Comparing the Nikon Coolpix P7700 and Ricoh CX2: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Performance

Choosing the right compact camera can feel like navigating a dense forest, especially with so many models offering different strengths and quirks. Today, I’ll guide you through a detailed comparison between two notable small sensor compacts from the last decade: the Nikon Coolpix P7700 and the Ricoh CX2. Each represents a distinct approach to versatile photography, from zoom reach to manual control sophistication. Having personally tested countless cameras over the years, I’ll share my hands-on insights and technical evaluations, helping you decide which might suit your photographic ambitions best.

Let’s unfold their nuances across key photography areas, build and handling, sensor and image quality, autofocus, video, and value - peppered with real-world impressions rather than just specs alone.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Size, Design & Ergonomics First

Before diving into image quality and performance, handling and design set the tone for long-term enjoyment. The Nikon P7700 is a mature, nearly professional-grade small sensor fixed-lens camera. By comparison, the Ricoh CX2 targets those wanting an ultra-zoom experience in a very compact body.

Physically, the P7700 feels robust and thoughtfully built, measuring 119 x 73 x 50 mm and weighing 392 g, noticeably heftier than the CX2’s 102 x 58 x 29 mm and 185 g weight. That difference translates to a more substantial grip on the Nikon, which will appeal if you prefer feeling anchored when shooting - especially handheld in challenging conditions.

The Ricoh’s slim, pocketable profile is a winner for traveling light or street photography where discretion is key. However, its smaller size means controls are more cramped, and the fixed lens makes it less versatile for those who want more manual focus control or aperture flexibility.

Looking at the top view control layouts highlights their design philosophies:

The Nikon sports a more traditional DSLR-style top deck, including dedicated mode dials with manual, aperture, and shutter priority, complete with a hotshoe for external flashes. Button placement is logical with easy access to settings without diving into menus. The Ricoh CX2 keeps it simpler, with fewer direct manual exposure controls and no hotshoe, aligning with its user base that prioritizes ease-of-use over manual intricacies.

Ergonomically, I find the P7700’s tactile feedback superior - perfect when you want precise control and quick adjustments. The CX2 is a fine grab-and-go but can feel undersized and fiddly when shooting fast or in colder weather with gloves.

Inside the Engine Room: Sensor & Image Quality Breakdown

At the heart of camera performance is the sensor - and here we see key differences in technology and output potential.

The Nikon P7700 features a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm for a total sensor area of about 41.52 mm², packing 12 megapixels. This sensor size and resolution strike a good balance, offering respectable image quality with reduced noise and decent dynamic range for a compact. Importantly, it supports raw shooting, allowing post-processing flexibility.

The Ricoh CX2 houses a smaller 1/2.3” CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, roughly 28.07 mm²) at 9 megapixels. While sufficient for casual shooting and web sharing, it can struggle with noise in low light and has limited dynamic range by modern standards. Its raw support is non-existent, locking you into JPEGs - a limiting factor for enthusiasts wanting workflow control.

In daylight, both cameras produce sharp images with good color, but the Nikon’s sensor and processing deliver superior detail retention and tonal gradation, especially in challenging lighting. The Nikon’s maximum ISO tops at 1600 (boostable to 6400), with a measured low-light ISO performance score of 191 on DXOmark - respectable though modest. The Ricoh matches ISO 1600 native but softer detail and heavier noise filter artifacts limit usable high ISO shots.

Dynamic range favors the Nikon heavily - its ability to pull details from shadows and highlights reduces clipping and enhances landscape and portrait flexibility.

Looking Through the Lens: Optics and Focusing Systems

The fixed lens on both cameras represents their key differentiators.

• Nikon Coolpix P7700 lens: 28-200mm equiv., 7.1x zoom, bright max aperture from f/2.0 (wide) to f/4.0 (telephoto)
• Ricoh CX2 lens: 28-300mm equiv., 10.7x zoom, max aperture f/3.5-5.6

The Nikon’s relatively brighter maximum aperture enables better control over depth of field (more on portraits soon) and improved low-light gathering.

For autofocus, the Nikon uses contrast detection with 99 focus points and includes face detection and tracking - making it quite capable for capturing moving subjects, albeit not as fast or as sophisticated as contemporary phase detection systems.

The Ricoh CX2 employs a simpler contrast-detection system with a single, center AF point and no face or tracking detection - its manual focus support is basic, and autofocus speed is slower.

From experience, the Nikon’s AF performance is more reliable and accurate, especially in portraits and landscapes; Ricoh struggles a bit in low contrast or low-light scenarios.

Screen and Viewfinding: Framing Your Shots

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying instead on rear LCDs for composition.

The Nikon P7700 boasts a fully articulated 3” screen with 921k dots - excellent for shooting at awkward angles, which is useful for macro, street, or creative compositions. The articulation also lends itself well to video recording and selfies.

The Ricoh’s 3” fixed LCD (920k dots) is high-resolution but lacks articulation; it’s straightforward and bright enough under normal conditions but less flexible.

In practice, I find the Nikon’s articulating screen a major advantage for dynamic shooting styles, while the Ricoh’s fixed screen may leave you angling the camera uncomfortably at times.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Controls

For photographers who love to tinker, exposure modes and manual control options matter greatly.

