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Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Comparison

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Camera to replace
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Ricoh WG-6

20 MP | 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS Sensor

Ricoh WG-6
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Pentax WG-1 GPS

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

Pentax WG-1 GPS
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Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing WG-6 and WG-1 GPS, two Waterproof cameras from Ricoh and Pentax. Ricoh WG-6 was introduced to market in February 2018 and Pentax WG-1 GPS was launched in August 2011. As you can see, WG-1 GPS is 7 years older than WG-6. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Ricoh WG-6 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2018-02-21
  • 20MP - 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • 246g. 118 x 66 x 33 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Ricoh WG-5 GPS Compare

Pentax WG-1 GPS Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-08-16
  • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens
  • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • Built-in GPS
  • 167g. 116 x 59 x 29 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Ricoh WG-6 over Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution
20 MP vs 14 MP 42% more pixels
LCD Screen Size
3 vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
1.040k dots vs 230k dots 352% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/1500s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
340 shots vs 260 shots 80 more frames with a single charge
Flash Coverage
5.5m vs 3.9m 1.6m longer range
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Digital video stabilization
Yes vs No Stabilizes your videos in-camera
USB Version
USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) Faster Data transfer from the camera
CHECK WG-6 PRICE


Reasons to choose Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS over Ricoh WG-6
Weight
167 g vs 246 g 79 g lighter
Sensor Pixel Area
2.04µm2 vs 1.39µm2 46% larger pixel area
CHECK WG-1 GPS PRICE

Common Strengths of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Common Weaknesses of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
In-body Image Stabilization
Digital only vs No No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Size
2.70" vs 2.70" Small display
New4
Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Ricoh WG-6 has external dimensions of 118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3″) and weighs 246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz) (including batteries). Pentax WG-1 GPS has external dimensions of 116 x 59 x 29 mm (4.55 x 2.3 x 1.12″) and weighs 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS. Pentax WG-1 GPS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 2mm narrower, 7mm shorter and 4mm thinner than Ricoh WG-6.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS.
Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax WG-1 GPS is significantly lighter (79g ) than the Ricoh WG-6 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Ricoh WG-6's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Pentax WG-1 GPS's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: Sensor Comparison

Ricoh WG-6 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Pentax WG-1 GPS has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Ricoh WG-6's sensor provides 6MP more than Pentax WG-1 GPS's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the WG-6 and WG-1 GPS sensor size comparison.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS Cameras


Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Pentax WG-1 GPS has 46% larger pixel area (2.04µm2 vs 1.39µm2) compared to Ricoh WG-6, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Lens Specs Comparison

Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS features 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5x zoom lenses so they have the same focal range and light collecting ability.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm and have the same max aperture of f3.50 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 140mm and have the same max aperture of f5.50 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-6
WG-1 GPS
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Ricoh WG-6 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-1 GPS for Portrait Photography

POOR
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax WG-1 GPS for Street Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-1 GPS for Sports Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
140 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
9 Focus Points
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
140 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax WG-1 GPS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
246g
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
167g
Environmental Sealings
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-1 GPS for Landscape Photography

POOR
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
Built-in GPS
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Ricoh WG-6 and Pentax WG-1 GPS scores compare:

Ricoh WG-6
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #67 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #539 out of 1257 in all Cameras
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #163 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #744 out of 1257 in all Cameras

Ricoh WG-6 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Pentax WG-1 GPS in all criteria except one: Portability. But the size difference between these cameras are negligible in real world so it is not a big disadvantage for Ricoh WG-6.

Ricoh WG-6
Ricoh WG-6
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Pentax WG-1 GPS
Pentax WG-1 GPS
CHECK PRICE

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Pentax WG-1 GPS vs Ricoh WG-6 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Ricoh WG-6 Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
Brand Ricoh Pentax
Announced 2018-02-21 2011-08-16
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CCD
Size 1/2.3 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 20 megapixels 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 5184 x 3888 4288 x 3216
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 125 ISO 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 28-140 mm (5x) 28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture F3.5-5.5 F3.5-5.5
Macro Focus Range 1cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 2.70"
Resolution 1,040k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/1500s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Digital only No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 5.50 m (with Auto ISO) 3.90 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 1.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 1280 x 720
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Supports FlashAir SD cards Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 246g 167g
Dimensions 118 x 66 x 33mm 116 x 59 x 29mm
Battery Life 340 shots 260 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Built-in Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
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