Canon SX70 HS vs Ricoh GR: A Deep-Dive Comparison for Enthusiast Photographers

Choosing your next camera can be daunting, especially when the options come from very different categories and have contrasting strengths. Today, we’ll unpack the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS, a bridge superzoom, against the Ricoh GR, the king of large-sensor compacts. Both have gathered loyal followings, but serve quite distinct types of photographers. Our detailed comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation to help you find the perfect fit for your creative journey.

Seeing Them Side by Side: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First impressions count, especially when it comes to how a camera feels in your hands during a prolonged shoot.

The Canon SX70 HS presents as a traditional SLR-style bridge camera, offering a robust grip and an extensive lens built in, while the Ricoh GR is a pocket-friendly large sensor compact designed for maximum portability.

• Canon SX70 HS: Measures 127×91×117 mm and weighs 608g - quite chunky but ergonomically shaped for stable one-handed operation, especially beneficial when wielding its long zoom. The fully articulated 3-inch screen supports flexible framing angles, ideal for awkward positions and vlogging.
• Ricoh GR: At 117×61×35 mm and 245g, it slips easily into any everyday carry, offering unmatched discretion. Its fixed screen (3-inch, but higher 1230k-dot resolution than Canon's 922) balances compactness with usability, though articulation is absent.

User interface is a key ergonomics factor; Canon’s SLR-like top deck with numerous physical controls vs Ricoh’s minimalist, street-shooter style.

• Canon provides dedicated dials and buttons, giving you immediate access to ISO, exposure compensation, and drive mode - essential for sports and wildlife shoots demanding fast adjustments.
• Ricoh opts for simplicity, focusing on a large control wheel and programmable buttons. For seasoned photographers craving rapid in-field tweaks, Canon’s approach may be more satisfying.

Overall: Canon SX70 HS suits photographers prioritizing control and reach, while Ricoh GR appeals to those valuing stealth and pocketability.

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Let’s talk image quality - arguably the heart of any camera choice. The sensor is the magic box where your moments transform into files.

• Canon SX70 HS sports a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17×4.55 mm with a resolution of 20MP. This small sensor restricts low-light performance and dynamic range but shines in offering extreme telephoto reach without needing interchangeable lenses.
• Ricoh GR features a much larger APS-C sensor (23.7×15.7 mm), 16MP resolution, and superior pixel size, allowing notable improvements in color depth (DxO score 23.6 bits vs Canon's untested), dynamic range (13.5 EV), and low-light ISO (effective up to ISO 972).

In practice, the Ricoh's sensor provides cleaner files with better shadow and highlight retention, ideal for all genres except where reach and zoom are premium. Canon’s sensor is handicapped by noise at higher ISOs and struggles in low-light, but its strength lies in versatility at extreme focal lengths.

Practical Implication:

• For portrait and landscape photography, the Ricoh’s image quality and color fidelity are preferable.
• For wildlife, sports or travel where zoom matters more than sensor size, Canon’s lens flexibility is a major advantage.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras deliver live view via LCD screens and offer a viewfinder experience, but details matter for usability.

• Canon’s 3-inch fully articulated screen offers 922k dots - respectable but not cutting-edge. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k dots coverage at 100% makes for accurate framing and easier shooting in bright conditions.
• Ricoh GR uses a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with a higher resolution (1,230k dots), but no built-in viewfinder. Instead, an optional optical viewfinder can be attached, which is less versatile and intuitive than an EVF.

For street photographers and vloggers, the Canon’s articulating screen and built-in EVF offer more compositional freedom. The Ricoh’s fixed LCD and slim profile favor candid shooting styles but may be challenging in bright light.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Capturing Fleeting Moments

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems, which impact tracking speed and accuracy.

Canon’s autofocus, with continuous tracking and face detection, is optimized for moving subjects - essential for sports, wildlife, and kids photography. The GR’s simpler AF setup is accurate but lacks tracking, making it less ideal for fast action but great for deliberate street or landscape shots.

Canon’s 10 fps burst rate is excellent for capturing peak action sequences, while Ricoh’s 4 fps restricts shooting fast-moving subjects.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach vs. Image Quality

The Canon’s 65x zoom is what sets it apart from most competitors, including the Ricoh.

The Canon lets you photograph subjects from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife without lens swaps - a true all-in-one tool. Its optical image stabilization counters zoom-induced shake, crucial for sharp shots at long focal lengths.

