• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Ricoh WG-20

  • Larger sensor
    35mm 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
    ~ 4.88 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 900 vs 260 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 14.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh WG-20 advantages over Nikon D800

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $3000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    164g vs 1008g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 54 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Very large files; Slower frame rate; Custom white balance gives a greenish tint; Battery life lower than D700.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
Ricoh WG-20
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Ricoh WG-20
Nikon D800E
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax WG-10

Nikon D800
Pentax WG-10
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Ricoh WG-20
Pentax WG-10
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Fujifilm AX650

Nikon D800
Fujifilm AX650
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $115
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Ricoh WG-20
Fujifilm AX650
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $115
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800
Nikon D810
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Ricoh WG-20
Nikon D810
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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