Zooming In: A Hands-On Comparison of the Fujifilm HS35EXR vs. Ricoh CX5

In the world of compact superzoom cameras, the tussle for who offers the best blend of reach, image quality, and user-friendliness is never-ending. Today, I’m bringing two intriguing contenders into the ring: the Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR and the Ricoh CX5. Both cameras aim to accommodate keen photographers who want versatile zoom ranges without lugging around bulky interchangeable lens systems. But how do they stack up against each other across the multitude of photographic genres and demands? Let’s dive in from body to sensor – and beyond – with my deep-dive, first-hand experience putting these cameras through their paces.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

When you pick up a camera, the ergonomics can make or break the shooting experience - especially when you plan marathon sessions in the field.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR is an SLR-style bridge camera with a heftier build, weighing in at 687 grams and sporting a chunky 131 x 97 x 126 mm frame. This solid form factor feels substantial but balanced in the hand, with pronounced grips and well-placed buttons, giving that reassuring “proper camera” vibe. Its tilting 3-inch LCD, although somewhat low in resolution at 460k dots, provides flexible framing options.

In contrast, the Ricoh CX5 is a compact powerhouse, more pocketable at just 205 grams and much slimmer dimensions (102 x 59 x 29 mm). It offers a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with a considerably higher resolution of 920k dots but lacks any articulation.

While the Fuji feels more like a desktop bike - steady and grippy - the Ricoh is more akin to a nimble scooter, ideal for light travel and street photography where discretion and portability rule.

Side note: users with larger hands may appreciate the HS35EXR's heft and grip more, while minimalists might lean towards the CX5 for its pocketability.

Top View: Control Layout and Handling

Getting to grips with the operational layout is where the Fuji flexes superiority in usability - its SLR-inspired top-plate control cluster features a logical dial system, a dedicated exposure compensation button, and a well-sized mode dial.

The Ricoh CX5, while straightforward, is more limited. It lacks dedicated aperture or shutter priority modes and instead offers manual exposure mode but with fewer dedicated controls.

For photographers who like to quickly tweak settings on the fly - whether adjusting aperture, shutter speed, or ISO - the Fuji’s control layout is far more intuitive and versatile. The Ricoh feels a bit constrained here; it's more of a point-and-shoot with superzoom benefits than a serious manual tool.

Pixel Power and Sensor Tech: Battle of the Image Engines

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor, and how it plays with the processor determines image quality more than specs alone.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR packs a 16-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (a 1/2" sensor) - a tad larger than standard superzoom sensors and paired with Fuji’s EXR processor. This combination aims to wring more dynamic range and detail out of a compact sensor, with support for RAW capture - a boon for enthusiasts who want creative control in post-processing.

The Ricoh CX5 sports a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm (1/2.3" sensor), smaller and lower resolution, paired with Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV. Unfortunately, it does not support RAW files, which limits serious editing flexibility.

During my practical testing, the Fuji consistently delivered sharper images with better color fidelity and detail retention in mid- to high-ISO shots. Although noise began creeping upwards when pushing above ISO 800, it remained more pleasing and manageable than the Ricoh’s noisier files.

The CX5, while competent at low ISOs, exhibited a more abrupt drop in image quality under challenging light conditions, with softer details and early noise onset at ISO 400 and above. This difference highlights the advantage of Fuji's EXR sensor tech and higher native resolution when you care about image finesse.

Viewing and Composing: LCD vs. Viewfinder

For photographers, the display and viewfinder are your windows to the image world, so clarity, coverage, and responsiveness matter.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR boasts a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) alongside its 3-inch tilting LCD with 460k-dot resolution and “Sunny Day” mode - handy for outdoor framing. The EVF is decent and sharp enough to compose accurately in bright sunlight or low light, giving the feel of an SLR.

Ricoh CX5, on the other hand, forsakes a viewfinder entirely and relies solely on its fixed 920k-dot LCD. The higher resolution makes for a crisp display but leaves you stranded when sunlight reflects off the screen.

Personally, I found Fuji’s EVF a game changer for wildlife and sports photography, where quick composition and stability, alongside eye-level shooting, reduce fatigue and help keep subjects in frame.

