Canon S110 vs Ricoh CX2

Canon PowerShot S110 vs Ricoh CX2: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a compact camera today involves evaluating nuanced performance attributes in a market that balances portability with evolving technological expectations. The Canon PowerShot S110 and the Ricoh CX2, both distinguished compact models from their respective launches in 2012 and 2009, offer contrasting approaches within the small sensor compact segment. This analysis will dissect their features, operational capabilities, and tailored usability across multiple photographic disciplines to assist informed purchasing decisions calibrated to specific user needs.

Fundamental Design and Handling: Ergonomics Under the Lens

The Canon S110 measures 99 x 59 x 27 mm with a 198-gram body weight, while the Ricoh CX2 extends slightly to 102 x 58 x 29 mm and 185 grams. Although dimensionally similar, the subtle differences fundamentally influence in-hand comfort and pocketability. The S110 exhibits a marginally more compact footprint with a thinner depth, capitalizing on streamlined ergonomics that favor travel and street photography. The CX2’s slightly thicker profile facilitates a firmer grip, albeit at the cost of some portability.

Both models employ fixed lenses and fixed-type rear LCD displays, yet the S110 incorporates a capacitive touchscreen with a 461k-dot TFT PureColor II G panel, enhancing intuitive menu navigation and focus point selection. Conversely, the CX2’s 920k-dot screen trades interactivity for higher pixel density, yielding sharper preview images but limiting tactile control due to the absence of touchscreen capability.

The practical implications indicate the S110’s interface is better suited for users requiring agile feedback and operational versatility, while the CX2’s denser screen favors critical composition evaluation when stationary.

Canon’s control layout presents dedicated dials facilitating manual exposure adjustments, intuitive shutter speed, and aperture priority modes. This directly appeals to enthusiasts accustomed to granular manual input. The Ricoh CX2 omits aperture and shutter priority, restricting exposure control to program modes and automated settings, which may alienate users seeking creative exposure manipulation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photographic Fidelity

A decisive factor in compact camera performance is sensor specification and associated processing technologies.

• Canon S110:

  • Sensor: 1/1.7" CMOS (7.44 x 5.58 mm)
  • Effective Megapixels: 12MP
  • Processor: DIGIC 5
  • Anti-aliasing filter: Yes
  • ISO range: Native 80-12800
  • DXO Mark Overall Score: 48
  • Dynamic Range: 11.2 EV
  • Color Depth: 20.6 bits
  • Low-light ISO score: 168

• Ricoh CX2:

  • Sensor: 1/2.3" CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • Effective Megapixels: 9MP
  • Processor: Smooth Imaging Engine IV
  • Anti-aliasing filter: Yes
  • ISO range: Native 80-1600
  • DXO Mark data: Not applicable

The larger 1/1.7" sensor in the S110 provides a tangible advantage in image quality, as corroborated by DxOMark’s 48-point rating versus the untested CX2. The increased sensor area (41.52 mm² vs 28.07 mm²) translates to better light-gathering capacity, enhanced dynamic range, superior color differentiation, and improved noise performance at higher ISOs.

Practically, the Canon’s wider ISO sensitivity and advanced DIGIC 5 engine offer more reliable low-light performance and versatility in post-processing. The Ricoh’s limited range and older processor inherently restrict noise handling, impacting night and indoor shooting scenarios.

Additionally, the S110’s maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels exceeds the CX2’s 3456 x 2592, affording greater cropping latitude and extraction capability, particularly relevant in landscape and portrait work where fine detail retention is critical.

Lens Optics and Focal Range: Versatility versus Aperture Advantages

The lens systems tell a tale of divergent priorities:

• Canon S110: 24-120mm equivalent, 5x zoom, maximum aperture F2.0 (wide) to F5.9 (telephoto)
• Ricoh CX2: 28-300mm equivalent, 10.7x zoom, maximum aperture F3.5 (wide) to F5.6 (telephoto)

The CX2’s superzoom option nearly doubles the telephoto reach of the S110, making it functionally more versatile for wildlife and sports photography where extended reach is prized. However, this must be tempered by its lower maximum aperture values and smaller sensor size, which collectively impair image quality and low-light capability at telephoto.

Conversely, the S110’s bright F2.0 aperture at the wide end is a significant asset for indoor, portrait, and low-light photography, allowing greater depth-of-field control and superior subject isolation via bokeh effects. This optical advantage aligns with creative portrait and street photography applications, emphasizing image aesthetics over reach.

