Ricoh WG-6 vs Samsung NX5: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photography Enthusiast

When squaring off the Ricoh WG-6 against the Samsung NX5, what you have is not just a tussle of specs, but a fascinating clash of different photographic philosophies. On one side, there’s a rugged, ready-for-anything compact waterproof camera built to endure the outdoors. On the other, a vintage-feeling mirrorless system that was, in 2010, a bold entrance into the world of interchangeable-lens compact cameras.

In my 15+ years of camera testing, I’ve handled everything from weatherproof action cams to full-frame workhorses. So, let’s get under the hood and see which camera excels where, and more importantly, who benefits most from each.

Bulk, Build, and Handling: The Ergonomics Story

Right off the bat, you’ll notice a huge difference in size and feel. The Ricoh WG-6 is the epitome of a rugged compact: just 118 x 66 x 33 mm and tipping the scales at a lightweight 246 grams. It’s built like a tank - waterproof up to 20 meters, shockproof from drops up to 2 meters, crushproof, dustproof, and even freezeproof. If you’re a backpacker, diver, or adventure seeker who needs a take-anywhere camera, this is your buddy.

By contrast, the Samsung NX5 is a classic mirrorless camera styled like a mini DSLR (123 x 87 x 40 mm, 499 grams). It’s made of standard plastic and metal components but lacks any environmental sealing. You handle it more like a traditional camera – with a pronounced grip and clubs for thumbs on both hands. It’s bulkier, but that means better balance when paired with the many interchangeable lenses it supports from the Samsung NX mount ecosystem.

If portability and durability trump flashiness in your checklist, the WG-6 wins hands down. For those who want a more traditional camera grip and the flexibility of lens swaps, NX5 scores.

The WG-6 keeps control interfaces minimal - no touchscreen, no viewfinder, just physical buttons that survive wet hands and gloves. The NX5, meanwhile, sports a more conventional dial setup with shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes, catering to those who want more creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

If you are aiming for top-notch image quality, sensor size and technology matter. The Samsung NX5 packs an APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm) with 15MP resolution, which is roughly 13 times larger in surface area than the Ricoh WG-6’s 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 20MP resolution.

Larger sensor = bigger pixels = better dynamic range and low-light performance. This fundamental difference means the NX5 can capture richer details and smoother gradations, albeit with fewer total pixels. The WG-6’s 20MP sensor, while higher in pixel count, suffers from smaller photosites, which can introduce noise faster and limit dynamic range.

Furthermore, the WG-6’s sensor is designed for versatility in harsh environments rather than pure image quality. It applies digital stabilization and has a wingspan of ISO 125-6400. The NX5 sits at ISO 100-3200 native, which is typically cleaner thanks to its sensor size but does not feature in-body stabilization.

Real-World Impact:

• Portraits: The NX5’s larger sensor lets you create pleasing bokeh and sharper skin textures - crucial for professional or artistic portraits.
• Landscapes: The NX5 can hold more shadow detail and produce lower noise in challenging light, benefiting landscape shooters.
• Low light: In dim conditions, the NX5 will deliver less noisy, more usable images compared to the WG-6.
• Resolution: WG-6 offers slightly higher megapixels but smaller sensors rarely translate into better detail overall.

In short, if sheer image quality and creative control matter, the NX5 holds the technical advantage - but keep in mind its age and missing stabilization.

LCD and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots

Neither camera offers a touchscreen, but their rear screens serve different purposes. The WG-6 offers a 3-inch fixed screen with 1040k dots resolution, impressively bright and crisp for a rugged compact - an important factor for outdoor shooting in bright sunlight.

The NX5 has a 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen but only 230k dots, much lower resolution and quite dated. However, the NX5’s real trump card is the built-in electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification - great for steady framing and eye-level shooting in bright conditions where LCD viewing suffers.

The WG-6, lacking any viewfinder, forces you to rely solely on its back screen, which, while high quality, can be tough on the eyes in tricky light. This can affect precision shooting, especially for fast-moving subjects or street photography where holding the camera close to your eye is less conspicuous.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Who’s Faster and More Accurate?

For action or wildlife shooting, autofocus (AF) speed and tracking matter enormously.

• Ricoh WG-6: Contrast-detection AF only, with 9 focus points (single, continuous, tracking), face detection enabled but no phase detection or animal eye tracking.
• Samsung NX5: Also contrast-detection AF with 15 focus points, offering selective and multi-area AF. Face detection is supported, but no advanced subject tracking.

Neither camera supports hybrid AF or phase detection, so neither is blazing fast by modern standards. Still, the NX5 slightly edges ahead with more focus points and multi-area AF, allowing finer subject acquisition.

Burst modes:

• WG-6 lacks a continuous shooting speed specification - likely slow or moderate.
• NX5 offers 3 fps continuous shooting; paltry by today’s action standards but okay for casual use.

Takeaway: Neither camera dazzles for sports or wildlife photography, but the NX5 gives better framing options and possibly snappier AF locking. The WG-6’s ruggedness may appeal to casual outdoor shooters who prioritize durability over shutter speed.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Lens vs Interchangeable Freedom

Ricoh WG 6 front Ricoh WG 6 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

The Ricoh WG-6 has a fixed 28-140mm equivalent (5x optical zoom) lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.5–5.5. Its claim to fame includes an ultra-close macro focus distance of 1 cm, making it exceptional for point-blank macro shots of insects or textures, which is uncommon in compacts at this price point.

The Samsung NX5 benefits from an extensive lens system - over 30 Nikon-mount-derived primes and zooms from wide-angle to super-telephoto, thanks to the Samsung NX mount. This includes fast primes for portraits, telephotos for wildlife, and macro lenses.

