Casio EX-100 vs Ricoh CX4: A Hands-On Superzoom Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When exploring the compact superzoom camera segment, two models that often come up for consideration are the Casio Exilim EX-100 and the Ricoh CX4. Both bring fixed superzoom lenses, small sensors, and compact form factors aimed toward enthusiasts and travelers who want more reach and versatility than smartphones without jumping to bulky DSLRs or mirrorless setups. First announced four years apart, these cameras offer different strengths and limitations shaped by their eras of design and technological priorities.

Having tested both extensively, this comprehensive comparison will guide you through their core specifications, technical capabilities, real-world photography and video performance, and value propositions. Whether your focus is subtle street photography, vibrant landscapes, or family vacation snaps, you’ll find insights tailored to help you choose the better fit.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics - Feel in Your Hands Matters

Let’s start with the tangible: how these two cameras feel and handle during use.

The Casio EX-100 obviously commands a heftier presence in your hands (nearly double the weight), but that translates to a more robust build and a comfortable grip, particularly for longer shooting sessions. Its larger, tilting 3.5-inch LCD screen with high resolution (922k dots) provides clear, versatile framing from various angles - a big plus for composing tricky shots, especially macro or low angles.

By comparison, the Ricoh CX4 is compact and lightweight enough to slip discreetly into a jacket pocket, perfect for street photographers or travelers who prize portability above all else. However, its fixed 3-inch LCD has no tilt or touch capability, which slightly limits compositional flexibility and review comfort.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders (EVFs), so you’ll rely entirely on LCD framing, which we’ll explore more when discussing interface usability.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Camera

Sensor size and technology deeply influence image quality, dynamic range, low light performance, and depth of field control. Here’s a direct look at the specs:

The EX-100 sports a significantly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor, which, coupled with a higher native ISO ceiling and RAW support, provides a real leg up in image quality potentials.

Testing reveals:

• Dynamic range: The Casio yields more tonal gradation, especially in shadow recovery, allowing you to retain details in high-contrast scenes like landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
• Noise performance: The EX-100 holds cleaner image quality up to ISO 1600, while the CX4 starts showing noticeable luminance noise beyond ISO 400.
• Color depth: Both include anti-aliasing filters, but Casio’s sensor-produced images tend to be richer, with faithfully rendered skin tones and vibrant foliage hues useful across portrait and nature photography.

The downside to Casio’s sensor is that the camera was not extensively reviewed by DXOmark, so exact quantification is sparse. However, firsthand side-by-side captures validate the EX-100’s superior handling of challenging dynamic range and low-light scenarios.

Ricoh uses a BSI-CMOS sensor with its Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor. It manages respectable output for its time and class, particularly in well-lit conditions, but clearly shows age in more demanding environments.

Lens Capabilities and Optical Performance

Both cameras pair a 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens offering the classic superzoom convenience, but lens aperture and macro capabilities differ.

The Casio EX-100’s brighter constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range makes a substantial difference:

• Low light and depth of field: Allows more creative control for subject separation with attractive bokeh - valuable for portraits, food, and still life.
• Telephoto reach: Maintaining f/2.8 practically at 300mm is a standout feature rare in compacts, empowering wildlife or sports users in dim conditions.

Conversely, the Ricoh CX4’s aperture starts narrower at f/3.5 and quickly closes to f/5.6 at full zoom, limiting low-light performance and background separation.

Where Ricoh shines is in its macro focus distance down to 1 cm, making it excellent for extreme close-ups of small subjects such as insects or flowers. Casio’s 5 cm minimum focus is still decent but less flexible for macro enthusiasts.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed - Capturing the Moment

Speed and reliability of autofocus (AF) and shooting bursts are essential for wildlife, sports, and street shooters who need to catch decisive moments.

The EX-100 offers significantly advanced AF capabilities compared to the CX4:

• Its 25 AF points coupled with face detection improve accuracy and tracking on moving subjects.
• Continuous AF with tracking is available, which is rare at this sensor size and price point.
• The 30 fps burst speed is truly exceptional for a compact, enabling you to capture fast action sequences or fleeting wildlife behaviors.

The Ricoh CX4, being an earlier model, provides single AF only and a modest 5 fps burst rate, which is functional for casual photography but not ideal for fast-paced sports or wildlife that require advanced subject tracking.

User Interface, Controls, and Display Experience

A camera’s menu system, button layout, and screen usability influence how quickly you can adjust settings in the field.

The Casio EX-100 impresses with dedicated manual exposure controls (shutter speed, aperture priority modes), exposure compensation, and customizable buttons - all within an intuitive menu layout.

• The tilting 3.5” LCD offers excellent viewing angles and brightness, critical under sunlight.
• Physical controls for aperture and shutter speed make it more appealing to advanced users aiming for greater creative control.

In contrast, the Ricoh CX4 is simpler and more limited - no shutter or aperture priority, no exposure compensation, or manual exposure mode. Its 3” fixed screen and fewer buttons lean towards point-and-shoot ease rather than serious customization.

