Ricoh WG-4 vs Sony ZV-1

Its time to look closer at the Ricoh WG-4 versus Sony ZV-1, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-4 (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is fairly similar but the WG-4 (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The WG-4 was unveiled 7 years prior to the ZV-1 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the WG-4 grades versus the ZV-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-4 & Sony ZV-1. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-4 Gallery & Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Ricoh WG-4 has got outside measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Sony ZV-1 has proportions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") and a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Ricoh WG-4 versus Sony ZV-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the WG-4 versus the ZV-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 and ZV-1 is 90 and 88 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The picture below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-4 and ZV-1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The WG-4 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony ZV-1 will offer greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged WG-4 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.