Zoom Capabilities and Lens Performance

When you’re talking superzooms, focal length range and lens optical quality are front-and-center.

The HS35EXR sports a mammoth 24-720 mm equivalent (30x zoom) lens with a variable aperture of f/2.8 to f/5.6. This range is incredible for everything from landscapes to wildlife lurking at the far end of your reach.

The CX5 covers 28-300 mm (approximately 11x zoom) at f/3.5–5.6, smaller range but still versatile for day-to-day photography and travel.

In real-world usage, Fuji’s ultra-telephoto reach was not just a marketing bullet point - the lens quality remained sharp even at the long end, with good contrast and control over aberrations (barrel distortion was present but well managed). The Ricoh’s lens is sharper in the short to mid-range but struggles to maintain crispness at its max telephoto.

Additionally, Fuji’s close focusing distance of 1 cm allowed for impressive macro-style shots, particularly when paired with its sensor-shift stabilization, which steadied the lens considerably during hand-held telephoto shooting.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Action

Autofocus speed and accuracy make or break cameras for wildlife or sports shooters.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR offers contrast-detection AF with face detection and even basic tracking, along with continuous AF modes - remarkable for a bridge camera of its vintage.

The Ricoh CX5 features contrast detection AF only, with no continuous tracking or face detection - a limitation for moving subjects.

Burst-wise, Fuji’s 11 fps (frames per second) continuous shooting rate stands out for a camera in this category, helping capture split-second action moments. The Ricoh CX5 can manage 5 fps, respectable but more limited.

How Do They Handle Portraiture?

Portrait photography demands natural skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

Fujifilm has long-standing heritage in delivering excellent color science, and the HS35EXR’s EXR CMOS sensor provides nicely rendered skin tones that lean slightly warm and inviting - a personal favorite. Its longer zoom range also lets you pull off backgrounds with a nicely blurred bokeh when zoomed in.

Ricoh CX5’s images display slightly cooler skin tones; the smaller sensor and less f/2.8 maximum aperture on the wide end hinder the potential for creamy bokeh. Also, the lack of face or eye detect AF makes it trickier to nail sharp portraits consistently, especially with shallow depth-of-field at tele.

For dedicated portrait enthusiasts, Fuji wins hands down here.

Wide Worlds: Landscape Photography with the HS35EXR and CX5

When capturing expansive vistas, resolution, dynamic range, and physical durability (weather resistance) become instrumental.

Here, both cameras fall short of professional-grade weather sealing - neither is waterproof, dustproof, or freezeproof. Definitely a consideration if you plan to shoot in rough outdoor environments.

Regarding resolution, the Fujifilm’s 16 MP sensor gives you more flexibility for large prints or cropping versus the Ricoh’s 10 MP.

Dynamic range wasn’t formally tested by DxO for either, but in my side-by-side landscape shoots, the Fuji’s EXR tech pulled marginally better highlight and shadow detail, especially in mixed lighting - think sunlit clouds with dark foreground trees.

If you want to use these cameras for landscapes, consider supplementing with a tripod (especially on the Fuji, which stabilizes images well but benefits from solid support for long exposures).

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking the Quick and the Wild

When it comes to critters or fast-moving athletes, autofocus prowess and frame rates dictate happiness levels.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR’s eye-detect and face-detect AF, combined with continuous autofocus and a blistering 11 fps burst, give it clear advantages for wildlife photography - especially birds or small animals - and action sports.

The Ricoh CX5’s lack of continuous AF or tracking, paired with a slower 5 fps burst, relegates it to casual or slower-paced action shooting.

However, the CX5’s small size and lighter weight can sometimes make it more agile for street or travel wildlife glimpses, especially if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself.

Street and Travel Photography: Balance of Discretion and Versatility

For street shooting, discretion, response speed, and portability are prized. The Ricoh’s compact size dramatically shines here. It's much easier to tuck into a jacket pocket and whip out unobtrusively. The quick startup and simple interface match well with the grab-and-go nature of street photography.

The Fuji’s larger size, though balanced ergonomically, carries some visual heft that may intimidate subjects or slow candid shooting. That said, its extensive zoom range and manual controls appeal if you want to explore varied focal lengths without swapping lenses on the go.

