Ricoh
WG-8
Rugged waterproof compact with 20MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, 5x 28-140mm equivalent zoom, 4K video, GPS, and macro lights.
$399
Released Jul 2024
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
WG-8 is 2.8 years newer.
Wins
WG-8
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Check current prices
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TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 9)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AWG-8 has lower Weight (242 g vs 658 g)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
WG-8
118 × 66 × 33 mm
242 g (0.53 lb / 8.54 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
WG-8 is 13mm narrower, 31mm shorter, and 47mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV.
WG-8 is 416 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm WG-8 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
WG-8: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
WG-8
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Pet
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 118.2, 65.5, 33.1
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight
242 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 9 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
WG-8
Pros
- ✓Waterproof and dustproof
- ✓4K video
- ✓GPS and compass
- ✓Macro stand included
Cons
- –Small sensor
- –Limited manual control
- –No RAW focus
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, WG-8 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 9.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for WG-8 — 33MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the WG-8 and Alpha 7 IV?
WG-8 is 20 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the WG-8 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
WG-8 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
What's the weight difference between the WG-8 and Alpha 7 IV?
WG-8 weighs 242 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the WG-8 is 416 g lighter.
Do the WG-8 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
WG-8: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the WG-8 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
WG-8: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 340 shots (CIPA) for the WG-8 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
WG-8 launched at $399 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The WG-8 is $2,100 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Ricoh and Sony press materials.