Ricoh WG-5 GPS vs Sony WX1

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Ricoh WG-5 GPS versus Sony WX1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the WG-5 GPS (16MP) and WX1 (10MP) and the WG-5 GPS (1/2.3") and WX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The WG-5 GPS was unveiled 5 years later than the WX1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-5 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony WX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the WG-5 GPS grades against the WX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-5 GPS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. The full galleries are available at Ricoh WG-5 GPS Gallery and Sony WX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS offers external measurements of 125mm x 65mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony WX1 has dimensions of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") and a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh WG-5 GPS versus Sony WX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the WG-5 GPS compared to the WX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-5 GPS and WX1 is 90 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The visual below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-5 GPS and WX1.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The WG-5 GPS using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Ricoh WG-5 GPS will give you more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger WG-5 GPS should have an advantage in sensor tech.