Ricoh WG-70 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX90V: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Innovators

Choosing the right compact camera can be daunting, especially when faced with distinct options like the Ricoh WG-70 and Sony Cyber-shot HX90V. Both target photographers who want portability but with very different priorities. Over years of testing thousands of cameras, I’ve learned that understanding how a camera's specs translate into practical use is key to picking the one that truly fits your creative vision.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore these two models across all major photographic disciplines - from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to video - and dig into the technical details that reveal their strengths and limitations. Whether you prioritize ruggedness, zoom reach, or image quality, this guide will clarify what each camera offers to help you decide confidently.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Handling

One of the first things you notice when placing the Ricoh WG-70 and Sony HX90V side by side is their distinct design ethos.

• Ricoh WG-70: Designed as a rugged waterproof compact, the WG-70 measures 123x62x30 mm and weighs 193 g, making it light yet sturdy. Its chunky, rubberized body feels durable and is purpose-built to survive harsh conditions - waterproof to 14 m, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or traveler who wants to shoot without worrying about the elements, this is a huge plus.

• Sony HX90V: Smaller in footprint at 102x58x36 mm and 245 g, the HX90V adopts a sleeker, more refined look. It isn’t weather-sealed, but its compactness and 30x zoom make it excellent for everyday carry. The slightly heavier weight reflects its complex optics and internal image stabilization.

The WG-70’s grippy, tactile buttons prioritize rugged usability, while the HX90V features meticulously crafted control placement aimed at smooth handling and quick adjustment.

From the top view, Sony’s inclusion of manual exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority) and an electronic viewfinder shows a clear nod towards enthusiasts wanting more creative control. Ricoh keeps things simple with no manual exposure or viewfinder, focusing instead on basic but effective functionality for adventurous shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Results

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which is standard for compacts but limits low-light capability and dynamic range compared to larger sensors. However, there are key differences:

Our hands-on testing shows the HX90V delivers slightly sharper images with finer details, attributable to its more refined Bionz X processor and 18 MP sensor. The WG-70’s 16 MP sensor is competent, but its textured output reflects digital noise starting at ISO 800, limiting usable sensitivity in dim lighting. Sony’s extended ISO range and superior noise control enable cleaner photos up to ISO 3200, beneficial for shadow recovery and indoor shots.

Neither model offers RAW capture - a typical omission for compacts but a disappointment for users wanting full post-processing control.

LCD and Viewfinder: Essential Interfaces

The WG-70 sports a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots resolution. It’s functional outdoors with decent visibility but can feel cramped for menu navigation or framing in bright conditions due to the lack of a tilting mechanism.

In contrast, the HX90V shines with a 3-inch tilting LCD boasting 921k dots. This screen enhances compositional flexibility - ideal for low-angle or overhead shots, and better clarity for critical focus. Plus, the HX90V includes a 638k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.5x magnification, invaluable for precise framing in bright sunlight or fast-moving subjects. For street photographers and travel shooters, this EVF significantly improves framing speed and stability.

The WG-70 has no viewfinder option, which might slow you down in bright environments or high-action scenarios where quick framing changes are crucial.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

When assessing autofocus (AF) and shooting capabilities, practical responsiveness and accuracy determine the difference between capturing a shot or missing it entirely.

The WG-70 autofocus relies on contrast detection with 9 focus points, which works well in bright, static shooting but struggles in low light or with fast subjects. Face detection aids portraits but no eye or animal eye AF is supported, limiting precision focus on eyes in wildlife or human subjects.

Conversely, Sony’s HX90V benefits from more versatile AF zones and faster continuous shooting at 10 fps, which is excellent for capturing action, wildlife, and fleeting moments. The AF is confident under most lighting conditions and tracks moving subjects better than Ricoh’s system.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Simplicity

One of the strongest differentiators is lens zoom and macro capabilities:

The Ricoh WG-70’s 5x optical zoom covers wide to moderate telephoto - adequate for close-up portraits, landscapes, and casual nature snaps. Its standout is a highly capable macro mode focusing from just 1 cm, perfect for detailed close-ups of flora, insects, or small objects. The inclusion of digital stabilization helps reduce blur but can degrade image quality slightly.

Sony’s HX90V impresses with a massive 30x zoom reaching 720 mm - enabling powerful telephoto reach for wildlife and distant subjects, unmatched in this comparison. Its optical stabilization keeps telephoto shots sharp even handheld. The macro focus starts at 5 cm, less intimate than the WG-70, but still serviceable.

Durability and Special Features: Shooting Beyond Limits

Ricoh markets the WG-70 as a rugged all-weather camera. Its certifications include:

• Waterproof to 14 m (46 feet)
• Shockproof from 1.5 m drops
• Crushproof up to 100 kgf
• Freezeproof to -10°C
• Dustproof

These specs make it perfect for adventurers, underwater photographers, and industrial work where a delicate camera isn’t practical.

