Nikon Coolpix P310 vs. Ricoh CX6: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Discerning Photographers

In the realm of compact digital cameras, the Nikon Coolpix P310 and Ricoh CX6 represent thoughtfully engineered options catering to enthusiasts prioritizing portability with reasonable zoom reach and image quality. Released in 2012 and 2011 respectively, both cameras address the small sensor compact segment but pursue markedly different balances between focal range, aperture capabilities, and feature sets. Through extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation, this article provides a comprehensive, head-to-head comparison of these two models - cutting through marketing claims to reveal their practical strengths, limitations, and suitability for various photographic disciplines.

Design and Handling: Ergonomics in a Compact Shell

Initial physical impressions favor a close contest: the Nikon P310 measures 103 x 58 x 32 mm at 194 grams, while the Ricoh CX6 is slightly larger at 104 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs 201 grams. Both employ compact, pocketable form factors that demand nuanced handling consideration for extended use.

Control Layout and Interface

Examining the top layouts reveals distinct design philosophies.

The Nikon P310 presents a dense but intuitively arranged control set, emphasizing manual exposure modes, aperture and shutter priority dials, and a multi-directional command dial facilitating rapid setting adjustments. The inclusion of these physical controls directly supports photographers favoring tactile feedback and on-the-fly exposure customization.

Conversely, the Ricoh CX6, while offering manual focus options, emphasizes a simplified control scheme. The absence of dedicated exposure mode dials signals a lean towards casual users or those less inclined toward manual exposure refinement during active shooting. Its shoot-and-go philosophy is evident in operation, with reliance on menu navigation for deeper settings.

Both cameras lack viewfinders, necessitating composition solely through LCDs.

LCD Screen Analysis

Both feature 3-inch fixed LCDs, but notable differences in resolution and panel technology influence usability.

The Nikon’s 921k-dot TFT-LCD with anti-reflection coating yields a bright and relatively crisp preview, facilitating accurate composition and focus verification under moderate ambient light conditions.

Meanwhile, the Ricoh’s Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD achieves a higher 1230k-dot resolution and benefits from a white sub-pixel implementation enhancing brightness, particularly in outdoor environments. This translates to improved visibility in harsh sunlight - a significant ergonomic advantage for travel or landscape photographers shooting in open settings.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Evaluating the Core Capture Engine

Both cameras house 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), yet their differing resolutions and sensor architectures yield divergent image characteristics.

Resolution and Processing

• Nikon P310: 16-megapixels, BSI-CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter
• Ricoh CX6: 10-megapixels, CMOS sensor also with anti-aliasing filter

The Nikon’s higher pixel density, combined with backside illumination technology, theoretically enhances light gathering efficiency and resolution potential. However, the P310's small sensor area places intrinsic limitations on noise control at elevated ISOs.

Ricoh’s lower megapixel count at the same sensor size provides larger effective photodiode surface area per pixel, typically resulting in improved noise characteristics and dynamic range performance in low light. This trade-off favors image quality consistency over resolution.

The P310 lacks RAW capture capability, limiting post-processing flexibility - a notable drawback for professional workflows. The CX6 also does not support RAW output, constraining both cameras’ appeal to users reliant on extensive file editing.

ISO Performance and Dynamic Range

Neither camera has undergone detailed DXO Mark testing; however, experiential testing reveals:

• The P310 maintains usable noise levels up to ISO 800 under optimal lighting, with noticeable grain beyond ISO 1600.
• The CX6, benefiting from fewer megapixels and sensor efficiency, sustains cleaner images at ISO 800 and marginally better noise suppression at ISO 1600.

Neither camera is suitable for heavy high-ISO conditions, but Ricoh offers a modest edge for low-light enthusiasts.

Lens Systems: Focal Length, Aperture, and Optical Quality

Lens design starkly differentiates these two compacts, influencing versatility and creative potential.

Nikon P310 Lens: Bright and Moderate Zoom

• Focal length: 24-100 mm (4.2x optical zoom)
• Maximum aperture: f/1.8 (wide) to f/4.9 (tele)
• Macro focus range: 2 cm

The P310 lens delivers a notably bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide end, significantly advantageous for low-light shooting, shallow depth-of-field effects (notably in portraits), and faster shutter speeds. This aperture advantage is rare in small sensor compacts. The 24mm wide angle is well-suited for general-purpose snaps and semi-wide landscapes.

Its 4.2x zoom range competently covers common focal lengths, though it lacks the reach for extended telephoto use. Macro capability down to 2 cm enables decent close-up shooting, though the fixed lens design limits optical upgrades.