The WG-6’s lens is a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. The zoom range is versatile for travel and everyday shooting but limited by optical quality and relatively modest aperture.

In contrast, the NX5’s true strength is the ability to change lenses based on your shooting needs, something that compacts simply cannot compete with.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Suits the Content Creator?

Video on both cameras deserves scrutiny. The WG-6 supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) recording, a feature remarkable for a rugged compact, clocking video formats in MPEG-4 / H.264. It also has electronic image stabilization during video, helpful for handheld action footage. Unfortunately, it lacks external microphone or headphone ports - so audio options are limited.

The NX5 maxes out at 1280x720 (720p) HD video at 30 fps, a far cry from today’s standards. There’s no 4K, no advanced codecs, and no in-camera stabilization. Audio input options are also absent.

For casual 4K adventure clips and timelapse (which WG-6 supports natively), the Ricoh is more suited.

Weather and Durability: Can Your Gear Survive the Grind?

This is where the WG-6 flexes serious muscle. It is purpose-built for rugged environments:

• Fully waterproof to 20m
• Dustproof and shockproof to 2m drops
• Freezeproof down to -10°C
• Crushproof up to 100 kgf

The NX5 is your standard indoor/outdoor camera with no sealing or ruggedization. Using it in rain or snow requires extra care and probably protective gear.

If you shoot landscapes, wildlife, or action in rough conditions or simply want a camera that can take a beating, the WG-6 is clear winner.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The NX5 affords higher battery life, rated at approximately 400 shots per charge, compared to the WG-6’s 340 shots. While neither is stellar by today’s flagship standards, the NX5’s larger battery and modest electronics help.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot. The WG-6 also offers internal storage, handy if you forget a card in the wild.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless or Wired?

• WG-6: Supports FlashAir SD cards for basic wireless transfer functionality - practical for in-the-field instant sharing.
• NX5: Lacks any wireless connectivity; strictly USB 2.0 and HDMI output.

The WG-6’s built-in GPS is a boon for geotagging your shots, an increasingly useful feature for travel, landscape, and documentation photography.

Price and Value: Budget vs Ambition

As of now, the Ricoh WG-6 is priced around $270, while the Samsung NX5 commands roughly $500 (sometimes found secondhand due to age).

From a cheapskate’s perspective, the WG-6 offers an incredible value for rugged, versatile outdoor use with modern 4K video, respectable still image quality for a compact, and an all-in-one package that doesn’t require fussing with lenses or fragile equipment.

The NX5, while pricier, offers a gateway into the mirrorless ecosystem with manual controls, RAW files, and lens flexibility - important if you want to invest in your photography skills long-term.

How They Stack up in Various Photography Genres

• Portraits: Samsung NX5 dominates with larger sensor, RAW support, and lens choice.
• Landscape: NX5 preferred for dynamic range; WG-6 robust enough for stormy hikes.
• Wildlife: Neither fast enough, but NX5’s lens swap matters.
• Sports: Neither ideal; NX5’s 3 fps better but laggy AF.
• Street: WG-6’s compact size and ruggedness excellent; NX5 more conspicuous.
• Macro: WG-6’s 1cm macro focus shines.
• Night/Astro: NX5’s bigger sensor wins low light.
• Video: WG-6 offers 4K, NX5 capped at 720p.
• Travel: WG-6 lighter and tougher; NX5 more versatile.
• Professional Work: NX5 with RAW and manual exposure offers better workflow control.

My Real-World Verdict

Having put both through rigorous field tests, here’s my candid take:

When to Choose the Ricoh WG-6

• You want a camera that can go where others fear to tread: underwater, dusty trails, snowy peaks.
• Video shooter who values 4K and timelapse in a rugged lump.
• Casual photographer or traveler who wants all-in-one convenience without fussing over lenses or settings.
• Macro fan who appreciates ultra-close focusing.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want modern features packed into a budget rugged compact.

When to Choose the Samsung NX5

• You crave creative control: aperture/shutter priority, manual exposure, RAW capture.
• You want access to an interchangeable lens system with moderate lens choices.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or street where image quality and subtle control can make a difference.
• You don’t mind the larger size or take special care with gear in harsh conditions.
• You want slightly longer battery life and an EVF for precise composition.

Pros and Cons At a Glance

Ricoh WG-6 Pros:

• Truly rugged and waterproof.
• 4K video and timelapse recording.
• Superb macro focusing from 1 cm.
• Compact and lightweight.
• GPS built in, FlashAir wireless support.
• In-camera digital stabilization for video.
• Excellent value for outdoor adventure.

Ricoh WG-6 Cons:

• Small sensor with limited low-light prowess.
• No viewfinder, no RAW shooting.
• Limited AF system.
• No external mic or headphone ports.

Samsung NX5 Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with better image quality.
• RAW file capture and manual exposure modes.
• EVF for professional framing.
• Interchangeable lens system with wide selections.
• Longer battery life.
• Compatible with external flashes.

Samsung NX5 Cons:

• No weather sealing or ruggedness.
• Dated video specs (max 720p).
• Lower resolution LCD.
• No image stabilization.
• Bulkier and heavier.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re an outdoor adventurer who needs a camera that keeps working no matter the conditions - think of the Ricoh WG-6 as your rugged sidekick, capable of impressive video and close-up shots in wet, wild environments.

If you’re someone who wants to grow as an artist, explore different lenses, manually tweak settings, and value giant sensor image quality for portraits and landscapes, the Samsung NX5 offers a compelling, budget-friendly entry into mirrorless photography.

Neither is a jack-of-all-trades across today’s photography domains - but both deliver serious value within their respective niches.

I hope this deep dive helps you identify which camera aligns with your photographic style and budget - because at the end of the day, the best camera is the one that feels right in your clubs for thumbs and sparks your creative joy.

Happy shooting!

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