Canon PowerShot SX620 HS vs Ricoh PX: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can often feel like navigating a minefield of overlapping specs and cryptic marketing buzzwords. Today, let's dive deep into a hands-on comparison of two small-sensor compacts that have found distinct audiences over the past decade: the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS, announced in 2016, and the Ricoh PX, launched back in 2011. Both cameras target portability and versatility but approach the craft from different angles.

Having personally tested hundreds of cameras in the compact and superzoom categories, I’m going to walk you through an analytical yet approachable evaluation of what these two machines bring to the table. More importantly, I’ll highlight how the differences manifest in the variety of photography disciplines and real-world usage scenarios.

Designing for the Pocket: Ergonomics and Physical Handling

When deciding between any two compacts, physical size and handling are among the first considerations. The Canon SX620 HS comes in at 97x57x28 mm and weighs 182g, while the Ricoh PX measures 100x55x21 mm, tipping the scales lighter at 156g.

A slight difference in footprint - but what does that really mean? The Ricoh PX is marginally slimmer, making it less conspicuous in a jacket pocket - ideal for street and travel photographers who prize discretion. The Canon, meanwhile, feels a bit bulkier but with a slightly more substantial grip contour that lends in-hand confidence and steadiness, especially critical during extended zoom use.

In terms of button placement and control layout, which I often regard as the unseen UX that breaks or makes any shooting experience, the Canon offers a clear top-plate design with accessible dials and a modest menu system. The Ricoh’s controls are more minimalist and arguably less intuitive, particularly if you like quick-tweak exposure settings.

This tactile experience matters more than manufacturers admit. A petite camera with fiddly buttons can sour upfront enthusiasm quickly.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Both cameras sport the universally common 1/2.3-inch sensor format, with identical dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55mm and a sensor area of about 28.07 mm². Despite similar physical sensor sizes, the Canon SX620 HS uses a more modern Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with a 20-megapixel resolution, contrasting with the Ricoh PX’s aging 16-megapixel CCD sensor.

This technological divergence is essential to note, as BSI-CMOS sensors generally provide superior light gathering, lower noise, and better high ISO performance than older CCDs, especially in compact cameras. The Canon naturally benefits from the newer DIGIC 4+ image processor, further enhancing image quality through faster noise reduction and more efficient image rendering.

Practical impact? In daylight shooting, both cameras produce reasonably sharp JPEGs, though the Canon has a slight edge in color rendering and detail retention due to the higher pixel count and newer sensor design. Low-light scenarios highlight the Canon’s advantage, where it maintains cleaner images up to ISO 800 and usable shots at ISO 1600. The Ricoh PX, with its CCD, struggles more with noise, yielding grainier results beyond ISO 400.

Neither supports RAW capture, which may disappoint advanced users who prioritize post-processing latitude.

What You See Is What You Get: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, leaning heavily on rear LCD screens for composition. The Canon’s 3-inch fixed screen applies a sharper 922k-dot resolution, giving it crisp playback and menu navigation clarity. Conversely, the Ricoh PX features a smaller 2.7-inch display at a much lower 230k-dot resolution, making it less pleasant when reviewing images or navigating settings, particularly outdoors under bright sunlight.

While neither display is articulate by today's flagship mirrorless standards, the Canon's screen offers a more engaging, useful interface during everyday shooting.

For users who prioritize framing convenience or need focus confirmation (especially crucial in macro or close-up work), the lack of any viewfinder may be a stumbling block. But both manufacturers seem to accept that their target users value compactness over such luxuries.

Zooming In: Lens Systems and Versatility

This is where the cameras diverge sharply in purpose and appeal. The Canon SX620 HS sports an impressive 25-625mm equivalent zoom - a whopping 25x range versus the Ricoh PX’s more restrained 28-140mm (5x optical zoom).

The Canon’s long reach accommodates everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports subjects, providing unmatched framing flexibility for a compact. The Ricoh's 5x optic zoom remains more modest and traditional, aiming at casual everyday shooting and moderate telephoto needs.

