Canon SX600 HS vs Ricoh CX6: Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras with small sensors, the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and the Ricoh CX6 represent interesting options that have caught my eye during my years testing point-and-shoots designed for enthusiast travelers and casual photographers alike. Both cameras emerged in an era when pocket-friendly zoom versatility was a major selling point, but behind their shared category label, they have key differences that affect real-world use and image quality.

Drawing on my hands-on experience evaluating countless models in this class, this article lays out a rigorous comparison across build, image quality, autofocus, versatility, and value to help you decide which suits your photography style best - or if neither fits your needs anymore in today’s market. Let’s dig in.

First Impressions: Size and Handling in Everyday Use

Handling often shapes whether you enjoy shooting with a camera, so I started there before pixel-peeping. Both the Canon SX600 HS and Ricoh CX6 are small sensor superzooms with compact builds, but subtle variances in ergonomics impact extended use.

Physically, the Canon SX600 HS feels quite slender and lightweight at 188 grams, measuring 104x61x26mm. The Ricoh CX6 is slightly bulkier and heavier at 201 grams and 104x59x29mm, giving it a touch more presence in hand. Both have plastic builds that don’t inspire confidence for rugged handling; no weather sealing here, so if you shoot outdoors frequently, you’ll want extra care.

The Canon’s more tapered edges make it comfortable for pockets but prone to a slightly less secure grip compared to the Ricoh’s more squared-off profile, which I personally prefer for steadier shooting when zoomed in. The Canon’s NB-6LH battery is standard fare, delivering respectable endurance, while Ricoh leaves battery life less clearly specified - something to watch for on long days.

In summary: if absolute pocketability is king, Canon’s edges out slightly. But for in-hand security when zooming, Ricoh’s form-factor impressed me more in actual shoots.

Control Layout and Interface: Intuition Meets Practicality

A camera’s top plate and control scheme reveal a lot about its usability under pressure.

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders - which, for these supercompacts, is expected - but rely on LCDs for composition and review (more on that soon). The Canon’s top plate has a shutter button, zoom toggle, and a simple mode dial with limited exposure control - it lacks shutter or aperture priority modes, or manual exposure, which restricts creative control.

Ricoh CX6, by contrast, offers shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. This immediately signals its preference for users who want more photographic control beyond point and shoot. However, its lack of an external hot shoe means no dedicated flashes or external lighting setups.

Both cameras miss touchscreen input and illuminated buttons, which in dim conditions can be frustrating. Canon’s controls feel streamlined but somewhat basic for pros or enthusiasts, while Ricoh’s extra dials and options make it friendlier for deliberate photographers.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both models share a 1/2.3-inch sensor with a 5.8x crop factor, common in superzooms, but differences in resolution, processor, and lens design shape image outcomes.

Sensor Resolution and Processing

• Canon SX600 HS: 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor paired with DIGIC 4+ processor
• Ricoh CX6: 10MP CMOS sensor paired with Smooth Imaging Engine IV

Canon’s higher megapixel count promises more detail theoretically but can introduce noise at base sensor size limits. Ricoh’s 10MP sensor focuses on pixel quality over quantity, which can help low-light and IS performance.

Lens and Aperture

• Canon offers an 18x zoom range (25-450mm equivalent) with max aperture f/3.8-6.9
• Ricoh’s 10.7x zoom is shorter at 28-300mm equivalent but slightly faster f/3.5-5.6 max aperture

Canon’s longer reach impresses on paper for distant subjects, wildlife, or travel flexibility. But Ricoh’s wider aperture range facilitates better background blur and low-light capture, critical for portraits and indoor shots.

In practice, Canon’s images show sharper detail at wide angles but struggle in telephoto at slower shutter speeds due to narrower apertures. Ricoh’s lower resolution sensor yields slightly softer images but better color rendition and less noise at ISO 800 and above.

Display and Live View: Critical for Composition

Rich, clear displays improve framing accuracy and operational satisfaction.

Both feature 3-inch fixed LCDs, but Ricoh’s Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD (1230k dots) displays a crisper image compared to Canon’s PureColor II G (461k dots). This difference shows when reviewing shots or working in bright daylight - Ricoh allows easier image assessment without resorting to EVF or laptop checks.

Neither camera offers touchscreens or articulated displays, limiting creative angles and intuitive navigation. If you’re used to flipping screens or touch focus, you’ll feel the pinch.

Autofocus and Shooting Dynamics: Capturing the Moment

Speed and accuracy in autofocus define utility for many scenarios, especially with superzooms where subject movement and framing challenges multiply.

Both models rely exclusively on contrast detection AF - common for small sensor cameras - but differ in how aggressively the systems perform.

• Canon SX600 HS: 9 autofocus points with face detection, but no continuous or tracking AF, limited to center AF on live view
• Ricoh CX6: Unknown number of points but offers AF single and multi-area options, lacks face detection

In real-world use, Canon’s face detection system works reasonably in portraits, improving focusing on eyes and faces, albeit slower in low light. Ricoh’s AF is snappier overall and more responsive in general scenes but less specialized in human subjects.

Burst rates favor Ricoh at 5 frames per second versus Canon’s 4fps, helpful for action or wildlife photography - though buffer limitations remain tight.

