Canon SX700 HS vs Ricoh CX4: A Hands-On Comparison of Small Sensor Superzooms

When selecting a compact superzoom camera, especially in the small sensor category, factors such as zoom reach, speed, overall image quality, and shooting versatility become crucial. Both the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Ricoh CX4 offer superzoom capabilities but come from different eras and design philosophies. Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I'm here to help you unravel which of these two holds up to real-world photography demands and where each truly shines.

Let's dive deep into the technical makeup, practical performance, and usability factors to help you decide which camera aligns best with your creative pursuits.

Getting Acquainted: What These Cameras Are About

Both the Canon SX700 HS and Ricoh CX4 target enthusiasts seeking big zoom range in a compact package. The SX700 HS was announced in early 2014, featuring Canon's Digic 6 processor. It boasts a massive 30x optical zoom (25-750mm equivalent focal length), a 16MP sensor, and a handful of manual controls - indicating Canon's push for greater versatility in a travel-friendly compact. Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX4 dates back to 2010, sporting a 10.7x zoom (28-300mm equivalent), a 10MP sensor, and baseline manual focus capability with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor.

While both come with fixed lenses and compact bodies, their priorities and technological eras differ - a key lens to interpret their capabilities through.

Size, Weight & Handling: Compact Zoom in Your Hands

In field testing, size and ergonomics often dictate how comfortably and spontaneously you shoot. The balance between portability and a robust grip makes a difference in extended use.

• Canon SX700 HS: Measures 113x66x35 mm, weighing 269 grams.
• Ricoh CX4: Smaller at 102x59x29 mm and lighter at 205 grams.

The CX4’s slightly smaller footprint leans towards enhanced portability - ideal for street and travel photography where discretion matters. Canon’s SX700 HS, while slightly bulkier, fits nicely in hand, offering a more tactile grip - felt especially during stabilized telephoto shooting.

Top-Down Control Layout and Usability

Ergonomics extend to button layout and operational flow - areas where instant access can make or break your shooting workflow.

Canon’s SX700 HS features dedicated shooting mode dials, exposure compensation buttons, and quick access to ISO controls, lending itself well to photographers who prefer manual or semi-manual modes. Ricoh’s CX4 lacks aperture or shutter priority modes and has a more simplified control scheme, so it suits beginners wanting a straightforward point-and-shoot experience.

If you are a photographer who enjoys tweaking exposure and creative parameters mid-shoot, Canon's approach will be more satisfying.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Behind the Lens

Both sport 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors - the industry standard for compact superzooms. Still, differences in resolution, image processing, and lens quality inevitably affect results.

Canon’s sensor offers a higher 16MP resolution, providing improved detail capture and printing flexibility. However, 1/2.3" sensors have inherent limits in dynamic range and noise performance, especially above ISO 800. The CX4’s 10MP counts fewer pixels, which can sometimes translate to less high-frequency detail but also potentially better noise at pixel level due to larger pixel size.

Both cameras lack RAW shooting - limiting post-processing latitude, meaning your in-camera JPEG processing plays a critical role in final image quality.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Live view experience and menu usability impact day-to-day photography enjoyment.

• Canon SX700 HS: 3-inch fixed PureColor II G TFT LCD with 922k dots provides crisp, bright images and reliable color rendition.
• Ricoh CX4: Also a 3-inch fixed LCD with 920k dots, but with older screen tech; visibility outdoors can be a bit less forgiving.

Neither has a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder, so the LCD is your primary window into the scene. Canon’s slightly better screen resolution and image processing contribute to a clearer framing and instant image evaluation.

Autofocus and Performance Realities: Speed and Accuracy Matters

Autofocus is core to capturing decisive moments across genres from wildlife to street.

Canon’s AF system outperforms Ricoh’s with continuous autofocus during burst shooting helping capture moving subjects more reliably. Face detection autofocus on Canon is a plus for portrait and casual shooting, while Ricoh CX4 lacks facial detection entirely, limiting ease-of-use in dynamic scenes.

Lens and Optical Characteristics: Zoom Range and Aperture

The strength of superzoom cameras lies in the versatility of their lenses.

The Canon offers nearly triple the zoom reach (30x vs 10.7x), which opens creative window for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes. However, at longer focal lengths, the maximum aperture narrows to f/6.9, demanding faster shutter speeds or higher ISO - impacting low light shooting. Ricoh’s lens is brighter at telephoto end (f/5.6 vs f/6.9), a mild advantage in dim scenes but considerably limited in reach.

You gain ultimate framing flexibility with Canon’s extensive zoom, beneficial when carrying multiple lenses isn't an option.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Sharp

Both models incorporate optical or sensor-shift image stabilization to counteract camera shake - critical at telephoto lengths.

• Canon SX700 HS uses optical image stabilization.
• Ricoh CX4 employs sensor-shift stabilization.

In side-by-side shooting, Canon's optical system more effectively reduces visible blur, especially at full zoom. During handheld telephoto shots, Canon offers a noticeable edge ensuring more keepers when shooting without a tripod.

Burst and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Action and Fast Moments

Shutter speed range and burst capabilities matter for sports and wildlife photographers.

