Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony A6100: A Practical Photography Gear Showdown

Choosing the right camera often boils down to your specific photography needs and how each tool performs in real-world conditions. Today, I’m diving deep into a hands-on comparison of two very different cameras - the rugged, adventure-ready Ricoh WG-5 GPS, and the versatile, advanced mirrorless Sony Alpha A6100. These two offer contrasting philosophies and capabilities, serving distinct user bases and photography styles, so I’ll walk you through everything from sensor tech to handling, and recommend who gets what.

First Impressions: Design and Build - Durability vs Refinement

Right out of the gate, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS stands as a compact, ultra-rugged waterproof camera tailored for outdoor adventurers. At 125x65x32mm and a featherweight 236 grams, it slips into active scenarios with ease. The WG-5 is designed to shrug off water immersion, drops, freezing temperatures, and even shocks - a feature set particularly appealing if your photography takes you hiking, snorkeling, or to dusty environments. It’s got hardened environmental sealing, meaning you can confidently shoot in harsh conditions without worry.

On the flip side, the Sony A6100 embraces a more classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design - sleek, with a robust built quality but lacking weather sealing. Measuring 120x67x59mm and weighing 396 grams, it’s still portable but less rugged than the Ricoh. The A6100 focuses on ergonomic sophistication with a tilting touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder, designed for photographers who value precise control and image previewing. The buttons and dials, while smaller, offer flexibility, perfect for stepping into semi-professional work or serious hobbyism.

That top view highlights the WG-5’s minimal controls and fixed lens layout against the A6100’s more complex dial system and interchangeable lens mount. If you want quick, straightforward shooting in tough environments - WG-5. If you seek manual control, customization, and a bigger lens selection, A6100.

Sensor and Image Quality: Compact Sensor vs APS-C Powerhouse

Here comes one of the clearest divides between these two - the sensor.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is equipped with a 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55mm. These small sensors typically struggle with noise and dynamic range compared to bigger ones. It covers focal lengths equivalent to 25-100mm with an f/2.0-4.9 aperture lens, giving some versatility but mostly leaning toward compact convenience.

In contrast, the Sony A6100 sports a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which is vastly larger at 23.5x15.6mm - over 13 times the surface area of the Ricoh’s sensor! This bigger sensor size translates directly into superior image quality: better low-light performance, finer detail, and richer tonal gradations. The A6100 boasts a maximum native ISO of 32,000 (expandable to 51,200), compared to the WG-5’s ISO 125 to 6400 range. Plus, the A6100 features an antialias filter, helping reduce moiré while maintaining good sharpness.

From my numerous tests, APS-C sensors like Sony’s produce cleaner images with more forgiving highlights and shadows - a big advantage for landscape, portrait, or any situation demanding rich color depth.

Shooting Experience: Controls, Focus Systems & Autofocus

Both cameras list autofocus features, but the scope and sophistication couldn’t be more different.

The Ricoh WG-5’s autofocus system uses 9 contrast-detection points with face detection but lacks phase detection. It can do AF Single, Continuous, and Tracking, but you won’t find advanced AF features like eye-tracking or animal eye-AF. This means in scenarios with fast-moving subjects - wildlife or sports - the WG-5 may struggle to keep accurate focus.

Meanwhile, the Sony A6100 packs a staggering 425-point hybrid AF system mixing phase and contrast detection, delivering incredibly fast, accurate, and reliable autofocus with excellent eye and animal eye detection. Face priority AF helps portrait shooters nail precise focus on eyes with ease. The camera also supports AF tracking with high responsiveness - critical for wildlife and sports shooting.

Both cameras feature continuous shooting modes: WG-5 up to 14fps, Sony at 11fps (with autofocus). However, the A6100 maintains autofocus tracking during continuous shooting, making it more viable for action photography.

Portrait Photography: Bokeh and Skin Tone Rendering

If you primarily shoot portraits, the Sony A6100 is a clear winner thanks to its large sensor and interchangeable lens system. Using fast prime lenses like a Sony 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8, you get beautiful subject isolation, creamy bokeh, and low-light flexibility - even in dim interiors.

The Ricoh WG-5 offers only the fixed 25-100mm lens with a top aperture of f/2.0 at wide angle, narrowing as you zoom in. While it can shoot close with a 1cm macro focus range, you won’t get the artistic defocus or sharp eye prioritization possible on the Sony. Skin tones on the Ricoh tend to be less nuanced, with some noise creeping in at ISOs above 400.

Sony’s animal eye AF is a nice bonus if you shoot pets or wildlife portraits, a feature completely missing on Ricoh. Also, Sony’s tilting touchscreen facilitates creative angles and self-portraits, while the WG-5’s fixed, non-touch display limits framing flexibility.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Durability

Landscape photographers often value enormous dynamic range, high resolution, and weather-sealed equipment.

The Sony’s 24MP sensor and advanced image processing deliver expanded dynamic range with deep shadows and preserved highlights - important when capturing sunrises or shadow-rich scenes. RAW support lets you extract the maximum from each frame during post-processing.

Ricoh WG-5 can shoot JPEGs only - raw support isn’t available - and the small sensor coupled with the antialias filter means fine detail suffers. Yet, the WG-5 shines with its weatherproof robustness. It’s waterproof down to several meters, crushproof, and freezeproof - perfect for rugged outdoor landscapes where environmental conditions can be harsh. The Sony A6100 lacks weather sealing, so extra care or a protective case is needed for extreme outings.

The Ricoh’s 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k resolution is basic but adequate in bright conditions, while Sony’s tilting, 922k LCD provides a better preview experience.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Telephoto Capabilities

For wildlife and sports, autofocus speed and robust burst shooting are non-negotiable.

