Canon SX20 IS vs Ricoh CX2

Exploring the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Ricoh CX2: A Detailed Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When digging into the evolving world of small sensor superzoom cameras, two models merit detailed attention for their unique takes on versatility and value: Canon’s PowerShot SX20 IS and Ricoh’s CX2. Both cameras emerged around 2009–2010, targeting advanced amateurs and enthusiasts seeking substantial zoom capabilities without stepping fully into DSLR territory. Having put both through rigorous testing in a variety of photographic environments, I aim to deliver a comprehensive side-by-side comparison that blends technical detail with hands-on experience - helping you discern which is best suited to your shooting style and demands.

Let’s jump right in.

The Ergonomics of Size and Handling: Bridge Bulk Versus Compact Convenience

At first glance and feel, the Canon SX20 IS and Ricoh CX2 offer distinctly different physical experiences. The SX20 IS adopts the “bridge” camera approach, sporting an SLR-like body that hints at DSLR handling but in an all-in-one form. Measuring 128 x 88 x 87 mm and weighing in at around 600 grams (including batteries), it demands a confident grip; this heft translates to stability especially during long zoom shots.

Conversely, the Ricoh CX2 is a decidedly compact unit measuring 102 x 58 x 29 mm and tipping only 185 grams. This lightweight profile favors portability and spontaneity, particularly for street and travel shooters who prize pocketability.

I found the SX20’s pronounced grip and strategically placed dials more comfortable for extended shoots, making deliberate framing easier, even when using the long end of its zoom. Meanwhile, the CX2’s compactness is advantageous for quick grabs and discreet candid shots, though its smaller frame does challenge prolonged handling comfort for those with larger hands.

In summary:

• SX20 IS: Best for photographers preferring DSLR-style ergonomics despite the added bulk.
• CX2: Excels in urban, travel, and casual scenarios where lightness wins.

Top-Level Controls and User Interface: Balancing Command and Simplicity

Stepping beyond body size, control layout profoundly impacts day-to-day usability. The Canon SX20 IS features an array of dedicated buttons, a mode dial, and a multi-controller that align with traditional enthusiast expectations. The top view of the body reveals an accessible mode dial sporting PASM modes, exposure compensation, ISO settings, and a zoom toggle directly integrated near the shutter button - ideal for one-handed operation.

The Ricoh CX2, with its compact nature, sacrifices extensive manual controls. The absence of a mode dial reflects a more simplified experience, relying on on-screen menus and fewer external buttons. While this keeps things tidy, it also means less real-time exposure manipulation, potentially frustrating experienced users.

From practical sessions, I appreciated the SX20’s tactile knobs and switches allowing fast adjustments without diving into menus - a definite boon for dynamic shooting. CX2 users need more patience for exposure tweaks but gain from a clean, less intimidating interface for casual shooting.

Verdict:

• SX20 IS offers professional-styled control ergonomics.
• CX2 caters to casual and entry-level users prioritizing simplicity.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Analysis

Diving deeper into image quality requires understanding the sensor configurations. Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" sensor format, measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 28.07 mm² of sensor area - a small sensor by modern APS-C or full-frame standards but typical for superzoom compacts of their era.

The Canon SX20 IS carries a 12-megapixel CCD sensor paired with the Digic 4 processor. CCD technology, renowned for smooth color rendition and reduced noise at native ISOs for its time, provides pleasant results under good lighting but suffers under low light. The SX20’s anti-aliasing filter further smooths images but can slightly soften fine detail. The camera outputs a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels.

In contrast, the Ricoh CX2 utilizes a 9-megapixel CMOS sensor with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor. While CMOS sensors of that time were often noisy compared to CCDs, Ricoh’s implementation delivered impressively clean images with better noise-handling and faster read-out speeds, enhancing burst performance and video capture. Its max resolution is slightly lower at 3456 x 2592 pixels.

Practically, I noted the SX20 producing vibrant colors and better detail resolution in optimal light, thanks to its higher pixel count and optics. However, its low-light ISO ceiling of 1600 and inherent CCD noise meant noticeable grain at higher sensitivities. The CX2, despite fewer megapixels, fared better in dim conditions, producing less grain and better tonal gradation at ISO 400–800.

