Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony NEX-5N

Let's look closer at the Ricoh WG-5 GPS versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very well matched but the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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

The WG-5 GPS was released 3 years later than the NEX-5N and that is quite a big 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 Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the WG-5 GPS matches up against the NEX-5N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS has got physical 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-5N has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh WG-5 GPS versus Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the WG-5 GPS against the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-5 GPS and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-5 GPS and NEX-5N.

To sum up, both the cameras come with the identical megapixels but different sensor measurements. The WG-5 GPS offers the tinier sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field harder. The newer WG-5 GPS should have a benefit in sensor innovation.