Ricoh WG-4 Review

Name: Ricoh WG-4
Brand: Ricoh

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Main Features

16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 6400

25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3.00" Fixed Type Screen

2.0fps continuous shooting

230g. 124 x 64 x 33 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Ricoh WG-4 Overview

Launched in February 2014 , Ricoh WG-4 is a 16.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body and 4.0x zoom 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 lens.

Ricoh WG-4 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Ricoh WG-4 is a member of Ricoh's WG series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Ricoh WG Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Ricoh WG-80 Compare	2022	16.0MP - 1/2.3	fps	123 x 62 x 30mm	193g
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	2020	16.0MP - 1/2.3	fps	123 x 62 x 30mm	193g
Ricoh WG-6 Compare	2018	20.0MP - 1/2.3	fps	118 x 66 x 33mm	246g
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	2017	16.0MP - 1/2.3	8.0 fps	123 x 62 x 30mm	193g
Ricoh WG-5 GPS Compare	2015	16.0MP - 1/2.3	14.0 fps	125 x 65 x 32mm	236g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Ricoh WG-80 vs WG-70 vs WG-6 vs WG-50 vs WG-5 GPS

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ricoh WG-4 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Ricoh WG-4 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Water Proof down to 14m

Shock Proof up to 2.0m

Crush Proof up to 100kgf

Freeze Proof down to -10C

Image Stabilization

Full HD Video

Face Detection Focusing

1/4000s High Shutter Speed

230g Light Body

Manual Focusing

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

25mm Wide Angle Lens

Fast 2.00 Lens at Wide

AE Bracketing

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Buy Ricoh WG-4 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

Only 9 Focus Points

Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps

Low Battery Life: 240 shots

No Manual Exposure

Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90

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Ricoh WG-4 Physical Specs

Ricoh WG-4 weighs 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz) and has external dimensions of 124 x 64 x 33 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 1.3″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Ricoh WG-4 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 33mm, it has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-4

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-4

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Ricoh WG-4 with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Ricoh WG-4 Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Ricoh WG-4, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Ricoh WG-4 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Ricoh WG-4 with its main competitors:

Ricoh WG-4 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs WG-4	Thickness	vs WG-4
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	193g	37g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner
Pentax WG-3 Compare	230g	equal weight	33mm	equal thickness
Ricoh WG-6 Compare	246g	16g heavier	33mm	equal thickness
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	193g	37g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner
Ricoh WG-20 Compare	164g	66g lighter	28mm	5mm thinner
Olympus TG-6 Compare	253g	23g heavier	32mm	1mm thinner
Olympus TG-5 Compare	250g	20g heavier	32mm	1mm thinner
Olympus TG-4 Compare	247g	17g heavier	31mm	2mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Ricoh WG-4 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof)

Ricoh WG-4 Lens

Ricoh WG-4 features a 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 4× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 25mm, and 100mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-4

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-4

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Providing a max aperture of f2.00 at 25mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f4.90.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-4

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-4

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

WG-4 is equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Ricoh WG-4's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Ricoh WG-4 Sensor and Photography Features

Ricoh WG-4 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. WG-4 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 but unfortunately, Ricoh WG-4 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II in the same price range.

Ricoh WG-4 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Ricoh WG-4 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Ricoh WG-4's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Ricoh WG-4 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Ricoh WG-4 LCD

Ricoh WG-4 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

Unfortunately Ricoh WG-4 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Waterproof Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

WG-4 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder.

Ricoh WG-4 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect WG-4 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Ricoh WG-4 Battery

Ricoh WG-4 is powered by D-LI92 battery which provides a battery life of 240 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Waterproof Cameras

Ricoh WG-4

Min

Average

Max

Olympus TG-4 with its 380shots is the model with longest battery life among Waterproof cameras. Check the comparison of Ricoh WG-4 vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

Ricoh WG-4 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-3 Compare	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-6 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-20 Compare	1280 x 720	260shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-6 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-5 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-4 Compare	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No

Ricoh WG-4 Video Features

With Ricoh WG-4, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30p fps and save in and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Ricoh WG-4 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

WG-4 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Ricoh WG-4 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Nikon Coolpix P7100 in a similar price range.

Ricoh WG-4 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Ricoh WG-4 can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately WG-4 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Ricoh WG-4 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

Ricoh WG-4 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Ricoh WG-4 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Ricoh WG-4 in 5 different photography areas.

Ricoh WG-4 for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-4 has a score of 37 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-4.

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
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 of how we scored Ricoh WG-4 for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-4 for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-4 has a score of 71 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list.

Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Image Stabilization
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small Body
No Built-in Viewfinder
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-4 for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-4 for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-4 has a score of 24 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-4.

Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Manual Focus Mode
Image Stabilization
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 240 shots

Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
100 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-4 for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-4 for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-4 has a score of 65 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
230g
Environmental Sealings

4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-4 for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-4 for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-4 has a score of 26 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-4.

Manual Focus Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

No Manual Exposure Mode
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-4 for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-4 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Ricoh WG-4 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Ricoh WG-4 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Ricoh WG-4

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Ricoh WG-4 amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Ricoh WG-4 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Ricoh WG-4 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Ricoh WG-4's price range.

Ricoh WG-4 Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Ricoh WG-4 has an Overall Score of 48/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Ricoh WG-4 is ranked #69 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #521 out of 1243 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#521 out of 1243 in Top Ranking Cameras
#69 out of 631 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
#18 out of 76 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
#111 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
#59 out of 76 in Lightest Waterproof Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(230g)
#229 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ricoh WG-4

Does the Ricoh WG-4 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Ricoh WG-4 have RAW support?
Does the Ricoh WG-4 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Ricoh WG-4 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Ricoh WG-4?
What is the Sensor Size of Ricoh WG-4?
is the Ricoh WG-4 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Ricoh WG-4 have Touch Screen?
Does the Ricoh WG-4 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Ricoh WG-4?
What is the Weight of Ricoh WG-4?
What are the Dimensions of Ricoh WG-4?

Ricoh WG-4 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Ricoh
Model	Ricoh WG-4
Announced	2014-02-05
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F2.0-4.9
Macro Focus Range	1cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Technology	TFT LCD
Screen Size	3.00"
Screen Resolution	460k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/4000s
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	10.00 m (Auto ISO)
Flash Modes	Auto, flash off, flash on, auto + redeye, on + redeye
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07mm²
Sensor Resolution	16 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4608 x 3456
Max Native ISO	6,400
Min Native ISO	125
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
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	230g
Physical Dimensions	124 x 64 x 33mm
Battery Life	240 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	D-LI92
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal
Storage Slots	1