Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we are comparing the Ricoh WG-50 versus Sony NEX-5, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-50 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the WG-50 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The WG-50 was unveiled 7 years after the NEX-5 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-50 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the WG-50 matches up versus the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh WG-50 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are available at Ricoh WG-50 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-50 offers outside dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh WG-50 versus Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the WG-50 versus the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-50 and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-50 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The WG-50 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Ricoh WG-50 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The younger WG-50 provides an advantage in sensor technology.