Pentax K-S1 vs Ricoh WG-6

The Pentax K-S1 and the Ricoh WG-6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2014 and February 2019. The K-S1 is a DSLR, while the WG-6 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-S1) and a 1/2.3-inch (WG-6) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Ricoh provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Pentax K-S1		Ricoh WG-6
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Pentax K mount lenses		28-140mm f/3.5-5.5
20 MP, APS-C Sensor		20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200		ISO 125-6,400
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 921k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.4 shutter flaps per second		1 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
not weather sealed		Waterproof body (20m)
410 shots per battery charge		340 shots per battery charge
121 x 93 x 70 mm, 558 g		118 x 66 x 33 mm, 246 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-S1 and the Ricoh WG-6? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-S1 and the Ricoh WG-6 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-S1 can be obtained in four different colors (black, grey, orange, white), while the WG-6 is available in two color-versions (black, orange).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Ricoh WG-6 is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Pentax K-S1. It is noteworthy in this context that the WG-6 is splash and dust-proof, while the K-S1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the WG-6 is water-proof up to 20m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the WG-6 has a lens built in, whereas the K-S1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the WG-6 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Pentax K-S1	121 mm	93 mm	70 mm	558 g	410	n	Aug 2014	749
2.		Ricoh WG-6	118 mm	66 mm	33 mm	246 g	340	Y	Feb 2019	399
3.		Canon SX740	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	265	n	Jul 2018	399
4.		Canon 750D	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749
5.		Canon 760D	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649
6.		Nikon D5300	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799
7.		Panasonic FT7	117 mm	76 mm	37 mm	319 g	300	Y	May 2018	449
8.		Pentax K-S2	123 mm	91 mm	73 mm	678 g	410	Y	Feb 2015	749
9.		Pentax K-3 II	131 mm	100 mm	77 mm	800 g	720	Y	Apr 2015	1,099
10.		Pentax K-50	130 mm	97 mm	71 mm	650 g	410	Y	Jun 2013	599
11.		Pentax K-500	130 mm	97 mm	71 mm	646 g	710	n	Jun 2013	549
12.		Pentax K-3	131 mm	100 mm	77 mm	800 g	560	Y	Oct 2013	1,299
13.		Sony HX99	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	449
14.		Sony HX95	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	429
15.		Sony WX800	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	233 g	370	n	Oct 2018	399
16.		Sony A68	143 mm	104 mm	81 mm	610 g	540	n	Nov 2015	699
17.		Sony A58	129 mm	95 mm	78 mm	492 g	690	n	Feb 2013	599
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The WG-6 was launched at a lower price than the K-S1, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-S1 features an APS-C sensor and the Ricoh WG-6 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the WG-6 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the K-S1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the WG-6 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the WG-6 offers a slightly higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 20 MP of the K-S1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.18μm versus 4.28μm for the K-S1). However, it should be noted that the WG-6 is much more recent (by 4 years and 5 months) than the K-S1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Pentax K-S1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Ricoh WG-6 are ISO 125 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Pentax K-S1	APS-C	20.0	5472	3648	1080/30p	23.5	13.0	1061	78
2.		Ricoh WG-6	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon SX740	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
4.		Canon 750D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919	71
5.		Canon 760D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915	70
6.		Nikon D5300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.9	1338	83
7.		Panasonic FT7	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
8.		Pentax K-S2	APS-C	20.0	5472	3648	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
9.		Pentax K-3 II	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/60i	23.6	13.6	1106	80
10.		Pentax K-50	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.7	13.0	1120	79
11.		Pentax K-500	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.7	13.1	1087	79
12.		Pentax K-3	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/60i	23.7	13.4	1216	80
13.		Sony HX99	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
14.		Sony HX95	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Sony WX800	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Sony A68	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60i	24.1	13.5	701	79
17.		Sony A58	APS-C	19.8	5456	3632	1080/60i	23.3	12.5	753	74

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the WG-6 provides a better video resolution than the K-S1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-S1 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the WG-6 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Pentax K-S1, the Ricoh WG-6, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Pentax K-S1	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/6000s	5.4	Y	Y
2.		Ricoh WG-6	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.0	Y	n
3.		Canon SX740	none	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/3200s	10.0	Y	Y
4.		Canon 750D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
5.		Canon 760D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
6.		Nikon D5300	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Panasonic FT7	1170	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/1300s	10.0	Y	Y
8.		Pentax K-S2	optical	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/6000s	5.4	Y	Y
9.		Pentax K-3 II	optical	Y	3.2	1037	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.3	n	Y
10.		Pentax K-50	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/6000s	6.0	Y	Y
11.		Pentax K-500	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/6000s	6.0	Y	Y
12.		Pentax K-3	optical	Y	3.2	1037	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.3	Y	Y
13.		Sony HX99	638	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
14.		Sony HX95	638	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony WX800	none	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony A68	1440	Y	2.7	460	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony A58	1440	n	2.7	460	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	Y

The Ricoh WG-6 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the K-S1 and the WG-6 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-S1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the WG-6 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-S1 and Ricoh WG-6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Pentax K-S1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Ricoh WG-6	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	3.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon SX740	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon 750D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon 760D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Nikon D5300	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Panasonic FT7	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Pentax K-S2	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Pentax K-3 II	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
10.		Pentax K-50	Y	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Pentax K-500	Y	mono	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Pentax K-3	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
13.		Sony HX99	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
14.		Sony HX95	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony WX800	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony A68	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony A58	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the K-S1 has a hotshoe, while the WG-6 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the WG-6 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The WG-6 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Ricoh. In contrast, the K-S1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-S1 was succeeded by the Pentax K-S2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Pentax and Ricoh websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Pentax K-S1 and the Ricoh WG-6? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Pentax K-S1:

• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/6000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.4 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (410 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Ricoh WG-6:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the K-S1 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (118x66mm vs 121x93mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the K-S1).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 20m).
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 4 years and 5 months of technical progress since the K-S1 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (13 points each). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-S1 and the Ricoh WG-6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the K-S1 and the WG-6 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Pentax K-S1	4/5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2014	749
2.		Ricoh WG-6	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2019	399
3.		Canon SX740	..	+	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2018	399
4.		Canon 750D	5/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
5.		Canon 760D	5/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649
6.		Nikon D5300	4/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799
7.		Panasonic FT7	..	+	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	May 2018	449
8.		Pentax K-S2	4.5/5	..	..	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
9.		Pentax K-3 II	4.5/5	..	..	5/5	5/5	Apr 2015	1,099
10.		Pentax K-50	5/5	..	..	5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	599
11.		Pentax K-500	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	549
12.		Pentax K-3	4/5	..	83/100	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,299
13.		Sony HX99	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449
14.		Sony HX95	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2018	429
15.		Sony WX800	..	..	..	..	..	Oct 2018	399
16.		Sony A68	3/5	..	..	4/5	4/5	Nov 2015	699
17.		Sony A58	3/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	599
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Pentax K-S1 vs Ricoh WG-6

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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