Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony NEX-5

Lets examine more in depth at the Ricoh WG-6 and Sony NEX-5, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the WG-6 (20MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the WG-6 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The WG-6 was brought out 7 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh WG-6 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the WG-6 scores versus the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-6 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-6 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-6 has external measurements of 118mm x 66mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 246 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Ricoh WG-6 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the WG-6 compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-6 and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The pic here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-6 and NEX-5.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-6 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Ricoh WG-6 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent WG-6 will have an edge in sensor technology.