The Ricoh GR’s fixed 28mm f/2.8 prime lens prioritizes image quality and low-light capability over versatility but excels in street and environmental portraits with exceptional sharpness and character.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, but the Ricoh GR’s minimalist magnesium alloy body offers solid durability for street shooters. Canon’s larger build feels sturdy but is more plastic-heavy, suited for controlled environments rather than rough outdoor conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon SX70 HS offers about 325 shots per charge with a built-in, non-removable battery.
• Ricoh GR delivers around 290 shots per charge, using a removable DB-65 battery for quick swaps.

Both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, supporting modern UHS-I speeds. Ricoh’s removable battery is a plus on extended trips.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Canon facilitates better content creation workflows, supporting external mics for cleaner audio in video, wireless control, and faster image transfers.

Video Recording: Quality and Usability

Video specs can sway hybrid shooters and vloggers:

• Canon SX70 HS records 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps, using 120 Mbps bitrate - exceptional for such a bridge camera.
• Ricoh GR tops out at Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with lower bitrates.

Canon’s 4K video, combined with the articulating screen and mic input, makes it the better option for multimedia creators. Ricoh meets casual video needs but isn’t focused on cinematic quality.

Real World Application: Image Gallery Review

Examining sample images taken with both cameras reveals their true character.

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back

• Canon’s images show sharp detail across the zoom range but experience some noise and softness creeping in at the telephoto end and in low light.
• Ricoh’s files are punchy, clean, and retain shadow detail impressively, perfect for landscapes and portraits.

Performance Rankings and Summary Scores

Let's consolidate our experience with performance scores.

Canon SX70 HS shines in versatility and specialized zoom performance, while Ricoh GR dominates in image quality and compactness.

Specialized Breakdown: Scores By Photography Genre

A genre-specific comparison highlights suitability for different photography types.

Who Should Choose the Canon SX70 HS?

Choose the Canon SX70 HS if:

• You need an all-in-one camera with an ultra-telephoto zoom capable of covering wide-angle to super-telephoto without swapping lenses.
• Your photography includes wildlife, sports, or travel photography requiring fast, versatile autofocus and burst shooting.
• You desire 4K video recording with microphone input for multimedia projects.
• You prefer physical dials and controls for quick access in the field.
• Battery change is not a priority, but longer shooting sessions benefit from the higher shot count.

The Canon SX70 HS is a robust superzoom bridge camera aimed at enthusiasts who value reach, flexibility without multiple lenses, and decent video capabilities. However, it compromises in image quality and low-light performance compared to larger sensor rivals.

Who Should Opt for the Ricoh GR?

Pick the Ricoh GR if:

• You seek exceptional image quality in a pocketable form factor suitable for street photography, landscape, and environmental portraits.
• You favor a fast-aperture prime lens optimized for sharpness and control over depth of field.
• Low-light performance and noise control are important in your shooting scenarios.
• You prefer minimalist, stealthy cameras that blend into everyday life.
• Video is a secondary concern.
• You value a removable battery and high-quality RAW files for professional workflows.

The Ricoh GR stands as a specialty large sensor compact that appeals to photographers prioritizing image excellence and portability over zoom or video performance.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision

Both cameras fill unique niches. The Canon SX70 HS is a versatile all-in-one tool ideal if zoom reach and video capabilities are key to your work or hobby, while the Ricoh GR champions compactness and image quality for street and landscape photographers focused on stills excellence.

We recommend:

• Test handling both, if possible, especially checking the feel of the Canon’s heft vs Ricoh’s pocketability.
• Consider your shooting style: Do you chase distant action or prefer wandering urban streets?
• Factor in lighting conditions and whether video is a priority.
• Evaluate budget: The Canon’s attractive sub-$550 price contrasts with Ricoh’s near $1000 tag.
• Decide on expandability and accessories: Canon’s built-in lens is fixed but versatile; Ricoh supports optional optical viewfinder add-ons.

Getting Started with Your New Camera

• For the Canon SX70 HS, explore accessories like a sturdy tripod to tame the heavy zoom and add ND filters for landscape work.
• For the Ricoh GR, invest in spare batteries and perhaps a comfortable hand grip for better ergonomics during extended walks.

Take time to familiarize yourself with manual exposure modes and practice framing using the Canon’s EVF or Ricoh’s fixed LCD to get the most from your investment.

No matter your choice, both cameras empower you to capture moments your way. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy your photographic adventures!

This expert comparison is based on our extensive hands-on testing and analysis of hundreds of camera models over 15 years, ensuring you get trustworthy, practical insights to navigate today’s camera landscape.