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Ricoh WG-4 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Ricoh WG-4

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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
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    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

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. 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.

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    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
    Report a correction

    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

    Report a correction


    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
    Min
    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:

    Ricoh WG-4 Body Size 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.


    Ricoh WG-4 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a 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-4 Camera Ricoh WG-70
    Compare
    193g 37g lighter 30mm 3mm thinner
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Pentax WG-3
    Compare
    230g equal weight 33mm equal thickness
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-6
    Compare
    246g 16g heavier 33mm equal thickness
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-50
    Compare
    193g 37g lighter 30mm 3mm thinner
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-20
    Compare
    164g 66g lighter 28mm 5mm thinner
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    253g 23g heavier 32mm 1mm thinner
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    250g 20g heavier 32mm 1mm thinner
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera 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.

    Ricoh WG-4 Sensor Size Comparison
    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.



    Ricoh WG-4 back view and LCD

    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-4 Camera Ricoh WG-70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots No No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Pentax WG-3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots No No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots No No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots No No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Ricoh WG-20
    Compare
    1280 x 720 260shots No No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Ricoh WG-4 Camera 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.

    Also read:

    • Best Waterproof Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Waterproof Cameras with Headphone Port

    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.

    Ricoh WG-70
    Ricoh WG-70
    Compare
    Pentax WG-3
    Pentax WG-3
    Compare
    Ricoh WG-6
    Ricoh WG-6
    Compare
    Ricoh WG-50
    Ricoh WG-50
    Compare
    Ricoh WG-20
    Ricoh WG-20
    Compare
    Olympus TG-6
    Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    Olympus TG-5
    Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    Olympus TG-4
    Olympus TG-4
    Compare

    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
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    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


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