Fujifilm S1500 vs Ricoh CX4: A Detailed Showdown of Early Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to early superzoom compact cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 and Ricoh CX4 both stand out as interesting relics of a time just before smartphones dominated casual photography. Released roughly a year apart - Fujifilm’s offering debuted in early 2009 and Ricoh’s followed mid-2010 - these cameras attempted to pack versatility and decent image quality into small sensor form factors, targeting hobbyists craving reach without the bulk or expense of DSLRs.

Having spent countless hours in the field and lab with similar small sensor superzooms, I dove deep into comparing these two models side-by-side. What emerges is a tale of trade-offs: Fujifilm’s SLR-like bridge design versus Ricoh’s compact approach, older CCD versus back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, and more manual controls on the Fujifilm clashing with Ricoh’s boosted burst rates and macro prowess.

Let’s unpack every key aspect - from sensor and optics to usability and real-world image results - to help you decide which might still hold value for your vintage camera collection, travel backup, or casual use.

The Physical Feel: Comparing Size and Ergonomics

Before we even turn on the cameras, handling them reveals much about what workflow each supports best. The Fujifilm S1500 is that charmingly chunky “bridge” camera often mistaken for a DSLR due to its SLR-esque body style. The Ricoh CX4, by contrast, is more compact and pocket-friendly - less weight, less bulk, more grab-and-go.

Physically, the S1500 measures roughly 103 x 73 x 68 mm and weighs around 345 grams using its four AA batteries. Its prominent grip and robust feel make it a confident choice for one-handed shooting; you feel like you’re wielding a serious tool. Meanwhile, the CX4’s 102 x 59 x 29 mm footprint and 205 grams neatly fit in light jackets or larger pockets - ideal for street photography or travel when every ounce and cubic centimeter counts.

Both cameras use different power solutions: Fujifilm S1500 relies on readily available AA batteries, a boon for travel where charging ports are scarce, whereas Ricoh CX4 uses a proprietary DB-100 lithium ion battery, offering generally longer life (though less easy to replace on the fly).

In ergonomics, the S1500 offers discrete physical controls for shutter/aperture priority and manual exposure modes, while the CX4 trims these back in favor of simplicity - no manual exposure mode or shutter priority here. For enthusiasts like me who enjoy tactile control, the S1500 nudges ahead here. That said, the CX4’s diminutive size wins for portability, especially if weight is a concern.

Design Language and Control Layout

Let’s pop the hood metaphorically and look at control layouts. Like most bridge cameras of its era, the Fujifilm S1500’s top deck is peppered with dials and switches that deliver quick access to familiar shooting modes. The Ricoh CX4, meanwhile, keeps a clean, minimalist profile.

In practical use, I found the S1500’s dedicated PASM dial (Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual) liberating for those who want to wrest control from automatic modes. The inclusion of exposure compensation and custom white balance furthers creative latitude.

Ricoh CX4 simplifies the experience: no priority or manual modes, relying mostly on automatic exposure with exposure compensation unavailable. While this may deter expert users, beginners or casual shooters might appreciate the “point and shoot” feel without the intimidation of settings menus.

Both cameras feature sensor-shift image stabilization, which is essential given the long zooms and small sensors. However, with the S1500’s slower burst rate (around 1 fps) versus the CX4’s 5 fps continuous burst, Ricoh clearly focuses more on speed. This comes into play while capturing fleeting moments or action scenes.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here’s a critical arena where these two cameras diverge beyond their exterior: the sensor technology and what it means for image quality.

Both use the same small 1/2.3-inch sensor size, common among superzooms, with an active area measuring 6.17 by 4.55 mm. This translates to roughly 28 mm² sensor area - tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors, naturally limiting dynamic range and noise control.

The Fujifilm S1500 uses a 10-megapixel CCD sensor with an anti-aliasing filter. CCDs were standard in pre-2010 compact cameras. They can produce pleasant colors and straightforward image output but tend to struggle with noise at elevated ISOs and lack the speed advantages of CMOS sensors.

Ricoh’s CX4 ups the ante by deploying a 10MP Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor - a newer technology that reorients photodiodes for improved low-light sensitivity. This sensor technology generally delivers better high-ISO performance and slightly improved dynamic range than CCD counterparts, even within the constraints of sensor size.

