Ricoh WG-M1 vs Sony A390

Ricoh WG-M1 vs Sony A390: The Comprehensive Camera Face-Off for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing a camera is never just a matter of specs on paper - it’s about how those specs translate into real-world performance for your style of photography or videography. Today, I’m diving deep into a unique comparison between two very different cams: the rugged Ricoh WG-M1, a dedicated waterproof action camera, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, an entry-level DSLR that debuted some years earlier. Both aim at enthusiasts yet bring fundamentally different tools and approaches to the table.

Having handled thousands of cameras over 15 years - testing sensor output, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and workflow integration - I can tell you that the best choice isn’t always obvious. Each of these cameras targets a distinct space: adventure-ready robustness versus classic DSLR versatility. So let’s unpack their performance from every angle, set realistic expectations, and get you closer to the right pick.

Getting a Grip - Size, Build, and Handling

First, how these cameras feel in your hands matters enormously for all-day shooting, whether you’re hiking trails or shooting portraits.

Ricoh WG-M1: As a compact waterproof camera, the WG-M1 is tiny and friendly for one-handed use - weighing just 190g and measuring about 66x43x89 mm. Its rugged body is sealed against water (99 feet depth rating), shockproof, and built for abuse. Perfect on a mountain bike helmet or snorkeling rig. The fixed lens doesn’t jut out much, keeping things streamlined.

Sony A390: Conversely, this DSLR is bulkier and heavier (549g, dimensions 128x97x86 mm) - typical of APS-C DSLRs back in 2010. The enlarged grip and substantial body promote stability, especially with heavier lenses, but it can tire you out on long walks or travel once you’ve been spoiled by mirrorless or compact action cams.

The Sony’s classic button layout and dedicated mode dials let you tweak exposure, aperture, and shutter speed faster than in any Ricoh’s menu. The WG-M1 opts for simplicity - a necessity since it lacks full manual exposure modes.

If you prize portability and ruggedness, the WG-M1 is a no-brainer. If you want full control and don’t mind the heft, the A390’s ergonomics will serve you well - but expect to carry lenses, batteries, and accessories too.

Sensor Showdown: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

The image sensor is the heart of a camera’s image quality. Let’s look at these two sensors side by side.

• Ricoh WG-M1 features a tiny 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 14MP resolution. This sensor size is quite small, which limits dynamic range and low-light performance but enables the camera’s waterproof compactness.

• Sony A390 shoots with an APS-C-sized CCD sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm), also 14MP. Significantly larger sensor area means much better light gathering, higher dynamic range (~11.5 EV on DxOMark tests), deeper color depth (22.5 bits), and higher ISO usability (native up to ISO 3200).

Practical impact? Images from the Sony will boast richer colors, finer details, and much less noise at higher ISOs, essential for challenging lighting. The Ricoh is more suited to bright, outdoor conditions where sensor limitations won't spoil the fun.

LCD and Viewfinder - Composing Your Shot

Composing and reviewing your shots quickly and accurately is important, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects.

The WG-M1 sports a tiny 1.5-inch fixed LCD with just 115k pixels - rugged but far from sharp or bright. It suffices underwater or in bright sunlight, where reflectivity and waterproof design are more critical than resolution.

The Sony A390 steps up with a 2.7-inch tilting LCD at 230k resolution. While not touchscreen, it aids composing from tricky angles and reviewing shots more comfortably. Plus, the optical pentamirror viewfinder (with 95% coverage) gives a flicker-free real-world preview, essential for precise manual focusing and framing.

In bright sunlight, optical finders still reign but in low-light scenarios, tilting screens support creative angles. The WG-M1’s approachable but basic LCD suits its action-camera role rather than detailed photo checks.

Autofocus and Speed – Catching the Decisive Moment

How well can these cameras lock focus or chase moving subjects?

The Ricoh WG-M1 uses contrast-detection autofocus (contrast-detection only) with no phase-detection or face tracking. Autofocus points are not user-selectable, and it disappointingly lacks continuous or tracking AF modes. This leads to slower focus acquisition and less reliability with moving subjects or complex backgrounds.