That said, the Canon’s maximum aperture ranges from f/3.2 at the wide end to a rather narrow f/6.6 at full zoom - a tradeoff expected in compact superzoom lenses that affects low-light and bokeh capabilities. The Ricoh PX operates at f/3.9-5.4, a touch faster in mid-telephoto but with less reach.

Both lenses employ optical image stabilization systems, with Canon using lens-shift type and Ricoh opting for sensor-shift stabilization. My experience showed both systems effective in minimizing handshake blur at normal focal lengths. However, the Canon's longer telephoto range benefits from slightly more robust stabilization technology, helping keep wildlife or sports shots sharper handheld.

Focusing Mechanism and Speed: Critical for Action and Macro

Neither camera offers phase-detection autofocus; they rely entirely on contrast-detection, which in compact sensors may limit speed and tracking smoothness.

The Canon includes face detection and nine focus points, with continuous AF and some tracking ability. This enables acceptable performance in portraits and casual subjects, though it occasionally hunts in low light or contrast-sparse scenes.

The Ricoh PX has fewer focus options, but manual focus is available - a valuable inclusion for macro enthusiasts prioritizing precision over speed. The Ricoh allows macro shooting from as close as 3cm, while the Canon edges closer at just 1cm, giving it a slight advantage in extreme close-up photography.

Neither camera supports focus bracketing or stacking, features increasingly common but still rare in compacts.

Burst and Shutter Performance for Fast-Moving Subjects

With continuous shooting capped at 2.5 fps on the Canon SX620 HS and a modest 1 fps on the Ricoh PX, neither camera aspires to be a sports photography hero.

In practice, the Canon’s faster frame rate combined with better autofocus tracking makes it the more usable option for catching wildlife or casual action sequences. The Ricoh feels sluggish in this regard, and its limited buffer depth means bursts are short-lived.

Neither camera supports shutter priority or full manual exposure modes (though the Ricoh does offer manual exposure control, a surprisingly rare feature here), which constrains their utility for more demanding shooting scenarios like sports or complex landscapes where depth of field and shutter speed control are crucial.

Image Quality Showcase: Sample Galleries for Context

Comparing images side-by-side provides critical insight.

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back

Sharpness-wise, the Canon produces more detailed images thanks to its higher resolution sensor, though it occasionally suffers from mild noise reduction softness in shadows. The Ricoh’s imagery shows classic CCD color rendition with punchy saturation, appealing to some users, but it visibly lags in fine detail and dynamic range.

In landscape scenes, Canon’s wider zoom and higher dynamic range produce greater compositional variety and subtly better highlight recovery. Portraits benefit from the Canon’s face detection AF and closer macro focusing. However, for casual snapshots and simpler subjects, the Ricoh still stands up competently.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Interestingly, the Ricoh PX features environmental sealing - a rarity in this category - providing some protection against dust and moisture. For outdoor enthusiasts or hikers who need a rugged companion, this is an undeniable plus.

The Canon SX620 HS lacks any weather sealing, necessitating more cautious use in harsh environments. Neither is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so neither camera suits extreme adventure work without protective measures.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

The Canon SX620 HS provides manufacturer-rated battery life of approximately 295 shots per charge, a respectable figure for a compact superzoom with a sizeable zoom lens and continuous autofocus.

The Ricoh PX lacks official battery life data but uses a proprietary DB-100 battery, generally yielding fewer shots per charge in my experience. Internal storage addition is a neat Ricoh-touch, offering 10-20 MB of built-in memory, handy for emergencies if your SD card is full or missing.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, though only the Ricoh supports internal storage.

Connectivity, Video, and Additional Features

The Canon SX620 HS benefits from modern wireless features, featuring built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless image transfer to smartphones or tablets - a significant advantage for contemporary photographers who value instant sharing or remote control.

The Ricoh PX offers none of these wireless capabilities and depends solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI for tethered image transfer or viewing on external displays.

Video-wise, Canon provides full HD at 1080p 30fps in H.264, a standard yet serviceable feature. The Ricoh caps out at 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format, which results in larger files with modest quality and less efficient compression.

