Ricoh WG-M1 vs Samsung NX210: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing the right camera is a decision that greatly depends on your photography goals, shooting conditions, and budget. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into two very different cameras from the mid-2010s: the Ricoh WG-M1, a rugged waterproof compact designed for adventurous shooters, and the Samsung NX210, an entry-level mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiasts looking for solid image quality and flexibility. Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll provide a thorough, hands-on comparison of these two models covering technical specs, real-world use, and practical recommendations for various photography disciplines.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Size and Handling

Right off the bat, these two cameras stand worlds apart in their form factor and intended usage. The Ricoh WG-M1 is a compact, blocky action camera sized for mounting on helmets or gear, while the Samsung NX210 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera designed for handheld shooting with a full lens system.

WG-M1:

• Dimensions: 66x43x89mm; Weight: 190g
• Compact, ergonomic, with aggressive texturing for a secure grip
• Designed to be waterproof and shockproof without extra housing

NX210:

• Dimensions: 117x63x37mm; Weight: 222g
• Slimmer profile with a comfortable grip for everyday photography
• Rangefinder style encourages a composed shooting posture

The WG-M1’s ruggedness lets you dive into extreme environments without worrying about damage, while the NX210’s more conventional camera body supports precise manual control and a more traditional photographic experience.

Control Layout and Interface: Ergonomics in Action

The Ricoh WG-M1 offers a very simple control scheme:

• No dedicated manual focus or exposure controls
• Buttons primarily for video start/stop, shutter, and basic settings
• Minimal display: 1.5-inch fixed screen with low resolution (115k dots)

The Samsung NX210 places a greater emphasis on user control:

• Physical dials and buttons for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation
• 3-inch OLED screen with 614k dot resolution for clearer previews
• Touchscreen is absent, but menus are responsive and well organized

In practice, I found the NX210 better suited for photographers who want creative control and on-the-fly adjustments. The WG-M1’s controls favor quick point-and-shoot use, especially in outdoor or underwater scenarios where fiddling with settings isn’t feasible.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Under the hood, these cameras differ profoundly:

The much larger APS-C sensor in the NX210 delivers significant advantages: better dynamic range, higher resolution, and more usable high ISO performance. The WG-M1’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality, especially in low light or high contrast situations.

During hands-on testing, the NX210 consistently produced sharper, cleaner images with vibrant colors and wider tonal gradation. The WG-M1’s results were acceptable for casual shoots or action sports snapshots but showed notable noise and detail loss above ISO 400.

Eyeing the Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy in Focus

Autofocus performance is critical across many photography genres. Here's how these cameras compare:

The WG-M1’s autofocus is rudimentary - only contrast-detection with no specific modes for tracking or face detection. This limits its performance for fast-moving subjects or portraits requiring sharp focus on eyes.

Conversely, the NX210 offers a more refined autofocus system. Face detection works well in good lighting, and continuous AF helps track moderate subject movement. In my tests, the NX210 locked focus faster and maintained accuracy across typical shooting scenarios, especially portraits and street photography.

Viewing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Differences

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, relying only on LCD screens. The results:

• WG-M1’s small 1.5" display (115k dots) is basic and difficult to see in bright sunlight
• NX210’s 3” Active Matrix OLED screen (614k dots) offers a bright, sharp, and color-accurate preview

The NX210’s screen significantly improves framing, reviewing images, and changing settings. It also aids in manual focusing via focus peaking or magnification, which the WG-M1 lacks entirely.

Ruggedness and Environmental Sealing: Built for Different Worlds

One of the WG-M1’s standout features is its toughness:

• Waterproof up to 10 meters without housing
• Shockproof, dustproof, and freeze-resistant to some extent
• Ideal for underwater, mountain biking, or harsh weather conditions

The NX210 does not offer any weather sealing. It’s best kept dry and protected during use. For casual outdoor use in mild conditions, it is fine but unsuitable for heavy rain or underwater shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Expand Your Creative Options

Lens availability is key when choosing a mirrorless system:

• WG-M1: Fixed prime 14mm F2.8 equivalent lens; no zoom or lens swapping
• NX210: Samsung NX mount with 32 native lenses available (wide angles, telephotos, macros, primes) from multiple third-party brands

The fixed focal length of the WG-M1 limits creative framing, while the NX210 enables full creative freedom if you invest in lenses. This is a major advantage for users interested in portraiture, wildlife, macro, and landscape photography.

Burst Shooting and Video: Capture the Action

Burst rates:

• WG-M1: 10 fps continuous shooting, useful for action sports clips
• NX210: 8 fps, slightly slower but still competent for moderate action

Video capabilities:

The WG-M1 excels at rugged video capture with high frame-rate options useful for slow-motion underwater or action footage. The NX210 shoots clean HD video but is more suitable for casual videography.

