Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to look closer at the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-3, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The WG-5 GPS was announced 4 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-5 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the WG-5 GPS scores vs the NEX-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS enjoys physical dimensions of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the WG-5 GPS compared to the NEX-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-5 GPS and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-5 GPS and NEX-3.

As you can tell, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The WG-5 GPS with its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will show more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The newer WG-5 GPS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.