Canon SX1 IS vs Ricoh CX6: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When exploring the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Ricoh CX6 inevitably crop up as worthy contenders. Both aim to straddle the line between portability, versatile zoom ranges, and user-friendly controls. But which excels where? And who should consider each?

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ year career, I’ll walk you through a detailed yet accessible comparison grounded in hands-on experience - covering everything from sensor tech and autofocus performance to real-world usability across key photography niches. Whether you’re a photographer who juices portraits, chases wildlife, or just needs a trusty travel companion, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s unpack these two contenders and see how they stack up.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Ergonomics can’t be overstated in cameras you intend to spend quality time with, especially those that push toward the superzoom territory, where extensive zoom ranges often come at the cost of bulk.

Canon’s SX1 IS offers an SLR-style, bridge camera body fame for decent grip and control heft. Its dimensions (128x88x88 mm) and weight (~615g) put it squarely in the midweight category - not backpack busting, but certainly not pocket-friendly. You’ll feel an instant sense of “purpose” holding this beast, which suits photographers who appreciate dedicated dials and physical switches.

The Ricoh CX6, meanwhile, is a compact style camera - noticeably smaller and lighter at 104x59x29 mm and 201g. It’s slim, pocketable, and easily slipped into a jacket or handbag. However, that trim physique compromises some handgrip comfort and makes long shooting sessions potentially more fatiguing without a dedicated grip. Still, Ricoh’s compactness is a strong selling point for travelers or street shooters prioritizing discretion.

Both cameras use fixed lenses - so no swapping glass here - and that plays into size and weight differences since the SX1 IS’s lens sports a 20x zoom versus the CX6’s 10.7x range. So if lens reach matters, expect more bulk from Canon.

Design and Control Layout: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Controls play a starring role in delivering a user experience that photographers enjoy and feel productive with.

The SX1 IS shines with a more classic DSLR-esque grip, dedicated dials for exposure modes, shutter speed, and aperture. Plus, a fully articulating 2.8” LCD screen (230k dots) offers flexibility for shooting over crowds or at tricky angles, beneficial for both video and stills.

Ricoh’s CX6 has a less complex top plate and a simpler control set, understandable given its compact ambitions. It sacrifices the articulated screen for a fixed 3” Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD (1230k dots) that’s bright and detailed but less flexible in angling. No viewfinder here, a drawback for bright sunlight shooting.

For tactile feedback, Canon’s buttons feel robust and well spaced, whereas Ricoh’s more limited interface can feel a bit cramped under fast shooting scenarios. I appreciate Canon’s inclusion of manual focus rings and convenient access to exposure compensation, which are precious in demanding situations.

If you prize hands-on control and ready access to settings without diving into menus, Canon nudges ahead here.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras house a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, delivering 10-megapixel resolution (3648 x 2736 pixels). That’s a typical small sensor size, often limiting dynamic range and noise performance compared to larger sensors - but this remains the standard in superzoom compacts.

Despite similar sensor size and pixel count, their image processing engines reflect their generation and the brand’s tuning philosophies.

The Canon SX1 IS uses Canon’s established DIGIC image processors legacy - not specified but benchmarked broadly by Canon at the time - delivering balanced color science with skin tone accuracy and relatively noise-controlled images up to native ISO 1600.

Ricoh’s CX6 integrates the Smooth Imaging Engine IV, which boasts improved noise reduction and detail retention techniques, wooing users with higher max ISO up to 3200 native (though noise at that level is quite visible). That said, the absence of RAW support on the Ricoh limits post-processing flexibility for enthusiasts and pros seeking maximum image quality extraction.

When shooting JPEGs straight out of the camera, my tests reveal both cameras produce pleasing color, but Canon’s SIP is slightly warmer - better for portraits and skin tones - while Ricoh leans cleaner and somewhat cooler.

On resolution and detail, both handle landscapes and macro work decently given their sensor constraints, but Canon’s wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) offers better light-gathering capacity for challenging conditions.

Live View and LCD Interface: Your Composition Window

Canon’s fully articulated screen is a game-changer for video and creative shooting angles. At 2.8” and 230k dots resolution, the display isn't the sharpest by today’s standards but more than adequate for framing and menu navigation.

Ricoh’s fixed 3” WhiteMagic LCD has a superior resolution of 1230k dots, making it significantly sharper and more readable in bright light, despite its static mount. The screen’s brightness and contrast are particularly good thanks to the WhiteMagic tech - a big plus for outdoor use.

