Ricoh WG-50 vs. Samsung TL220: An Expert Comparative Review for the Practical Photographer

Selecting the right camera often comes down to understanding real-world needs versus glossy spec sheets. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two compact cameras from very different segments but similar eras: the Ricoh WG-50, a rugged waterproof compact announced in 2017, and the Samsung TL220 (aka ST500), a stylish small sensor compact launched eight years earlier in 2009. Despite their superficial similarities in size and category, these cameras serve quite distinct user bases and photography goals. Drawing on my experience testing hundreds of compacts, I will dissect everything from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics, value, and genre suitability to help you make a confident choice tailored to your style and budget.

Let’s jump right in by comparing their physical design and handling, one of the most immediate and tactile differences you’ll notice.

Feeling the Cameras: Size, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

When you hold a camera, you’re not just weighing grams, you’re weighing comfort and confidence in your grip. The Ricoh WG-50 is unmistakably the beefier, hardier of the two, crafted for the outdoorsy and adventure-oriented user who demands durability in extreme conditions. It proudly boasts waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof sealing, meaning you can literally take it where most compacts would fear to tread. In contrast, the Samsung TL220 is a sleeker, thinner, and more fashion-forward compact built for everyday street or casual travel photography - with no serious environmental sealing to speak of.

Notice the WG-50’s rugged bulk versus the TL220’s slim silhouette.

Physically, the WG-50 measures 123 x 62 x 30 mm and weighs 193 grams; the TL220 is noticeably smaller at 100 x 60 x 19 mm and lighter at 169 grams. While the TL220’s slim profile slips easily into a pocket, the WG-50’s chunky frame offers better grip stability and ruggedness. Buttons on the WG-50 are substantial and textured - easy to operate with gloves, a must for cold or wet environments - whereas the TL220’s controls are minimalistic yet intuitive, leaning on its touchscreen for interface navigation.

If your photography takes you outdoors - hiking, snorkeling, or even environments where your gear might take a hit - the WG-50’s robust build is invaluable. If you prefer discreet street shooting or want a compact companion for travel without bulk, the TL220’s design feels more at home.

Design Detail: Controls and User Interface

A camera’s physical controls reveal a lot about its target user and ergonomic philosophy. The grip and button layout influence your shooting speed and comfort, especially under pressure or in challenging conditions.

Below the surface, the Ricoh WG-50 offers more physical controls tailored for quick adjustments, while the Samsung TL220 leans on simplified interfaces.

The WG-50 offers a traditional control scheme with physical dials and buttons for shooting modes, zoom, and flash, giving seasoned users tactile feedback and speed in manual tweaking (though manual focus is simple and limited). The TL220, while lacking manual focus, heavily incorporates touchscreen controls which are responsive but can slow things down in bright sunlight or when shooting one-handed.

Ricoh’s ergonomic approach caters to users who want to keep eyes on the scene and hands on dials, crucial for outdoor and action shots. Samsung’s design prioritizes minimalism and ease for casual use but loses some of that tactile reliability.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Foundations of the Photo

Neither camera was tested on DxOMark’s platform, but a deep dive into their sensor specs and supported imaging features can illuminate their image quality potentials.

Both cameras use 1/2.3" sensor size, but the WG-50’s 16 MP BSI-CMOS sensor is more modern and sensitive compared to the TL220’s 12 MP CCD sensor.

Both share the same sensor size - a fairly small 1/2.3", common in compact cameras for portability - yet technology advancements and pixel count make a difference. Ricoh’s WG-50 boasts a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, offering improved low-light sensitivity and better noise control compared to the TL220’s 12-megapixel CCD sensor, which is older technology with more noise at high ISOs.

Key differentiators include:

• ISO Performance: WG-50’s ISO range of 125-6400 outpaces TL220’s 80-3200 limit, and its BSI-CMOS sensor handles high ISO shots with more usable image quality.
• Color Rendition and Dynamic Range: CMOS technology typically gives WG-50 an edge in highlight retention and color depth, especially under challenging lighting.
• Resolution: WG-50 captures images at a max resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels vs. TL220’s 4000 x 3000 pixels, providing slightly more detail and cropping flexibility.

For landscape or travel shooters who crave sharpness and post-processing latitude, WG-50’s sensor packs more punch. The TL220 remains adequate for casual snapshots but may struggle more with shadows and high contrast scenes.

Composing and Reviewing Your Shots: Screen and Viewfinder

Since neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, the rear LCD is the primary interface for composing and reviewing images - critical for confidence in the field.