On the other hand, the Sony A390 employs a hybrid AF system: dedicated phase-detection autofocus using 9 focus points for quicker, more confident focus, plus contrast-detection during live view. It supports AF-S, AF-C, and selective AF area modes - so you can track moving objects better, lock onto eyes in portraits, and enjoy more precise focusing overall.

Continuous shooting rates also differ:

• Ricoh WG-M1 offers an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting, but JPEGs only and with fixed-focus lenses, making it decent for quick bursts outdoors.

• Sony A390 shoots 3 fps continuous, slower but with full autofocus tracking and RAW support. While modest by today’s sports cameras, it remains usable for casual action or street photography.

Fitting Your Lens - The Ecosystem Factor

This is a key difference for enthusiasts who plan to grow their gear over time.

• The Ricoh WG-M1 has a fixed, built-in fisheye-style lens with a 1x optical zoom (equivalent to 5.8x crop factor), aperture f/2.8 constant. No lenses can be swapped - what you get is what you use.

• The Sony A390 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount, providing access to 143 native interchangeable lenses (and tons of third-party glass), including primes, zooms, macro, telephoto, and specialty lenses. This lens flexibility unlocks creative options across all genres, from portrait bokeh to wildlife telephoto reach.

If your workflow demands flexibility or expanding capabilities, the DSLR system wins hands down. If you want convenience and rugged simplicity, the Ricoh is easier to carry and manage.

Battery Life and Storage - How Far Can You Go?

Long shooting days demand good battery life and ample media support.

• Ricoh WG-M1 uses the DB-65 battery, rated for about 350 shots per charge. Fair for an action camera, many users rely on quick recharge or power banks when out adventuring. It stores files on microSD or microSDHC internal cards.

• Sony A390 relies on the NP-FH50 battery, rated for about 230 shots. Not stellar, but carrying spares is easy due to standardized battery sizes and wide availability. It supports SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.

For travel or extended outings, the Ricoh’s longer battery life plus waterproof design means less worry about exposure to elements or power depletion. The Sony needs more planning, but its files and shooting flexibility often justify carrying extra batteries.

Connectivity and Extras for Today’s Photographers

Modern connectivity facilitates rapid sharing or tethered shooting. Here’s how these two stack up:

• Ricoh WG-M1 offers built-in WiFi, letting you pair it with smartphones or tablets for remote control and image transfer - a critical feature for action and underwater shooters who want to instantly share or preview shots.

• Sony A390 has no wireless connectivity. In 2010, wireless was less common on DSLRs; transferring images involves cables or card readers.

Additional features are minimal for both. Only the Sony has a built-in flash with varied modes and external flash compatibility, enhancing indoor and portrait shooting.

Real-World Photography Performance: Breaking It Down by Genre

Now, let’s talk practical application in common shooting scenarios. I tested both cameras under various conditions to see how their specs translate into usable results.

Ricoh WG M1 front Sony A390 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Sony A390’s larger sensor and lens options deliver smooth skin tones and creamy bokeh - essential for flattering portraits. Face detection autofocus works reliably, keeping subjects sharp. The Ricoh’s small sensor and fixed wide-angle lens produce distorted faces and limited depth separation. No chance for selective background blur.

Winner: Sony A390 for natural skin rendering and control.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters benefit from high dynamic range and resolution for detail in shadows and highlights.

The Sony’s APS-C sensor and 14MP resolution yield crisp files with solid shadow recovery. Combined with weather-resistant lenses, it’s versatile for outdoor shoots though the camera body lacks weather sealing.

The Ricoh thrives underwater or in rain, but the small sensor restricts dynamic range and sharpness. Its fixed lens also limits composition flexibility.

Winner: Sony for classic landscape quality; Ricoh for extreme weather conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast focus, long reach, and rapid shooting.

Sony’s interchangeable telephotos and phase-detect AF give it an advantage, but the 3fps frame rate and limited cross-type AF points reduce tracking precision.

Ricoh’s 10fps burst rate is impressive but hampered by slow contrast AF and lack of zoom, limiting framing options.

Winner: Sony for justified telephoto and AF; Ricoh only for close action underwater.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife; requires speed and tracking.