Sony’s 425-point hybrid AF system alongside support for numerous telephoto lenses offers a distinctly professional shooting tool. You can pair the A6100 with fast zooms like the Sony 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 for reach and precision. Burst mode tracking delivers sharp sequences of action shots, while high ISO performance lets you shoot in varied lighting conditions without severe noise.

In contrast, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS relies on a fixed 25-100mm lens; you’re limited on reach. Its autofocus, while decent for casual use, can’t match Sony’s speed or accuracy in action scenarios. The 14fps mode might sound impressive, but it lacks the continuous autofocus tracking that makes those frames usable in sports.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street photographers often desire small, light cameras that allow unobtrusive shooting.

Here, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS has an edge in discreteness due to its compact size and simple styling. It allows you to slip through crowds or shoot in adverse weather conditions without worries. Still, its fixed lens and lack of a viewfinder might limit composition precision for some.

Sony A6100, while larger and heavier, is still quite portable for mirrorless cameras. Its electronic viewfinder (0.71x magnification, 1440k resolution) aids framing exactly as you want, ideal for quick candid shots. The tilting touchscreen and silent shutter mode (electronic shutter) facilitates unobtrusive capture.

Macro Photography: Close-up Reach and Focus Precision

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS stands out with a macro focus range down to 1cm, letting you capture fine details of insects, flowers, or textures. Its sensor-shift image stabilization aids this, helping to minimize blur at high magnifications - even though the sensor is small.

The Sony A6100 depends more on lens selection for macro. You can attach dedicated macro lenses, offering superior magnification and sharpness, but that adds bulk and cost. Its fast autofocus and touch focus assist precision framing, but without a macro lens, close focusing is limited.

Night and Astrophotography: Low-Light Performance and Exposure Control

Night and astrophotography place huge demands on sensor performance and exposure flexibility.

Sony’s APS-C sensor with ISO up to 51,200 and manual exposure control, combined with raw capture, gives you the versatility required here. Its noise reduction algorithms and lens ecosystem for fast apertures make it suitable for starry skies or city nights.

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS caps out at ISO 6400, shows more noise at higher sensitivities, and does not support manual exposure modes beyond shutter priority. Plus, no RAW support heavily constrains post-processing latitude. I’d recommend the Ricoh more for daytime rugged adventures than serious nighttime work.

Video Capabilities: HD vs 4K and Audio Inputs

Video shooters will find substantial differences:

Ricoh WG-5 shoots full HD (1920x1080) at 30p max, using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. It lacks microphone input, meaning audio quality depends on the built-in mic. No 4K, no advanced video features like log profiles or stabilized electronic video.

Sony A6100 advances the game with 4K UHD recording at 30p and up to 100Mbps bitrate, plus full HD up to 120fps (slow motion). It supports external microphones, providing much more professional audio capture. Sony’s autofocus during video is smooth and reliable, plus built-in wireless connectivity simplifies remote control and file transfer.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travelers demand versatility, good battery life, and manageable gear weight.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS’s ruggedness and compact form are huge pluses, especially in uncertain environments. Its battery life of around 240 shots per charge is reasonable for its category. Storage options cover SD cards and internal memory.

Sony’s battery life reaches about 420 shots, almost doubling the Ricoh’s endurance, critical on longer shoots or international trips where charging opportunities are sparse. The larger sensor and lens options mean you can cover broad focal ranges and styles, but the overall kit weight and bulk tend to be higher.

Professional Use: Reliability and File Format Support

For professional workflows, image quality, format flexibility, and workflow integration matter.

Sony A6100 supports full RAW (14-bit compressed RAW), enabling comprehensive post-processing control. It offers exposure compensation, aperture/speed priority modes, manual exposure, and high customizability - key for pros who yield creative control.

Ricoh WG-5 lacks raw support, hinging on JPEGs only, limiting editing capability. It’s more a rugged consumer model than a professional tool. No weather sealing on the Sony is a downside, but you can add protective coverings or use alongside more weatherproof lenses.

Feature Summary and Ratings

For clarity, here’s a consolidated assessment of the two cameras’ performance across major photographic disciplines, based on my rigorous testing under controlled and field conditions.

Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back Sony A6100 front Sony A6100 screen back

My Takeaway: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Ricoh WG-5 GPS if:

• You shoot primarily outdoors in extreme conditions (waterproof, freeze/shock proof).
• You want a compact, rugged point-and-shoot with decent zoom range.
• You focus more on casual shooting, travel with limited gear, or macro close-ups without fuss.
• You don’t need advanced manual controls, raw files, or 4K video.
• Budget is a factor and you want durability at a mid-$400 price point.

Choose the Sony A6100 if:

• Image quality, flexibility, and professional features are a must.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports with precise autofocus.
• You value video quality (4K, mic input), and manual exposure modes.
• You want access to a broad lens ecosystem and higher resolution files.
• You can handle more gear weight and want a mirrorless system for growth.
• Your budget allows spending ~$750 for a more capable hybrid camera.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras shine in their spheres. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a hardy, no-nonsense companion for adventurers who need a camera that can take punishment and deliver decent images out of the box. Meanwhile, the Sony A6100 is a powerhouse mirrorless camera offering outstanding image quality, speed, and flexibility - great for those thinking long-term, embracing a more technical approach.

I’ve spent hours comparing these cameras in the field - beach hikes, city streets, wildlife parks - and each surprised me with strengths the other lacked. Your choice depends on what suits your photographic life best: rugged simplicity or versatile precision. Hopefully, this detailed breakdown helps you make that call with confidence.

Happy shooting!