Ricoh WG-M1 Review

Main Features

14MP - 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 800

f2.80 Prime Lens

1.5″ Fixed Type Screen

10.0 fps continuous shooting

1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

190g. 66 x 43 x 89 mm

Weather Sealed Body

$1,396.95

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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" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor.

Ricoh WG-M1 has an Overall Score of 37/100 and ranked #366 out of 626 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #893 out of 1171 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Ricoh WG-M1 Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Ricoh WG-M1 Compared to other Compact Cameras

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)

1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution

10.0fps Fast Continuous Shooting

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

Buy Ricoh WG-M1 from 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

Ricoh WG-M1 Sensor and Photography Features

Ricoh WG-M1 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3" (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 Compact cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Ricoh WG-M1's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

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

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Ricoh WG-M1

Min

Average

Max

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

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.

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Ricoh WG-M1 with its main competitors:

Ricoh WG-M1 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Sensor	Weight	vs WG-M1	Thickness	vs WG-M1
Pentax WG-3 GPS	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	238g	48g heavier	33mm	56mm thinner
Olympus TG-4	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	247g	57g heavier	31mm	58mm thinner
Ricoh WG-5 GPS	16.0MP - 1/2.3	236g	46g heavier	32mm	57mm thinner
Fujifilm XP70	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	179g	11g lighter	26mm	63mm thinner
Olympus TG-3	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	247g	57g heavier	31mm	58mm thinner
Canon G16	12.0MP - 1/1.7"	356g	166g heavier	40mm	49mm thinner
Nikon P7800	12.0MP - 1/1.7"	399g	209g heavier	50mm	39mm thinner
Pentax WG-2	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	192g	2g heavier	30mm	59mm thinner

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

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 Other Features

LCD and Viewfinder

Ricoh WG-M1 has a Fixed Type 1.5″ 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.

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.

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.

Connectivity and Storage
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.

Battery Ricoh WG-M1 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 350 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 Compact cameras list.

Ricoh WG-M1 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Pentax WG-3 GPS >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-4 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No
Ricoh WG-5 GPS >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Fujifilm XP70 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	210shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-3 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	330shots	Yes	No	No
Canon G16 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	360shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon P7800 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	350shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-2 >>Compare to WG-M1	1920 x 1080	260shots	No	No	No

Lowest Price
Current Lowest price for Ricoh WG-M1 is $1,396.95

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. This first spider web graph shows how the WG-M1 compares with the average Compact camera.
Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

Ricoh WG-M1 for Portrait Photography

Ricoh WG-M1 has a score of 14 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact 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 33 for Street Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Street We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact 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 23 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact 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 Compact 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 30 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact 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. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of WG-M1 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

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.

Pentax WG-3 GPS

Compare

Olympus TG-4

Compare

Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Compare

Fujifilm XP70

Compare

Olympus TG-3

Compare

Canon G16

Compare

Nikon P7800

Compare

Pentax WG-2

Compare

Ricoh WG-M1 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

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

Nikon Z 6

Compare

Sony A7R II

Compare

Sony A7 III

Compare

Samsung NX1

Compare

Olympus E-M1 II

Compare

Sony A7 II

Compare

Sony A7R

Compare

Panasonic G9

Compare

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?

Ricoh WG-M1 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Ricoh
Model	Ricoh WG-M1
Announced	2014-09-12
Body Type	Compact
Price	$1,396.95
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
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 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"
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

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