Canon SX740 HS vs Ricoh CX6: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

Choosing a compact superzoom camera can feel like navigating a dense jungle of specifications, trade-offs, and brand legacies. Today, I’m placing two intriguingly distinct contenders head to head: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, launched in 2018, and the Ricoh CX6 from 2011. Both are small sensor superzooms, but they embody very different philosophies shaped by their era, technology, and design priorities.

After thorough hands-on tests - from photographing bustling street scenes to capturing delicate orchids, moonlit landscapes, and action-packed soccer games - I’ll share a comprehensive breakdown of how these two machines stack up. We’ll peel back layers like sensor tech, ergonomics, autofocus reliability, image quality nuances, and even video chops to give you clarity on what camera suits which photographic ambition. Buckle up as we explore these pocketable zoom beasts.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: First Impressions Matter

At first glance (and touch), the Canon SX740 HS asserts a more contemporary silhouette - slightly bulkier and heavier at 299 grams compared to the Ricoh CX6’s svelte 201 grams. Both share similarly compact footprints (Canon: 110x64x40mm; Ricoh: 104x59x29mm), but the Ricoh’s thinner profile makes it more naturally pocketable.

The Canon's heft translates to a more assured grip, an advantage for anyone shooting longer telephoto or extended sessions. The SX740 HS offers a tilting 3-inch LCD with 922k dot resolution, enhancing framing versatility and viewability at odd angles - a boon for street photography and video vlogging. Ricoh CX6, while matching the 3-inch screen size, opts for a fixed "Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD" boasting a higher 1230k dot resolution which renders brighter images outdoors but loses the tilt flexibility.

Control-wise, the Canon shows its age-appropriate refinement with more pronounced, logically placed buttons and dedicated dials - a design guided by Canon’s deep user interface experience. Conversely, Ricoh’s button layout is minimalist, tending towards simplicity but might feel cramped for users with larger hands or those needing quick access to settings.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, requiring reliance on their rear displays - something to consider if shooting under bright sun or for those preferring eye-level compositions.

In sum, the Canon trades slight bulk for ergonomic comfort and usability; Ricoh champions extreme portability at some expense to intuitive handling.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of a Camera

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor format, a standard small sensor size common in compact superzooms. This size inherently limits dynamic range and low-light prowess compared to larger APS-C or full-frame chips but enables extreme zoom reach at affordable costs.

The SX740 HS pushes ahead with a 20.3-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI-CMOS) sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, promising improved noise reduction and processing speed. In comparison, the Ricoh CX6 uses a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor processed by the Smooth Imaging Engine IV - a respectable performer for its time but clearly outpaced by modern processing pipelines.

Looking at real-world output, particularly in daylight conditions, the Canon’s higher resolution captures finer detail, especially noticeable in landscape shots where textures and foliage take center stage. The SX740 produces crisper images at base ISO 100, with better color rendition and sharper edges.

In low light, the Canon again flexes superiority due to the BSI sensor design, which increases photon capture efficiency. With its max native ISO of 3200 (shared with Ricoh), noise is controlled better on the Canon, offering more usable shots at dusk or in interiors.

The Ricoh’s 10MP falls short for enthusiasts who appreciate flexibility in cropping and printing larger sizes, although its images maintain respectable saturation and contrast. The higher resolution screen aids in verifying focus accuracy, but does not compensate for its sensor’s limitations.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Superzoom cameras live or die by autofocus performance due to telephoto reach where fast and precise focus is critical.

The Canon SX740 HS boasts a contrast-detection AF system with Face Detection and Eye Detection AF, continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects, and 9-point AF areas that are smartly utilized for its class. In my tests with portrait subjects and wildlife action, the Canon reliably locked focus on faces and eyes even in moderately challenging light, minimizing misfires.

Ricoh’s CX6 autofocus system is older technology - contrast detection only, no face or eye detection, and a more limited continuous AF option prone to lag. It offers multi-area AF and a central AF point but lacks any tracking or follow-up autofocus for moving subjects.

For fast action or wildlife shooting, the Canon SX740’s 10fps burst coupled with continuous AF is a clear asset, enabling more keepers. The Ricoh tops out at 5fps with single AF only, hampering dynamic shooting.

In macro shooting, both cameras focus as close as 1cm, but the Canon’s advanced AF provides slightly better precision and quicker lock, critical when capturing fine flower details or insect portraits handheld.

Lens and Zoom: Reach Versus Speed

The Canon’s 24–960mm equivalent lens astounds with a hefty 40x optical zoom range, enabling breathtaking reach for distant subjects. The lens aperture varies from f/3.3 at wide-angle to f/6.9 at full telephoto. The Ricoh CX6’s more modest 28–300mm (10.7x zoom) with apertures from f/3.5 to f/5.6 is less ambitious but maintains slightly better speed at telephoto end.

From my fieldwork exploring wildlife in local parks and capturing urban architecture, the Canon’s superzoom is a versatile tool that covers landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects seamlessly. However, be aware that at 960mm, images require very steady hands or tripod stabilization; otherwise, softness creeps in. The SX740's optical image stabilization (OIS) helps combat this effectively.

The Ricoh’s lens, while lacking reach, offers slightly faster apertures at telephoto, beneficial in dimmer conditions. Yet, the tradeoff in zoom range means compromising on framing options.

Display and User Interface: Eyes on the Prize

The Canon SX740 features a tilting LCD that opens creative framing possibilities, such as high-angle street scenes or low-to-the-ground macro shots, perfect for photographers who like changing perspectives on the fly. However, it is not a touchscreen, so navigation depends on buttons.

