Canon S100 vs Ricoh CX4

Following is a extended assessment of the Canon S100 vs Ricoh CX4, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Canon and Ricoh. The resolution of the S100 (12MP) and the CX4 (10MP) is fairly close but the S100 (1/1.7") and CX4 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S100 was revealed 17 months after the CX4 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the S100 scores vs the CX4 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S100 and Ricoh CX4. The full galleries are available at Canon S100 Gallery and Ricoh CX4 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon S100 has physical dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX4 has measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon S100 vs Ricoh CX4 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the S100 against the CX4.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S100 and CX4 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The image underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S100 and CX4.

As you have seen, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S100 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Canon S100 will result in more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern S100 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.