Casio EX-Z90 vs Ricoh CX1: A Hands-On Comparison for Smart Compact Buyers

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly tricky. When we look back at some noteworthy cameras from the late 2000s, the Casio EX-Z90 and Ricoh CX1 stand out as interesting contenders in the small sensor compact category. Both announced in 2009, these models catered to photography enthusiasts who demanded quality and simplicity in a pocketable form factor, albeit with quite different priorities.

In this in-depth comparison, I draw on my extensive hands-on testing of compact cameras to uncover how these two models stack up across popular photography disciplines, technical performance, ergonomics, and real-world usability. Whether you're into portraits, landscapes, or casual travel snapshots, this guide will help you decide if either of these cameras still deserves a spot in your gear lineup or just makes for an intriguing look back.

Compact Size and Handling: Pocketable with Personality?

When assessing compact cameras, the physical size, weight, and control layout can make or break your shooting experience, especially if you carry your camera daily. Both the Casio EX-Z90 and Ricoh CX1 embrace a classic compact design with fixed lenses and limited manual controls, but they differ noticeably in their physical footprint and ergonomics.

Casio EX-Z90 features a slim, almost minimalist body, measuring 90mm wide, 52mm tall, and only 19mm thick. Weighing just 121 grams (battery and memory card included), its lightweight design makes it excellent for sliding into a pocket unnoticed. The modest zoom range (35-105mm equivalent) suits casual shooting, and the neat, fixed-lens layout avoids protrusions.

Conversely, the Ricoh CX1 is chunkier and heavier at 102x58x28mm and 180 grams. This added bulk is partly due to its significantly longer 28-200mm zoom lens, offering 7.1x optical versatility. Despite being larger, the CX1 still fits comfortably in larger pockets or small bags, and the increased girth contributes to a more confident grip, especially for users desiring more substantial ergonomics.

Top Controls and Interface: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

User interfaces in compacts evolved towards greater simplicity by this era, with fewer dedicated buttons and reliance on automatic modes, but the subtle differences in control placement influence speed and comfort during spontaneous shoots.

Casio’s EX-Z90 has a straightforward top plate with a power button and shutter release. However, the absence of manual exposure options limits creative control. The camera caters best to point-and-shoot users who do not require granular adjustment or extensive external controls.

Ricoh’s CX1 also simplifies button layout but benefits from slightly more tactile control dials. Despite no aperture or shutter priority, the inclusion of timelapse shooting (rare for its class and time) and customizable self-timer settings gives more creative leeway. The slightly larger physical buttons improve operation in tricky conditions.

In testing, I found the CX1 more conducive to quick adjustments, vital when capturing fleeting moments - a cornerstone of good compact camera design.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Deal?

The heart of image quality lies primarily in the sensor. Both cameras utilize the 1/2.3" sensor size typical of compacts, but the underlying sensor technology and resolution impact low light performance, sharpness, and dynamic range.

• Casio EX-Z90 uses a 12MP CCD sensor. CCDs are known for producing pleasing color rendition and noise characteristics in daylight but often suffer in higher ISOs due to increased noise and limited dynamic range. The fixed 4:3 aspect ratio offers up to 4000x3000 pixels.

• Ricoh CX1 incorporates a 9MP CMOS sensor. CMOS sensors offer better noise scaling and typically higher dynamic range. Despite lower megapixels, the CX1’s sensor shows better overall tone and shadow detail retention during my tests, especially under indoor and dim lighting conditions. The supported aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, and 3:2) provide creative framing options.

Many photographers underestimate how sensor type affects image quality in real-world conditions. In this case, the CX1’s sensor provides more flexibility and arguably better results, despite a slightly lower resolution.

Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

Since both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, the rear LCD screen becomes the primary means to frame and review photos.

Casio’s EX-Z90 features a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a 230k-dot resolution. While serviceable, the modest size and relatively low pixel count limit detail, making manual focusing or precise composition trickier in bright sunlight.

