Canon PowerShot SX60 HS vs Ricoh G700SE: The Superzoom Bridge Meets the Rugged Waterproof Compact

When comparing cameras from different generations and categories, it's important to ground the discussion in practical real-world use and honest evaluation. The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and Ricoh G700SE represent two very different photographic philosophies, designed for distinct user priorities. I’ve spent extensive time reviewing similar cameras, and dissecting their specs, handling, image quality, and overall suitability for varied photography disciplines.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll take you through the physical design, sensor tech, autofocus prowess, image quality, video capabilities, ergonomic factors, and suitability across many genres like portrait, landscape, wildlife, and more. Whether you’re a travel shooter on a budget or a field-working professional needing rugged reliability, I'll help clarify where each camera shines - and falls short.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

Let's begin with what you hold in your hands, an utmost consideration for any photographer.

The Canon SX60 HS follows the classic bridge camera blueprint: SLR-like body, comfortable hand grip, multiple dials, and a large EVF. Its dimensions are sizable for a compact system but quite manageable for a superzoom. Weighing in at 650 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and stability. Its fully articulated 3-inch screen is a joy for creative compositions and vlogging alike.

On the other side, the Ricoh G700SE is built like a tank - compact, tough, and designed to be abused. It’s roughly half the weight of the Canon at 307 grams with a smaller footprint, aimed at those who prioritize ruggedness and portability over zoom reach or ultimate image quality.

The most visible design differences can be seen in how controls are laid out and the physical presence:

From the top view, the Canon demonstrates a more traditional camera layout with dedicated buttons and dials for exposure modes and ISO, while the Ricoh opts for a minimalistic setup, given its focus on durability.

To sum up:

Canon SX60 HS pros:

• Extensive physical controls giving quick manual adjustments
• Large, clear EVF with high resolution (922k dots)
• Fully articulated 3" screen perfect for challenging angles
• Decent size vs. zoom capability compromise

Ricoh G700SE pros:

• Rugged, waterproof body excellent for adventurous or hazardous shooting
• Lightweight and pocketable for easy travel
• Simplified operation suited to quick snaps or reference imaging

Canon cons:

• Bulkier and heavier, may tire your arms on long treks
• Plastic build feels less robust for rough fieldwork

Ricoh cons:

• Fixed, non-articulated 3" screen
• No EVF, which might hinder visibility in bright sun
• Sparse physical controls limit creative flexibility

Sensor and Image Quality: Zoom Range vs Raw Detail

Both feature a classic 1/2.3" sensor size, which is small by modern standards but standard for their classes. Canon’s model boasts a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor coupled with the DIGIC 6 processor, while Ricoh uses an older 12-megapixel CCD sensor.

The sensor difference is fundamental: Canon’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor significantly improves low-light gathering and dynamic range over the older CCD in Ricoh. The DIGIC 6 also supports advanced noise reduction and faster processing, resulting in cleaner images at high ISO.

Here’s a direct comparison showing sensor size and resolution:

Some key measured DxO Mark scores for the SX60 HS are:

• Overall score: 39 (respectable for superzoom bridge cameras)
• Color depth: 19.2 bits
• Dynamic range: 10.1 stops
• Low-light ISO: 127 (ISO 320-640 yields usable results)

Unfortunately, the Ricoh G700SE hasn’t been tested by DxO, but we can infer from the CCD sensor’s specs and era that it suffers from higher noise, limited dynamic range, and lowered color fidelity - factors exacerbated by the absence of image stabilization.

Canon SX60 HS advantages:

• Superior dynamic range and RAW support for post-processing flexibility
• Higher megapixel count enabling larger prints or crops
• Optical image stabilization helping steady handheld shots at long zooms or in low light

Ricoh G700SE advantages:

• Slightly wider aperture at the long end for its zoom range (F5.5 vs F6.5)
• Macro focusing from just 1cm, giving an edge in close-up work despite sensor size limitations

Canon SX60 HS drawbacks:

• Small sensor limits ultimate image quality potential - expect noise above ISO 800
• The 65x zoom extends reach but at the cost of diffraction and pixel sharpness wide open

Ricoh G700SE drawbacks:

• Limited resolution and no RAW support constrain creative control
• No image stabilization hurts image clarity at longer focal lengths or slow shutter speeds

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Tracking the Action

Autofocus technology is school-important for sports, wildlife, and even street photography.

