Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V Comparison

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Ricoh WG-6

20 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Sony HX20V

18 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Ricoh WG-6, which was introduced in February 2018 is a Waterproof camera with a 20.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Sony HX20V, which was introduced in July 2012 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. As you can see, HX20V is 6 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 Sony HX20V before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Ricoh WG-6 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2018-02-21

20MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 6400

28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens

Digital only Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840x2160 video resolution

246g. 118 x 66 x 33 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced Ricoh WG-5 GPS Compare

Sony HX20V Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-07-20

18MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 12800

25-500 mm F3.2-5.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

10 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in GPS

254g. 107 x 62 x 35 mm

Replaced Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V Compare

Sony HX20V was replaced by Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V vs Ricoh WG-6

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Ricoh WG-6 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

Max Sensor Resolution	20 MP vs 18 MP	11% more pixels
LCD Screen Resolution	1.040k dots vs 922k dots	12% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life	340 shots vs 320 shots	20 more frames with a single charge
Weight	246 g vs 254 g	8 g lighter
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs No	creative shooting
Max Aperture - Tele	5.50 vs 5.80	faster lens at tele
Max Video Resolution	3840x2160 vs 1920 x 1080	Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V over Ricoh WG-6

Max ISO	12.800 vs 6.400	100% higher Max ISO
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 28mm	3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	500mm vs 140mm	360 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	20× vs 5x	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.20 vs 3.50	faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage	7.1m vs 5.5m	1.6m longer range

Common Strengths of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

Image Stabilization	Digital only vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Max Resolution	20 MP vs 18 MP	Bigger prints and more details
Continuous Shooting	fps vs 10.0fps	Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes

Common Weaknesses of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder	None vs None	No eye-level shooting option

Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V: 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 Sony HX20V 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). Sony HX20V has external dimensions of 107 x 62 x 35 mm (4.21 x 2.44 x 1.38″) and weighs 254 g (0.56 lb / 8.96 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V. Sony HX20V is 11mm narrower and 4mm shorter than Ricoh WG-6 but it is also 2mm thicker.

Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V.

Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V.

Top View Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Ricoh WG-6 is 8g lighter than the Sony HX20V but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V: Sensor Comparison

Ricoh WG-6 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Sony HX20V has a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features BIONZ processor.

Below you can see the WG-6 and HX20V sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V Cameras

Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V Lens Specs Comparison

Ricoh WG-6 features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5x zoom lens whereas Sony HX20V features a 25-500 mm F3.2-5.8 20× zoom lens.

Sony HX20V has 3mm wider coverage than the Ricoh WG-6. At f3.20, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Sony HX20V has 360mm longer telezoom reach than the Ricoh WG-6. However, with a max aperture of f5.50, Ricoh WG-6 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-6

HX20V

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Ricoh WG-6 and Sony HX20V 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

Sony HX20V for Portrait Photography

POOR

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

Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Street Photography

GOOD

Sony HX20V for Street Photography

GOOD

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

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

Ricoh WG-6 for Sports Photography

POOR

Sony HX20V for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
140 mm Tele Lens
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

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
500 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Sony HX20V for Daily Photography

GOOD

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

Compact Body
254g
20.0X 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

Sony HX20V 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" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Built-in GPS
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Ricoh WG-6 vs Sony HX20V: 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 Sony HX20V, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 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 Sony HX20V scores compare:

Ricoh WG-6

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #72 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #513 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Sony HX20V

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #138 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #649 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Ricoh WG-6 has a higher Overall Score than the Sony HX20V and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Sony HX20V vs Ricoh WG-6 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Ricoh WG-6	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
Brand	Ricoh	Sony
Announced	2018-02-21	2012-07-20
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	BSI-CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	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	18 megapixels
Max Resolution	5184 x 3888	4896 x 3672
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	125 ISO	100 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)	25-500 mm (20×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.5	F3.2-5.8
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	1,040k dots	922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Digital only	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.50 m (with Auto ISO)	7.10 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	n/a	10.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	3840x2160	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Supports FlashAir SD cards	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	246g	254g
Dimensions	118 x 66 x 33mm	107 x 62 x 35mm
Battery Life	340 shots	320 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in	Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction