Canon PowerShot N vs. Ricoh G700SE: A Deep Dive into Compact Cameras for Every Niche

In the evolving landscape of compact digital cameras, it's always fascinating to pit two models that, while sharing some specs on paper, diverge markedly in design philosophy and real-world appeal. Today, we focus on two such contenders: the Canon PowerShot N, announced in early 2013, and the Ricoh G700SE, launched a few years prior in late 2010. While both fall into the compact category with 1/2.3" sensors and 12-megapixel resolutions, their intended audiences, features, and usability situations couldn’t be more divergent.

Having extensively tested both models across a variety of photographic disciplines, I want to walk you through how each one performs in practical, field-based scenarios. Think of this as an exploration, not just a spec sheet comparison - revealing how design choices translate into photographic experiences, strengths, and compromises.

Let’s start by sizing these two pups up.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Compactness vs. Ruggedness

Canon PowerShot N and Ricoh G700SE both fit in the broad umbrella of "compact cameras," but that’s where the similarity evaporates. The Canon N is petite and square-ish, with dimensions of 79 x 60 x 29 mm and a featherweight 195g body. This makes it pocket-friendly, easy to carry during city strolls or casual events. The Ricoh G700SE, by contrast, tips the scales at 307g and measures a bulkier 117 x 68 x 32 mm. The extra heft serves a ruggedized, waterproof purpose, designed to withstand harsher environments rather than slip discreetly into a jacket pocket.

The PowerShot N’s rounded edges and simple square shape sit comfortably in one hand, but its unusual form factor means it lacks traditional grips or dials - barely a curve for your fingers to hold on to firmly. Conversely, the G700SE sports robust textured grips, sizeable buttons, and physical controls designed to be operated with gloves on or under wet conditions.

Knowing the kind of photography you prioritize helps here: if portability and street discretion top your list, the Canon N’s slim silhouette is a solid match. But if you shoot in rugged outdoors or industrial settings, the G700SE offers peace of mind with its environmental sealing and protective shell.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Industrial?

Looking down from above tells you a lot about a camera’s approach to user interaction. The Canon’s minimal top plate features only a shutter button flanked by a zoom rocker and a power button. The learning curve is shallow but so is manual control: there’s no dedicated manual focus ring, no exposure modes beyond fully automatic, and no physical dial for quick adjustments.

I found this limiting when trying to push creative boundaries, especially in tricky lighting. The interface leans heavily on its 2.8-inch tilting PureColor II G touchscreen for settings and navigation - great for novices or casual shooters but less responsive for rapid, on-the-fly changes.

The Ricoh G700SE, by contrast, opts for rugged decisiveness. You’re greeted with large, physically distinct buttons and a zoom lever designed for gloved hands, alongside a fixed (but crisp) 3-inch LCD screen. The lack of touchscreen feels antiquated but contributes to durability. Manual focus is available - a boon for macro or technical use - and there’s a flash mode dial (auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync) which gives more creative freedom around lighting.

If you prize tactile feedback and straightforward physical controls, especially in adverse conditions, the G700SE is a standout. The Canon N trades these for a more streamlined, novelty-driven design that suits casual, social media-driven photography.

Sensor and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD – A Tale of Two Generations

Both cameras use the same sensor size (1/2.3”) and output roughly 12MP images, but the sensor technology differs significantly: Canon employs a CMOS sensor paired with its DIGIC 5 processor, while Ricoh relies on an older CCD sensor architecture. This divergence has palpable effects.

In extensive testing under varied lighting, the Canon’s CMOS sensor consistently delivers better noise control and a broader usable ISO range - boasting a native range of ISO 80-6400 compared to Ricoh’s ISO 64-3200. The image processing in Canon’s PowerShot N produces cleaner, punchier JPEGs, with better color rendition and dynamic range. This camera also supports multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9), allowing for creative framing options directly in-camera.

The Ricoh, with its CCD sensor, shines in color depth and sharpness at base ISO but sees noise and dynamic range limitations creep in at higher sensitivities earlier. Its maximum resolution is slightly higher at 4000x3000 pixels (4:3 ratio), which lends usability for cropping or larger prints. However, the older processor architecture means image noise is more noticeable beyond ISO 400, limiting low-light versatility.

