Ricoh WG-80 vs Sony HX99

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Ricoh WG-80 versus Sony HX99, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The resolution of the WG-80 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the WG-80 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) feature different sensor sizes.

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The WG-80 was announced 3 years later than the HX99 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the WG-80 grades versus the HX99 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh WG-80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh WG-80 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Ricoh WG-80 enjoys outside dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh WG-80 versus Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the WG-80 versus the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-80 and HX99 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-80 and HX99.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The WG-80 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will provide extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The younger WG-80 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.