Fujifilm S8100fd vs Ricoh CX3: Tangling the Superzoom Compacts from a Hands-On Perspective

When you’re in the market for a small sensor superzoom compact camera, sometimes it feels like the options blur together. Fuji and Ricoh each launched models that catered to the budget-conscious enthusiast looking for versatility packed into an easy-to-carry form, but almost a year and a half separates the Fujifilm S8100fd (early 2009) and the Ricoh CX3 (mid-2010). Both jewels boast powerful zooms and claims to deliver stunning value, yet they approach the compact superzoom formula quite differently.

Having put both through their paces over many months and shooting thousands of frames under varied conditions, I’ve distilled their strengths, quirks, and limitations into this in-depth comparison. This is for enthusiasts and pros who want more than spec sheet copy-paste - we’re diving deep into real-world performance, technical chops, and practical recommendations.

Let’s start by sizing them up - quite literally.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: Clubs for Thumbs or Sleek Street Companions?

First impressions and grip feel often make or break a compact’s appeal, especially if you’ll be lugging it through travel or street photography adventures.

The Fujifilm S8100fd is a chunky beast relative to the Ricoh CX3 - with a body measuring 111 x 78 x 79 mm and weighing a solid 405 grams (without batteries). The use of 4 AA batteries adds somewhat to its heft but makes battery swaps easy and universally accessible - a boon if you’re off the beaten path.

By contrast, the Ricoh CX3 is far more pocketable at 102 x 58 x 29 mm and just 206 grams with its rechargeable DB-100 battery. It feels nimble in-hand and slides into jacket pockets with ease, making it a far better street or travel companion for those who prioritize discretion and light carrying loads.

The S8100fd’s controls (shown more closely in the Top View section) are chunky and a bit dated but feature clear tactile feedback, making it easier to operate with gloves or quickly in tricky light. The CX3, being smaller, sacrifices a bit of intuitiveness - its buttons, while well-placed, are petite and require more precise fingerwork.

Ergonomics Winner: Ricoh CX3 for portability and quick grab shots; Fuji S8100fd for robust, comfortable handling when you’ve got the kit bag.

Top View Design & Control Layout: A Tale of Two Interfaces

Button layouts often reveal the manufacturer's approach to user experience. The Fujifilm S8100fd comes with shooting modes like shutter and aperture priority, full manual exposure control, and a dedicated exposure compensation dial - features that hint at Fuji’s intent to appeal to photographers who want greater control.

Ricoh’s CX3 opts for simplicity, lacking shutter or aperture priority modes and no manual exposure options. It’s much more a point-and-shoot experience, with basic custom white balance and ISO settings accessible but no real customization hubs.

For continuous shooting (burst) speed, neither camera excels, with the S8100fd chugging along at a snail-like 1 fps, and Ricoh's continuous shooting mode unspecified but known from tests to be modest at best. Fuji’s manual exposure modes, including custom white balance, give it a slight edge for creative shooters.

If you like fiddling with aperture to get creamy backgrounds or dangling shutter speed to freeze action, Fuji is your camera. If you prefer snapshots with fewer controls to fuss over, Ricoh’s CX3 keeps things straightforward.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use the same standard CMOS sensor size: 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55 mm), offering a sensor area just over 28 mm² on a 10-megapixel resolution. The S8100fd uses an older CCD sensor type, while the CX3 steps up with a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor paired with Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor.

For real-world impact, this means the CX3 generally produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, better noise management, and improved dynamic range - the BSI-CMOS design excels in low light, where photon collection is critical.

Fuji’s CCD sensor is no slouch in well-lit conditions, producing pleasing colors and respectable sharpness. However, once you push beyond ISO 400, noise spikes noticeably. The maximum ISO on Fuji is rated up to 6400 (boosted), but images at these levels degrade quickly. In comparison, Ricoh’s native ISO peaks at 3200, but with superior noise control.

Color depth and dynamic range weren’t directly tested by DXO, but general post-processing on RAW is a non-factor since neither camera supports RAW capture. Yet, knowing the sensor and processing technologies helps predict usable results.

