Ricoh WG-4 vs Sony QX1

Below is a extended analysis of the Ricoh WG-4 and Sony QX1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-4 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the WG-4 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The WG-4 was revealed 7 months before the QX1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the WG-4 matches up against the QX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-4 and Sony Alpha QX1. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-4 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-4 enjoys outer measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh WG-4 and Sony QX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the WG-4 against the QX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-4 and QX1 is 90 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The visual underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-4 and QX1.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-4 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Sony QX1 will give you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older WG-4 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.