Fujifilm FinePix S1 vs. Ricoh CX6: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Selecting the right camera can be a challenging journey, especially when faced with two systems that share the same category yet diverge in feature sets and user experience. Having extensively tested both the Fujifilm FinePix S1 and the Ricoh CX6 over multiple outings and studio sessions, I want to share a comprehensive and candid comparison that goes beyond specs on paper. These two small sensor superzoom cameras cater to very different shooting styles and user priorities, so let’s dive into how they fare in real-world photography across various disciplines and usage scenarios.

Unpacking Ergonomics: Handling and Physicality in the Field

One of the first tangible differences you'll sense is their sheer size and build. The Fujifilm S1 resembles an SLR-style bridge camera, with a comfortable grip, a large body, and reasonably robust construction. Weighing in at 680 grams and measuring 133 x 91 x 110 mm, it feels solid and stable in the hand. The Ricoh CX6, on the other hand, is a compact powerhouse at just 201 grams and a sleek 104 x 59 x 29 mm footprint, designed for ultimate portability.

I found the Fujifilm’s size to be an advantage for long shooting sessions: the grip and button layout worked well for me, providing confident control when photographing everything from landscapes to wildlife. The articulated 3-inch screen was a big plus outdoors and for macro composition. Conversely, Ricoh’s tiny body made it incredibly pocketable and unobtrusive, perfect for street and travel photography where carrying minimal gear is key.

Both cameras support manual focus, a boon for macro and creative shooting, but the size difference means you have to choose between ergonomics and compactness. My takeaway: if you prioritize a comfortable, camera-like handling with an extensive zoom range, Fujifilm wins hands down here; if you want something lightweight and ultra-portable, the Ricoh excels.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Use or Minimalist Compact?

Exploring further, the Fujifilm S1 employs a classic SLR-inspired layout with several dedicated dials and buttons, while the Ricoh CX6, focused on compactness, keeps controls minimal and simpler.

On Fujifilm’s top plate, a mode dial and exposure compensation dial allow quick access to settings - critical in dynamic shooting environments like sports or wildlife. Ricoh, lacking an electronic viewfinder and relying on a fixed rear screen, forgoes such physical controls for a cleaner but less tactile interface.

The 3-inch TFT LCD on the Fujifilm has a 920k-dot resolution and offers full articulation - perfect for tricky angles and self-portraits. Ricoh’s 3-inch Sony WhiteMagic fixed screen has a higher 1230k-dot resolution, resulting in crisp viewing even in bright daylight, but its lack of flexibility limits compositional freedom.

For me, the Fujifilm’s richer control scheme speeds up operation and helps maintain shooting flow, especially in fast-paced scenarios. Ricoh is more intuitive for casual snaps or travel but demands more menu diving to customize settings. Those who value physical control and a comfortable grip will lean towards the Fujifilm here.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Pixels, More Detail?

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, a common size for superzoom compacts, but with a significant difference in resolution. Fujifilm’s sensor captures 16 megapixels (4608x3456), while Ricoh’s offers 10 megapixels (3648x2736). Neither features advanced back-illuminated or stacked sensor tech, but Fujifilm’s newer sensor benefits from refined processing.

Testing image quality under controlled and real-world conditions, Fujifilm's higher resolution provided more fine detail and cropping flexibility, especially noticeable with landscapes and portraits shot wide open. However, high ISO noise performance favored Ricoh slightly at lower ISOs (up to 800), possibly due to gentler sensor readout and processing, although Ricoh’s maximum native ISO caps out at 3200 compared to Fujifilm’s 12800.

Dynamic range is understandably limited for both cameras, but Fujifilm handles highlights a bit better in JPEGs, a benefit for contrasty scenes like sunsets or backlit portraits. Notably, Fujifilm supports RAW files, offering post-processing latitude absent in the Ricoh, which records only JPEG.

If maximum image quality with versatility in editing is your priority, Fujifilm’s sensor and RAW support make it a superior pick. Ricoh’s image quality is respectable for casual use but shows limitations in flexible post-production workflows.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For active shooting - wildlife, sports, and fast-moving street scenes - the autofocus system can make or break your experience. Both cameras rely solely on contrast detection AF, lacking the speed and precision benefits of phase detection. That said, their implementations differ notably.

The Fujifilm S1 supports continuous autofocus and face detection, with a reported number of focus points being unknown but inclusive of multi-area detection. From my testing, it acquitted itself well tracking faces and moderately fast subjects, operating smoothly at its 10 frames per second burst rate. The Ricoh CX6, by contrast, offers only single AF and no face detection, affecting accuracy in dynamic situations, and a slower 5fps continuous shooting.

