• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S120 advantages over Ricoh WG-4

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.8 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh WG-4 advantages over Canon S120

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XF1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Ricoh WG-4
Fujifilm XF1
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax WG-3 GPS

Canon S120
Pentax WG-3 GPS
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Ricoh WG-4
Pentax WG-3 GPS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Canon S120
Olympus XZ-10
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Hot shoe
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Ricoh WG-4
Olympus XZ-10
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm XQ1

Canon S120
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
Ricoh WG-4
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Canon S120
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Ricoh WG-4
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
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