Both cameras lack RAW support, which constrains post-processing flexibility for professionals and enthusiasts who like to squeeze every detail out of their shots.

LCD Screen and Interface: Touch vs. Tough

The Canon PowerShot N’s 2.8” PureColor II touchscreen is responsive and supports tilting - an asset for selfies or shooting at awkward angles. This selfie-friendly feature aligns with the camera’s whimsical design ethos, favoring social sharing and ease over rugged precision.

Ricoh’s 3” LCD boasts double the resolution (~920k dots) compared to Canon’s modest 461k resolution screen, yielding crisper live preview and image review. It lacks touch input and tilt mechanisms but is highly visible even under bright outdoor light, and its fixed nature helps protect the screen from accidental damage.

Photographers who like haptic feedback and tactile controls might find the G700SE’s setup preferable, while those who embrace touchscreen interfaces for direct manipulation and framing (especially selfie-timers) will warm to the Canon N.

Autofocus and Performance: Slow and Steady vs. Rugged Simplicity

Looking under the hood, autofocus capabilities highlight key distinctions.

The Canon N uses contrast-detection AF exclusively - no phase-detection points or continuous tracking. It performs adequately in good light but slows noticeably in dim scenarios, with a max continuous shooting rate capped at 2 FPS. The system lacks face or eye detection, and no AF tracking means moving subjects can become a challenge, especially in sports or wildlife photography.

Ricoh’s G700SE uses contrast-detection autofocus with selectable multi-area AF but lacks face detection or advanced continuous AF modes. Manual focus is available, adding flexibility, especially for macro or technical shots. The continuous shooting rate is undefined (“n/a”) by official specs, but real-world testing reveals modest burst capability suited for slow-moving subjects but not rapid action.

Neither camera targets professional sports or wildlife use cases but the Canon N is slightly quicker for casual snaps, while the G700SE prioritizes reliability in tough environments over speed.

Lens and Zoom: Flexibility for Different Scenes

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses, but their focal ranges and apertures differ:

• Canon PowerShot N: 28-224 mm equivalent focal length (8x zoom), f/3.0-5.9 aperture
• Ricoh G700SE: 28-140 mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom), f/3.5-5.5 aperture

The Canon’s longer 8x zoom is advantageous for travel and portraits, offering more framing versatility. Its slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/3.0 vs f/3.5) lets in more light for shallow depth-of-field effects and better low-light performance, though both are limited by the small sensor size in achieving strong background separation.

Ricoh’s wider aperture variation and shorter zoom range align with its focus on rugged fieldwork and macro scenes rather than telephoto reach. The G700SE's macro focus distance at 1cm is particularly useful, combined with manual focus control, enabling detailed close-up shots in industrial or scientific contexts.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Essential Safety Nets

Canon’s PowerShot N features optical image stabilization, a standout in this comparison. The small sensor does help with depth of field, but the IS is crucial in extracting sharp images at slower shutter speeds handheld, particularly with the 8x zoom. It also includes a built-in flash, though flash modes are limited.

Ricoh’s G700SE surprisingly lacks built-in optical stabilization entirely. Instead, it relies on harder shutter speed limits and higher ISO capabilities to reduce blur risks. This omission is understandable in the rugged body but a practical disadvantage, especially for night or macro photography. Its built-in flash boasts impressive range (~10m Auto ISO) with versatile flash modes including slow-sync, and it supports external flash units - a very professional touch missing from the Canon.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips vs. Limited Footage

Canon PowerShot N supports 1080p Full HD at 24 fps, 720p at 30 fps, and even slow-motion modes at lower resolutions (up to 240 fps in 320x240). This makes it suitable for casual video recording and some creative experimentation.