-image quality takeaway:

• SX20 IS shines in bright conditions with high-detail demands.
• CX2 is a stronger yet modest performer in low-light shooting.

Viewing Experience: Screen and Viewfinder Reliability

Turning to monitoring and composition, the Canon SX20 IS includes a 2.5-inch fully articulated LCD with 230k-dot resolution and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). While the EVF lacks eye-detection aids or high native resolution, it allows stable framing in bright sunlight - essential for outdoor use.

The Ricoh CX2 opts out of giving any EVF but offers a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with a relatively sharp 920k-dot display. This significantly larger, high-res screen boosts preview clarity and image playback evaluation - a real advantage for quickly reviewing shots on the go.

In my outdoor tests, the SX20’s EVF was quite useful but didn’t impress visually in clarity, sometimes showing lag in live view. Meanwhile, the CX2’s LCD proved bright and detailed enough for composing even in strong sunlight but could not match the control of an EVF in action.

Summary of viewing:

• SX20 IS: Versatile with EVF+articulated screen combo, suits traditionalists.
• CX2: Great screen quality but no viewfinder, better for casual framing or video playback.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Stretching Your Reach

Both cameras are fixed-lens superzooms, but their zoom ranges reveal different design philosophies. Canon’s SX20 IS boasts a staggering 20x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-560mm) - very impressive for the era - allowing real versatility from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife and sports.

Ricoh’s CX2 offers a 10.7x zoom (28-300mm equivalent), modest but still flexible for everyday shooting. This shorter range pairs with a relatively fast minimum aperture (F3.5-5.6) contrasting to the SX20’s broader aperture of F2.8-5.7.

From experience, the SX20’s lens versatility is its key selling point. You can capture sweeping landscapes and also reach out to distant subjects, though the narrower apertures at the telephoto end require good lighting or a stabilized platform.

The CX2’s zoom, while half the reach, encourages more composed, less zoom-dependent photography - favoring image quality over sheer reach, especially given better lens sharpness at wider apertures.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Burst Shooting

Autofocus systems weigh heavily for practical use. The Canon SX20 IS sports a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with some multi-area focus but lacks face or eye detection. Ricoh’s CX2 uses simpler contrast-detection AF without multiple focus areas or facial recognition.

In operation, both cameras deliver acceptable autofocus speeds for still subjects in good light, but neither impressed for tracking moving players or wildlife. The SX20’s AF was marginally quicker due to its processor and supplementary AF points, while the CX2 tended to hunt longer, especially in dimmer environments.

As for continuous shooting, the SX20 disappoints with only about 1 fps, limiting sports or action opportunities. The CX2 lacks documented burst mode, though it does perform a quick multi-shot sequence for macro or close-up focus bracketing scenarios.

While neither model suits professional sports or high-speed wildlife photography, the SX20 is more adaptable for casual telephoto capture.

Image Stabilization: Optical Versus Sensor-Shift Technologies

Both cameras integrate image stabilization but implement it differently. The Canon SX20 has an optical Image Stabilization (IS) system built into the lens group, reducing shake during telephoto shooting with proven effectiveness.

Ricoh’s CX2 employs sensor-shift stabilization, moving the sensor in opposition to detected shake. Sensor-shift IS can provide stabilization benefits across all focal lengths but is generally best at moderating hand tremors during moderate telephoto use.

In side-by-side tests, both systems perform well, reducing blur for handheld exposures under 1/60s at moderate zooms. However, the SX20’s optical IS gives an edge on longer focal lengths, maintaining steadier views through the full 560mm equivalent zoom.

Photography Genres: Strengths by Discipline

Let me synthesize real-world performance across key genres:

Portraits:
Neither model offers advanced eye detection or face-priority AF, though the SX20’s lens aperture range and resolution aid in producing reasonable bokeh and sharp skin tones. The articulated screen and EVF are helpful for posing. The CX2 gives decent portraits but less flexibility with aperture choices and fewer controls.