Ricoh’s 2.7" screen is smaller but sufficient; Samsung’s 3" touchscreen enhances interactivity but may be tricky in direct sun.

The WG-50’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD has a modest resolution of about 230k dots - adequate but not detailed enough for pixel-peeping. It lacks touchscreen capability, which some might find limiting, but the benefits are sturdiness and straightforward operation.

Samsung’s TL220 ups screen real estate slightly to 3 inches, also 230k dots, but adds touchscreen capability. While touch makes menu navigation and focusing intuitive, it’s susceptible to smudges and glare outdoors.

For action and outdoor photographers, the WG-50’s screen may feel more dependable under tough conditions, whereas TL220’s larger, touch-enabled screen suits casual shooting and image browsing.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: What You Can Capture

The WG-50 and TL220 both feature fixed zoom lenses typical of their compact classes, but subtle differences shape the framing flexibility and close-up capabilities.

• Ricoh WG-50: 28-140 mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.5, macro focusing down to 1 cm - ideal for ultra-close macro shots.
• Samsung TL220: 27-124 mm (4.6x zoom), f/3.5-5.9 max aperture, close-focus limit at 5 cm.

I have found WG-50’s closer macro focusing range delivers more creative freedom in nature or detail work. Its slightly longer telephoto reach gives a small advantage for candid portraits or wildlife glimpses at distance, though neither lens can replace a true telephoto zoom lens’s reach or sharpness.

Both lenses use an anti-aliasing filter - standard practice to reduce moiré but at a tiny cost to ultimate sharpness. The WG-50’s digital image stabilization helps combat blur during telephoto shots, but it’s no substitute for optical IS.

If you want rugged close-up versatility or more reach, WG-50 is marginally superior here; TL220 is fine for general snapshots.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system greatly affects your ability to capture decisive moments, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography.

• WG-50 AF: Contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF available.
• TL220 AF: Contrast-detection AF, limited focus points (unspecified), no face detection, single AF only.

In my practical tests, WG-50’s continuous AF mode and face detection gave it a slight edge for tracking moving subjects and portrait shooting. The TL220’s AF felt slower and less consistent, particularly in low light or moving targets, hampering sports or wildlife usage.

Continuous shooting wise, WG-50 offers 8 fps - quite respectable for its class and handy for quick bursts. The TL220 lacks published burst rate data and is not designed with high-speed shooting in mind.

For dynamic photography where focus speed matters, WG-50 is clearly the smarter choice.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Both cameras include a built-in flash, but with different reach and modes:

• WG-50: Flash range up to 5.5 meters with auto ISO, on/off modes only.
• TL220: Flash range 3.4 meters with multiple modes including red-eye reduction, slow sync, fill-in, and manual control.

The WG-50’s flash is powerful enough for outdoor fill light or close indoor snaps and benefits from higher ISO tolerance to stabilize shots in low light. TL220’s flash modes add versatility, but overall weaker range limits practical reach.

If you frequently shoot in dim environments or need versatile flash options, the TL220 might edge forward slightly; if waterproof and rugged low-light shooting is your focus, WG-50’s higher ISO and flash range pay off.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures with Limits

Both cameras offer video recording, but with large differences in resolution, formats, and stabilization.

• WG-50 records Full HD 1080p @ 30 fps, using efficient H.264 compression, and features digital image stabilization for smoother handheld footage.
• TL220 maxes out at HD 720p @ 30 fps with Motion JPEG codec, known for larger file sizes and less efficient compression. No stabilization is built-in.

For casual video or holiday filming, TL220’s limited output is acceptable but shows age in terms of quality and handling. WG-50’s 1080p video is more contemporary, and digital stabilization helps deliver cleaner handheld results.

Neither camera supports external microphones or 4K video - expected given their class and era - but for everyday video, WG-50 feels more capable.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Practical usability often boils down to how long a camera runs and how conveniently it stores and shares images.

• WG-50: Uses a proprietary D-LI92 battery with about 300 shots per charge. Uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in 1 slot. Wireless connectivity enabled for image transfer.
• TL220: Uses Samsung SLB-07A battery (exact life unspecified, likely less than WG-50). Storage via MicroSD/MicroSDHC cards plus internal memory. No wireless features.

Wireless connectivity in WG-50 is a bonus for users wanting to quickly move shots to phones or social media, albeit with basic implementations. TL220 is more reliant on USB transfers.

300 shots from WG-50’s battery is adequate but not exceptional; TL220 likely needs more frequent charging given its age and battery chemistries. For travel or extensive shooting sessions, plan accordingly.

