Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Here, we will be contrasting the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Ricoh and Sigma. The image resolution of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty well matched but the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The WG-5 GPS was launched 3 years after the DP1 Merrill which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh WG-5 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the WG-5 GPS scores versus the DP1 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS has outside dimensions of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the WG-5 GPS and the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-5 GPS and DP1 Merrill is 90 and 82 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-5 GPS and DP1 Merrill.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The WG-5 GPS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher WG-5 GPS provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.