Nikon D4 vs Ricoh WG-6

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D4 and the Ricoh WG-6, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D4 was introduced in January 2012 and Ricoh WG-6 was introduced in February 2018. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Ricoh WG-6 Highlights

      • 20 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D4 and Ricoh WG-6.

      PROS

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   Cheap
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Digital Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      •   Expensive
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D4

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4 over Ricoh WG-6.

      Nikon D4 vs Ricoh WG-6
      Video Capture vs
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.3-inch
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 125
      RAW Support vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 9
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Longer Battery Life 2600 shots vs 340 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4.

      Advantage of Ricoh WG-6

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Ricoh WG-6 over Nikon D4.

      Nikon D4 vs Ricoh WG-6
      Cheaper US: $5999.95, UK: £4799.99 vs $399
      Sensor Type CMOS vs BSI-CMOS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 20 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 5184 x 3888
      Face Detection vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Digital Image Stabilization vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 1,040k dot
      Built-in Flash vs
      Average Metering vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Water Proof vs
      Dust Proof vs
      Shock Proof vs
      Crush Proof vs
      Freeze Proof vs
      Lighter 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) vs 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 27 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Ricoh WG-6.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D4 Ricoh WG-6
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Type C Micro
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4 Ricoh WG-6
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5 or WT-5A transmitters
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4 has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Ricoh WG-6 has a 3.0" screen with 1,040k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D4

      Nikon D4 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Ricoh WG-6.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4 features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Ricoh WG-6 features a 20 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 6,400.

      Ricoh WG-6 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D4 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4096 x 2720, 4096 x 3280, 3696 x 2456, 3200 x 2128, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2464 x 1640, 2400 x 1592, 2048 x 1360, 2048 x 1640, 1600 x 1064 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Ricoh WG-6 can take pictures up to 5184 x 3888 resolution.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D4 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Ricoh WG-6 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Ricoh WG-6

      Ricoh WG-6 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D4 has a Type C HDMI and Ricoh WG-6 has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D4 comes with EN-EL18 battery pack with battery life of 2600 shots and Ricoh WG-6 comes with DB-110 battery pack with battery life of 340 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Ricoh WG-6 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4, and up to 1/4000 sec on Ricoh WG-6. Nikon D4 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Ricoh WG-6 has 9 focusing points. Nikon D4 has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Ricoh WG-6 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 5.50 m at Auto ISO. Nikon D4 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D4.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Ricoh WG-6 body has dimensions of 118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3"). Nikon D4 weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) and Ricoh WG-6 weighs 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz).

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      160 mm

      157 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      118 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      157 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      91 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      33 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D4 and Ricoh WG-6

      Nikon D4 and Ricoh WG-6 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      78
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D4 and Ricoh WG-6 and give them scores of 70 and 57 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      57

      Sensor

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      POOR
      50
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      78
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D4

      Ricoh WG-6

      GOOD
      81
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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