Ricoh’s CX1 shines with a 3-inch, 920k-dot LCD - a significant boost in clarity and size. The higher resolution facilitates better framing precision and easy menu navigation, plus improved visibility in outdoors scenarios.

From my testing experience, the CX1’s screen dramatically improves user experience for street shooting or travel photography, where quick composition changes and visual feedback are crucial.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: How Fast Can They Capture the Moment?

Autofocus speed and accuracy define the usability of a camera in many scenarios, especially for moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus, which tends to be slower and less reliable in low light compared to phase detection - but there are differences:

• The Casio EX-Z90 offers only single AF mode without face or subject detection technology. The focusing can feel sluggish, especially at the telephoto end.

• The Ricoh CX1 matches the contrast-detect AF but includes manual focus capability and benefits from its more advanced image processor, enabling snappier focusing and integration with features like timelapse.

Unfortunately, neither camera supports continuous AF tracking, limiting their effectiveness for fast-paced sports or wildlife photography, but general snapshots remain feasible.

Lens Versatility and Optical Quality: Zoom and Macro

Lens capability often defines a compact’s practical shooting range. The Casio’s lens covers a 35-105mm equivalent focal range with max apertures from f/3.1 to f/5.9. This is modest zoom allowing standard portraits to short telephoto shots.

The Ricoh CX1 boasts a wider 28-200mm (7.1x) zoom at f/3.3-5.2 - substantial versatility for everyday shooting, including telephoto.

For macro enthusiasts:

• The EX-Z90 focuses down to 10cm, reasonable for casual close-ups.

• The CX1 impresses with a 1cm macro focusing distance, allowing for highly detailed close-ups that more demanding users will appreciate.

Additionally, the CX1 incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, a major advantage for handheld shots at telephoto or close range, where camera shake is a concern. The EX-Z90 lacks any stabilization, which can limit sharpness at extended zoom and slow shutter speeds.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance is critical for field shooting, and convenient storage options are essential for workflow.

• Casio EX-Z90 uses NP-60 batteries and supports SD/SDHC cards alongside internal memory. It depicts no explicit battery life figures, suggesting a need to carry spares for extended use.

• Ricoh CX1 runs on DB-70 batteries, also supporting SD/SDHC with internal memory, plus timelapse recording support for creative projects.

The CX1 misses wireless features entirely while the EX-Z90 works with Eye-Fi card connectivity - Wi-Fi via SD card was quite innovative for 2009.

Notably, neither camera offers HDMI or microphone ports; video functionality is limited.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips Only

Both cameras provide basic video recording - but are far from modern standards.

• Casio EX-Z90 films 720p HD (1280x720) at 24fps, saved as Motion JPEG. The slight edge over very low-res video is welcome but no steady stabilization or external audio features limit quality.

• Ricoh CX1 maxes out at 640x480 VGA at 30fps, with timelapse video support. The lack of HD resolution is a drawback even for casual shooters, but sensor-shift stabilization partially compensates.

For anyone prioritizing video alongside still images, neither camera is a strong choice today, but the Casio may slightly edge ahead in resolution.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Understanding how these cameras perform across shooting styles is key to making the right pick.

Casio EX Z90 front Casio EX Z90 screen back Ricoh CX1 front Ricoh CX1 screen back

Portrait Photography

Casio’s slightly higher resolution sensor helps capture fine details, but its lack of image stabilization and slower AF limit ease in low light or dynamic conditions. Skin tones are reasonably rendered but can appear flat due to the CCD sensor’s limited dynamic range.

Ricoh CX1’s sensor-shift stabilization and wider zoom enable more flattering focal lengths and sharper images handheld. The CMOS sensor better handles shadows and subtle tonal gradations for pleasing skin tones.

Landscape Photography

Rich tonal gradation and resolution matter here. Casio’s CCD offers decent detail in bright conditions but struggles with shadows, while no weather sealing restricts outdoor use flexibility.

