Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony QX100

Its time to look closer at the Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony QX100, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Lens-style by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is relatively similar but the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") boast different sensor sizes.

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The WG-5 GPS was revealed 18 months later than the QX100 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-5 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the WG-5 GPS matches up against the QX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-5 GPS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The full galleries are available at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery & Sony QX100 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS enjoys external measurements of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony QX100 has specifications of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") along with a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony QX100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the WG-5 GPS versus the QX100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the WG-5 GPS and QX100 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The visual here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-5 GPS and QX100.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The WG-5 GPS having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony QX100 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent WG-5 GPS should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.