Ricoh WG-4 GPS Review

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Main Features

16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 6400

25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

2 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

Built-in GPS

235g. 124 x 64 x 33 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced by Ricoh WG-5 GPS

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Ricoh WG-4 GPS Overview

First introduced in February 2014 , Ricoh WG-4 GPS is a 16.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 lens. Ricoh later replaced WG-4 GPS with WG-5 GPS. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
Compare Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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 GPS has an Overall Score of 49/100 and ranked #69 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Waterproof), and ranked #491 out of 1218 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Ricoh WG-4 GPS Physical Specs

Ricoh WG-4 GPS weighs 235 g (0.52 lb / 8.29 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 GPS 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 GPS

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Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-4 GPS

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

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

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Ricoh WG-4 GPS, 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 GPS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Ricoh WG-4 GPS with its main competitors:

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs WG-4 GPS	Thickness	vs WG-4 GPS
Olympus TG-4 Compare	247g	12g heavier	31mm	2mm thinner
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	193g	42g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner
Ricoh WG-30 Compare	192g	43g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner
Pentax WG-2 Compare	192g	43g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner
Pentax WG-3 GPS Compare	238g	3g heavier	33mm	equal thickness
Nikon AW100 Compare	178g	57g lighter	23mm	10mm thinner
Pentax WG-3 Compare	230g	5g lighter	33mm	equal thickness
Olympus TG-1 iHS Compare	230g	5g lighter	30mm	3mm thinner

Weather Sealing

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Sensor and Photography Features

Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (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 GPS has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 but unfortunately, Ricoh WG-4 GPS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Ricoh WG-4 GPS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

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

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Lens

Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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 GPS

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-4 GPS

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 GPS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-4 GPS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS LCD

Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

WG-4 GPS doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

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

Battery

Ricoh WG-4 GPS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 240 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 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 GPS

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 GPS vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Olympus TG-4 Compare	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	Yes	No	No
Ricoh WG-30 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-2 Compare	1920 x 1080	260shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-3 GPS Compare	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Nikon AW100 Compare	1920 x 1080	shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-3 Compare	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-1 iHS Compare	1920 x 1080	350shots	No	No	No

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Video Features

With Ricoh WG-4 GPS, 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 GPS 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 GPS has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
Ricoh WG-4 GPS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Other Features

Max Shutter speed

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

Flash

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

Focusing

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

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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

Built-in GPS

Face Detection Focusing

1/4000s High Shutter Speed

235g 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 GPS 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

Low Screen Resolution ( 460kdots )

Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps

Low Battery Life: 240 shots

No Manual Exposure

Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90

Report a correction

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

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a score of 38 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 GPS.

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 GPS for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a score of 70 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 GPS for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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 GPS.

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 GPS for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS 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
235g
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 GPS for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS has a score of 27 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 GPS.

Manual Focus Mode
Built-in GPS
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 GPS for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Alternatives

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

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

Popular Comparisons of Ricoh WG-4 GPS

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

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Ricoh WG-4 GPS Alternatives in Cameras

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ricoh WG-4 GPS

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

Ricoh WG-4 GPS Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Ricoh
Model	Ricoh WG-4 GPS
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"
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"
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	235g
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	BuiltIn
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal
Storage Slots	1