Ricoh Cyan’s sensor renders superior dynamic range and deeper contrast, with its wider zoom reaching classic landscape focal lengths at 28mm. Lack of environmental sealing exists on both, limiting use in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera features rapid continuous AF or high burst rates, making them unsuitable for serious wildlife or sports. However, Ricoh’s longer zoom and image stabilization provide more framing flexibility and steadiness.

Street Photography

Portability and discreetness are crucial. Casio’s slim size and light weight make it less obtrusive. Ricoh’s larger body and louder zoom mechanism can attract attention, but its snappier autofocus and bigger screen aid quick shooting.

Macro Photography

The CX1 spectacularly outperforms with 1cm minimum focus, allowing detailed close-ups with stabilized handheld shooting. Casio’s 10cm macro ability is basic but workable for casual use.

Night and Astro

Sensor technology is vital here; the CMOS sensor generally outperforms CCD at higher ISO and in low light. Neither camera offers long exposure modes suited to astrophotography. Ricoh’s Sensor-shift IS aids slower shutter speeds but noise remains a fundamental limitation on both.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and size matter. Casio’s compactness and Eye-Fi wireless connectivity can be handy for casual travel. Ricoh’s wider zoom, superior screen, and better macro and timelapse features make it a more capable travel companion.

Professional Use

Both cameras lack RAW support, manual exposure modes, and external flash or microphone support, limiting professional workflow integration. They serve better as secondary or backup cameras.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither model offers environmental sealing or ruggedized construction. Both are typical consumer-grade compacts designed for casual care. From my experience, the Ricoh CX1’s thicker body provides a more reassuring grip and durability feel.

Value for Your Money: Then and Now

At launch, Casio EX-Z90 retailed around $150, targeting budget-conscious buyers wanting basic features and portability. The Ricoh CX1 cost nearly double ($300), reflecting its more ambitious zoom, image stabilization, and better screen.

Given their age, both are now priced mainly for used collectors or hobbyists seeking affordable compacts with distinct character. From a pure value perspective, the Ricoh's added versatility and image quality justify the higher price if both are easily available.

How They Score Across Popular Photography Genres

The Ricoh CX1 consistently outperforms the Casio EX-Z90, especially in macro, landscape, and travel scenarios. The Casio’s strength lies in its simple pocket portability and decent daylight image quality.

Final Summary and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Casio EX-Z90?

• You want the smallest, lightest compact possible.
• Primarily shoot casual daytime photos with little need for zoom or video.
• Interested in affordable, simple-to-use cameras with basic features.
• Eye-Fi support appeals for wireless sharing and easy transfer.
• You’re okay sacrificing stabilization and low-light performance.

Who Should Consider the Ricoh CX1 Instead?

• You value zoom versatility - 28-200mm covers almost any scene.
• Macro photography is important, and you want sharp handheld close-ups.
• You shoot in mixed lighting where dynamic range and stabilization matter.
• A higher-resolution, better quality LCD enhances your shooting experience.
• You appreciate timelapse support and modest creative video options.
• Physical grip and button layout are important for confident handling.

Final Thoughts

Both the Casio EX-Z90 and Ricoh CX1 reflect their era of compact camera design, balancing ease of use with some advanced features typical of 2009. Through countless tests, I’ve seen that sensor tech, lens quality, and effective stabilization are crucial even in small sensor compacts.

The Ricoh CX1 emerges as the more complete camera for enthusiasts who want creative flexibility and better image quality, particularly under challenging conditions or for nature and macro work.

The Casio EX-Z90 excels in pure portability and straightforward shooting, ideal for those who prize an almost pocket-sized design and uncomplicated operation.

If you seek a bargain compact for simple shoots or casual travel, both remain fascinating options. However, for serious photography demands, upgrading to more recent models with larger sensors, faster autofocus, and RAW support is advisable.

By combining extensive technical knowledge, field testing, and a deep understanding of photographic needs, I hope this comparison guides you well on your path to finding the perfect compact camera - whether it’s a nostalgic classic or a fresh tool for your creative journey.