Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony W550

Let's look closer at the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony W550, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-50 (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The WG-50 was unveiled 5 years after the W550 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh WG-50 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the WG-50 matches up versus the W550 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-50 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-50 Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-50 has physical 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 W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony W550 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the WG-50 compared to the W550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-50 and W550 is 91 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-50 and W550.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Ricoh WG-50 to resolve extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern WG-50 will have a benefit in sensor tech.