A camera should first and foremost produce images. With 16 megapixels and a small sensor, I have in terms of the quality always concerns. At ISO 100 and 200 photos to the expectations of the high resolution, they are clear and detailed. High contrasts can be compensated easily over a HDR mode. With an initial aperture of 2 in wide angle and 4.5 at the telephoto end, the small box is also amazingly bright. From ISO 400 noise increases, however, too fast and at ISO 800 go very many details are lost. The Ricoh WG-4 EU is a camera for daylight shots of what it has in common with most compact cameras.
The commissioning and operation goes - even without a manual - without any problems. The controls are a bit small, when it is cold in gloves a problem, but have a good tactile feedback and can be handled accurately. The 3 menus are ordered sense, one really finds all settings at once. On the rocker switch for the main photo settings are easy to reach and there is even a way to make a set of own settings available. In addition, you can turn back the camera to its default settings by pressing a button. A number of solid profiles for almost all reception areas make it easier especially photographers who put not as deep in the art to find the right settings. For professionals who like starting from scratch, there is only one time delay mode.
Films is amazing verwackelungsfrei. I really liked the opportunity to create time-lapse photography, even over long periods, and even to work in the camera into a film. Since then, the camera for making ofs when touring and in the studio getting the belt.
One advantage of small sensor is the high depth of field in macro photography. One can make good use of the WG-4; because the minimum distance to the subject is with this camera only one cm, because SLRs do very hard. The built-in 6 LED lights light up while in the vicinity of the motives shadows.
A few negative points there:
- As the panel can be changed only in a very small area (an aperture priority, there is not even), is in low light immediately the ISO number ratcheted up with corresponding effects on the quality of the images.
- The battery is rather weak and needs to be constantly recharged. During this time, the camera can not be used, not even with existing second battery, since the charging is done in the camera.
- For macro shooting, the aperture priority is missing.
- The detailed manual is not even included on the CD, but must be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. The manual would be better off on the CD.
- The included software does only Download the images. That goes without this software only with Windows means, just as easily, because the camera as removable disk.
Conclusion:
As a full-frame SLR users I'm not a big fan of compact cameras. In the Ricoh I was immediately in love but because they can be incredibly much without any problems, thereby tolerates rough handling. Compared to two other compact, I've ever used, it is versatile and robust, just right for hiking and photo tours. On the beach and snorkeling makes them certainly also a good figure.
Because of the lack of aperture priority and something weak battery only 4 out of 5 stars.