Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be a challenging task, especially when models from different eras and design philosophies meet. Today, we're putting two distinct compacts head to head: the 2015 rugged Ricoh WG-5 GPS and the earlier 2009 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. Both claim to offer compact convenience but cater to different user priorities and shooting conditions.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, we’ll walk you through the technical details, real-world performance, and value propositions of these two models - revealing how each stands up across diverse photographic applications.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Rugged Design vs. Classic Compact

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is unapologetically built for adventure. It features robust environmental sealing that protects against water, dust, shock, crush, and freezing temperatures - making it suitable for harsh outdoor use. Weighing in at 236g with dimensions of 125 x 65 x 32 mm, it’s somewhat chunky but reassuringly solid in hand. Its fixed 3-inch LCD with 460k dots is fixed position and not touchscreen, but it gives just enough real estate for composing shots even with gloved hands.

By contrast, the Sony S950 is a classic small compact: slim, lightweight at just 167g, and elegantly pocketable with dimensions of 93 x 56 x 24 mm. Its 2.7-inch LCD has a lower 230k dot resolution and is also fixed - lacking touch or articulation. The Sony lacks any rugged sealing, so it demands gentler handling and is better suited for everyday urban or indoor photography.

This physical and handling comparison aligns well with each camera’s intended audience: the Ricoh is for the adventurous and rugged photographer, while the Sony is for travelers or casual shooters emphasizing portability and compactness.

Control Layout and User Interface: Practicality vs. Simplicity

Examining the top controls reveals the Ricoh WG-5 GPS’s dedication to functionality - offering a mode dial with options including shutter priority and multiple exposure compensation settings. It even supports bracketing for exposure and white balance, features that hint at more creative control. The buttons are robust, though lacking backlighting, which can be a minor inconvenience in low-light scenarios.

The Sony S950, as an older design, sports a simpler layout that prioritizes straightforward point-and-shoot operation. It lacks exposure or aperture priority modes and has no bracketing capability. This limits creative manual control, but the menu system is straightforward and can be navigated quickly by beginners or casual users.

If you want more control over your exposure and bracketing options on a compact, the Ricoh scores here. If simplicity and minimalistic operation are your priorities, the Sony keeps things easy.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Modern BSI CMOS vs. Classic CCD

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm (28.07 mm²), but their sensor technologies differ markedly:

• Ricoh WG-5 GPS employs a 16-megapixel Backside Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor. This sensor type is superior in light-gathering efficiency, enabling better performance at higher ISOs and improved dynamic range.

• Sony S950 uses a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, which was standard for compact cameras of its time. CCD sensors often yield good color rendition but tend to struggle with noise at higher ISO settings and have slower readout speeds.

In practical shooting, the Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers images with crisper details, better color accuracy, and less noise in dim environments compared to the Sony. The WG-5 supports ISO 125 to 6400, enabling flexibility in various lighting, whereas the Sony limits ISO up to 3200 with more noticeable grain at higher sensitivities.

Neither camera offers RAW file support, so you're working with JPEG outputs only - limiting post-processing latitude. Still, the Ricoh’s sensor and processing pipeline produce noticeably cleaner files with finer details, especially in shadows and highlights.

Lenses and Optical Performance: Fast Aperture vs. Classic Reach

The Ricoh WG-5’s lens has a notable advantage with a very bright f/2.0 aperture at its wide-angle end, allowing you to better isolate subjects and shoot in low light. Its macro prowess is outstanding, focusing down to just 1 cm, which combined with sensor-shift stabilization ensures sharp close-ups even handheld.

The Sony S950’s lens is more traditional, starting at f/3.3 and extending to f/5.2 - slower and less forgiving in dim conditions. Its macro focusing is limited to 10 cm, making it less effective for extreme close-up shots.

The WG-5’s wide aperture also helps create shallower depth of field for portraits and subject separation - an area where the Sony’s lens is less effective. If you’re aiming for versatility with a tilt towards creative control in depth and close focusing, Ricoh leads.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Agile Tracking vs. Basic Point Shooting

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS sports a relatively sophisticated contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points and face detection, aiding in accurate focus on people in portraits or moving subjects. It can shoot bursts up to an impressive 14 frames per second - a rarity in rugged compacts and valuable for capturing fast action in sports or wildlife scenarios.

In contrast, the Sony S950 has a basic 9-point contrast-detection AF system without face detection and max continuous shooting at 1 fps. It’s best for static subjects or casual snapshots rather than fast-paced photography.

These differences translate into real-world advantages: the Ricoh better handles wildlife or dynamic sports shots, while the Sony shines mainly in relaxed, posed scenarios.

Display and Viewfinder: Readable Screens but No Viewfinders

Both cameras forgo electronic viewfinders, relying entirely on their LCD screens. The Ricoh’s 3-inch screen with 460k dots offers greater clarity and a larger composition space compared to the Sony’s 2.7-inch, 230k dot display.