Both lenses support close focusing, with the CX2 offering a macro distance down to 1 cm and the S110 at 3 cm. The CX2’s more aggressive macro proximity grants enhanced versatility for detailed close-ups and creative macro work, especially when paired with sensor-shift image stabilization.

Autofocus and Exposure Controls: Precision Versus Simplicity

The Canon S110 employs a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system with live view, touch-to-focus, continuous AF, tracking AF, and face detection. While not on par with modern hybrid phase-detection AF systems, its multi-area AF combined with face awareness effectively supports dynamic shooting environments, specifically portrait and street photography.

In contrast, the CX2 uses contrast-detection AF without face detection and only single-point AF modes, lacking continuous or tracking autofocus. This limitation may frustrate users intending to capture moving subjects or engaging in event photography, as focus acquisition speed and reliability suffer.

Regarding exposure control, the S110’s manual, aperture and shutter priority modes empower users demanding creative latitude. The CX2 restricts to program modes without exposure compensation, reducing operational flexibility and making it less appealing to experienced photographers who benefit from full manual control.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance: Stabilizing the Shot

Both cameras offer image stabilization but differ in implementation:

• Canon S110: Optical image stabilization integrated into the lens assembly
• Ricoh CX2: Sensor-shift stabilization

While both methods mitigate camera shake, Canon’s optical stabilization is generally more effective in preserving image sharpness during telephoto and slow shutter speed scenarios. Sensor-shift can compensate well in macro or low-light handheld situations, but with a smaller sensor and lower ISO ceiling, its utility is more limited on the CX2.

The S110’s greater ISO sensitivity ceiling (12800 vs. CX2’s 1600) and superior noise performance accentuate its advantage in low-light environments, night photography, and fast sports/action shooting where shutter speed preservation is crucial.

Display and User Interface: Balancing Resolution with Usability

The S110’s 3-inch 461k-dot touchscreen affords users direct manipulation of focus points via tap controls and streamlined menu navigation. Touchscreen responsiveness facilitates rapid mode changes and exposure compensation adjustments, complementing the camera’s manual control capabilities.

The CX2 offers a higher-resolution 3-inch 920k-dot screen, which provides sharper image review. However, without touchscreen or extensive manual controls, interaction relies on button presses and menus, slowing workflow and reducing interface intuitiveness under time-sensitive shooting.

Given the Canon’s touchscreen input and exposure customization, it better serves photographers who prioritize on-the-go responsiveness and customization, while Ricoh’s denser screen primarily benefits static image evaluation.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

The Canon S110 supports a notable 10 fps continuous shooting rate, a rarity among compacts of its era, benefiting action, sports, and wildlife photographers aiming to capture decisive moments. Additionally, it includes video capture at Full HD 1080p resolution at 24 fps and HD 720p at 30 fps, encoded in H.264 format, though with limited manual video controls and lacking 4K functionality.

The Ricoh CX2’s burst rate is unspecified but is understood to be limited in speed, aligned with its automated focus and exposure systems. Video shooting is restricted to VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG, a dated format with large file size and inferior quality compared to modern codecs.

Thus, the S110 clearly leads for hybrid stills/video shooters requiring higher-frame rates and HD video, while the CX2 is primarily a stills-focused tool with rudimentary video features.

Robustness, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Both cameras feature plastic bodies with no environmental sealing - neither is suitable for challenging weather or rugged outdoor use without protective housing.

Battery life is modest: Canon’s NB-5L battery offers approximately 200 shots per charge, which is low compared to today’s standards. Ricoh’s battery specs are less clear but generally considered comparable or slightly less. This underscores the need for spares in extended outings.

Connectivity-wise, the Canon S110 includes built-in wireless connectivity, enabling easier image transfer and remote operation through compatible apps, a significant workflow enhancement. The Ricoh CX2 lacks any wireless options, relying exclusively on USB 2.0 and physical memory card transfers.

Similarly, the S110 supports HDMI output, enabling image and video playback on external displays. The CX2 omits HDMI, limiting its compatibility with live external monitoring or playback devices.

Image Samples and Performance Ratings

Extensive real-world testing underscores the practical differences. The Canon S110 produces sharper images with superior color accuracy, better retention of shadow and highlight detail, and less visible noise in high ISO images. The Ricoh CX2 excels particularly at telephoto reach and macro focusing but compromises image fidelity and dynamic range.

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back

Performance scores synthesized from controlled lab and field tests favor the S110 across color depth, dynamic range, and low-light sensitivity metrics.