Ricoh’s offering is more limited, maxing out at 640x480 VGA resolution, which feels dated. The lack of microphone or headphone ports, plus absent modern codecs, reduces its appeal as a hybrid shooter. For any serious videography, Canon clearly wins here.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Small Extras Making a Difference

Canon runs on NB-9L rechargeable battery packs, rated for about 200 shots per charge - somewhat modest but manageable with USB charging convenience and built-in Wi-Fi for quick sharing. The inclusion of microSD slot aligns with the compact form factor.

Ricoh uses a proprietary DB-60 battery, with unspecified battery life but presumably similar given its footprint. Storage-wise, it supports SD/SDHC cards and includes internal memory - a quirky bonus for backup. It has no wireless features, reflecting its industrial heritage aimed at reliability over connectivity.

Real-World Performance Samples: How Do Images Compare?

Canon N front Canon N screen back Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back

Looking at images from both cameras shows the Canon’s CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor delivering punchier, more vibrant skin tones and better highlight retention in landscapes. The Ricoh shines in sharply detailed macro shots under controlled lighting but struggles with noise in shadows and muted colors in low-light conditions.

Portrait shots with Canon exhibit modest background blur thanks to the longer zoom and wide aperture, though both cameras naturally fall short of DSLRs or mirrorless cameras here. Wildlife or sports shots from either will be stretched due to slow autofocus and burst constraints, but the G700SE’s ruggedness might encourage outdoor use in inclement weather.

How Do They Score Overall?

Based on comprehensive benchmarks including image quality, handling, features, and value-for-money:

• Canon PowerShot N ranks highly on image quality and compactness.
• Ricoh G700SE scores with its durability and specialized industrial features.
• Both score low on professional capabilities such as RAW, advanced AF, and video.

Specialty Performance Breakdown by Photography Type

Portrait: Canon is better suited with smoother colors and a longer zoom reaching telephoto portraits. Ricoh’s macro capabilities are helpful but its lack of aperture control limits bokeh.

Landscape: Canon’s dynamic range edge and better screen visibility favor landscape work. Ricoh’s ruggedness wins when shooting in adverse weather.

Wildlife and Sports: Neither ideal; Canon’s faster AF slightly better. Ricoh built for rough conditions but not action.

Street and Travel: Canon’s portability and Wi-Fi suit these genres; Ricoh’s bulk reduces it as a discreet camera, though its shock resistance could be a plus.

Macro: Ricoh’s manual focus and close focus distance excel, although lack of stabilization hurts.

Night/Astro: Canon’s image stabilization and higher ISO range give it a practical edge.

Video: Canon’s 1080p support is better suited for casual videographers.

Professional Use: Neither supports RAW or in-depth manual controls; Ricoh’s flash options and ruggedness aid specific industrial needs.

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

For Enthusiasts and Casual Photographers:
The Canon PowerShot N is the clear choice if you prioritize portability, image quality, ease of use, and some creative flexibility like touch interface and basic video. It’s suited for urban photographers, social media content creators, and travelers needing a light companion camera.

For Industrial, Scientific, or Rugged Field Use:
If your work requires a tough, reliable camera that can withstand water, dust, and rough handling, the Ricoh G700SE is worth strong consideration. It sacrifices some modern conveniences for durability and specialized features like external flash support and macro manual focus that professionals in challenging environments appreciate.

Budget Considerations:
At around $300, the Canon N is more affordable but somewhat outdated today. The Ricoh G700SE’s pricing is unclear but typically found in niche markets and potentially more expensive due to its rugged build.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

The Canon PowerShot N and Ricoh G700SE illustrate how the small sensor compact camera space can bifurcate into devices targeting dramatically different user needs. The N embraces fun, social sharing, and compact elegance with mixed success, while the G700SE prioritizes reliability and functionality above all else.

Neither is a “jack of all trades,” but each shines where intended. For photographic enthusiasts weighing versatility, image quality, and modern features, the Canon PowerShot N remains a modest yet charming option. For those working in unforgiving environments demanding a no-nonsense tool, Ricoh G700SE’s ruggedness and focused feature set make it a uniquely practical choice despite dated imaging tech.

I hope this deep dive shines a light on these two cameras from firsthand experience and technical perspective. As always, your shooting style and environment dictate the best fit, but now you can choose informed and confident.

Happy shooting!