Ricoh WG-M1 vs. Sony NEX-5: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When it comes to choosing a camera, context is king. You wouldn’t pick a snow shovel to clean a sandy beach, and likewise, pairing a rugged waterproof action cam with a sophisticated mirrorless system isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples matchup. And yet, as someone who’s cradled, clicked, and tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I find comparisons like the Ricoh WG-M1 vs. Sony NEX-5 fascinating - because they reveal how design philosophy drives performance for very different photographic needs.

Today, we’ll dissect these two beasts: Ricoh’s WG-M1, an adventurous compact waterproof action camera announced in 2014, and Sony’s entry-level mirrorless NEX-5 from 2010, a beloved pioneer in the compact interchangeable lens market. Both pack 14MP sensors - but beyond that superficial similarity, they diverge sharply. Let’s dive in, experiment by experiment.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Rugged Compact vs. Sleek Rangefinder Charm

Whipping both cameras out for a side-by-side first impression firmly cements their divergent purposes. The Ricoh WG-M1 is all about durability and portability - this tiny waterproof unit fits comfortably in your palm, tipping the scales at a featherweight 190g. The rubberized shell and compact, boxy form invite outdoor splashes and shocks without a flinch. It even boasts environmental sealing, dustproofing, and shock resistance that almost make you want to take it mountaineering or snorkeling. The WG-M1’s 66 x 43 x 89 mm frame screams “adventure buddy.”

On the other hand, the Sony NEX-5 - at 287g and larger, measuring 111 x 59 x 38 mm - feels more deliberate and polished. It sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless design with a robust metal body that still manages to stay relatively pocketable (just barely). Ergonomically, it offers a tilting 3-inch LCD screen - a significant luxury over WG-M1’s basic 1.5-inch fixed display. With the NEX-5, you get a thoughtfully placed control dial and buttons that beckon more serious photography, demanding nuanced interaction.

If you prize ruggedness for beach days or action sports, the WG-M1 is your buddy. But if you prefer shooting with manual controls and lenses you choose, Sony’s NEX-5 offers the promise of creative exploration.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Size Matters (A Lot)

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor, and here we spot the biggest gulf between these models.

The Ricoh WG-M1 packs a small 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area of about 28.07mm². This is the kind of sensor found in many action cams and compact shooters - optimized for fit and versatility rather than image quality in challenging conditions. Its native ISO caps at 800, which often means grainy low-light images straight outta the gate. Worse yet, no raw support locks you into lossy JPEG files, limiting post-processing potential.

Contrast this with the Sony NEX-5’s much larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm, 365.04mm²), which dwarfs the WG-M1’s sensor area by more than tenfold. This offers inherently higher image quality, better noise performance, and richer color depth thanks to its superior light-gathering power. Sony’s sensor supports an impressive native ISO range up to 12,800, enabling much better low-light shooting.

From my hands-on tests, the Sony’s RAW files allow photographer-grade tweaking - extracting shadows or recovering highlights without destructive degradation. The WG-M1, shackled to JPEG only, is more for quick-and-dirty snapshots. Its built-in lens is fixed focal length with an aperture of f/2.8, while the NEX-5, with interchangeable Sony E-mount lenses available in over 120 options, invites tailored bokeh and focal-length creativity.

Viewing and User Interface: To Tilt or Not to Tilt?

Both cameras eschew an electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying solely on rear LCDs. But here’s where the NEX-5’s tilting, higher-resolution 3-inch screen shines - literally and figuratively.

The Sony’s 920k-dot screen facilitates framing from awkward angles with ease - hug the ground low for an ant’s-eye view or hold high over a crowd without sacrificing visibility. The Ricoh’s 1.5-inch display, crushed to a mere 115k dots, is nearly an afterthought - adequate for quick framing when underwater or on the move, but clumsy for critical composition.

That said, the WG-M1 compensates with a simplified menu and button layout designed for glove-friendly outdoors use. Its controls are a bare-bones affair - no touch screen, no swipes, just straightforward buttons - ideal when fingers are numb or wet.

Autofocus and Burst Rates: Speed vs. Simplicity

Autofocus performance is paramount in many photography genres, and here the NEX-5 again outclasses the WG-M1 significantly.

Ricoh’s WG-M1 employs a basic contrast-detection autofocus system without face, eye, or tracking detection technologies. This can sometimes result in “hunt and peck” focusing in difficult light or cluttered scenes. Its modest continuous shooting rate is a sprightly 10 fps, but this is likely more of a burst mode for action video frames than precise image capture.

Sony’s NEX-5 sports a likewise contrast-detection AF system, but powered by the Bionz processor and offering 25 focus points with multi-area and center-weighted metering modes. Though not as advanced as later hybrid AF models, it beats the WG-M1 hands down for single-shot accuracy and focus flexibility. Continuous shooting registers at a very respectable 7 fps, impressive for an entry-level mirrorless camera of its era.

Build and Durability: Finding Purpose in Design

Here’s where the Ricoh WG-M1 stakes its claim: a rugged, waterproof, shockproof wonder designed for the great outdoors.

• Waterproof to 10m depth (without housing!)
• Shockproof against drops up to 2m
• Dustproof casing that keeps out debris during dusty hikes

The Sony NEX-5, lacking any environmental sealing, demands more TLC and care. Even a light drizzle or sandy beach day is a risk without additional protective measures.

These differences significantly influence where and how you’d take each camera:

• WG-M1: Mountain biking, scuba diving, extreme sports, water parks
• NEX-5: Street shooting, studio, landscape hikes where weather is mild

Photography in Focus: Strengths and Weaknesses Across Genres

Before we dig into specific genres, let's set the stage with sample imagery so you can see these cameras in action.

