Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony A390

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Ricoh WG-50 versus Sony A390, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-50 (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the WG-50 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The WG-50 was revealed 6 years after the A390 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-50 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the WG-50 grades against the A390 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-50 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-50 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Ricoh WG-50 provides outside dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony A390 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh WG-50 versus Sony A390 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the WG-50 vs the A390.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-50 and A390 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The image below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-50 and A390.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-50 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Ricoh WG-50 will give extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher WG-50 should have an edge in sensor innovation.