Landscapes:
The SX20 IS’s wider zoom range and higher resolution benefit capturing vast scenes with potential for cropping. However, both lack weather sealing, which can deter outdoor adventurers. The CX2’s high-res rear LCD helps evaluate detail but it can’t match the SX20’s framing versatility.

Wildlife:
Limited autofocus speed and burst shooting curtail both cameras’ suitability. SX20’s longer zoom is more useful outdoors but still a creative compromise.

Sports:
Neither camera is ideal due to slow continuous shooting and basic AF.

Street Photography:
Here, the CX2 excels thanks to its discretion, lightweight body, and quiet operation. The SX20’s bulk makes it more conspicuous and slower to react.

Macro:
Ricoh CX2’s close focusing at just 1 cm enables impressive close-up work. Canon’s macro capability is less intuitive but can be managed with manual focus.

Night/Astro:
Small sensors with modest ISO limits restrict astrophotography, but the SX20’s manual exposure control aids experimentation.

Video:
Canon offers 1280x720 HD video at 30 fps with H.264 encoding, whereas Ricoh records VGA (640x480) in Motion JPEG. Neither supports external mics or 4K, but Canon’s HD video is the clear winner for casual videographers.

Travel:
CX2’s lightness and compactness make it the natural choice for travelers unwilling to compromise on portability.

Professional Work:
Lack of RAW image capture and limited manual controls prevent either being taken seriously for professional assignments.

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back

Build Quality and Durability

Both devices sport plastic-heavy builds without weather resistance. The Canon SX20 IS fills out its larger frame with a sturdy feel and a solid grip. The Ricoh CX2 is compact and well-built for a point-and-shoot but reveals more flex under pressure.

Neither is designed for professional ruggedness.

Battery Life and Media Storage

The Canon uses 4x AA batteries, which are easily replaced on the go but add weight. The Ricoh runs on a proprietary DB-70 lithium-ion battery, lighter, but less convenient to swap quickly.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards, with Ricoh also offering internal storage - a neat fallback for emergencies.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera includes wireless connectivity, NFC, or Bluetooth. The Canon has an HDMI port for direct playback, missing on the Ricoh. USB 2.0 is standard on both.

Notably, the Ricoh comes with a timelapse recording mode, a creative addition absent on the Canon.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Canon SX20 IS retailed for about $500, while the Ricoh CX2 was priced near $340. Both are older models now predominantly found used, but prices typically mirror initial positioning.

Considering features, the SX20 IS offers a better zoom range, manual controls, higher resolution, and HD video, commanding a premium. The Ricoh CX2 caters to lightweight portability, shooting simplicity, and macro flexibility at a friendlier price point.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Putting it all together, here’s where each camera really shines:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS if you want:

• DSLR-style handling with rich manual controls.
• An extended zoom range for distant subjects.
• HD video recording capability.
• A versatile all-rounder for portraits, landscapes, and casual telephoto use.
• Comfortable grip for prolonged shoots.

Opt for the Ricoh CX2 if you prefer:

• A highly portable, pocketable camera for street and travel.
• Sharp close-up macro work thanks to near 1 cm focusing.
• A high-resolution rear LCD for clear composition.
• Simplicity over complexity, without the need for manual exposure.
• Better high-ISO noise performance for low-light snapshots.

Neither camera fully satisfies pro-grade demands, but each delivers distinct advantages for enthusiasts on a budget who want a capable superzoom with thoughtful features.

In the dense world of small sensor superzooms, choosing boils down less to raw image quality and more to ergonomics, feature set, and shooting style. Having wielded both, I can confidently say the Canon SX20 IS feels like a much bigger tool for deliberate shooters craving control and telephoto reach. Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX2 is the nimble companion for quick, varied snaps and macro fascination - a playful dog eager to explore tight spaces.

While technology has marched on since these models’ heyday, they remain compelling examples of two design philosophies wrapped around the same core sensor format: one built for zoom, control, and composure; the other for mobility, ease, and immediacy.

Your choice depends on whether you want to carry the bigger dog on extended trips or the petite pup for spontaneous street photography. Whichever you pick, you’ll get a capable camera with its own set of strengths honed by a decade of photographic exploration.

Happy shooting!