Kodak Pixpro S-1 vs Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro: An Experienced Mirrorless Camera Comparison

When it comes to mirrorless cameras with rangefinder styling, the Kodak Pixpro S-1 and Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro represent two very different approaches launched within a five-year span. Though both sit outside the spotlight enjoyed by flagship models from big brands, each carved out an interesting niche for photographers craving compact bodies paired with interchangeable or fixed lenses. Having tested these cameras extensively over my 15+ years as a photography gear reviewer, I’m here to guide you through the nuanced strengths and weaknesses of each, helping you pick the one that best suits your creative aspirations and shooting style.

Let’s dive deep into the technical underpinnings, real-world performance, and suitability for each major photography genre - revealing insights only experience can uncover.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Immediately upon holding both cameras, you notice their rangefinder-style designs that hint at portability and ease of use, yet their philosophies differ. The Kodak S-1 embraces the popular Micro Four Thirds mount system, resulting in a relatively lightweight and compact body. The Ricoh GXR, unique for its modular unit approach, features a fixed APS-C sensor coupled with a dedicated 50mm macro lens in this iteration.

Here you can see the S-1 being noticeably smaller and lighter at 290g vs the GXR's 453g. The S-1 measures 116x68x36 mm, comfortably slipping into tighter bags and even larger pockets, while the GXR’s 114x70x77 mm is chunkier, mainly due to the attached lens.

Despite the size advantage, the S-1 feels a touch less solid, primarily made from plastics, whereas the GXR provides more substance and firmness in hand, a benefit for longer shooting sessions and rougher handling. However, the S-1's lighter weight lends itself better to street or travel photography where discretion and fatigue are concerns.

A Closer Look at Controls and User Interface

The physical layout and control ergonomics can make or break your shooting experience. Neither camera is flashy in terms of design, but thoughtful control placement enhances workflow.

The Kodak S-1 boasts a simple top plate with a mode dial and dedicated shutter release positioned for swift access. However, it lacks illuminated buttons, which can be a nuisance in dim environments. The Ricoh GXR integrates a modest array of buttons and dials befitting an advanced mirrorless, including precise exposure compensation controls and a physical shutter speed dial limited from 1/180s to 1/3200s, somewhat restrictive compared to the S-1’s wider shutter speed range (up to 1/4000s).

Both models offer tilting (S-1) or fixed (GXR) 3" LCD screens with roughly the same resolution (920k dots), but no touchscreen functionality. Let’s inspect those more closely.

The tilt-enabled screen on the Kodak S-1 allows easier composition from awkward angles, a boon for macro or street snapping. The GXR’s fixed screen and optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately) make framing more traditional but limit those creative shooting angles.

In use, I found the S-1’s menu system basic and occasionally sluggish, while the GXR’s interface felt more responsive and better laid out, benefiting from Ricoh’s proven GR-engine experience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Arguably the heart of any camera lies in its sensor. Let’s compare their specs side by side:

• Kodak S-1: 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with a 2.1x focal length crop factor, anti-alias filter present.
• Ricoh GXR A12: 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with a 1.5x crop, also featuring an anti-aliasing filter.

You might be surprised that the older Ricoh produces fewer megapixels, yet the larger sensor area translates to bigger pixels, which usually means better noise performance and dynamic range, especially important in low light.

In practical testing, the Ricoh GXR produces images with richer tonal gradations and less noticeable noise at ISO 800 and above. The Kodak S-1 can push up to ISO 12800 but noise quickly becomes intrusive past ISO 1600, limiting usability in dim conditions.

Their Bayer color filter arrays both produce accurate, well-saturated colors, but I noticed that the Kodak's rendition of skin tones tends toward warmth, while Ricoh leans neutral, perhaps requiring slight post-processing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Practical Performance

The Kodak S-1 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 25 focus points spread across the frame, supporting continuous, single, and tracking AF modes along with face detection. The Ricoh GXR relies on contrast detection as well but has fewer configurable AF points and no face or eye detection.

In fast-paced shooting scenarios, neither camera excels by modern standards, but I observed:

• The S-1 offers more predictable focus tracking and often nails facial recognition in portraits but can hunt under low contrast or dim light.
• The GXR struggles with moving subjects and requires pre-focusing, making it ill-suited for action or sports photography.

Both cameras lack phase-detection AF and do not feature animal eye AF, a drawback for wildlife shooters today seeking quick, reliable focus.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanics

Burst rates rarely steal the spotlight for cameras in these categories, but they matter if you photograph sports or fast wildlife actions.

• Kodak S-1: 5 fps continuous shooting maximum
• Ricoh GXR: Much slower at 3 fps burst rate

The S-1’s wider shutter speed availability up to 1/4000s allows capturing quick motion more effectively. However, neither supports electronic silent shutter or very high shutter speeds common on flagship models.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Flexibility

One of the S-1’s significant advantages is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount, granting access to an extensive ecosystem exceeding 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers. That provides creative freedom across every genre from ultra-wide landscape lenses, fast portrait primes, to super-telephoto wildlife lenses.

The Ricoh GXR A12 50mm model is unique: the sensor and lens are combined into a single module that cannot be swapped independently. So your focal length is permanently fixed at 50mm (equivalent to 75mm on full frame) with a maximum aperture of f/2.5, highlighting its macro-centric design.

Think of the GXR more as a specialist tool - great for macro photography but limited in broader applications. The S-1 offers versatility and future-proofing.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance, limiting outdoor use in harsh conditions. Both require careful handling and additional protective gear if you venture into challenging environments.

Regarding durability, the GXR's solid body and heft feel more reassuring in adverse weather than the plastic-bodied S-1. Over extended use, the S-1's lightweight build risks feeling less stable with heavier lenses.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life in real-world shooting:

• Kodak S-1: Approximately 410 shots per charge, excellent for an entry-level mirrorless camera.
• Ricoh GXR: Around 320 shots, adequate but less than the Kodak here.