This difference matters when shooting in bright daylight or framing intricate scenes like landscapes or macro subjects. The Ricoh’s screen also supports live view autofocus with tracking overlays - a boon for composing in dynamic situations.

Neither camera has touchscreen functionality, which is not surprising given their release dates and target audiences.

Durability and Weather Resistance: The Ricoh is Built for Bold Adventures

The ruggedness of the Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a standout feature, effectively making it a camera built to go anywhere - whether snorkeling, hiking, or extreme sports. This level of protection plus GPS tagging enhances your travel and outdoor shooting experience.

The Sony S950 has no weather sealing or shock resistance, so it’s best kept away from harsh conditions - a camera primarily for indoor, urban, or well-controlled environments.

If your photography demands include durability and reliability in challenging environments, Ricoh clearly holds an advantage.

Battery Life and Storage: Modest Capacities, Different Media Types

The Ricoh WG-5 GPS uses a D-LI92 battery pack, rated for approximately 240 shots per full charge. For extended shooting, carrying an extra battery or portable charger is advisable.

Sony relies on proprietary battery types not specified but is known for moderate endurance fitting its compact design. The S950 stores images on Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo cards, which are less common now, while the Ricoh supports more universal SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

USB 2.0 ports on both cameras facilitate image transfers, but only the Ricoh has an HDMI output to preview images on big screens - a perk for sharing outdoors or with clients.

Connectivity and GPS: Location Tagging with Ricoh

Built-in GPS is a niche but valuable feature on the WG-5, allowing you to geotag images easily - a big plus for travel photographers, geologists, or anyone looking to catalog their adventures accurately.

The Sony offers no wireless or GPS capabilities, reflecting its age and less connected era of design.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Serviceable on Ricoh

The Ricoh supports full HD video up to 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps - respectable for a rugged compact. Its sensor-shift stabilization helps smooth handheld clips despite no external microphone inputs, limiting audio quality control.

Sony’s video abilities are very limited, effectively providing only basic Motion JPEG clips without HD.

If recording casual outdoor videos during your adventures is important, Ricoh again has a major edge.

Photography Use Case Analysis: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s break down how each camera performs across common photography genres and shooting scenarios.

Ricoh WG 5 GPS front Ricoh WG 5 GPS screen back Sony S950 front Sony S950 screen back

Examining sample shots side by side from outdoor landscapes and portraits affirms these points: Ricoh’s images are generally sharper, better exposed, and more vibrant in color - especially in challenging lighting. Sony can still deliver decent images but requires gentler conditions and slower moving subjects.

Overall Performance and Ratings by Category

This chart reflects the Ricoh’s commanding lead in image quality, autofocus performance, ruggedness, and feature set over the Sony, which scores well only on portability.

A more detailed breakdown focusing on photographic genres below emphasizes tailored recommendations.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Pick the Ricoh WG-5 GPS if:

• You need a rugged, waterproof camera that withstands tough environments.
• You shoot action, wildlife, or sports with fast autofocus and high burst rates.
• You want flexible creative control with exposure modes and bracketing.
• You value GPS for geotagging your adventurous outings.
• You need good macro capability and stabilized full HD video.
• You’re okay with slightly bulkier handling in exchange for durability.

Consider the Sony DSC-S950 if:

• Portability and pocketability are your primary concern.
• Your shooting is mostly casual, indoors, or in gentle outdoor conditions.
• You prefer a simple, point-and-shoot experience without manual controls.
• Your budget is tight and you find a used option at a bargain price.
• You don’t require video, fast shooting, or rugged features.

For photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking a rugged companion for challenging environments plus versatility in shooting styles, the Ricoh WG-5 GPS is the much stronger contender. Its modern sensor technology, robust construction, and feature richness provide a dependable tool for creativity both in the studio and in the wild.

Conversely, the Sony S950 offers a glimpse of earlier compact camera design but falters in nearly every technical and practical metric compared to the Ricoh. That said, for pure travel convenience or budget-conscious shoppers, the Sony might still find a place.

Getting the Most Out of Your Choice

Whichever camera you opt for:

• Check out compatible accessories like spare batteries and rugged cases (for the Sony) to maximize shooting time.
• Experiment with macro and GPS functions on the Ricoh to expand your creative horizons.
• Practice manual focusing and exposure techniques where available to deepen your photographic control.
• Use an SD card with fast write speeds for the Ricoh to fully utilize its burst capabilities and video recording.
• Regularly update your gear knowledge since even compacts evolve rapidly - these cameras serve well for specific needs but newer models add exciting possibilities.

Photography is ultimately about capturing moments that matter, and your camera should facilitate that journey by matching your style and environment. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony DSC-S950 represent two distinct paths - rugged adventure vs. compact ease - but exploring each through hands-on experience helps you make smarter, more inspired choices.

Happy shooting!