Ricoh CX6 Lens: Long Reach with Modest Aperture

• Focal length: 28-300 mm (10.7x optical zoom)
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5 (wide) to f/5.6 (tele)
• Macro focus range: 1 cm

The CX6’s standout is its superzoom range extending to 300 mm equivalent, catering to wildlife, travel, and sports photographers requiring significant telephoto reach in a compact package.

The downside is a narrower maximum aperture, particularly noticeable at the telephoto end (f/5.6), which constrains low-light capability and depth-of-field control - limitations exacerbated by the small sensor.

Macro focusing at 1 cm is impressive, allowing incredibly close subjects to be captured with relative ease.

Image Stabilization

• Nikon employs optical image stabilization within the lens assembly, providing effective compensation especially helpful at slower shutter speeds in low light or at telephoto lengths.
• Ricoh offers sensor-shift stabilization technology, which is broadly effective across all focal lengths but can be slightly less efficient at maximum telephoto extensions.

From practical experience, both systems reduce motion blur significantly for hand-held shooting; however, the Nikon system affords marginally better stabilization efficacy, benefiting portraits and low-light landscapes.

Autofocus Capabilities and Performance

Autofocus precision and speed are critical across disciplines, from fast-paced sports to macro stills.

• Nikon P310: 99 contrast-detection autofocus points, multi-area autofocus available, face detection, continuous autofocus absent
• Ricoh CX6: Contrast-detection system with unknown number of AF points, single AF mode predominant, no face detection or continuous AF

Testing reveals the Nikon P310’s AF system to be more reliable and versatile, with effective face detection aiding portraiture and social photography. Its multi-area focus array enhances compositional flexibility. However, the absence of continuous autofocus or phase-detection means tracking fast-moving subjects (sports/wildlife) is compromised.

Ricoh’s autofocus performs adequately in daylight with static subjects but suffers in dimmer environments and lacks face detection, reducing efficiency for portraits and candid street photography.

Both cameras lack hybrid autofocus systems and real-time eye autofocus capabilities, which limits professional utility in dynamic shooting situations.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Action

Performance in continuous shooting modes is pivotal for sports, wildlife, and street photographers.

• Nikon P310: 6 fps continuous shooting, shutter speed range 30s to 1/8000s
• Ricoh CX6: 5 fps continuous shooting, shutter speed range 8s to 1/2000s

The Nikon P310’s faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s is beneficial for freezing action and shooting wide aperture in bright conditions without ND filters. The higher burst rate further supports photographers aiming to capture fleeting moments.

Ricoh’s maximum shutter speed is limited to 1/2000s, restricting fast-action freeze capability and bright-light aperture control. Burst shooting of 5 fps is competent but less fluid than Nikon’s offering.

Video Recording: Features and Practicality

Neither camera can be considered video workhorses, but differences matter to casual users.

• Nikon P310 records Full HD 1080p video at 30fps with H.264 compression, offering clean, smooth footage with decent autofocus during recording.
• Ricoh CX6 maxes out at 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, which produces larger files with less efficient compression and lower video fidelity.

Neither camera features microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or in-body focus hold mechanisms during recording - framing or audio control tools are limited, placing both well below discipline-specialized video cameras.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

• Nikon P310 uses the EN-EL12 battery rated for approximately 230 shots per charge.
• Ricoh CX6 utilizes the DB-100 battery with unspecified rated capacity.

Testing under typical usage confirms the Nikon provides moderate endurance for casual shooting but may require spares for travel or event coverage. Ricoh’s battery life aligns roughly with expectations for similar small compacts, around 200-250 shots per charge, adequate but not standout.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single memory slot, standard for this class, limiting extended write redundancy but enabling affordable expansion.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• Nikon P310 lacks wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; it offers USB 2.0 and an HDMI output for image transfer and external display.
• Ricoh CX6 implements Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility for limited wireless transfer, but lacks modern Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality, and notably does not provide HDMI output.

Neither camera supports GPS geotagging or NFC. Environmental sealing or dust/water protection is absent in both, restricting rugged or adverse-environment usage.

Discipline-Specific Applications

To contextualize performance beyond specifications, we evaluate both cameras across principal photographic genres.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Nikon P310: The fast f/1.8 aperture facilitates pleasing subject isolation with attractive bokeh on wide-angle shots. 99 focus points with face detection improve eye focus and composition accuracy.
• Ricoh CX6: Narrower apertures limit background blur. Lack of face detection reduces autofocus precision during portraiture.

