Canon SX160 IS vs Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro

Here is a in depth assessment of the Canon SX160 IS and Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Ricoh. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX160 IS was introduced 3 years later than the GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the SX160 IS matches up vs the GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX160 IS comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro has sizing of 114mm x 70mm x 77mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 3.0") having a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

See the Canon SX160 IS and Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SX160 IS and the GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX160 IS and GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro is 86 and 77 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX160 IS and GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX160 IS having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Canon SX160 IS will resolve greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The fresher SX160 IS will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.