Ricoh’s fixed 3-inch screen is sharper but less flexible physically. It’s bright, utilizing Sony’s WhiteMagic tech, favored for daylight legibility, but sacrifices angle versatility.

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, which might disappoint users who prefer shooting with their eye pressed to a finder for better stability and focus confidence.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance features, putting them squarely in the casual, lightweight category. The Canon’s plastic body feels robust, with no creaks or give, while Ricoh’s more minimalist build shows some flex under moderate pressure.

If you need a rugged camera for harsh environments, neither option suits well. For controlled or casual environments, both hold up fine.

Burst Mode and Buffer Performance

One of the Canon SX740’s standout specs is its continuous shooting at 10fps with continuous autofocus - rare for compact superzooms. This proved invaluable during sports and wildlife shoots where split-second moments matter. The buffer can handle around 10 JPEGs in quick succession before slowing, which is reasonable for the class.

Ricoh’s CX6 maxes at 5fps in single AF mode, with less forgiving buffer limits, making it less ideal for action photography.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Matter

When it comes to video, the Canon SX740 HS really shakes off its modest form factor by delivering 4K UHD recording at 30fps with H.264 codec. While lacking microphone or headphone jacks, which limits audio flexibility, it offers Hybrid IS combining optical and electronic stabilization, a notable plus for handheld video smoothness.

Ricoh CX6 is stuck in the HD era with 1280x720 resolution at 30fps, saved as Motion JPEG files - outdated and less flexible for editing. No external mic support or 4K options were available.

For vloggers or casual filmmakers, the Canon presents a superior package, albeit at basic levels suitable for entry-level video rather than professional productions.

Connectivity and Storage

Canon clearly embraces modern connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC allow seamless image transfer and remote control via Canon’s app. It includes HDMI output for direct display on monitors or TVs and charges via USB 2.0.

Ricoh CX6 is limited to USB 2.0 and Eye-Fi card support - a feature that allowed wireless transfers through memory cards, which is now legacy tech. No Bluetooth or NFC exists here.

On storage, both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility for the Canon, supporting faster write speeds.

Battery Life: Staying Power in the Field

The SX740 HS rates to about 265 shots per charge under CIPA standards, which is modest. Field experience shows that 200–240 shots is more realistic with heavy LCD use, video, or flash. Canon’s battery pack design allows easy replacement on the go.

Ricoh’s CX6 battery life is less clearly documented but assumed comparable or slightly better given its lower-power features and absence of 4K video. It uses the DB-100 battery, which some users may find less accessible or costly.

For travel or extended outings, carrying a spare battery is advisable for both cameras.

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Real-World Image Samples: What Do They Tell Us?

Side-by-side comparisons show Canon’s superior detail retention and better handling of light falloff at telephoto. The SX740’s images have more vibrant yet natural colors suitable for portraits, with warm, pleasing skin tones aided by Eye AF to keep eyes sharp.

Ricoh's photos hold up well when lighting is good but display softer edges and somewhat flatter tones in challenging high contrast scenes. The lower resolution restricts cropping without losing detail.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Analysing core metrics across disciplines shows:

• Portrait photography: Canon takes the lead due to superior autofocus (face & eye detection), higher image quality, and pleasing bokeh at longer focal lengths despite slower max apertures.
• Landscape photography: Both are capable, but Canon’s higher resolution and dynamic range nudges it ahead.
• Wildlife and Sports: Canon’s faster continuous AF and shooting speed dominate here; Ricoh falls short.
• Street photography: Ricoh’s smaller size and lighter weight appeal; Canon’s outperforms thanks to faster AF and tilt screen.
• Macro photography: Both perform similarly close-up, but Canon’s AF precision gives an edge.
• Night and Astro: Low light noise control favors Canon, but neither camera excels in demanding astro scenarios.
• Video: Canon’s 4K vs Ricoh’s HD shows clear modern advantage.
• Travel: Ricoh’s size wins, but Canon’s versatility and connectivity make it more versatile.
• Professional use: Neither qualifies fully, but Canon’s superior file quality and controls come closer due to technical refinements.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras target compact enthusiasts wanting versatile zoom with easy handling, but they cater to slightly different user groups due to their generational gaps and technologies.

• Choose the Canon SX740 HS if you want:

  • Superior image quality and detailed 20MP files
  • Best autofocus with face and eye detection for portraits and wildlife
  • 4K video support and modern wireless options
  • Versatile zoom range (24–960mm) for all-in-one shooting
  • Tilt screen to ease framing from creative angles
    Even though the Canon is heavier, it compensates by delivering greater overall performance for advanced compact zoom use. Its price also sits attractively around $400 new or less used, a bargain given its features.

• Choose the Ricoh CX6 if you want:

  • Extra portability and minimalistic size/weight for street and casual travel
  • Simpler, straightforward camera without feature overload
  • Modest zoom needs capped at 300mm
  • Unique Sony WhiteMagic LCD for outdoor visibility
    While pricier second-hand (~$595 new price shows it was premium at launch), the Ricoh appeals to pure pocketability fans with fewer ambitions toward speed or advanced image quality.

In closing, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS feels like an agile modern superzoom for photography enthusiasts who want the best possible compromises within a compact shell. The Ricoh CX6 is a niche tool for those prioritizing extreme portability and uncomplicated usage over cutting-edge imaging. Understanding how these priorities match your photographic goals will help you pick your next trusty pocket zoom with confidence.

Happy shooting!