Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony A68

Ricoh WG-50 vs Sony A68: An In-Depth Comparison for Every Photographer’s Toolkit

Choosing between the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony A68 is an intriguing exercise in understanding two cameras that, at first glance, serve quite different photographic purposes. The WG-50, a rugged waterproof compact, and the A68, an entry-level DSLR with a more traditional design, each target distinct user bases. Yet, for photographers weighing versatility, durability, and image quality across genres, it’s worth delving deeper. Having worked extensively with both, I’m sharing hands-on insights covering technology, real-world performance, and what style of shooting suits each best.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Pocket Toughness vs DSLR Presence

Handling is often the first decisive factor. The Ricoh WG-50 is a compact powerhouse designed for rugged use, key for adventure photographers who demand a waterproof, shockproof device. Measuring just 123x62x30 mm and weighing only 193 g, it fits in a jacket pocket and won’t quiver even after a splash or drop. The camera's buttons are straightforward, though small, owing to the compact body and non-touch fixed 2.7" screen.

In contrast, the Sony A68 commands a DSLR footprint at 143x104x81 mm and a hefty 610 g body. Its grip and control placement cater to traditional photographic ergonomics, with an emphasis on extended handheld comfort during longer shoots. The tilting 2.7” screen (also 2.7”, but with twice the resolution) and electronic viewfinder provide familiar framing options for those accustomed to optical viewfinders but seeking some modern convenience.

The Sony’s more robust control layout and dedicated exposure adjustment dials (including shutter and aperture priority modes) make for faster, more intuitive handling - something the WG-50’s compact format and no mechanical aperture control can’t replicate.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: Compact Sensor Meets APS-C Brilliance

Image quality differences essentially stem from sensor size and processing. The Ricoh WG-50 incorporates a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 MP resolution, optimized for durability and ease-of-use, though ultimately limited by its small physical dimensions (6.17x4.55 mm sensor, ~28 mm² active area). This sensor size is standard fare for waterproof compacts and provides acceptable IQ for web sharing and casual prints.

Conversely, the Sony A68 boasts a substantially larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6 mm, ~367 mm²) with 24 MP resolution and no low-pass filter to maximize sharpness. This sensor size offers vastly superior dynamic range, depth, and noise control - a critical advantage in studio settings, low light, and print-quality work.

In practical testing, the A68’s images exhibit richer color gradations, deeper shadows with less noise, and crisper detail. The WG-50’s output is serviceable in daylight but struggles with dynamic range and ISO noise beyond 400, reflective of its sensor and processing limitations.

Viewing Experience: Electronic Viewfinder vs No Viewfinder

The WG-50 comes with only a fixed, low-resolution LCD, challenging to view in bright conditions and limiting for precise composition or manual adjustments. There’s no viewfinder support, making the camera less suitable for quick or complex framing scenarios.

The A68’s high-resolution EVF (1440 dots, 100% coverage) is a welcome asset. It provides a clear, bright framing aid akin to an optical finder but with added overlays like live histograms and exposure previews, crucial in variable lighting. Its tilting LCD screen also lends creative freedom for overhead or low-angle shooting.

Autofocus Systems: The A68’s Speed Edge and WG-50’s Entry-Level Capability

Autofocus prowess is where the DSLR again flexes superiority. The Sony A68 uses a hybrid 79-point phase-detection AF system (with 15 cross-type sensors), renowned for fast and accurate locking, especially important in tracking moving subjects - a boon for wildlife and sports shooters. It supports continuous AF and face detection, delivering reliable performance in fast-action environments.

The Ricoh WG-50 offers contrast-detection AF with 9 selectable points and face detection but no phase-detect AF or advanced tracking features. It has continuous AF but lacks the precision and speed needed for fast-moving subjects. For still subjects or casual snapshots, its system works adequately, but it’s rarely satisfying for more demanding uses.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Keeping Up with Action

Both cameras offer a respectable continuous shooting speed of 8 fps. However, the Sony’s sophisticated autofocus tracking ensures a higher keeper rate in bursts, while the WG-50’s continuous AF is more prone to hunting and focus loss.

Shutter speed range also favors the A68, offering 30s to 1/4000s exposure times plus priority modes. The WG-50 encapsulates 4s to 1/4000s but has no manual exposure control beyond ISO and custom white balance, limiting creative exposure experimentation.

Lens Ecosystems and Flexibility: Fixed vs Interchangeable

A massive difference lies in optical versatility. The Ricoh WG-50 sports a fixed 28-140 mm (equivalent) 5x zoom with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.5. This setup is solid for travel, landscapes, and casual wildlife photography (pets rather than wild fauna). The macro mode reaching down to 1 cm allows close-up shots that outperform many rugged compacts.

The Sony A68 leverages the extensive Sony A-mount lens lineup (over 140 compatible lenses), including fast primes, pro-level telephotos, macro specialists, and portrait-optimized optics. The ability to use specialized lenses is transformative for genres like portraiture, wildlife, and macro, where lens choice dramatically impacts creativity and image quality.