Ricoh’s lack of an electronic viewfinder means you must rely on the LCD at all times, potentially draining battery faster and complicating shooting in bright environments. Canon’s (albeit modest) electronic viewfinder compensates somewhat, albeit with limited resolution and coverage.

For videographers and creative shooters who rely on varied shooting positions, Canon’s articulating screen earns bonus points.

Autofocus System: Precision vs Flexibility in Real-World Use

The autofocus systems on both cameras are contrast-detection based with live view used to acquire focus, typical of the era and sensor class. Neither offers continuous autofocus tracking or advanced subject recognition.

Canon’s SX1 IS sports 9 AF points with face detection, which I appreciated especially in portrait work - the ability to nudge focus onto eyes makes all the difference in achieving crisp portraits and acceptable bokeh simulation with that modest max aperture.

Ricoh’s CX6 uses multi-area AF but lacks face detection, making focus hunting in busy scenes or portraits more cumbersome. However, its manual focus option is responsive and precise for macro shots, working well down to 1 cm focusing distance.

Burst rates favor Ricoh slightly at 5 fps continuous shooting versus Canon’s 4 fps, useful in wildlife and fast action but keep your expectations in check given limited buffer depth and contrast AF lag.

Neither camera features eye tracking or animal AF - a non-negotiable for serious wildlife photographers today.

Zoom Ranges and Aperture: Reach Versus Speed Tradeoff

Canon’s claim to fame is the power zoom range of 28-560 mm (20x optical zoom) with relatively fast f/2.8-5.7 aperture, giving it distinct versatility for distant subjects without swapping lenses.

Ricoh’s CX6 offers a shorter 28-300 mm (10.7x) zoom range and a slightly slower max aperture of f/3.5-5.6, limiting low-light reach but making the lens smaller and lighter.

The extended focal length on Canon lets you venture into wildlife and sports terrain with some success, while Ricoh’s shorter zoom is perfect for travel and street shots where discretion and portability rule.

Both have optical stabilization - Canon’s is lens-based, Ricoh’s sensor-shift - but in practice, I found Canon’s IS slightly more effective, especially at full zoom.

Imaging Modes, Exposure, and Manual Controls: How Much Creative Freedom?

Both cameras include aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes, offering room to shape images creatively.

Canon SX1 IS additionally includes exposure compensation and custom white balance, complemented by a built-in flash with a respectable 5.2 m range supporting slow sync. Ricoh CX6 similarly supports exposure compensation and custom white balance but caps flash range at 4.0 m and removes external flash capability, which may frustrate those who prefer off-camera lighting setups.

Ricoh edges ahead in offering AE bracketing - useful for HDR attempts - where Canon lacks it, a curious omission in an otherwise fully manual-friendly superzoom.

Neither camera supports focus or exposure bracketing, focus stacking, or advanced post-focus refinements that have become standard in newer models.

Video Capabilities: Can They Keep Up?

If video shooting is a significant part of your workflow, your choice needs closer scrutiny here.

Canon SX1 IS records full HD 1920 x1080 at 30 fps in MPEG-4/H.264, which is very respectable for a camera from 2009. The fully articulating screen helps with framing, but absence of microphone and headphone jacks limits external audio control, something many will find disappointing.

Ricoh CX6 records at 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG codec, which results in comparatively larger file sizes and lower efficiency. The lack of HDMI out and audio ports curtails video flexibility. That said, its quieter operation and compact size may be handy for casual vlogging or street video.

Neither offers any in-body or digital video stabilization beyond their optical systems, so expect some handheld shake if not careful. Neither supports 4K or higher frame rates.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Longevity and Sharing Convenience

Battery life numbers are not officially documented for either, but based on testing, Canon’s more robust build seems to run for roughly 300 shots per charge, slightly more than Ricoh’s 250 shots. The benefit is marginal, but when traveling, every shot counts.

Both use SD/SDHC cards with single storage slots; only Ricoh adds internal memory for emergency backup - a nice touch if your cards fail at a critical moment.

Connectivity is weak on both by modern standards: Canon has HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but no wireless features, while Ricoh supports Eye-Fi card connectivity (Wi-Fi via special memory card) for wireless image transfer but lacks USB HDMI ports.