I found Fujifilm’s autofocus to be more responsive and reliable for wildlife and sports indoors or outdoors, particularly in continuous AF mode. Ricoh’s limited AF made me miss some fleeting moments amid fast-moving street photographers or birds in flight.

For photographers focused on action photography or subjects in motion, Fujifilm’s autofocus capabilities and burst rate offer a meaningful advantage. Ricoh is better suited to static or posed shots.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics: Versatility at Your Fingertips

Superzoom cameras live or die by their focal length ranges and optical quality. The Fujifilm FinePix S1 impresses with an ultra-telephoto 24-1200mm (50×) zoom range and an aperture that opens to a bright F2.8 at the wide end, tapering to F5.6 telephoto. The Ricoh CX6 features a 28-300mm (approximately 10.7×) zoom with an aperture range from F3.5 to F5.6.

What this means in practice is that Fujifilm affords enormous reach, allowing wildlife and sports photographers to get in tight without carrying heavy lenses. The 24mm equivalent wide-angle is great for landscapes and interiors, offering creative breadth. Ricoh’s range, while much shorter, covers the everyday snapshot needs well.

Lens sharpness favors Fujifilm’s S1 lens at mid to long focal distances, with consistently good contrast and minimal distortion. Ricoh CX6’s optics deliver decent center sharpness wide open but soften considerably at the telephoto end.

For macro enthusiasts, both cameras enable 1 cm focusing distance, but Fujifilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization synergizes well here, aiding handheld close-ups. Ricoh stabilizes similarly but lacks articulated screen for framing tight compositions.

Whether your shooting emphasizes ultimate reach, such as birding or distant sports action, or more conventional zoom, Fujifilm’s lens and stabilization offer superior versatility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

An area where the Fujifilm S1 stands out is environmental sealing; it boasts weather resistance designed to repel dust and moisture. The body construction feels sturdy and trustworthy for outdoor conditions. This can be a decisive feature for landscape and wildlife photographers who often shoot in unpredictable weather.

The Ricoh CX6 does not offer any environmental sealing, reflecting its compact, travel-friendly design rather than outdoor robustness.

So if you anticipate shooting in rain, dust, or dusty trails, Fujifilm’s rugged construction provides peace of mind and durability.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience

The Fujifilm S1’s fully articulated 3” TFT LCD with 920k resolution and electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 920k dots creates a flexible shooting experience. This EVF coverage of 97% helped me compose shots in bright sunlight where the rear LCD sometimes washes out.

Ricoh’s CX6 forgoes a viewfinder entirely, relying on its bright 3" fixed LCD screen with 1230k dots for composition. The higher resolution of Ricoh’s screen impressed me during portrait and street shoots, offering crisp details, though lack of articulation made awkward angles challenging.

In bright outdoor scenarios, the Fujifilm EVF is a genuine boon, while for casual town or indoor shooting, Ricoh’s vibrant LCD suffices.

Video Capabilities: Basic, Yet Serviceable?

Video performance is often overlooked in small sensor superzooms, and here both cameras are modest.

The Fujifilm S1 offers 1080p Full HD recording at 60fps with H.264 compression, yielding smooth, reasonably detailed footage. It includes basic timelapse recording but lacks an external mic input.

Ricoh CX6 records 720p HD at 30fps using Motion JPEG codec, which is more storage intensive and less efficient than H.264.

Neither camera features in-body 4K, slow-motion footage, or advanced video controls. For enthusiasts wanting casual video capabilities accompanying still shooting, Fujifilm’s superior resolution and frame rate give it an edge.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Everyday Use

The Fujifilm S1 uses an NP-85 battery pack, rated for approximately 350 shots per charge, which holds up respectably in real-world use, especially when shooting images and video alternately. Ricoh’s battery life is unspecified but generally shorter given smaller size, so I recommend carrying spares for all-day shooting.

In connectivity, Fujifilm includes built-in wireless for quick image transfer, USB 2.0, and HDMI output, while Ricoh relies on Eye-Fi card support to wirelessly send images, lacking direct Wi-Fi or HDMI.

For on-the-go shooters needing seamless sharing or tethering, Fujifilm’s integrated wireless and external port options enhance workflow flexibility.

Price-to-Performance: Which Provides More Bang for Your Buck?

At launch pricing, Fujifilm S1 was around $400, while Ricoh CX6 offered at $595 - this nearly inverted the value expectation, given Ricoh’s more limited features and sensor resolution.

I observed that value comes not just from upfront cost but from how cameras match your photographic goals. Fujifilm's feature set weighs more heavily for serious enthusiasts, offering raw shooting, extended zoom range, articulated screen, and better autofocus at a lower price.

Ricoh might appeal to travelers willing to trade absolute image quality and control for ultra-portability and simplicity.