Photo Genres: Strengths and Weaknesses in the Field

Each camera finds itself more at home in certain photography niches.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s face detection autofocus combined with a higher megapixel count gives it an edge for portraits when lighting is good. However, with its narrower aperture at telephoto, background blur suffers compared to Ricoh’s lens speed. The Ricoh offers macro focus down to 1cm, fantastic for close-up portraits or creative framing, versus Canon’s 5cm minimum.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras have limited dynamic range characteristic of small sensors, but Canon’s higher resolution aids in large prints and cropping. Neither model features weather sealing, so outdoor conditions require caution. Ricoh’s better LCD helps composition in the field.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Canon wins for zoom reach, beneficial for distant wildlife shots. However, slower AF and fewer frames per second impact action photography. Ricoh’s quicker focusing and slightly faster burst make it marginally better for casual sports shots within its shorter zoom range.

Street Photography

Here, portability and discretion matter. Both cameras are compact and quiet. Ricoh’s brighter lens supports low-light street shooting better without flash, and the cleaner UI is less intrusive. Canon’s slower lens and lesser ISO performance limit evening utility.

Macro and Close-up

Ricoh shines with a 1cm macro focus range - a rarity in this class. Capturing fine detail in small subjects is easier and more satisfying than Canon’s 5cm limit.

Night and Astrophotography

Neither camera excels due to small sensor size and absence of RAW support. Ricoh’s better stabilization and lower megapixels help reduce noise. Canon’s higher pixel density amplifies grain at high ISO.

Video Capabilities

Canon records 1920x1280 HD video with H.264 compression, an advantage over Ricoh’s 720p Motion JPEG format which is less efficient and bulkier on storage. However, neither feature microphone input or headphone jack for audio monitoring, nor 4K.

Canon also lacks 4K photos or high-speed video modes, while Ricoh provides timelapse recording. Neither offers in-body electronic stabilization beyond optical or sensor-shift systems, respectively.

Durability, Connectivity, and Power

Neither camera boasts weather resistance, shockproofing, or freezeproofing, limiting rugged use. Both accept SD cards (Canon supports SDXC), friendly for ample storage flexibility.

Connectivity-wise, Canon includes NFC for instant pairing with compatible devices, while Ricoh has Eye-Fi support - a niche wireless SD card protocol less common today.

Battery life reportedly favors Canon with 290 shots per charge; Ricoh is unspecified but likely similar.

Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance

At launch, Canon SX600 HS retailed around $249 and Ricoh CX6 at roughly $595 - representing a significant price gap, with Ricoh positioning itself towards more enthusiast users demanding manual controls and better optics.

Given their aimed user bases, the Canon appeals more to casual users prioritizing zoom reach and simple operation. The Ricoh rewards those valuing manual exposure, better lens aperture, and overall control - reflected in price.

Looking at specific genres:

• Travel, Street, and Casual use: Canon is ideal for those who want easy-to-carry superzoom capability at a lower cost.
• Portrait and Macro, plus Creative Control: Ricoh serves better for enthusiasts wanting manual shooting modes and close macro work.
• Video and Night Shots: Both lag substantially behind newer models; Canon's slightly better video resolution nudges it ahead marginally.

Sample Images Reveal Strengths and Weaknesses

Nothing tells the story better than real photographs taken under controlled conditions.

Canon SX600 HS front Canon SX600 HS screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Canon’s images reveal sharper edges at base ISO, with alive colors but tendency towards slight overexposure in highlights. Ricoh’s photos are warmer, with reduced sharpness but pleasing color balance and better noise control at moderate ISO settings.

Technical Takeaways and Recommendations

From a technical perspective, here’s a concise wrap-up:

• Sensor: Canon’s sensor brings higher pixel count with DIGIC 4+ processing that balances image noise and detail, but at expense of noise at high ISO. Ricoh’s fewer pixels but sensor-shift stabilization improve low light usable frames.
• Autofocus: Both use contrast detection AF; Canon’s face detection aids portraits while Ricoh favors speed for general shooting.
• Build and Ergonomics: Neither is rugged. Ricoh offers a chunkier grip; Canon is pocket-friendlier.
• Controls: Ricoh’s manual modes score big for creative photographers.
• Video: Canon outperforms on resolution and codec.
• Connectivity: Canon offers modern NFC integration.
• Battery Life: Canon rated better.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

To close, let me put it plainly - both cameras reflect their time and design priorities, but which fits you? Consider these scenarios:

• If you want a highly portable, budget-conscious superzoom camera for travel, family events, and casual outdoor shooting: Canon PowerShot SX600 HS is the pragmatic choice. Its superior zoom puts distant subjects within reach, and easy operation means less fiddling.

• If you value manual exposure controls, portrait and macro versatility, and slightly better low light image quality, even at a higher price point: Ricoh CX6 stands out. Its brighter lens and sensor stabilization support more creative and technically demanding shooting.

Personally, for snapshot travel, I lean toward Canon’s extended reach and simplicity. But if you want to experiment with manual settings and appreciate the vibrant 3MP lower resolution photos that pop in portraits or macros, Ricoh offers more photographic freedom.

Neither camera will satisfy professionals demanding RAW capture or the latest video tech, but for enthusiasts seeking portable, easy-to-use superzoom compacts, these remain historically interesting choices.

In the rapidly evolving compact camera landscape, both the Canon SX600 HS and Ricoh CX6 served their niches well. Hopefully, this detailed, experience-driven comparison helps you navigate which legacy of small sensor superzoom meets your style, or perhaps nudges you toward newer options now available.

Happy shooting!

All images and data sourced from official specs and extensive hands-on testing archives.