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Ricoh WG-6 Comparison Review

The Ricoh WG-6 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in February 2019 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 20.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Ricoh WG-6 a good camera? The WG-6 has a Camera Elo of 1953. This rating puts the WG-6 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the WG-6 ranks among the top 40 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Ricoh WG-6
Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/3.5-5.5
20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 125 - 6 400
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1 shutter flaps per second
Waterproof body (20m)
340 shots per battery charge
118 x 66 x 33 mm, 246 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Ricoh WG-6 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Ricoh WG-6 vs credit card front
WG-6 versus credit card top view
WG-6 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Ricoh WG-6 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh WG-6 118 mm 66 mm 33 mm 246 g 340 Y Feb 2019 US$ 399 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic TS7 117 mm 76 mm 37 mm 319 g 300 Y May 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic ZS80 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax WG-8 118 mm 66 mm 33 mm 242 g 340 Y Jun 2024 US$ 399 amazon.com
8.
 
Ricoh WG-60 123 mm 62 mm 30 mm 193 g 300 Y Oct 2018 US$ 279ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Ricoh WG-6 was launched in the US market at a price of $399. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check WG-6 price at
amazon.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Ricoh WG-6 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Ricoh WG-6 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Ricoh WG-6 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Ricoh WG-6 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110452
2.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
3.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
4.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
5.
 
Panasonic TS7 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1102851
6.
 
Panasonic ZS80 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
7.
 
Pentax WG-8 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.912.8162654
8.
 
Ricoh WG-60 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.612.2107251
9.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
10.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
11.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The WG-6 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the WG-6 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Ricoh WG-6 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Ricoh WG-6none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 1.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Panasonic TS71170 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/1300s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic ZS802330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Pentax WG-8none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Ricoh WG-60none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One convenient feature of the WG-6 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Ricoh WG-6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Ricoh WG-6-mono / mono--micro3.0---
2.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic TS7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic ZS80-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Pentax WG-8-mono / mono---3.0---
8.
 
Ricoh WG-60-mono / mono--micro2.0---
9.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

The WG-6 has a zoom lens built in (5-25mm f/3.5-5.5), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 140mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the WG-6 can be found in the free online Ricoh WG-6 Manual or on the Ricoh support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the WG-6 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh WG-6........3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 399 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic TS7..+......3.5/5 May 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic ZS80..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax WG-8............ Jun 2024 US$ 399 amazon.com
8.
 
Ricoh WG-60............ Oct 2018 US$ 279ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check WG-6 price at
amazon.com

Ricoh WG-6 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the WG-6.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Ricoh WG-6?

The camera is build around a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Ricoh WG-6?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 6400.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Ricoh WG-6?

No, the Ricoh WG-6 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Ricoh WG-6 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Ricoh WG-6 use?

The camera gets its power from the Ricoh DB-110 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Does the Ricoh WG-6 support geotagging?

The WG-6 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) module and can embed location information in the EXIF data of the captured image.

Where can I find the best deals for the Ricoh WG-6?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Ricoh.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Ricoh WG-6
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-140mm f/3.5-5.5
    Launch Date February 2019
    Launch Price USD 399
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 184 x 3 888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.18 μm
    Pixel Density 71.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 6 400 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 1 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Geotagging GPS built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWaterproof body (20m)
    Battery Type Ricoh DB-110 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 118 x 66 x 33 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 246 g (8.7 oz)

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