• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A390 advantages over Ricoh WG-4

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Ricoh WG-4 advantages over Sony DSLR-A390

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $600 (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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 83 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    230g vs 549g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A390
Nikon D5000
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Ricoh WG-4
Nikon D5000
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A290

Sony DSLR-A390
Sony DSLR-A290
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
Ricoh WG-4
Sony DSLR-A290
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DSLR-A390
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO
Ricoh WG-4
Sony DSLR-A580
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax WG-3

Sony DSLR-A390
Pentax WG-3
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $189
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Ricoh WG-4
Pentax WG-3
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $189
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Sony DSLR-A390
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $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
Compare Other Cameras?