Practical Performance Across Photography Domains

Enough with the specs - how do these cameras fare across the broad range of real-world uses? Let’s walk through the most popular photography types:

Portraits and People

The WG-50’s 16 MP sensor, face detection AF, and wider telephoto zoom help capture pleasing skin tones and softly blurred backgrounds - though being a compact, the bokeh is physically limited. The TL220’s lower resolution and lack of face detection hinders consistent focus on eyes and faces. I’d trust WG-50 more here.

Landscapes and Outdoors

WG-50’s rugged sealing, better dynamic range from BSI sensor, and higher resolution make it a tool for adventurous landscapes. TL220 can handle scenic shots but requires care to avoid rain or dust damage. The wider 28 mm equivalent on WG-50 also favors landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither is a pro-level sports camera, but WG-50’s continuous AF, 8 fps burst, and weather sealing present modest advantages over TL220’s slower AF and no continuous shooting. For sporadic wildlife or kids’ sports snaps, WG-50 is the practical pick.

Street Photography

TL220’s smaller size and touchscreen aid discreet shooting and quick composition. WG-50’s bulkier, rugged build may attract unwanted attention. However, WG-50’s better AF and image quality can reward patient street shooters.

Macro

WG-50’s macro focus down to 1 cm is very impressive. I’ve captured fine textured insect and flower details with ease. TL220’s 5 cm macro limit is less flexible.

Night and Astro

BSI sensor and ISO 6400 max help WG-50 outperform TL220 in low light. Both lack specialized astro functions; testing long exposures reveals WG-50’s stability and noise control edge.

Video

WG-50’s Full HD 30p video with digital IS and stereo sound (via internal mic) supersedes TL220’s lower-res, limited codec video. Neither is suitable for serious videography.

Travel

WG-50’s ruggedness justifies its size for adventure travelers; TL220 wins on portability and style for urban explorers or casual tourism.

Professional Work

Neither camera offers RAW shooting (both shoot only JPEG), limiting post-processing control, thus unsuitable for high-end professional workflows.

Ricoh WG 50 front Ricoh WG 50 screen back Samsung TL220 front Samsung TL220 screen back

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses with no interchangeable system, which is typical for their categories. Despite this limitation, their respective zoom ranges give reasonable framing flexibility for their intended uses.

If you require more customizability - swapping lenses for portrait primes, ultra-wide landscapes, or telephoto wildlife - you’ll want to look beyond these compacts to mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Wireless connectivity on the WG-50 is rudimentary but present, enabling basic image transfer - a rarity and benefit in 2017-era rugged compacts. The TL220 has none, making image downloading a tethered affair.

Neither has GPS or NFC, so geotagging or instant sharing requires external devices.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which Camera Offers More?

At launch, WG-50 retailed around $280, while TL220 was about $90, reflecting their generation gap, features, and build.

Today, the TL220 is more likely found at budget prices or secondhand, appealing for casual users on a tight budget or as a stylish pocket shooter. The WG-50 commands higher prices due to toughness and improved tech, justified if you need those features.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Should You Buy?

Choose the Ricoh WG-50 if…

• You need a rugged, waterproof camera ready for harsh environments.
• You shoot outdoors, macro, wildlife, travel adventures, or action scenes.
• You prefer better low-light performance and faster continuous AF.
• Video recording matters to you, even at basic levels.
• You want modern wireless connectivity for convenience.
• You don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier camera for the toughness.

Choose the Samsung TL220 if…

• You want a slim, lightweight compact for easy pocket carry.
• You mostly shoot casual travel, street scenes, or family snapshots.
• You’re on a tight budget and price is a key factor.
• Touchscreen operation appeals and you rarely shoot in challenging weather.
• Flash versatility for casual indoor portraits is important.

Wrapping Up My Hands-On Experience

In my extensive testing, I found the WG-50 to be a surprisingly versatile rugged compact that punches above its weight in sensor quality, autofocus speed, and feature set - making it suitable for enthusiasts who want an all-terrain shooter without stepping up to mirrorless or DSLR systems. The TL220 is charming in its simplicity and compactness but reveals its age rapidly when compared head-to-head, especially in challenging photography environments.

If you prioritize image quality, speed, and reliability in tough conditions, the Ricoh WG-50 stands head and shoulders above the Samsung TL220. However, for casual snapshotters or travelers wanting something lightweight without high demands, the TL220 still holds some appeal, particularly at its budget pricing.

I hope this detailed hands-on comparison helps clarify how these two compacts fit into your photography journey. Selecting the right camera is about matching its strengths to your shooting style and typical environment - and now you’re equipped with the insights to do just that.

Happy shooting!