Testing these cameras side-by-side revealed:

• Under good daylight, both capture images with reasonable sharpness and color accuracy, but the S1500’s CCD tends to produce warmer tones, which some users might find more pleasing for portraits.
• In low light or higher ISO settings, the CX4’s CMOS sensor shows cleaner images with less chroma noise and retains more highlight detail.
• Even at their maximum ISOs (6400 for S1500, 3200 for CX4), image quality degrades rapidly due to sensor size, so keeping ISO low is ideal in both.

While neither camera supports RAW capturing, limiting postprocessing flexibility, the CX4’s sensor technology gives it a technical edge in all-around image quality.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: How You See Your Shot

Viewing your images and composing shots is fundamental. Here, the cameras differ starkly.

The Fujifilm S1500 sports a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a low resolution of 230k dots, typical of its era but severely limited by modern standards. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) included is basic and not high resolution, leading to a somewhat grainy composition experience especially in dim lighting.

The Ricoh CX4 tosses out the EVF altogether but compensates with a larger 3-inch LCD boasting a much-improved 920k dot resolution. Screen brightness and color rendering are also better calibrated, making framing and reviewing images here far more comfortable.

For me, the lack of an EVF on the CX4 isn’t a dealbreaker - many photographers have moved away from EVFs toward more informative and detailed LCDs. Plus, the S1500’s EVF image quality doesn’t impress, leaving LCD composition the preferred method for both anyway.

Autofocus and Performance in Action

When testing these cameras in real-world conditions, autofocus and shooting responsiveness become paramount, especially for subjects in motion.

The S1500 features a single-point contrast-detection autofocus system with no face or eye detection, no servo continuous AF, and only single AF mode. Its continuous shooting tops out at 1 frame per second, making fast-paced subjects a tough challenge.

Conversely, the CX4 touts continuous shoot rates up to 5 frames per second, although it still uses contrast detection AF without face detection. Ricoh does provide multiple AF area choices, giving some flexibility in focusing, though it lacks more advanced tracking technologies.

My experience shooting moving subjects - like kids running around or birds landing - showed the limitations of both systems:

• The S1500 typically hunts for focus, occasionally missing moments or producing slightly soft images.
• The CX4 locks quicker and delivers more frames per burst, increasing the odds of catching that perfect split-second.

Neither camera is truly wildlife or sports specialist material, but Ricoh’s CX4 provides a tempting advantage in speed and AF accuracy for action.

Optics: Lens Ranges, Apertures, and Macro Capabilities

Superzoom cameras live and die by the versatility of their lenses. Here both cameras offer respectable but noticeably different zoom ranges.

• Fujifilm S1500: 33-396 mm equivalent focal length (12x zoom), with a variable aperture from F2.8 at wide angle to F5.0 at telephoto. It offers 2 cm macro focusing distance.
• Ricoh CX4: 28-300 mm equivalent (10.7x zoom), with aperture ranging from F3.5 wide to F5.6 telephoto, and an impressive 1 cm macro focus capability.

The wider field of view on the CX4’s 28mm wide setting is a clear practical advantage, especially for landscapes and group shots. The S1500 starts at 33mm, slightly narrower but not dramatically so.

Aperture-wise, the S1500 maintains a brighter F2.8 maximum aperture wide open, which helps low-light gathering and shallow depth of field at wide angles. Ricoh’s F3.5 isn’t bad but sacrifices some light.

When exploring the macro realm, I was surprised by Ricoh’s CX4 delivering crisper close-ups at very close focusing distances (1 cm). The S1500 holds its own but is less versatile here.

In short, Fujifilm’s lens offers more reach and faster wide aperture, Ricoh’s lens excels in wider angles and macro flexibility.

Real-World Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Samples

Let’s look at some real images snapped with both cameras under similar conditions to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses.

Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back Ricoh CX4 front Ricoh CX4 screen back

My takeaway:

• Portraits with the S1500 exhibit warmer skin tones, slightly more pleasing bokeh for subject isolation at longer focal lengths.
• Landscapes from the CX4 have marginally better dynamic range, arguably enhanced by the CMOS sensor.
• Macro shots favor the CX4’s ability to focus extremely close, capturing fine details.
• In shadows or dusk conditions, CX4’s images stay cleaner with less noise.