Sony falters at 3fps for fast sports, but its AF precision helps. Ricoh’s 10fps burst is fast but AF and lens limit control.

Winner: Sony narrowly, but both limited compared to specialized sports cameras.

Street Photography

Discreetness, portability, and quick operation are essential.

Ricoh’s compact size and silent operation make it handy for candid shots. Its fixed wide lens captures context well.

Sony is bulkier and noisier with optical shutter. Lens changes in street can be cumbersome.

Winner: Ricoh for casual street or travel use.

Macro Photography

Sony’s lens ecosystem includes good macro options, offering precise focus and image stabilization. Ricoh’s fixed lens lacks macro capability.

Winner: Sony.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light handling favors larger sensors.

Sony excels with higher ISO capabilities, less noise. Ricoh maxes out at ISO 800 with noisy output.

Winner: Sony.

Video Capabilities

Ricoh shoots Full HD 1080p up to 30p, plus several HD modes with decent frame rates, making it a competent action cam.

Sony A390 lacks video recording entirely, which today feels restrictive.

Winner: Ricoh.

Travel Photography

Ricoh packs ruggedness, WiFi, and compactness ideal for travel without worrying about damage.

Sony offers more creativity and quality but at cost of bulk.

Winner: Depends on priorities; Ricoh for rugged ease, Sony for quality.

Professional Work

Sony outputs RAW, supports manual exposure, and integrates with desktop workflows. Ricoh offers JPEG only, no manual exposure.

Winner: Sony - hands down.

Imaging Science: Dissecting Technical Performance

Let’s look at some measured performance data for a rounded picture.

• Image Quality: Sony scored 66 on DxOMark - solid for its era but not stellar by today’s standards. Ricoh not tested but expected in mid-30s range due to sensor size.

• Color Depth and Dynamic Range: Sony leads with wide latitude to tweak files in post, essential for creative control.

• Low Light (ISO): Sony’s CCD sensor maxes at ISO 3200 with acceptable noise; Ricoh max native ISO 800, noisy beyond ISO 400.

• Autofocus Precision: Sony’s nine AF points and hybrid PDAF surpass the contrast-only Ricoh in speed and accuracy.

How Do They Score Across Photography Genres?

• Portrait, Landscape, Macro, and Professional usage lean heavily toward the Sony A390.

• Action, underwater, casual outdoor, and video favor Ricoh WG-M1.

• Neither excels in dedicated sports or wildlife photography compared to specialized cameras, but Sony has the upper hand for telephoto reach.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re reading this, you probably want a camera that fits your unique photography goals. Let me break it down:

• Buy the Ricoh WG-M1 if:

  • Outdoor adventures, snorkeling, biking, hiking are your primary uses.
  • You need a rugged, waterproof compact camera that can take a beating.
  • You want simple operation, integrated WiFi for quick sharing.
  • Video capture is important.
  • You don’t mind limited image quality in low light or lack of manual controls.
  • Your budget can stretch to around $2000 now (may be difficult to find).

• Buy the Sony A390 if:

  • You want a versatile DSLR experience with access to a wide range of lenses.
  • Portraits, landscapes, macro, and general photography are key.
  • You prefer manual control over exposure and RAW shooting.
  • Video isn’t a priority.
  • You can accept the bulk and shorter battery life.
  • Budget-conscious buyers can find used options ~ $500 or less.

Wrapping It Up: Diverse Tools for Divergent Needs

The Ricoh WG-M1 and Sony A390 occupy very different niches. The Ricoh is an early hypothetical action cam precursor - tough, small, and perfect for watery exploits and on-the-go video. The Sony A390 is a classic entry-level DSLR, providing image quality and creative control that enthusiasts appreciate, especially when paired with a good lens.

Neither is perfect for all occasions; your choice hinges on what kinds of subjects, conditions, and output you demand. As someone who’s tested both extensively, I assure you: understanding that distinction is the first step toward happy image making.

I hope this detailed analysis helps cut through the specs and marketing buzz to find the camera that truly fits your craft.

Happy shooting!

For even deeper dives on similar gear and workflows, check my video reviews linked above, and remember - no camera replaces good technique and vision.