Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony RX10 II

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony RX10 II, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-50 (16MP) and the RX10 II (20MP) is relatively similar but the WG-50 (1/2.3") and RX10 II (1") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The WG-50 was introduced 24 months after the RX10 II which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-50 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the WG-50 grades against the RX10 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-50 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-50 Gallery & Sony RX10 II Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Ricoh WG-50 offers external measurements of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 II has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony RX10 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the WG-50 vs the RX10 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-50 and RX10 II is 91 and 58 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-50 and RX10 II.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The WG-50 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX10 II will offer extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger WG-50 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.