These differences support the technical analysis above, illustrating how sensor and lens choices translate into tangible shooting experiences.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras come clean on environmental sealing - neither is weatherproof or dustproof. For casual indoor to fair weather outdoor use, both suffice, but neither is toughened for harsh conditions.

Build quality favors the S1500 slightly due to its robust bridge design, heft, and solid grip, instilling confidence. The lighter CX4 feels more delicate but still well-constructed. Neither offers shockproof or freezeproof features.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Powering these cameras also reflects era differences:

• Fujifilm uses four AA batteries, popular back then for easy replacement worldwide without dependence on proprietary chargers.
• Ricoh uses an internal rechargeable DB-100 lithium-ion battery, offering longer use per charge but requiring a charger and backups on long trips.

Storage-wise, the Ricoh CX4 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as internal memory, while the S1500’s storage type is unspecified but known to take standard SD cards. Both have single slots, typical for the class.

Connectivity and Modern Needs

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or HDMI output, befitting their vintage lineage. USB 2.0 serves for file transfer - nothing flashy, just basic functionality.

Their video capabilities are modest: the S1500 maxes out at VGA (640x480 at 30fps), while the CX4 can shoot 720p HD video at 30fps, widening creative options for casual videography.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports - a nonstarter for serious video work but standard for superzoom compacts of the period.

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

Rounding out our technical review, here are performance ratings based on field tests and industry consensus.

Key insights from these ratings include:

• Portrait Photography: Fujifilm S1500 edges ahead in pleasing skin tones and bokeh, thanks to its brighter aperture and CCD color rendition.
• Landscape: Ricoh CX4’s wider angle, better dynamic range, and sensor tech grant it an advantage.
• Wildlife and Sports: Neither camera masters this niche, but CX4’s faster burst rates and snappier AF make it a better bet.
• Micro and Macro: CX4 clearly excels with its impressive minimum focusing distance.
• Night/Astro: Neither is ideal, but CX4’s improved high ISO and stabilization help push marginally further.
• Video: CX4 offers HD recording versus the S1500’s VGA output.

So, Which Camera Is Right for You?

Now to the million-dollar question (or rather, sub-$250 decision): which of these early small sensor superzooms deserves a spot in your kit or shelf?

Choose the Fujifilm S1500 if you:

• Crave tactile control with PASM modes and manual exposure settings.
• Want a classic bridge camera feel with a substantial grip.
• Prioritize portrait work with warmer tones and a brighter lens aperture.
• Prefer AA battery convenience for travel or field use.
• Don’t mind slow continuous shooting - action capture isn’t priority.

Lean toward the Ricoh CX4 if you:

• Favor compactness and portability for street or travel shooting.
• Want faster burst shooting and snappier autofocus.
• Desire wider angle lens capability and very close macro distances.
• Appreciate improved image quality in low light and higher ISOs.
• Want HD video recording and better rear LCD screen experience.

If you’re a collector or looking for a highly controllable superzoom for casual photography, the S1500’s physicality and manual-wielding appeal hold charm. If more flexible, speedier performance and better low light matters, the CX4 is the more straightforward and modern choice.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways from Years of Camera Testing

Both these cameras represent a fascinating snapshot of small sensor superzoom evolution - a bridge from basic point-and-shoots toward richer features and controls.

From my practical experience testing thousands of cameras, neither truly satisfies professional demands, but both fill niche roles beautifully for entry-level enthusiasts or backup shooters. If shooting JPEG-only compacts is your speed and you enjoy experimenting with manual controls or macro, the Fujifilm S1500 makes sense.

For casual travel, street, or general snapshot duties emphasizing convenience and decent image quality, the Ricoh CX4’s newer sensor and faster operation stand out.

Personally, I enjoy keeping both in my vintage camera rotation. The Fuji’s weighty manual charm contrasts nicely with Ricoh’s nimbleness and speed - sometimes it’s about mood as much as specs.

In this tightly contested arena of early superzoom compacts, context is king. Knowing your priorities - control, portability, image quality, or speed - will unlock the camera best suited to your photography passion. Whichever you pick, you’ll get a revealing glimpse into the good old days when camera makers wrestled to pack versatility into ever smaller packages.

Happy shooting - and may your zooms always be sharp!

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