Battery life tips the scales toward Fuji as well: about 600 shots per charge versus (unlisted but generally lower) for the Ricoh, giving you more shooting time on extended trips.

Macro and Close-Up Capabilities

Both cameras impress with their 1 cm minimum focusing distances, but Fuji’s lens speed and sensor-shift stabilization enhance hand-held macro shooting quality.

Ricoh CX5’s fixed lens design means fewer moving parts and more straightforward handling, which is great for spontaneous close-ups, but Fuji’s added control and image stabilization edge it ahead for more detailed macro exploration.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Flexibility

Shooting at night tests a camera’s sensor noise floor and exposure modes.

Fujifilm allows ISO up to 3200 native and boosted ISO 12800 - though images at ISO 12800 are mostly for emergencies, the noise control up to 3200 is commendable.

Ricoh’s max native ISO is 3200 as well, but lower resolution and sensor tech mean noise becomes an issue by ISO 800-1600 on my tests.

Exposure modes on the Fuji include shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual, offering full control vital for astro photography. The Ricoh supports manual exposure but lacks priority modes and bracketing options, limiting its practical use for night or astro shooters.

Video Capabilities: The Moving Image

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but here’s the breakdown:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with MPEG-4/H.264 compression. HDMI output available, but no microphone/headphone ports for external audio. Built-in stabilization benefits handheld video.

• Ricoh CX5: HD 720p at 30 fps, using Motion JPEG compression, which is less efficient and produces larger files. No HDMI out or external audio capability.

For videographers dabbling in casual clips, Fuji’s superior resolution, compression codec, and stabilization make it the clearly better choice.

Workflow, Connectivity, and Storage

Both cameras feature SD card slots for storage, though Fuji supports SDXC, allowing for bigger high-speed cards - handy if you shoot lots of RAW or video.

Neither camera has wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - expected from their age and market position but noteworthy for those who want instant social sharing or geotagging.

Fuji’s USB 2.0 and HDMI ports provide decent tethering and external output options, while Ricoh CX5 only offers USB 2.0 without HDMI, limiting workflow flexibility.

Price and Value: What Do You Get For Your Dollars?

Currently retailing at around $380 (HS35EXR) and $400 (CX5), these cameras inhabit a similar budget sweet spot.

The Fujifilm’s stronger sensor, broader and faster zoom, superior controls, EVF, and video specs offer more bang for your buck if you prioritize image quality, manual control, and versatility.

Ricoh’s appeal lies in its compactness and simplicity - if you want a light, discreet camera with reasonable zoom and straightforward handling, it's worth consideration.

Final Scorecards and Genre-Specific Ratings

To wrap up my assessments, here are the performance ratings based on multi-criteria testing (see the images below):

Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back

Take note: Fujifilm dominates in sports, wildlife, and portrait photography thanks to autofocus features and sensor quality. Ricoh holds ground in portability and street photography.

Who Is Each Camera For?

• Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR
  Recommended for: Photography enthusiasts who want a feature-rich superzoom with manual controls, capable autofocus, excellent zoom reach, and decent video quality. Great for portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and casual sports. Its handling and battery life support longer shoots.

• Ricoh CX5
  Recommended for: Casual shooters or travel photographers valuing compactness, simplicity, and decent zoom without the bulk or complexity of bridge cameras. Ideal if portability trumps ultimate image control and you shoot mostly daylight or street scenes.

Parting Thoughts

Having spent time with these cameras across indoor portraits, outdoor scouting, zip-lining wildlife scenes, and dimly lit cafes, my verdict leans clearly towards the Fujifilm HS35EXR as the more versatile, better-performing superzoom bridge camera of the two. However, the Ricoh CX5 still earns respect as a pocket-sized zoom camera for those who prize stealth and simplicity.

Ultimately, your choice should weigh how much you need manual controls and reach against how much you value discreet travel photography.

And as with any gear, I always recommend borrowing or renting first if you can - because no spec sheet or review can truly replace the personal fit and feel of a camera in your hands.

Happy shooting!

Note: All tests were conducted with standard SD cards, fully charged batteries, manual focusing tools, consistent lighting conditions, and using real-world scenarios to best simulate everyday photographic challenges.