Ricoh WG-4 GPS Review

Performance

We've found the WG-4 to deliver the same performance and features as the WG-3.  Therefore, most of the sections on this page will refer to findings and content in our in-depth review of the WG-3.

User Interface

The WG-4 features a beginner-friendly user interface while offering plenty of advanced features such as burst-shooting and remote control shutter release. To learn more about the interface and modes, see this page.

Waterproofing

The WG-4's 14-meter waterproof rating is better than that of the WG-20 (Pentax's entry-level waterproof model), but some competing compacts are rated for 18 or even 25 meters.  In any case, the protection offered by the WG-4 is more than sufficient for swimming, hiking, and other common outdoor activities.

The Ricoh WG-4 submerged in icy water

Features

The WG-4 has a broad feature set, and the GPS model adds even more outdoor-friendly functions.  In addition to geotagging and logging, the GPS model also offers a pressure sensor, electronic compass, and a front LCD which can display the time of day and the pressure.  Other standard features include an electronic level, mechanical image stabilization, and two infrared ports.  Read more about the WG-4's features here.

The Electronic Level helps you keep your horizons straight

What's missing is something that competing cameras (such as the Nikon AW120) now come with standard: built-in Wi-Fi and remote control capabilities.  The WG-4's user interface is fairly easy to use, but its menu system is dated as it lacks a status screen with quick access to key settings.  This places the Ricoh WG-4 behind the competition technologically, as the only wireless feature it supports is file transfer with an Eye-Fi card (sold separately).  But does make up for this shortcoming by offering unique photo-oriented features such as the digital microscope mode and the LED lights on the front.

Macro Mode

Thanks to its unique lens and the supplied macro stand accessory, the WG-4 can be used as a digital microscope: it will offer more than life-size magnification when an object is placed right next to the lens.

A dime as seen by the WG-4

When shooting hand-held, the WG-4 also has a standard macro mode which allows you to take close-up photos with pleasing bokeh.  Examples follow on the next page.

LCD Screen

The screen on the back of the WG-4 is a 3.0" LCD with a 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio.  This is great for shooting videos, but since the camera's sensor is designed to take pictures in a 4:3 format, you will see black bars in live view when shooting at 16 megapixels (the maximum resolution).  To get around this, the camera defaults to shooting 12-megapixel 16:9 images.  The resolution setting needs to be changed manually by the user for 16-megapixel images, and some users may even overlook it.

Image Quality

The WG-4 has a sharp and bright lens which enables good overall image quality.  At the long end of its zoom range, it offers an equivalent focal length of 100mm, which isn't as much "zoom" as earlier WG cameras and competitors.

For our full verdict on image quality, click here. 

Unlike the WG-3, the WG-4 allows you to control the shutter speed speed manually in the new Tv mode.  However, since auto ISO is forced upon the user in this mode, its usefulness is questionable and practically limited to selecting a fast shutter speed for freezing action or a slow speed for smoother/blurred motion.

Video

The WG-4 supports full-HD video recording at 30FPS, or 720p and 60FPS/30FPS.  While not cutting-edge, the video mode is great for everyday filming.  Learn more about it here.

Autofocus and General Speed

In the field, the WG-4 delivers good performance and autofocus speed.  The two main issues we've found are that the AF is sometimes unreliable when shooting macro, and that the camera may lock up to save data after shooting bursts of videos.  More details can be found here.

Head over the conclusion for the bottom line on the WG-4.