With max 9 fps burst capability, Canon is more usable for fast action, albeit within its buffer limits. Ricoh’s 5 fps is modest but still respectable four years prior to Canon’s launch.

Shutter speed maxing out at 1/3200s allows Canon some creative flexibility with bright light and wide apertures, while Ricoh’s max speed of 1/2000s can be limiting in peak sun.

Video Capabilities: Moving Image Quality and Features

Video remains a vital part of content creation in modern cameras.

Canon’s Full HD video at 60 fps produces notably smoother motion and more detail than Ricoh’s modest HD at 30 fps. The H.264 codec results in more efficient compression and better image quality compared to Ricoh’s older Motion JPEG format.

While neither supports external microphones or headphones, Canon’s better video specs make it the preferred option for casual vloggers and those wanting decent video alongside stills.

Battery Life and Storage

Reliability in the field hinges on power and storage.

Canon’s battery life of around 250 shots per charge is average for compact superzooms. Ricoh’s battery life isn’t documented but generally similar. Ricoh’s added internal storage can save a few images if the memory card fills or is absent - a thoughtful backup feature.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

Connectivity options influence ease of sharing, tethering, and remote control.

Canon’s inclusion of built-in wireless and NFC gives it a modern edge - enabling instant image transfer to smartphones or remote shooting control using Canon’s app - a great convenience for travel and social sharing. Ricoh CX4 lacks any wireless functionality and HDMI out, making tethered workflows more cumbersome.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or impact resistance. Both are consumer-grade compacts intended for casual to enthusiast use under normal conditions.

Real-World Use Cases: Matching Camera to Your Photography Passion

Canon SX700 HS screen back Ricoh CX4 front Ricoh CX4 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX700 HS stands out with 16MP resolution and face detection autofocus, rendering better detail and more reliable skin tone tracking.
• Ricoh CX4 lacks face detection and offers lower resolution, making portraiture less sharp and harder to frame precisely on moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ small sensors limit ultimate dynamic range.
• Canon’s higher resolution lends itself better to expansive prints, while the extensive zoom is less crucial here.
• Neither has weather sealing for demanding conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s 30x zoom and faster burst rates provide clear advantages for distant action.
• Ricoh’s shorter zoom limits reach, but its slightly brighter telephoto lens could help in lower light.

Sports Photography

• Canon again leads with 9 fps shooting, faster shutter speeds, and continuous autofocus.
• Ricoh’s simpler AF and slower burst rate should keep you to casual sports scenarios.

Street Photography

• Ricoh CX4’s smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to carry and less conspicuous.
• Canon’s greater zoom may be burdensome for quick capture but valuable for candid portraits from distance.

Macro Photography

• Both offer excellent close-focusing distances (1 cm), but Canon’s larger sensor and better stabilization help capture finer details.

Night/Astro Photography

• Neither camera excels in high ISO or long exposures due to sensor size.
• Canon’s max shutter speed and ISO ceiling provide slightly more options; however, noise limits usefulness beyond ISO 800.

Video Recording

• Canon offers vastly superior video resolution and frame rates, making it the better choice for casual videography.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s superior zoom and wireless features combined with a reasonable size make it a capable travel companion.
• Ricoh’s lighter weight appeals to minimalist travelers prioritizing portability.

Professional and Workflow Integration

• Both cameras lack RAW support and professional-grade features like fast tethering or ruggedness; suited mainly for enthusiasts rather than pros.

Evaluation Summary: Performance Ratings at a Glance

Specialty Genre Score Breakdown: Who Excels Where?

• Canon SX700 HS excels in wildlife, sports, video, and travel due to its long zoom, faster burst, and connectivity.
• Ricoh CX4 is a basic yet competent compact for casual shooting, street, and macro where simplicity and portability prevail.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Canon SX700 HS is the clear winner for those who want to explore creative controls, need extensive zoom reach, and desire modern features like wireless image transfer and quality Full HD video. It's well-suited for wildlife, sports, travel, and casual portraiture, offering the best compromise of size and performance in this pair.

Ricoh CX4, while more limited by today’s standards, still presents an affordable, lightweight option for beginners or those primarily shooting in daylight with relaxed zoom needs. Its smaller size and internal storage can be appealing for simple, no-fuss usage.

Recommendations Based on Your Photography Needs

Wrapping Up: Embrace Your Creative Journey

Both cameras represent small-sensor superzoom compacts but cater to somewhat different photography appetites. The Canon SX700 HS embodies a more modern, versatile toolset suitable for creative control and multimedia capture. The Ricoh CX4 offers modest functionality with a compact form factor perfect for casual users and street photographers valuing portability.

If you can, testing these cameras hands-on - considering your ergonomics preference and shooting style - is invaluable. Check out them at a local store, explore sample images, and get a feel for the zoom and autofocus responsiveness.

Pair them with the right accessories like extra batteries, quality SD cards, or even a travel tripod for stability. Your next camera should be a trusted companion that empowers your vision, whichever model you pick.

Happy shooting, and may your creative explorations be as rich and zoom-fueled as these cameras allow!