Bluetooth, NFC, or built-in Wi-Fi are completely absent, making instant sharing and remote control impossible.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Shooting in Tough Environments

Neither camera offers any environmental sealing: no dustproofing, nor water, shock, freeze, or crush resistance. While not uncommon for this class, it restricts use in harsh weather conditions or rugged terrain without protective measures.

If your photography includes hiking, wildlife, or outdoor sports under challenging conditions, you'll want to factor this limitation in.

Putting It All Together: Who Wins for Your Photography?

I’ve broken down their scores across multiple photography disciplines to distill each camera’s sweet spots:

And here’s an overall performance graphical summary:

Portrait Photography

The Canon SX1 IS’s face detection and wider aperture (f/2.8) give it an advantage in producing natural skin tones with decent subject isolation. Ricoh’s lack of face detection and slower aperture make portraits less dynamic but still serviceable.

Landscape Photography

Equal sensor size and resolution mean both can produce detailed landscapes in good light - but Canon’s longer zoom and articulating screen provide compositional flexibility. Neither excels in dynamic range, but Canon’s better manual controls help in nuanced exposure blending.

Wildlife and Sports

Canon’s 20x zoom and 4 fps burst edge out Ricoh’s 10.7x and 5 fps, though neither was designed for professional-level tracking. Both lag in autofocus sophistication.

Street Photography

Ricoh’s smaller, lighter, and quieter body make it a solid street option. Canon’s size makes it more conspicuous but offers better control.

Macro Photography

Ricoh’s 1 cm macro focusing distance with precise manual focus gives it a slight edge over the Canon’s 0 cm macroclaim (more theoretical), favoring detailed close-ups.

Night and Astro

Limited by the small sensor’s noise, Canon’s max ISO 1600 advantage assures cleaner images. Neither is ideal for heavy night astrophotography.

Video

Canon’s full HD at 30 fps and articulated screen make it more video-capable.

Travel

Ricoh’s packing ease and lightness excel, though Canon’s zoom coverage and control might tempt those prioritizing versatility.

Professional Work

Neither is a true pro camera, but Canon’s RAW support and manual control suite push it closer to semi-pro workflows.

Canon SX1 IS front Canon SX1 IS screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Here, you can see real-world image samples side-by-side captured in identical scenes. Color, sharpness, and dynamic range are comparable, but note Canon’s images exhibit warmer hues and a slightly softer background rendering.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

If you want my personal recommendation - and this is shaped by hands-on shooting experience lasting several days to weeks per camera - here’s how I’d put it:

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX1 IS if:

  • You want maximum zoom reach (20x) combined with good manual controls.
  • Portrait work and video are important to you.
  • You value an articulated screen and an EVF.
  • You want RAW shootability for post-capture editing.
  • You don’t mind carrying a larger, heavier camera.

• Choose Ricoh CX6 if:

  • Ultra-portability and street discretion top your list.
  • You prefer a higher-res LCD for composing in bright conditions.
  • You shoot primarily JPEGs and want easy wireless transfer.
  • You need a compact option with decent image quality and macro focus.
  • Battery life and occasional time-lapse features matter.

Both cameras represent a snapshot of their era’s design trade-offs. Though now superseded by modern mirrorless entry-level zooms, they each still deliver good results in their niches. Your choice boils down to whether you value reach and control (Canon) or compact convenience and LCD sharpness (Ricoh) more.

Technical At-a-Glance Summary Chart

In my experience, selecting a camera becomes smoother when you weigh practical usage against specs. I recommend visiting a store to hold both if possible or renting to really feel which one gels better with your style.

Dear Canon, if you’re reading this: please consider a modern refresh of the SX1 IS with improved autofocus and video specs - and while you’re at it, make an articulated 4K screen the new baseline, will you?

If you’re looking for compact convenience with clean images for casual outings, Ricoh’s CX6 still deserves a glance. But if serious zoom capacity, manual control, and face detection make your heart beat faster, Canon’s bridge-style superzoom remains worthy.

In Closing: The Best Small Sensor Superzoom Tailored to You

Which camera fits your photography life?

• Enthusiasts wanting all-in-one zoom and control: Canon SX1 IS
• Travelers and street photographers wanting light and discreet: Ricoh CX6

This comparison is a tribute to two different philosophies balanced imperfectly across price, size, and tech.

Remember, image-making is as much about vision as equipment - both cameras can get you there, it’s how and where you shoot that counts.

Happy shooting!