The Canon SX60 HS employs 9 focus points with contrast detection autofocus, including face detection and continuous AF tracking. While not cutting-edge phase-detection AF, it's responsive in good light and holds focus decently on moving subjects.

Ricoh’s G700SE has only single-shot autofocus with contrast detection and no continuous modes. It lacks face detection and tracking altogether. Therefore, it’s inherently limited for fast-paced action or unpredictable subjects.

Burst rates further emphasize performance gaps:

• Canon SX60 HS: 6.4 frames per second (fps) - respectable for a bridge superzoom, enough to catch decisive moments.
• Ricoh G700SE: Burst shooting not specified or effectively unavailable.

Consider this when choosing between the two:

Canon SX60 HS is suitable for:

• Casual bird or wildlife photography in good light
• Tracking kids or pets playing during daylight
• Moderate sports shooting under decent lighting

Ricoh G700SE fits best for:

• Static subjects or slow-moving scenes
• Documentation work in difficult environments where speed is less critical

Photography Genres Explored

Portrait Photography

Capturing flattering skin tones and smooth bokeh is challenging for small-sensor cameras, but let's see how these two fare.

The Canon’s 65x zoom lens is actually quite handy here - you can create a nicely blurred background at telephoto lengths (thanks more to compression effect than aperture width). Its face detection autofocus helps lock eyes in focus reliably.

The Ricoh G700SE’s zoom is shorter (5x) and aperture narrower, making background blur minimal. Plus, it lacks face detection, making precise focus trickier, especially in candid portraits.

However, Ricoh’s macro ability lets you get haunting close-ups of textures or fine details, though it won’t replace a DSLR or mirrorless for portraiture.

Win for portraits: Canon SX60 HS

Landscape Photography

Landscapes benefit from wide dynamic range, good resolution, and ideally a weather-sealed body.

Both cameras share small sensors, limiting ultimate image quality, but Canon’s 16MP output and RAW support enable more nuanced editing of shadows and highlights.

The Ricoh does offer environmental sealing and waterproofing, which is an enormous advantage if you shoot outdoors in challenging weather or underwater. Canon’s lack of sealing means it’s more suited to stable conditions or protected use.

Here’s a quick peek at sample image quality from both cameras, illustrating color rendition and sharpness:

Landscape recommendations:

• Canon SX60 HS for image quality and manual controls
• Ricoh G700SE for rugged, wet, or dusty environments where protection is paramount

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Wildlife and sports demand fast AF, reliable tracking, high burst rates, and good telephoto reach.

Canon SX60 HS delivers on zoom length, autofocus tracking, and decent fps. It isn’t a pro-grade performer but handles casual wildlife or club-level sports well.

Ricoh G700SE’s shorter zoom and lack of AF tracking limit its use to stationary or slow subjects.

Street Photography

Street shooting benefits from discretion, portability, and quick autofocus.

The Ricoh G700SE excels in portability and ruggedness - easy to carry and resistant to dust, water, or light bumps. Its smaller size makes it less conspicuous than the Canon.

However, the SX60’s larger body and noisier zoom may draw attention, although the articulated screen aids shooting from unusual angles.

Low light also favors Canon with better ISO performance and image stabilization.

Macro Photography

Ricoh G700SE shines here with its 1cm macro focus capability, enabling close-ups of blossoms or tiny insects.

Canon’s macro focusing is limited to zero centimeters nominally, but in practice is less competitive than Ricoh’s dedicated macro distance and higher maximum aperture at close range.

Night and Astrophotography

Canon’s sensor and DIGIC 6 processor enable better low-light behavior. While still limited by a small sensor, it supports ISO up to 6400 with acceptable noise at ISO 800-ish.

Ricoh’s older CCD and lack of stabilization mean images are noisier and more prone to blur at night.

Neither camera is well suited for astrophotography, but Canon is the better choice for nighttime cityscapes or informal star trails.