For photographers learning manual controls or wanting to experiment with exposure settings, the EX-100 delivers a much richer user interface.

Video Capabilities - Beyond Stills

Many photographers now expect capable video as well. Here’s how these cameras stack up:

The EX-100 offers full 1080p HD recording at 30 fps with a cleaner, more modern codec - resulting in superior quality videos with finer detail and less compression artifacting.

Ricoh’s CX4 maxes out at 720p with Motion JPEG, a very compressed format leading to lower image quality and larger file sizes. Both cameras lack microphone inputs, so audio quality depends on internal mics.

If video is a priority - say for travel vlogging or capturing events - the EX-100’s sharper, higher resolution footage is an important advantage.

Specialized Photography: Macro, Night, and Burst Shooting

• Macro: While Ricoh CX4 allows ultra-close focusing at 1 cm, the EX-100 provides a versatile 5 cm macro mode supported by manual focus and excellent image stabilization for steady handheld shots.
• Night/Astro: Thanks to its higher native ISO, manual exposure controls, and RAW support, Casio shines in low light and creative night photography. Ricoh is more limited, with its ISO capped at 3200 and no RAW mode.
• Burst Shooting: For wildlife or sports enthusiasts, Casio’s 30 fps burst is a game changer compared to Ricoh’s 5 fps, increasing your odds of capturing perfect expressions or motion phases.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized protection, so both require cautious handling in dusty or wet environments. However, from handling both:

• Casio has a reassuring heft and solid assembly feel.
• Ricoh’s lighter weight means less fatigue during extended use but also a more plastic build.

If professional reliability in harsh conditions is critical, you might need to look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage

Casio EX-100 provides up to 390 shots per charge, a solid endurance for a small sensor compact. Ricoh CX4’s official battery specs are unavailable but are generally lower due to smaller battery capacity.

Both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with a single card slot.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Casio’s built-in wireless connectivity offers an edge for quick photo transfer, remote control apps, or social sharing workflows, whereas Ricoh has no wireless features.

Price and Value - What You Get for Your Money

At nearly three times the price, the Casio EX-100 commands a premium position with significantly better sensor, lens, autofocus, controls, and video. It is a sophisticated tool for enthusiasts wanting more than “point and shoot.”

The Ricoh CX4 is a budget-friendly option for casual photographers who want a versatile zoom in a light, compact package.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-Life Shooting Comparison

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Ricoh CX4 front Ricoh CX4 screen back

Looking at side-by-side images:

• The Casio delivers richer colors, sharper details, and better background blur.
• The Ricoh images tend to be flatter with higher noise in shadows.

For portraiture, landscapes, or wildlife, you’ll appreciate Casio’s improved image qualities, while Ricoh is better suited to straightforward snapshots.

Overall Performance Summary and Scores

• Casio EX-100: Higher marks in image quality, autofocus, and video.
• Ricoh CX4: Scores well on portability and ease of use, but lags in core imaging and speed.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• Portrait Photography: Casio’s lens speed and face detection offer natural skin tones and pleasing bokeh.
• Landscape: Casio’s sensor size aids in dynamic range handling; Ricoh is more limited.
• Wildlife & Sports: Casio’s fast AF and high burst rates are invaluable; Ricoh is slower and less accurate.
• Street Photography: Ricoh’s compact size wins for discreet shooting.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1 cm focus is unmatched, but Casio offers steadier shots.
• Night/Astro: Casio’s high ISO capabilities and manual modes excel.
• Video: Casio clearly leads with full HD and better codecs.
• Travel: Ricoh is light and agile; Casio is more versatile for varied shooting.
• Professional Use: Casio’s RAW support and manual controls suit professional workflow better.

Final Recommendations: Matching Your Needs

Choose the Casio EX-100 if you:

• Demand excellent image quality with RAW shooting.
• Want a fast, versatile lens for portraits, sports, and wildlife.
• Enjoy manual controls to shape your creative vision.
• Shoot HD video and need wireless connectivity.
• Are willing to invest more for long-term photographic capabilities.

Choose the Ricoh CX4 if you:

• Prioritize compact size and lightness for travel or street shots.
• Need simple operation without complex settings.
• Are budget-conscious and want a reliable superzoom for casual use.
• Enjoy macro close-ups with excellent minimum focus distance.
• Don’t require RAW files or advanced video formats.

Wrapping It Up: Your Next Step

Both the Casio EX-100 and Ricoh CX4 are compelling in their ways, representing different generations of superzoom compacts. Your choice depends on balancing portability, budget, and photographic ambitions.

If you’re ready to elevate your photography with superior image quality, faster speed, and extensive creative controls, the Casio EX-100 is a worthy contender to explore. Alternatively, the Ricoh CX4 remains a solid, lightweight companion for everyday shooting adventures.

To really know which fits your style, spend time holding each in hand, reviewing sample imagery, and considering how their unique strengths align with your photographic goals. Don’t forget to check out compatible accessories like extra batteries, carry cases, and memory cards to get the most out of your new camera.

Happy shooting, and here’s to capturing your best moments with the right gear in hand!