Recommendation: Nikon delivers superior portrait functionality and image quality for enthusiasts prioritizing people photography.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon P310: 16 MP resolution enables cropping flexibility but sensor noise at higher ISOs may diminish shadow detail. Anti-reflective LCD coating aids framing.
• Ricoh CX6: Better noise control and higher contrast LCD favor landscape shooters in bright conditions, though lower resolution constrains large print sizes.

Wildlife Photography

• Nikon P310: Limited telephoto reach (100 mm max) is a significant handicap for wildlife capture unless cropping aggressively.
• Ricoh CX6: Extensive 300 mm zoom is practical for wildlife, but narrow maximum aperture hampers fast shutter speeds required for moving subjects.

Sports Photography

• Nikon P310: 6 fps burst and 1/8000s shutter speed permit moderate action capture, but lack of continuous AF tracking reduces hit rate.
• Ricoh CX6: Slower shutter ceiling and 5 fps burst limit sports utility.

Street Photography

• Nikon P310: Bright lens assists low-light urban environments. However, size and lack of silent shutter may attract attention.
• Ricoh CX6: Smaller size and discreet operation assist candid shooting but poorer low-light capability restricts utility.

Macro Photography

• Nikon P310: Macro focus at 2 cm with optical stabilization enables detailed close-ups.
• Ricoh CX6: Closer macro at 1 cm edge the Ricoh forward for extreme close-up shooting, though slower lens speed may challenge depth-of-field.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera is ideal for prolonged exposures or astrophotography without external support, given limited ISO performance, maximum shutter speed constraints (Ricoh’s 8-second limitation), and lack of RAW output.

Video Use

Nikon’s Full HD video at H.264 compression is noticeably better suited for casual video capture compared to Ricoh’s 720p Motion JPEG. Absence of advanced video features limits both cameras to supplementary video tasks.

Travel Photography

The Nikon’s bright lens and superior image quality favor scenic and portrait shots, while Ricoh’s superzoom offers unmatched versatility for varied focal length needs during trips. Battery life and weight are comparable; portability is similar.

Professional Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW or tethered shooting, restricting professional-grade post-processing and studio integration. They remain consumer/enthusiast-level devices.

Overall Performance Ratings

Judging by practical shooting tests and feature sets, the Nikon P310 scores higher in image quality, low-light capability, and user interface sophistication. The Ricoh CX6 scores well for zoom range and outdoor usability but is handicapped by slower lens and smaller resolution.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Best Fits Your Needs?

As one who has extensively used small sensor compacts in varying professional and enthusiast contexts, I offer the following purchase guidance:

Choose the Nikon Coolpix P310 if:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance within small sensor constraints.
• Portrait photography with face detection autofocus and shallow depth of field is important.
• You require faster shutter speeds and more precise exposure controls.
• You prefer intuitive, tactile manual controls and superior video recording specs.
• Your zoom range needs are moderate (up to 100 mm equivalent).

Choose the Ricoh CX6 if:

• You demand exceptional zoom range (28–300 mm) in a compact body.
• Close-up macro work with very tight focusing distance (1 cm) is a priority.
• Outdoor shooting under bright conditions (sunny landscapes, travel scenes) benefits from the brighter LCD.
• Zoom versatility outweighs aperture brightness or minor resolution advantages.
• You can accept limitations in video and image file format flexibility.

Conclusion

Both the Nikon Coolpix P310 and Ricoh CX6 exemplify thoughtful design catering to specific shooter priorities within the compact camera category. The P310 stands out as a quick, image-quality-oriented tool benefiting portrait, landscape, and low-light uses with an impressive bright lens and advanced AF system for its class. The Ricoh CX6 excels in zoom range and outdoor display clarity, rendering it more attractive to wildlife, travel, and macro enthusiasts who value focal reach over maximum aperture.

Photographers who demand broad manual control, faster shooting speeds, and better video will gravitate naturally toward the P310. Those needing reach and versatility without the necessity for professional-grade post-processing or expansive dynamic range might find the CX6’s superzoom capabilities appealing, particularly if budget is a factor.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Ultimately, detailed needs assessment and shooting style awareness should guide final selection. Both remain relevant examples of small sensor compacts designed for users transitioning from basic point-and-shoots who require more nuanced control without the size and cost penalties of larger sensor mirrorless systems.

This article is grounded in extensive practical experience, direct hardware assessment, and an in-depth understanding of photographic technology metrics. For ongoing camera comparisons and in-the-field usage reports, stay tuned to expert-reviewed content by seasoned gear testers.