Video Capabilities

Canon SX60 HS supports Full HD 1080p recording up to 60fps, with microphone input, optical image stabilization, and manual exposure controls.

Ricoh G700SE tops out at primitive VGA (640x480) video, no mic input, no stabilization, severely limiting video quality and flexibility.

Canon is hands down superior for video content creators or casual videographers.

Travel Photography

The ideal travel camera blends versatility, reliability, battery life, and compactness.

Canon’s broad zoom, articulated touchscreen, Wi-Fi with NFC, and solid battery life (~340 shots per charge) provide excellent versatility.

Ricoh’s waterproof, rugged build and smaller form make it ideal for adventure travel risking moisture or impact.

Professional Workflows

Professionals need RAW files, consistent performance, ergonomic controls, and solid files for post.

Only the Canon offers RAW file support and fine manual exposure modes, making it usable in semi-pro workflows.

Ricoh’s JPEG-only, limited manual settings restrict professional adoption, which is fine for industrial, insurance, or field record-keeping where ruggedness trumps image quality.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

This is where the Ricoh G700SE proves its mettle:

• Fully waterproof (rated up to 3m or more)
• Shock resistant (tested for drops)
• Dust resistant for harsh environments

Canon SX60 HS lacks environmental sealing - so if you shoot outdoors in rain, snow, or dusty deserts, you risk damage.

If your photography involves adverse conditions, the Ricoh’s rugged design beats Canon’s plastic shell every time.

User Interface and Screen

The Canon’s articulated 3" 922k-dot LCD shines in flexibility, perfect for creative angles or selfie shots.

Ricoh’s 3" screen is fixed, slightly lower resolution (920k) and less bright, with no touchscreen.

Neither supports modern touch or tilt features beyond Canon’s articulation.

Battery Life and Storage

Canon offers solid battery performance and a common rechargeable pack (NB-10L), supporting typical hobbyist to enthusiast outing lengths.

Ricoh lacks a published battery life spec, uses the DB-60 battery, and supports internal storage alongside SD.

Having a reliable, easily swappable battery system is crucial - Canon’s configuration is better supported and documented.

Connectivity and Extras

Canon SX60 HS includes:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing
• HDMI output for external viewing
• Microphone port for enhanced audio capture

Ricoh G700SE offers no wireless connectivity or HDMI, severely limiting direct file transfer or monitoring options.

Price and Value Proposition

At approximately $549, the Canon SX60 HS offers remarkable versatility for enthusiast photographers craving extreme zoom, manual control, and video features.

The Ricoh G700SE is often found at various pricing levels (no manufacturer MSRP listed), but as a specialized waterproof rugged compact, it appeals to a niche market needing durability over image finesse.

The Final Scorecard

After in-depth analysis across categories, here’s a performance radar for both:

Breaking down strengths by photographic genre:

Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Canon PowerShot SX60 HS if:

• You want the longest zoom on a reasonable budget without switching lenses
• You enjoy manual controls, RAW shooting, and video capabilities
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or travel where image quality and flexibility matter
• You don’t require rugged waterproofing but want an all-round versatile kit

Choose Ricoh G700SE if:

• Your priority is an indestructible, waterproof camera for tough fieldwork or adventures
• You need a small, lightweight camera that won’t quit in rain, dust, or light shocks
• Image quality and manual control are secondary to durability and simplicity
• You’re shooting reference photos, macro up-close, or harsh work environments where a broken camera is unacceptable

In Summary: Hands-on Experience Matter

From my experience testing thousands of cameras, the choice between the Canon SX60 HS and Ricoh G700SE boils down to what you shoot and where you shoot. Canon’s superzoom is a tool for creatives seeking reach and control, while Ricoh is the trusty companion when conditions get rough but you still need a camera that works without fuss.

Both have notable compromises - sensor size limits image quality, while the Ricoh’s lack of video and connectivity may frustrate modern users. Yet, each camera confidently owns its niche.

For the cheapskate hobbyist wanting everything in one body with significant zoom and solid image quality, the Canon is the clear winner. For professionals and enthusiasts who risk their gear in wet or unpredictable environments, the Ricoh is a worthy, rugged choice you can depend on.

Happy shooting!

Featured images used:

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• Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back