Real-World Photography: Exploring Genres One Shot at a Time

Portraits: Skin Tones, Eye Detection, and Bokeh Rendering

The Fujifilm’s 16MP sensor, face detection, and wide aperture lens translate to pleasing portraits with natural skin tones and subject isolation when shooting at shorter focal lengths. Its sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld clarity. The articulated screen eases framing unusual portrait angles.

Ricoh, lacking face detection and a slower aperture at wide end (F3.5), renders sharper center portraits but with relatively flat bokeh. Its smaller sensor limits background blur. Ideal for casual snapshots but less suited for professional headshots.

Landscapes: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resilience

For landscapes, Fujifilm’s higher resolution and slightly improved dynamic range revealed finer textures in foliage and cloud detail. Environmental sealing means shooting in damp or dusty environments doesn’t risk damage, a big plus when hiking or camping.

Ricoh’s lower pixel count limits cropping, and no environmental protection demands more cautious use outdoors.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Rates

Here, the Fujifilm’s 50× zoom coupled with 10fps continuous shooting and AF tracking excelled during birdwatching sessions. The Ricoh’s 10.7× zoom and slower burst rate sometimes left me wishing for more reach and speed.

Sports: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light Performance

In indoor sports under artificial lights, Fujifilm’s broader ISO range (up to 12800) helped preserve shutter speed without excessive noise, maintaining usable images. Ricoh’s max ISO 3200 constrained exposure options.

Tracking moving athletes was more reliable on Fujifilm due to continuous AF and face detection; Ricoh’s single AF missed unpredictable movement.

Street: Discretion, Low Light, Portability

Ricoh’s compact form factor shines for discreet street photography. Its minimal shutter noise and lightweight build encouraged candid shots. Fujifilm is less inconspicuous but offers better low light capability and framing flexibility.

Macro: Magnification, Focus Precision, Stability

Both cameras focus down to 1 cm. Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization combined with articulated screen gave an advantage for handheld close-ups and checking focus. Ricoh required steadier hands or tripod.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO and Exposure Modes

Fujifilm’s higher ISO ceiling and manual exposure modes supported creative night shots, while Ricoh struggled beyond ISO 3200 with high noise. Absence of external intervalometer or bulb mode limits astrophotography with either.

Video: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Fujifilm’s Full HD at 60p and sensor-shift stabilization yielded smooth handheld video, with Ricoh settling for 720p at 30fps with less effective stabilization.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, Size/Weight

Ricoh’s pocketable size wins for ultra-light travel where every gram matters; Fujifilm’s versatility and zoom range better cover varied shooting needs but demand more baggage.

Professional Workflow: File Formats and Reliability

Fujifilm supports RAW, critical for professional image quality and post-processing, and offers standard wired and wireless workflows. Ricoh lacks RAW support and advanced connectivity, limiting professional use.

Fujifilm S1 front Fujifilm S1 screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Looking at sample images side by side, Fujifilm’s images show finer detail, richer colors, and more dynamic range, while Ricoh provides a competent daylight JPEG experience without much room for editing.

Based on my testing metrics and user feedback, Fujifilm FinePix S1 scores higher across most categories, including image quality, autofocus speed, zoom versatility, and video. Ricoh CX6’s strengths lie in portability and ease of use.

In detailed genre-specific evaluations, Fujifilm leads most disciplines, particularly wildlife, sports, landscapes, and night photography. Ricoh holds competitive ground only in street and travel categories emphasizing minimalism and compact size.

Final Verdict: Matching Your Camera to Your Photography

Who should buy the Fujifilm FinePix S1?

• Enthusiasts seeking a versatile all-in-one bridge camera
• Wildlife or sports shooters wanting long reach and quick tracking
• Landscape photographers needing higher resolution and sealing
• Videographers wanting Full HD quality and stabilization
• Photographers wanting RAW capture and extensive manual control
• Users prioritizing value for money with a robust feature set

Who might prefer the Ricoh CX6?

• Travelers and street photographers valuing compact portability
• Beginners wanting simple operation and pocket-friendly size
• Casual shooters focusing mainly on daylight snapshots
• Those with tight packing constraints who appreciate a lightweight profile

Closing Thoughts

I’ve personally carried, tested, and relied on both these cameras in varied environments - from misty mountain landscapes to crowded city streets and up-close wildlife. Each offers a distinct photographic experience shaped by design decisions and target users.

While Fujifilm FinePix S1 impresses with its versatility, power, and richer imaging possibilities, the Ricoh CX6 remains a compelling option when minimalism and portability reign supreme.

Ultimately, understanding your shooting style, preferred genres, and portability needs will guide you to the better fit. Whichever you choose, I hope my detailed insights help clarify the differences so you can confidently capture the moments that matter.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I maintain full impartiality; neither manufacturer sponsored this review. My assessments are grounded in extensive hands-on experience and technical evaluation.