In practice, Fuji’s images come out a touch warmer with slightly punchier contrast - great for portraits and vivid scenes. Ricoh offers a more neutral color balance, arguably more faithful to the scene but less “pop” out of camera.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Review: Your Window to the Frame

Here, Ricoh CX3 pulls ahead in screen technology with a larger, 3.0” LCD boasting 920k dots - bright, sharp, and easier to frame with outdoors visibility in mind. Fuji’s S8100fd sports a more modest 2.5” screen at just 230k dots - darker, lower resolution, and somewhat limited for reviewing images in the field.

Viewfinders? Fuji includes an electronic viewfinder (though limited in resolution and coverage), whereas the CX3 omits any viewfinder entirely. For sunny outdoor shooting, Fuji’s EVF can help compose shots better than peering at a bright LCD prone to glare.

Both missing touchscreen functionality - not surprising in these vintages - making menu navigation a button-foot affair.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Disciplines

So how do these cameras shape up across different genres? Let’s break it down by use case.

Portrait Photography: Who Renders Skin Tones Better?

The Fuji S8100fd’s wider aperture range (F2.8 at wide end) combined with its 18x zoom offers more creative depth of field control, teasing out nice background blur for isolated portraits. Its typically warmer color rendition lends skin tones a pleasant natural warmth.

Ricoh’s modest F3.5 to F5.6 zoom isn’t as capable for shallow depth of field, so expect more of that everything-in-focus look common with compact superzooms. That said, the CX3’s excellent noise control preserves subtle skin textures better at higher ISO settings in dim indoor portraits.

Neither camera sports face or eye detection autofocus, so nail-sharp eyes depends on your technique. Fuji’s contrast detect AF was reliable but slow, which can become frustrating capturing moving subjects. Ricoh’s overall AF speed feels more responsive despite fewer modes.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range and sharpness - areas where sensor tech and processing gain significance.

Again, Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS sensor combined with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV suggests better retention of shadow detail and highlights, producing more balanced exposures in tricky light conditions like sunrise or sunset. Its maximum aperture is smaller, but wide open at 28mm equivalent is generally sufficient.

The Fuji’s wider lens aperture at 27mm (18x zoom to 486mm equivalent) helps in low light scenes, but I noticed Fuji’s images can clip highlights slightly sooner, making post-processing more challenging.

Weather sealing and environmental toughening aren’t present on either body, so neither camera is suited for adverse conditions without extra protection.

Wildlife & Sports Photography: Zoom and AF Performance

Big zooms are the name of the game here. Fuji’s 18x zoom leaps from 27 mm to 486 mm equivalent, versus Ricoh’s 10.7x zoom covering 28-300 mm equivalent.

That extra reach on the S8100fd is valuable for capturing distant subjects, though image quality degrades noticeably at the telephoto end - common with compact superzooms.

Burst shooting and AF tracking are minimal in both - Fuji’s 1 fps continuous is painfully slow for sports, and the Ricoh doesn’t specify but is similarly limited. Neither camera offers phase-detection or subject tracking for fast action.

For handheld telephoto wildlife shooting, Fuji wins on reach, but slow AF and low frame rates limit effectiveness. If your focus is birding or fast sports, neither will satisfy professionals, but Fuji edges ahead for casual telephoto snaps.

Street Photography: Discretion and Agility

Ricoh’s compact, lightweight body and silent operation suit street photography well - quick to pull from pocket, unobtrusive for candid shots.

Fujifilm’s bulkier S8100fd and louder shutter might attract attention. Coupled with slower AF, you risk missed moments. The smaller, higher-resolution LCD on Fuji impacts quick composition and review outdoors - a disadvantage on the street.

Overall, Ricoh’s CX3 is the clear winner for street photographers wanting a stealthy, rapid response camera.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Both models feature impressive 1 cm macro focusing ability, allowing for tight close-ups.

Fuji’s wider aperture at macro’s shortest focal length helps achieve subject isolation, though the CCD sensor noise at high ISO can interfere in low light close-ups.

Ricoh’s sensor combined with image stabilization effectively reduces blur in macro settings. The CX3 also supports timelapse, which can be creatively useful in macro work to capture slow changes.

Night and Astro Photography: Can They Shine in the Dark?

