Sony NEX-5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony NEX-5 and the Ricoh WG-4 GPS, 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.

      Sony NEX-5 was introduced in June 2010 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS was introduced in February 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony NEX-5 Highlights

      • 14 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS Highlights

      • 16 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 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 Sony NEX-5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS.

      PROS

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      •   Video Capture
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Sony NEX-5

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony NEX-5 over Ricoh WG-4 GPS.

      Sony NEX-5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.3-inch
      RAW Support vs
      More Focus Points 25 vs 9
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 460k dot
      Viewfinder Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 1.5 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Longer Battery Life 330 shots vs 240 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony NEX-5.

      Advantage of Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Ricoh WG-4 GPS over Sony NEX-5.

      Sony NEX-5 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS
      Sensor Type CMOS vs BSI-CMOS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 125
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4608 x 3456
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Image Stabilization vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Water Proof vs
      Shock Proof vs
      Crush Proof vs
      Freeze Proof vs
      Lighter 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz) vs 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 70 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Ricoh WG-4 GPS.

      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 Sony NEX-5 Ricoh WG-4 GPS
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Micro
        Light287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony NEX-5 Ricoh WG-4 GPS
        High Native ISO200125
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life330 shots240 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony NEX-5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS have 3.0" screens with 920k dot and 460k dot resolutions respectively. Sony NEX-5 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a Fixed screen


      Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) Viewfinder on Sony NEX-5

      Sony NEX-5 has a built-in Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Ricoh WG-4 GPS.

      Sensor

      Sony NEX-5 features a 14 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Ricoh WG-4 GPS features a 16 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-4 GPS 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

      Sony NEX-5 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Ricoh WG-4 GPS can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4608 x 2592, 3456 x 3456, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

      Image Stabilization on Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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. Sony NEX-5 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony NEX-5 comes with NPFW50 battery pack with battery life of 330 shots and Ricoh WG-4 GPS comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 240 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony NEX-5 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony NEX-5, and up to 1/4000 sec on Ricoh WG-4 GPS. Sony NEX-5 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Ricoh WG-4 GPS can shoot continuously up to 1.5 fps.


      Flash

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m Auto ISO. Sony NEX-5 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Smart accessory Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony NEX-5.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony NEX-5 body has dimensions of 111 x 59 x 38 mm (4.37 x 2.32 x 1.5") and Ricoh WG-4 GPS body has dimensions of 124 x 64 x 33 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 1.3"). Sony NEX-5 weighs 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz) and Ricoh WG-4 GPS weighs 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz).

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      111 mm

      59 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      124 mm

      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      38 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      33 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony NEX-5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      Sony NEX-5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      GOOD
      73
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      GOOD
      83
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony NEX-5 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS and give them scores of 60 and 63 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.


      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      63

      Sensor

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      71
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      GOOD
      77
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone 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

      Sony NEX-5

      Ricoh WG-4 GPS

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      •   Internal Storage


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

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