Ricoh WG-M1 Review

Name: Ricoh WG-M1
Brand: Ricoh

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Main Features

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 800

f2.80 Prime Lens

1.5" Fixed Type Screen

10.0 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

Built-in Wireless

190g. 66 x 43 x 89 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Ricoh WG-M1 Overview

First introduced in September 2014 , Ricoh WG-M1 is a 14.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, weather sealed body and F2.8 lens.

Ricoh WG-M1 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-M1 is a member of Ricoh's Waterproof class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

Ricoh Waterproof Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	2020	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	123 x 62 x 30mm	193g
Ricoh WG-6 Compare	2018	20.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	118 x 66 x 33mm	246g
Ricoh G900 Compare	2018	20.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	118 x 66 x 33mm	247g
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	2017	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	8.0 fps	123 x 62 x 30mm	193g
Ricoh WG-5 GPS Compare	2015	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	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-70 vs WG-6 vs G900 vs WG-50 vs WG-5 GPS

Ricoh WG-M1 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Ricoh WG-M1 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 10m

Shock Proof up to 2.0m

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Full HD Video

10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (350 shots)

190g Light Body

Environmental Sealing

17mm Wide Angle Lens

Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide

Fast 2.80 Lens at Tele

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Buy Ricoh WG-M1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

No Face Detection Focusing

Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP

Max Sensitivity only ISO 800

Small LCD Screen ( 1.5")

Low Screen Resolution ( 115kdots )

1/s Low Max Shutter Speed

No Manual Focusing

No Manual Exposure

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Ricoh WG-M1 Physical Specs

Ricoh WG-M1 weighs 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz) and has external dimensions of 66 x 43 x 89 mm (2.6 x 1.69 x 3.5″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 89mm, it is large, 60mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-M1

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-M1

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Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Ricoh WG-M1 with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Ricoh WG-M1 Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Ricoh WG-M1, 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-M1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Ricoh WG-M1 with its main competitors:

Ricoh WG-M1 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs WG-M1	Thickness	vs WG-M1
Casio EX-ZR15 Compare	176g	14g lighter	27mm	62mm thinner
Canon 80D Compare	730g	540g heavier	79mm	10mm thinner
Panasonic ZS60 Compare	282g	92g heavier	38mm	51mm thinner
Panasonic TS25 Compare	144g	46g lighter	20mm	69mm thinner
Olympus TG-4 Compare	247g	57g heavier	31mm	58mm thinner
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	193g	3g heavier	30mm	59mm thinner
Sony A7S III Compare	699g	509g heavier	81mm	8mm thinner
Sony TX66 Compare	109g	81g lighter	13mm	76mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Ricoh WG-M1 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof).

Ricoh WG-M1 Sensor and Photography Features

Ricoh WG-M1 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4320 x 3240 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. WG-M1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 800 but unfortunately, Ricoh WG-M1 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Fujifilm X30 in the same price range.

Ricoh WG-M1 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-M1 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-M1's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Ricoh WG-M1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Ricoh WG-M1 Lens

Ricoh WG-M1 features a F2.8 Prime lens. This prime lens makes WG-M1 a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-M1

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-M1

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-M1

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-M1

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Ricoh WG-M1 LCD

Ricoh WG-M1 has a Fixed Type 1.50" LCD screen with a resolution of 115k dots. At only 1.5", the screen is on the smaller side and 115kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

WG-M1 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 Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare) or Fujifilm X30 (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Ricoh WG-M1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Thanks to the built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity feature, Ricoh WG-M1 lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

You can connect WG-M1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Ricoh WG-M1 Battery

Ricoh WG-M1 is powered by DB-65 battery which provides a battery life of 350 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, Ricoh WG-M1 has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Waterproof Cameras

Ricoh WG-M1

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-M1 vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

Ricoh WG-M1 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Casio EX-ZR15 Compare	1920 x 1080	325shots	No	No	No
Canon 80D Compare	1920 x 1080	960shots	Yes	No	Yes
Panasonic ZS60 Compare	3840 x 2160	320shots	Yes	No	No
Panasonic TS25 Compare	1280 x 720	250shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-4 Compare	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	Yes	No	No
Sony A7S III Compare	3840 x 2160	600shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sony TX66 Compare	1920 x 1080	250shots	No	No	No

Ricoh WG-M1 Video Features

With Ricoh WG-M1, 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-M1 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-M1 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
Ricoh WG-M1 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 Fujifilm X30 in a similar price range.

Ricoh WG-M1 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Ricoh WG-M1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 10.0 fps and has max shutter speed of .

Flash

Focusing

Ricoh WG-M1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

What type of Photography is Ricoh WG-M1 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Ricoh WG-M1 in 5 different photography areas.

Ricoh WG-M1 for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 12 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-M1.

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 Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-M1 for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 32 for Street Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Street We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-M1.

Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
17 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small Body
No Built-in Viewfinder

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

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-M1 for Street Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 21 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-M1.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Wireless Connection
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/s
Focus Points
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No Manual Exposure Mode

No Manual Focus Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
No Image Stabilization
17 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-M1 for Sports Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 50 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
190g
Environmental Sealings

Body Thickness 89mm
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Ricoh WG-M1 for Daily Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 22 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-M1.

17 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
No Manual Exposure Mode

No Manual Focus 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-M1 for Landscape Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Ricoh WG-M1 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Ricoh WG-M1 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Ricoh WG-M1

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Ricoh WG-M1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Ricoh WG-M1 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Ricoh WG-M1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Ricoh WG-M1's price range.

Ricoh WG-M1 Conclusion and Scores

Ricoh WG-M1 has an Overall Score of 34/100 and ranked #373 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #950 out of 1228 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ricoh WG-M1

Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have RAW support?
Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Ricoh WG-M1?
What is the Sensor Size of Ricoh WG-M1?
is the Ricoh WG-M1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have Touch Screen?
Does the Ricoh WG-M1 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Ricoh WG-M1?
What is the Weight of Ricoh WG-M1?
What are the Dimensions of Ricoh WG-M1?

Ricoh WG-M1 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Ricoh
Model	Ricoh WG-M1
Announced	2014-09-12
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	(1×)
Max Aperture	F2.8
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	1.5"
Screen Resolution	115k 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	n/a
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	n/a
Continuous Shooting	10.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Flash Modes	no built-in flash
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	CMOS
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07mm²
Sensor Resolution	14 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4320 x 3240
Max Native ISO	800
Min Native ISO	100
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
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 960 (50p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p), 848 x 480 (60p, 120p)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	190g
Physical Dimensions	66 x 43 x 89mm
Battery Life	350 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	DB-65
Other Features
Self Timer	n/a
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	microSD/microSDHC, internal
Storage Slots	1