Ricoh WG M1 front Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Portraits: The Bokeh and Skin Tone Duel

If portraits are your game plan, lens versatility and sensor size really matter.

• Ricoh WG-M1: Fixed wide-angle lens at 1x focal length and f/2.8 aperture means background blur (bokeh) is minimal to non-existent. Skin tones render okay in ample light but can look muddy in shadows due to limited sensor quality and JPEG compression.

• Sony NEX-5: With 14MP APS-C sensor and compatible fast prime lenses (like the 35mm f/1.8), the NEX-5 delivers beautifully smooth bokeh and more natural, nuanced skin tones. Manual controls allow fine-tuning exposure and white balance, resulting in portraits with greater punch and personality.

One thing missing on both: Eye and face detection autofocus, a feature that’s standard on more modern cams, but the Sony’s contrast-detection AF is better suited for controlled portrait setups.

Landscape: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resistance

Here, sensor size meets environmental resilience.

• Ricoh WG-M1: Small sensor limits dynamic range, leading to clipped highlights or murky shadows in high-contrast scenes. Limited resolution restricts large prints. The built-in wide lens offers decent coverage but lacks manual focus or aperture controls to freeze every blade of grass.

• Sony NEX-5: APS-C sensor captures richer tonal data and finer detail, critical for landscapes. Interchangeable lenses allow ultra-wide or standard zooms for framing versatility. But lack of weather sealing demands caution in wet environments - bring a cover or wait for sunshine.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Fire

Shooting fast subjects demands quick autofocus and rapid shooting speeds.

• Ricoh WG-M1: Limited by simple AF with no tracking and no selective focus points. The blazing 10fps burst can capture action but may be camouflaged by slower processing and mediocre autofocus, resulting in many unsharp frames.

• Sony NEX-5: Offers better contrast-detect AF with 25 focus points and continuous AF mode, enabling decent subject tracking. Burst at 7fps strikes a good balance between speed and image processing. For serious sports photographers, this isn’t a pro machine but is more usable.

Street and Travel: Discreetness and Portability

Both cameras offer portability but serve different purposes.

• Ricoh WG-M1: Lightweight and protected, ready for rough travel shots - whether kayaking or snorkeling. Its chunkier dimensions and bright lens make it less discreet on the street.

• Sony NEX-5: Compact mirrorless form factor lends itself more to urban exploration - suiting street shooting with silent electronic shutter (not a feature here, sadly) and versatile lenses. Its larger size is a tradeoff for better image quality.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither champion macro work due to limited focusing in WG-M1 and no dedicated macro lenses in kit form for NEX-5 (although some third-party lenses exist). The small sensor in WG-M1 quickly loses details at close focusing distances.

Night and astro shooting spotlight sensor noise levels and exposure flexibility.

• Ricoh WG-M1 max ISO 800 and no manual exposure modes severely limit long-exposure or low-noise capabilities.

• Sony NEX-5 shines with manual exposure, longer shutter speeds down to 30 seconds, and high ISO up to 12,800 - even if noise rises at extreme settings. Its sensor lets you capture starfields or cityscapes with greater control.

Video: Basic Action vs. Hybrid Creativity

Both shoot Full HD video but target different users.

Ricoh WG-M1 records 1080p at 30fps, focusing on action cam usability with waterproof bonus and burst video modes up to an impressive 120fps in VGA resolution for slow-mo thrills. It's designed for quick clip capture - not nuanced videography.

Sony NEX-5 records 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format, offering better frame flexibility and smoother slow-motion potential. However, there’s no external mic input or stabilization, so audio and video shake can require creative fixes.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: The Practical Considerations

• WG-M1: Built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) is helpful for quick smartphone transfers, although Bluetooth or NFC are absent. Storage uses microSD cards, and battery life clocks in at roughly 350 shots - respectable given its compact size.

• NEX-5: No built-in wireless features, which feels dated today but was typical in 2010. Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick format. Battery life around 330 shots, somewhat lower considering no Wi-Fi, but balanced by heavier processing demands.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Recommendations

Before sealing this analysis, let’s look at overall performance ratings from trusted testing and genre-specific insights.

The Sony NEX-5 scores notably higher across image quality, low light, and portrait capabilities, reflecting its sensor and lens advantages. The Ricoh WG-M1 excels in durability, action-induced burst shooting, and underwater usability.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Suits You?

Choose Ricoh WG-M1 if:

• You’re an adventurous soul needing a rugged, waterproof companion
• Action video and quick snapshot durability in extreme environments matter most
• You prioritize portability and shock resistance over pristine image quality
• Your photography is casual or revolves around sports, underwater, or outdoor lifestyle

Choose Sony NEX-5 if:

• Image quality, sensor size, and creative lens options top your list
• You want manual control and RAW file flexibility for serious photography
• Your shooting spans portraits, landscapes, street, and controlled environments
• You don’t need waterproofing but want a stellar entry-level mirrorless system for growth

A Parting Note - and a Photo to Inspire

Having shot with both cameras in various scenarios - from snorkeling reefs with the WG-M1 to city streets and golden hour landscapes with the NEX-5 - I appreciate their design philosophies. The WG-M1 is a durable drone of reliability; the NEX-5, a soulful companion for expressive craft.

Whatever your choice, make sure to pair it with lenses or accessories that fit your style, and you’ll have a camera that feels less like a tool and more like an extension of your creative vision.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Full Technical Summary

Thank you for joining me in this comparative exploration - we’ve traversed environments, pixels, and user needs. May your next camera decision be as clear and confident as a well-focused shot at dawn.