Neither camera boasts microphone inputs or advanced video features, confirming their emphasis on casual still photography over videography.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

At a street price hovering around $279 for the Canon SX620 HS and approximately $329 for the now older Ricoh PX, both cameras fall into the affordable compact category though the Ricoh commands an unexpected premium, likely due to its rarity and rugged features.

Analyzing value, the Canon offers superior zoom range, image quality, and modern connectivity for slightly less money, making it the more compelling buy for general-purpose enthusiasts.

The Ricoh PX, while pricier and older, appeals niche users prioritizing environmental sealing and manual control options who understand its limitations.

Specialized Performance Breakdowns by Photography Genre

Let’s zoom in on how each camera fares in different photography workflows - with reference to an overall performance scorecard.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s face detection AF and closer macro focusing trump the Ricoh in rendering skin tones naturally, though the Ricoh’s CCD sensor renders punchier colors. Canon’s longer zoom is useful for isolating subjects with background compression. Neither camera offers shallow depth of field thanks to small sensors and slow lenses, but Canon edges out in bokeh quality due to a slightly faster aperture at the wide end.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s 25mm equivalent wide-angle and higher resolution enable more expansive compositions and greater detail capture. Ricoh’s weather sealing offers durability outdoors but its 28mm wide-angle is less flexible for vast vistas.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither excels here, but Canon’s longer telephoto, faster continuous shooting, and AF tracking make it a better pick. Ricoh’s slower system hinders capturing fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Ricoh PX’s compactness and quieter operation lend subtle advantages for street shooters. Canon is bulkier but offers more compositional flexibility due to zoom.

Macro Photography

Canon reaches to 1cm macro, beating Ricoh’s 3cm minimum focus. Combined with image stabilization, the Canon is the stronger macro tool.

Night/Astro Photography

BSI-CMOS sensor and stronger noise control give Canon better high ISO performance, making it the clear winner for low-light and starry skies.

Video Capabilities

Canon wins hands down with 1080p recording, connectivity options, and efficient codecs. Ricoh’s 720p Motion JPEG video is archaic and less practical.

Travel Photography

Canon’s versatility (zoom, battery, connectivity) makes it an excellent travel companion. Ricoh’s splash resistance is appealing, but its bulkier design and limited zoom reduce usefulness.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither camera offers RAW or advanced workflow features expected in professional spheres. Canon’s wireless transfer and video options slightly improve workflow convenience.

Wrapping Up: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS impresses as a versatile, affordable compact superzoom suitable for enthusiasts seeking a single camera for a broad range of situations: travel, family events, casual wildlife, landscapes, and even some video recording. Its modern 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, longer zoom, and connectivity make it hard to beat for the price.

The Ricoh PX feels targeted at a narrower user set - those who value ruggedness and sealed weather resistance above optical reach or sensor sophistication. Macro hobbyists who want manual exposure controls might appreciate the PX’s offerings, but most users will find the older sensor and limited zoom constraining.

In sum, the SX620 HS is the more balanced, future-proof choice with a wider appeal, while the Ricoh PX suits specific outdoor photography niches or budget-conscious users valuing durability.

Pro Tips for Buyers in This Segment

• If low-light shooting or higher resolution matters, the SX620 HS is a no-brainer.
• For harsh environmental conditions or beach trips, consider the Ricoh PX’s sealing.
• Don’t expect pro-grade autofocus or stunning bokeh from either; they are compact cameras designed for portability and ease.
• Think about whether video features and wireless connectivity are priorities.
• Factor in that neither supports RAW - so if you want post-processing flexibility, look elsewhere.
• Consider the Ricoh’s battery sourcing since DB-100 replacements are less common today than generic batteries for the Canon.

This comprehensive comparison aims to equip you with the pros, cons, and practical realities of each camera’s design and performance. In the crowded compact camera arena, understanding how specs translate into in-the-field experience is crucial - and hopefully, this breakdown makes your next camera choice a confident one.

If you’d like to discuss specific scenarios or have questions about how either handles particular subjects or lighting, drop a comment below!

Happy shooting!

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