• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSC-W230 advantages over Ricoh WG-30

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    127g vs 192g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.7 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Ricoh WG-30 advantages over Sony DSC-W230

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • More telephoto lens reach
    140 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS7

Sony DSC-W230
Panasonic DMC-FS7
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $160
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
Ricoh WG-30
Panasonic DMC-FS7
  • $182
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $160
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Panasonic DMC-F3

Sony DSC-W230
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
Ricoh WG-30
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $182
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Thinner

Compared to Olympus Stylus-5010

Sony DSC-W230
Olympus Stylus-5010
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $106
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
Ricoh WG-30
Olympus Stylus-5010
  • $182
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $106
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SD1300 IS

Sony DSC-W230
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Ricoh WG-30
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $182
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Canon A2200

Sony DSC-W230
Canon A2200
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Ricoh WG-30
Canon A2200
  • $182
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Lighter weight
Compare Other Cameras?