Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-5

In this article, we are comparing the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The WG-5 GPS was revealed 4 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-5 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the WG-5 GPS scores versus the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-5 GPS & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS features exterior measurements of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the WG-5 GPS compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-5 GPS and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-5 GPS and NEX-5.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-5 GPS using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will provide greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The younger WG-5 GPS should have an edge in sensor innovation.