Sony HX90V, while lacking weather sealing, compensates with a built-in GPS module - handy for travel photographers who want to geo-tag their images effortlessly.

Timelapse video capability is built into the WG-70, an attractive bonus for creative users exploring motion capture without external accessories, whereas the HX90V does not support timelapse recording natively.

Video Capabilities: Steady Footage for Everyday Needs

Both cameras record in full HD 1920x1080 resolution but differ in formats and options:

WG-70’s digital stabilization helps reduce shake but at a cost of cropping and sometimes softness. It offers slow-motion at 720p 120 fps - a fun creative tool but not true 4K quality.

Sony’s HX90V delivers smoother footage with optical stabilization and higher frame rates (60p), ensuring better video fluidity for vlogs or capturing action. Its advanced compression codecs (XAVC S) facilitate higher quality video files.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphones - meaning audio control is limited.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Time on Your Terms

Both cameras use proprietary batteries but Sony’s slightly longer battery life means fewer mid-day charges. The HX90V supports NFC alongside Wi-Fi, streamlining connection to smartphones for rapid sharing.

Ricoh’s WG-70 offers wireless connectivity but lacks NFC and Bluetooth, which can slow the transfer process.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh WG-70: Fixed focal length range limits creative framing; no eye AF; macro mode shines for extreme close-ups; decent face detection.
• Sony HX90V: Offers manual exposure control, flexible focal range, and face tracking with selective AF points enhancing portrait sharpness. Tilting screen helps for awkward angles.

Winner: Sony HX90V for more control and clarity.

Landscape Photography

• WG-70: Weather sealing and ruggedness let you shoot in tough conditions; good wide-angle; limited resolution.
• HX90V: Slightly higher resolution and better dynamic range; no weather resistance; superior LCD for composition.

Winner: Ricoh WG-70 if shooting outdoors in challenging environments; otherwise Sony HX90V for image quality.

Wildlife and Sports

• WG-70: Zoom too limited; autofocus slow; lacks burst mode.
• HX90V: 30x zoom, fast 10 fps continuous shooting, better tracking - good for casual wildlife/sports photography.

Winner: Sony HX90V.

Street Photography

• WG-70: Bulkier and rubberized body not discreet.
• HX90V: Compact, quiet shutter, EVF for quick framing; excellent portability.

Winner: Sony HX90V.

Macro Photography

• WG-70: Outstanding 1 cm macro capability.
• HX90V: 5 cm minimum focus, less close.

Winner: Ricoh WG-70.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels given small sensor size and absence of RAW. Sony’s higher ISO and longer shutter speed options provide some edge.

Professional Workflow and Connectivity

Both cameras lack RAW support - a dealbreaker for professional image workflows demanding maximum editing latitude. Sony’s manual modes grant creative control but limited file flexibility.

Connectivity-wise, Sony’s NFC simplifies tethering and image transfer; Ricoh offers basic wireless but no NFC.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Ricoh WG 70 front Ricoh WG 70 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Overall Judgement and Recommendations

If you are an adventurer who needs a tough camera that goes underwater and won’t falter in extreme environments, the Ricoh WG-70 is a specialized tool well suited for rugged outdoor or industrial use. Its macro prowess and timelapse features add creative possibilities typically absent in compact rugged cameras.

However, if you want the ultimate small-sensor compact that excels in variety - from street shooting to wildlife zoom, occasional sports, and travel - the Sony HX90V offers superior autofocus, zoom reach, and creative control. Its EVF and tilting screen make it more versatile and enjoyable, though you’ll want to keep it dry.

Getting Started With Your Choice

• Test handling both cameras in person if possible. Ergonomics and interface comfort can be surprisingly decisive.
• Check the accessory ecosystem: Sony’s NP-BX1 batteries and advanced electronics have wider third-party support.
• Explore bundles with rugged cases or extra lenses if planning specialized shooting.
• For macro enthusiasts passionate about fine detail, the WG-70’s 1cm focus remains a bargain in itself.

Final Thoughts

Neither camera is perfect - the Ricoh WG-70 sacrifices finesse for durability, while the Sony HX90V prioritizes zoom and controls over weather resistance. Your ideal choice hinges on your core photographic interests.

With a clear understanding of each camera’s real-world strengths and technical nuances, you’re now equipped to match your camera to your creative journey. Whether braving wild conditions with the Ricoh or exploring cities and wildlife with Sony, these cameras both offer unique pathways for photography exploration.

We encourage you to try out both, consider your main shooting scenarios, and start creating images that inspire you.

If you want further guidance on lenses, accessories, or workflow solutions complementary to either model, don’t hesitate to explore our detailed resource guides.