Genre-specific breakdowns illustrate the Canon’s suitability for portrait, landscape, street, and video use, given its manual control and superior sensor, while the Ricoh’s longer zoom benefits specialized telephoto and macro work but lacks versatility.

Situational Strengths and Weaknesses: Matching User Needs

Portrait Photography:

• Canon S110 stands out with its bright F2.0 lens element, touch-to-focus with face detection, and better color reproduction, enabling flattering skin tones and appealing bokeh.
• Ricoh CX2 cannot match the shallow depth-of-field control or focus acuity for portraits; suitable only for casual snaps.

Landscape Photography:

• The S110’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range preserve fine tonal gradations and shadow detail.
• The CX2’s long zoom is less critical here; lower resolution and dynamic range reduce image quality.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:

• CX2 offers a significant focal length advantage (up to 300mm equivalent), but lack of continuous AF and slower burst capability impedes action capture reliability.
• S110’s 10 fps burst and AF tracking offer more consistent results despite shorter zoom.

Street Photography:

• Canon’s smaller size, touch screen AF, and silent shutter speeds (down to 1/15 sec minimum) provide discreet shooting advantages.
• Ricoh’s slower focus and longer lens make candid captures more challenging.

Macro Photography:

• Ricoh’s 1 cm macro focusing proves highly effective for extreme close-ups.
• Canon’s 3 cm minimum focus is less intimate but combined with its optical stabilization delivers better image sharpness overall.

Night/Astro Photography:

• Canon’s ISO 12800 ceiling and superior noise control enable usable long exposures and low-light captures with less post-processing.
• Ricoh’s limited ISO and video capabilities make night shooting marginal.

Video Capabilities:

• The S110 supports Full HD video recording with reasonable quality and stabilization.
• CX2’s VGA video is basic and unsuitable for advanced videography needs.

Travel Photography:

• Canon’s lighter, compact form and wireless features suit travel photographers who desire quick sharing and manual control.
• Ricoh’s telephoto range adds flexibility for distant subjects encountered during exploration.

Professional Work:

• Neither camera fits professional standards, but the S110’s RAW capability, exposure controls, and wireless connectivity facilitate a semi-professional workflow better than the CX2.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

Priced around $299 USD at launch, the Canon S110 delivers a well-rounded, technically sophisticated experience with features aligning with enthusiast expectations, including RAW support and manual modes rarely present in small sensor compacts.

The Ricoh CX2, listed approximately at $341, offers a niche zoom benefit but omits critical modern features such as RAW image capture, robust manual exposure, and video quality. Its value proposition leans heavily on extended telephoto capability but sacrifices image quality and operational flexibility.

The Canon S110’s balance of sensor quality, lens speed, autofocus sophistication, interface usability, and connectivity ensures a higher aggregate value for typical users needing compactness without technical compromise.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Who Should Choose What

Choose the Canon PowerShot S110 if:

• You prioritize image quality, particularly for portraits, low-light, and landscape photography.
• Manual exposure control and RAW shooting are important for your workflow.
• You require effective autofocus, face detection, and burst rates for action or street photography.
• Video recording in Full HD with stabilized footage matters.
• Wireless image transfer and touchscreen interface improve your shooting experience.
• You prefer a more compact, portable package suitable for travel and discretion.

Choose the Ricoh CX2 if:

• Your primary requirement is a more extensive zoom range for wildlife or telephoto applications within a compact system.
• Macro shooting with extreme close focusing distance is a primary interest.
• You are comfortable with program-only exposure without manual control.
• Video quality and high ISO performance are not critical.
• Wireless connectivity and advanced autofocus are not needed.

Final Technical Notes and Expert Perspective

Testing protocols involved standardized controlled conditions with repeatable scenes for exposure, resolution chart analysis, ISO noise characterization, and field testing for autofocus speed and accuracy. Image samples were analyzed for chromatic aberration, microcontrast, and color fidelity. Ergonomic evaluations included extended handheld use and rapid menu navigation. Connectivity tests encompassed transfer speeds and app integration where applicable.

From an expert standpoint, the Canon S110 remains relevant to enthusiasts who prioritize a blend of image quality and usability in a compact form factor. The Ricoh CX2 is a specialized option for users whose niche needs - principally zoom range and macro capability - outweigh the compromises in sensor performance and manual control.

This comprehensive cross-examination empowers photographers to align camera strengths with their creative priorities and shooting environments, encouraging informed investments based on pragmatic, experience-grounded analysis rather than marketing assertions.