Ricoh WG-4 vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Ricoh WG-4 vs Sony NEX-3, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-4 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the WG-4 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The WG-4 was introduced 3 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh WG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the WG-4 grades vs the NEX-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-4 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh WG-4 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-4 enjoys outer dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

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

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the WG-4 against the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The pic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-4 and NEX-3.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The WG-4 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Ricoh WG-4 will offer greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent WG-4 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.