioritizing small size and lightweight design over performance.
• Users who require simple point-and-shoot functionality indoors or benign conditions.

Limitations: Limited zoom range, lower resolution, inferior AF speed, and obsolete video specs.

Summary

While both cameras belong to the compact category, they serve vastly different needs and user profiles. The Ricoh WG-4, though heavier and larger, delivers meaningful technical advances, rugged durability, and enhanced image quality. The Samsung SL30 is a simpler, more pocketable solution geared for casual users, but its dated technology and limited feature set limit creative and professional applications.

Potential buyers should weigh the importance of environmental resistance and image quality against portability and cost constraints. In practical terms, the WG-4 is the more versatile and future-proof investment, while the SL30 remains a budget, basic entry-level offering.

This authoritative comparison stems from rigorous hands-on testing across genres and environmental conditions, ensuring insights reflect real-world photographic requisites rather than specs inflation. It prioritizes actionable guidance for enthusiasts and professionals balancing technical excellence and operational effectiveness.

This review is part of an ongoing series evaluating compact cameras for varied photographic disciplines. For detailed shooting sample galleries, testing methodology, and extended performance data, readers are encouraged to consult our dedicated camera laboratory reports and shooting scenario breakdowns.