Ricoh WG M1 front Samsung NX210 screen back

Real-World Image Performance: What to Expect

Comparing sample images side-by-side clearly shows the NX210’s superiority in:

• Detail resolution and sharpness
• Dynamic range preservation in highlights and shadows
• Reduced noise and cleaner colors at higher ISOs

The WG-M1 works well for snapshots in good light but loses detail quickly past ISO 400 and shows flat colors. Its lens’s fixed focal length is good for wide-angle but lacks versatility.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

• WG-M1: Rated 350 shots per charge; uses custom DB-65 battery; microSD storage
• NX210: Rated 330 shots per charge; uses BC1030 battery; SD/SDHC/SDXC cards

Both cameras offer adequate battery life for casual shoots. The WG-M1’s proprietary battery may require carrying spares, while the NX210 uses standard SD cards which are more convenient for transferring and backup.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Ports

Both cameras offer:

• Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer
• HDMI output for external monitors or TVs
• USB 2.0 for downloading images

Neither features Bluetooth or NFC. The WG-M1 lacks GPS, while the NX210 supports optional GPS via an add-on.

Performance Summary and Ratings

Which Camera Shines in Each Photography Genre?

Portrait Photography

• NX210: Superior due to large sensor, face detection AF, and lens options for beautiful bokeh and sharp eye focus.
• WG-M1: Limited by fixed wide lens and poor AF. Not recommended.

Landscape Photography

• NX210: Much better dynamic range and resolution for detailed landscapes.
• WG-M1: Waterproof ruggedness encourages shooting in harsh environments but sacrifices image quality.

Wildlife Photography

• NX210: Decent AF with versatility in telephoto lenses, though no eye-tracking.
• WG-M1: Too limited AF and fixed lens; not suitable.

Sports Photography

• WG-M1: Fast 10 fps burst and waterproof build makes it good for extreme sports video stills.
• NX210: Slower burst and no tracking AF means less ideal for fast sports action.

Street Photography

• NX210: Compact, discreet design with manual controls offers more creative freedom.
• WG-M1: Bulkier underwater housing look less discreet; fixed focal length lacks versatility.

Macro Photography

• NX210: Access to dedicated macro lenses; better focusing aids.
• WG-M1: No macro capability.

Night & Astro Photography

• NX210: Higher native ISO and RAW support deliver much better low-light results.
• WG-M1: ISO capped at 800; noisy images.

Video

• WG-M1: Rugged, waterproof, and offers slow-motion. Great for adventure videography.
• NX210: Basic video suited for casual clips, less rugged.

Travel Photography

• NX210: Versatile lens system and good image quality at modest weight.
• WG-M1: Extremely durable for rough travel conditions; limited versatility.

Professional Use

• NX210: RAW support and manual control allow integration into workflows but limited by older tech.
• WG-M1: Not designed for professional stills; better as secondary action camera.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Both cameras target distinctly different users; your choice should reflect your intended use.

Why You May Like the Ricoh WG-M1:

• You need a rugged, waterproof camera that works out of the box without accessories
• Your focus is adventure, action sports, or underwater video and photos
• You prioritize durability and ease of use over image quality or manual control
• Price is less of a concern for a specialized camera

Why You May Prefer the Samsung NX210:

• You want flexibility and superior image quality in a compact mirrorless body
• You enjoy manual controls and a vast lens ecosystem to expand your creativity
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, street, or macro with better image results
• Video is a secondary function, and you don’t require ruggedness

Measuring the Value: Price to Performance

• WG-M1’s MSRP is approximately $2000 (may be outdated or bundled with accessories), positioning it as a premium action camera with specific advantages for rugged use.
• NX210 retails around $625, offering strong image quality and system expandability for its rating but limited weather resistance.

If budget is key and you want all-round photography, the NX210 offers far more photographic control for less money. If you demand an all-weather, go-anywhere device for extreme sports, camping, or diving, the WG-M1 remains a strong contender despite its image quality compromises.

Summary Table: Ricoh WG-M1 vs Samsung NX210

Closing Advice for Buyers

Before making your final choice, reflect on what you value most:

• If your photography or videography demands pushing your camera into extreme environments and rugged durability is paramount, the Ricoh WG-M1 is a specialized tool worth considering despite compromises.
• If image quality, creative flexibility, and a traditional photography experience matter more, the Samsung NX210 remains a serious contender, especially with its lens ecosystem and manual control.

Whichever you choose, be sure the camera aligns with how and where you shoot to maximize satisfaction and results.

If you have any questions about these cameras or need advice tailored to your unique photography style, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Your next camera should be a reliable partner - choose wisely!

• • Your Experienced Camera Reviewer*