Storage options mirror one another - both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single card slot. The Kodak lacks USB or HDMI ports – something I found limiting for tethered shooting or direct-output to external monitors. The GXR offers HDMI connectivity and USB 2.0, facilitating easier file transfer and monitoring options on the go.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Deliver?

Both cameras aren’t designed with video as a priority but offer modest recording options.

• Kodak S-1: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, no 4K or high frame-rate slow motion.
• Ricoh GXR: 720p at 24 fps, notably older digital video tech.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio customization. The S-1’s in-body sensor stabilization helps somewhat, but overall, neither should be your first choice for serious video work.

Delving into Photography Genres

To best contextualize these cameras, I tested them across multiple photography disciplines, running genre-specific workflows and expanding my findings beyond specs.

Portrait Photography

• Kodak S-1: Thanks to face detection and a broad choice of fast lenses, it effectively captures sharp skin tones with pleasing bokeh. However, the smaller sensor size limits ultimate subject isolation compared to APS-C or full-frame rivals.
• Ricoh GXR: The fixed 50mm macro lens yields superb closeup skin texture detail and smooth background blur at f/2.5, suitable for tightly framed portraits. Its lack of eye detection means manual focus precision is essential.

Landscape Photography

• Kodak S-1: Though its 16MP resolution isn’t class-leading, the dynamic range is respectable, with good shadow recovery in RAW files. The absence of weather sealing is a concern for nature outings, but the tilt screen aids composition.
• Ricoh GXR: Larger sensor size confers better image quality and color depth. Modular body allows attaching dedicated landscape lenses in other modules (if you expand your system). The fixed lens on this model restricts wide-angle shooting.

Wildlife Photography

• Kodak S-1: The MFT mount grants access to powerful telephoto lenses ideal for wildlife. With 5 fps burst and decent AF tracking, it can capture commonly encountered animals in moderate action.
• Ricoh GXR: Limited by fixed macro focal length and slower burst speed, it’s unsuitable for wildlife reportage or fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and high frame rates are crucial here.

• Kodak S-1: 5 fps and decent tracking make it modestly capable for amateur sports photography.
• Ricoh GXR: 3 fps and no AF tracking mean it’s a hard pass for sports shooters.

Street Photography

• Kodak S-1: Lightweight, discreet, and tilt LCD suits candid shooting, though no viewfinder forces LCD use, which might attract attention.
• Ricoh GXR: Despite bulk, the fixed 50mm focal length offers classic street framing, and optional EVF enhances viewing in bright conditions.

Macro Photography

• Kodak S-1: Standard for MFT macro lenses, but no built-in macro focusing aids.
• Ricoh GXR: Excels here with 1 cm close focusing, dedicated macro optics, and sharp results, arguably the best tool of the two for this niche.

Night/Astro Photography

• Kodak S-1: Limited high ISO range and no bulb mode or long exposures above 30s restrict astrophotography potential.
• Ricoh GXR: Max shutter speed limited to 1/180s; thus, not suited for astro.

Video

Neither excels but the S-1’s Full HD output holds a slight edge. However, modest video won’t satisfy vloggers or multimedia pros.

Travel Photography

• Kodak S-1: Compact, lightweight, and longer battery life give it a travel edge.
• Ricoh GXR: Heavier and fixed lens diminish versatility but rugged shot quality at 50mm can satisfy certain travel genres.

Professional Work

Both fall short of professional standards due to limited file flexibility, slower AF, and absence of advanced connectivity or ruggedness.

Image Quality Showcase: Real-World Photos

Kodak S 1 front Kodak S 1 screen back Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back

Here, you can evaluate their output side by side. Notice the Ricoh’s cleaner shadows and smoother gradients. The Kodak delivers higher resolution but with noisier high-ISO areas.

Overall Ratings Based on My Extensive Testing

Summarizing my hands-on testing scores:

Making the Choice: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Choose the Kodak Pixpro S-1 if…

• You desire a lightweight, affordable, and versatile Micro Four Thirds system with a wide range of lenses.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or casual wildlife and require decent autofocus and battery life.
• Video recording at 1080p is a consideration, even if basic.
• Budget is a constraint, with the S-1 retailing near $250.

Opt for the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro if…

• Macro photography is your primary focus, and you value precision and image quality in that niche.
• You prefer a solid, robust body and are comfortable with a fixed focal length.
• You need an older but unique modular system with optional EVF.
• Price isn't a major concern, and you want a specialized tool around $566.

Final Thoughts: Personal Insights from Years Behind the Lens

While both cameras have faded from the modern marketplace’s radar, they still hold charm for specific creatives. The Kodak S-1, with its expandable Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, offers a great entry into mirrorless photography, particularly for those prioritizing portability without sacrificing too much image quality. It’s a solid choice if you want a flexible setup or are just beginning to explore mirrorless.

The Ricoh GXR and its 50mm macro module, meanwhile, sits in a fascinating niche: a single-purpose high-fidelity solution that isn’t your everyday walk-around camera but shines for collectors or macro enthusiasts who prize optical excellence and a tactile shooting experience.

If it were my personal money and workflow on the line, I'd lean toward the Kodak S-1 for general photography due to its versatility and value. But for those who adore macro and want a dedicated, high-quality optical tool, the GXR presents a compelling case.

In the end, your choice hinges on the genres you favor and your priorities. I encourage you to handle both cameras if possible to gauge how their ergonomics and controls fit your hands and style. Happy shooting!

If you've enjoyed this detailed comparison and want more hands-on insights, check out my video review and sample images linked above. Your next camera is out there waiting!