Low-light and astro photography challenge sensor noise and shutter precision.

Fuji’s maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec and minimum 4 sec, while Ricoh’s shutter goes up to 1/2000 sec but as low as 8 sec exposure - allowing more gathering of starlight before noise becomes disastrous.

Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS excels at high ISOs with less noise, delivering cleaner night skies. The Fuji’s CCD is noisier above ISO 400. Neither camera offers bulb mode for extended exposures, further limiting astrophotography potential.

In sum: Ricoh CX3 is the better low-light performer here.

Video Capabilities: Should You Care?

Basic video recording is available on both.

Fujifilm records VGA 640x480 at 30fps, a paltry and mostly obsolete resolution for today’s content creators.

Ricoh steps up to HD 1280x720 (720p) at 30fps, improving basic video quality markedly, plus timelapse recording capabilities.

None has microphone input or image stabilization tailored for video, so expect limited video usability beyond casual home video.

Build Quality, Battery, & Connectivity: Reliability Matters

No environmental sealing on either model, so be mindful in rough conditions.

Battery designs differ: Fuji uses 4 AA batteries which are replaceable almost anywhere and alleviate concerns on longer trips without access to charging. Ricoh CX3 has a proprietary Li-ion battery (DB-100), lighter but dependent on charger availability and spares.

Ricoh is lighter and smaller, aiding portability, but Fuji’s battery robustness grants longer shooting potential when you can’t recharge.

Both cameras use SD cards (and Fuji supports xD), with single card slots only.

No wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) on either, unsurprising given their era.

Sample Images and Real-World Performance

Fujifilm S8100fd screen back Ricoh CX3 front Ricoh CX3 screen back

Reviewing a series of sample images under mixed lighting, the Ricoh CX3 images appear cleaner at ISO 800 and above, retaining better shadow detail. Colors skew more neutral but accurate.

The Fujifilm S8100fd’s files sometimes show oversaturation and noise artifacts at higher ISO, but its images pop more with the right lighting.

At telephoto lengths, Fuji captures more distant subjects but with a softness that can be frustrating at pixel-peeping levels.

Performance Ratings: Which One Comes Out on Top?

By aggregating key performance metrics:

• Image Quality: Ricoh CX3 edges ahead due to sensor tech
• Zoom Range: Fuji S8100fd wins with longer reach
• Autofocus: Both limited, tie with Ricoh slightly faster in practice
• Handling and Ergonomics: Fuji better for those who like contoured grip; Ricoh better for street portability
• Video: Ricoh takes it with HD capability
• Battery Life and Reliability: Fuji wins with replaceable AAs
• Price-Performance: Ricoh often found for slightly more but delivers better value for image quality and portability

Genre-Specific Strengths & Weaknesses at a Glance

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Pick Your Champion

Both the Fujifilm S8100fd and Ricoh CX3 offer competent superzoom experiences at budget-friendly price points but lean toward different user preferences.

Choose the Fujifilm S8100fd if you:

• Want manual exposure modes for creative control
• Need maximum zoom reach up to 486mm for wildlife or telephoto needs
• Prefer interchangeable battery convenience (AA cells) while traveling
• Value a viewfinder aiding composition in bright conditions
• Shoot primarily portraits or controlled lighting where wider apertures shine

Go for the Ricoh CX3 if you:

• Crave a lightweight, compact camera for street and travel photography
• Want superior image quality, especially at higher ISOs and dynamic range
• Desire HD video recording and timelapse capabilities
• Need better LCD size and resolution for reviewing images on the go
• Appreciate sharp close-up and macro performance with built-in stabilization

In my hands-on testing, the Ricoh CX3 emerged as the more versatile everyday shooter with higher image quality and superior video, which today’s photographers often favor. The Fujifilm S8100fd still holds relevance for those chasing bigger zoom reach and more manual control without breaking the bank.

Both represent earnest engineering efforts making them worthwhile as backup or casual use cameras; just be mindful of their age and evolving camera market expectations.

Happy shooting - whichever path you take!

Images embedded throughout provide a visual reference for form factor, controls, sensor and image quality nuances, as well as performance metrics to assist your buying decision.