Build Quality and Durability: Waterproof Warrior vs Traditional SLR

If durability and weather resistance are priorities - say, for hiking, snorkeling, or rough terrain - the WG-50’s environmental sealing is a standout feature. Waterproof to 14m depth, dustproof, shockproof from 1.6m, and freeze-proof down to -10°C, it’s designed to endure where typical DSLRs would falter.

By contrast, the Sony A68 lacks official weather sealing or shock resistance, making it less suited for wet or challenging outdoor conditions without protective gear.

Battery Life and Storage

The A68’s battery outperforms the WG-50 at roughly 510 shots per charge vs the WG-50’s 300 shots, partly reflecting the larger DSLR’s expected use cases and power consumption optimization. Both use proprietary battery packs and single SD card slots, though the Sony also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, maintaining backward compatibility.

Connectivity and Video Features

Both cameras provide wireless connectivity, though Sony’s implementation with “Eye-Fi Connected” is niche and somewhat dated by now, not including Bluetooth or NFC on either. HDMI and USB ports are standard.

For video, the WG-50 records full HD 1080p at 30fps, suitable for casual videos or timelapse recordings. The A68 enables 1080p video at up to 60i fps, using AVCHD and XAVC S codecs, delivering better overall video quality and flexibility. Additionally, the Sony supports an external microphone input, enhancing sound capture for serious videographers - a feature absent in the Ricoh.

Specialty Photography: How Each Camera Measures Up

Portrait Photography
Sony’s larger sensor and sophisticated AF system deliver superior skin tone rendition, smooth depth of field with compatible lenses, and reliable eye detection via phase detection AF. The WG-50’s fixed lens and small sensor mean flatter images and limited background separation.

Landscape Photography
The A68’s higher resolution and dynamic range excel here, capturing subtle shadow detail and texture in wide scenes. The WG-50’s ruggedness offers peace of mind outdoors but with image quality compromises.

Wildlife and Sports
The A68 is far better equipped for these dynamic disciplines, with faster AF, better tracking, and telephoto lens adaptability. The WG-50 suffices for casual wildlife photos within its zoom but falls short for serious enthusiasts.

Street Photography
The WG-50, compact and waterproof, can be a stealthy companion for street candid shots, especially in adverse weather. The Sony is bulkier and louder but offers better control and image quality in low light.

Macro Photography
While the Sony can pair with pro macro lenses, the WG-50’s close focusing down to 1 cm is handy for casual macro, provided lighting conditions cooperate.

Night and Astro
With higher ISO capabilities (Sony native ISO up to 25600) and superior noise control, the A68 can tackle astro and night photography better, particularly with manual modes and shutter priority flexibility.

Video
Sony’s 60i full HD with external mic support gives a professional edge over the WG-50’s capped 30p and built-in mic only.

Travel
If packing light and rugged, the WG-50 shines - waterproof convenience plus decent image quality. The Sony demands more protection and space but rewards with versatile shooting for ambitious projects.

Professional Workflows
Raw shooting on the A68 integrates cleanly into professional pipelines; the WG-50’s JPEG-only approach limits post-production leverage.

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Comparison

Ricoh WG 50 front Ricoh WG 50 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons, the Sony A68’s images show notably cleaner shadows, richer colors, and sharper details, especially at higher ISOs and in challenging light. The Ricoh WG-50 provides bright daylight results acceptable for social or travel sharing but reveals softness and noise under indoor or twilight conditions.

Overall Performance Scores: The Numbers Speak

Technical benchmarks reflect the expected: The Sony A68 scores higher overall, fueled by superior sensor performance, autofocus, and feature set. The WG-50 excels in ruggedness and simplicity but falls short on imaging metrics.

Tailored Recommendations for Photography Needs

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Pick?

Choosing between the Ricoh WG-50 and Sony A68 depends heavily on your shooting priorities. The WG-50 is a straightforward, rugged companion for travel, underwater shooting, or situations where your camera might take a few knocks. Its strengths lie in durability and simplicity rather than raw image fidelity or creative control.

The Sony A68, although heavier and lacking weather sealing, is a far more capable imaging tool for enthusiasts and semi-pros requiring higher image quality, faster autofocus, and the creative freedom that interchangeable lenses and manual controls yield. It’s a camera that rewards patience and technique with superior results.

In my personal testing, if your photography demands include low light work, fast action, portraiture, or professional workflows, the Sony A68 unquestionably outperforms. But if you need a reliable rugged point-and-shoot that can survive a soak in the pool and still capture memories without fuss, the Ricoh WG-50 remains a solid, budget-conscious choice.

Both have their place, and knowing your shooting style and environment will guide you towards the best fit.

Thanks for reading this detailed comparison. I hope my experience helps you zero in on your next photographic partner!