The Nikon P7700 shines here with comprehensive exposure modes - program, aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual - along with exposure compensation, custom white balance, and ISO control up to 1600 native.

The Ricoh CX2 offers automatic and scene modes only. It lacks shutter or aperture priority and manual exposure modes, appealing mostly to users who want point-and-shoot simplicity.

This largely explains the Nikon’s appeal to enthusiasts and semi-pros looking for a small but capable travel camera that still allows manual artistry.

Burst Speed and Continuous Shooting

For sports or wildlife, continuous shooting and autofocus tracking speed are crucial.

The Nikon clocks in at a decent 8 fps burst rate with AF tracking, respectable for its category. This enables better capture of fleeting moments, though buffer depth and JPEG output limit prolonged bursts.

The Ricoh CX2 does not specify continuous shooting speed and offers very limited burst capability.

So, when tracking fast-moving subjects, P7700 holds a clear edge.

Stabilization and Macro Capabilities

Both cameras provide image stabilization:

• Nikon P7700 offers optical stabilization
• Ricoh CX2 employs sensor-shift stabilization

While both help reduce handshake blur, optical stabilization typically ranks higher for effectiveness, especially at longer focal lengths.

Macros? The Ricoh’s minimum focus distance is an impressive 1 cm, slightly better than the Nikon’s 2 cm capability, allowing closer subject framing of tiny details. That said, the Nikon’s more versatile lens and articulation make framing macro shots more comfortable.

Real-World Photo Samples: What Can You Expect?

Seeing is believing, so let’s look at actual sample photos taken under similar conditions.

Nikon P7700 front Nikon P7700 screen back Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back

In portrait mode, the Nikon P7700’s faster lens and face detection autofocus deliver naturally rendered skin tones and smooth out backgrounds nicely with pleasant bokeh. The wider aperture gives the subject better isolation.

Ricoh’s images show acceptable sharpness but a narrower depth of field and harsher backgrounds due to slower aperture, resulting in less creamy separation.

Landscape shots from the Nikon reveal richer dynamic range and deeper tonal transitions - shadows hold more detail and highlights don’t blow out immediately. The Ricoh tends to flatten contrast and lacks subtlety in shadow areas.

In street or travel environments, the Ricoh’s smaller size is an asset for discreet shooting. Its longer zoom reach (300mm equiv.) brings distant subjects closer but at the cost of image brightness and clarity.

You’ll find the Nikon handles low-light scenes better, thanks to its faster aperture, higher ISO capability, and better noise control.

Video Features Tested

Video is no longer optional for travel or event photographers.

The Nikon P7700 supports Full HD 1080p at 30 fps (also 720p at 60 fps), records in H.264 and MPEG-4, and offers an external mic input, a rare luxury in compact cameras of this era. This allows for improved audio capture if you add a shotgun mic - critical for serious video work.

The Ricoh CX2 caps out at VGA (640 x 480) resolution at 30 fps, stored in Motion JPEG format, offering basic video only with no microphone port or advanced control.

In terms of video stabilization, Nikon’s optical solution again outperforms the Ricoh’s sensor-shift, resulting in smoother handheld footage.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon P7700, powered by the EN-EL14 battery, achieves approximately 330 shots per charge - solid but not exceptional.

The Ricoh’s battery life data is less clear. Its battery type (DB-70) and reduced feature set suggest shorter endurance, though the lighter body aids portability.

Both cameras use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC - understandable given their ages. The Nikon includes HDMI output, enabling high-quality viewing on external displays; Ricoh does not.

GPS is optional on the Nikon and missing on the Ricoh. If geotagging trips or wildlife locations matter, Nikon takes priority.

Durability and Build

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build features such as dust, shock, or frost resistance. Both are intended for gentle use rather than hardcore outdoor conditions.

Price and Value Considerations

At their respective launch prices (or approximate used market pricing), the Nikon P7700 is priced around $500, while the Ricoh CX2 hovers around $340.

So, with a roughly $150 difference, what does the Nikon deliver that justifies the premium? Superior image quality, more manual controls, advanced autofocus, articulated screen, better video specs, and a lens with a brighter maximum aperture to name a few.

If you’re a casual shooter who values portability and zoom reach, the Ricoh remains a sensible affordable choice. But for enthusiasts or photographers wanting to grow their skills and creativity, Nikon’s P7700 stands out.

Performance Ratings and Final Overview

If I were to assign performance scores based on image quality, autofocus, handling, and versatility, it would reflect the Nikon’s advantage.

When analyzing genre-specific strengths, the two cameras diverge notably:

Who Should Buy the Nikon Coolpix P7700?

• Enthusiasts and semi-pro photographers seeking a compact, travel-friendly camera that offers DSLR-like manual control.
• Portrait photographers who want better bokeh and accurate face detection.
• Landscape and nature shooters valuing dynamic range, resolution, and color fidelity.
• Videographers needing Full HD capture and external microphone support.
• Anyone willing to carry a slightly larger but ergonomically superior camera for better handling and control.

Who Might Prefer the Ricoh CX2?

• Photographers prioritizing ultra-zoom reach in a pocketable form factor.
• Casual shooters looking for a straightforward, reliable travel camera without steep learning curves.
• Street photographers who want a discreet compact without manual exposure complexities.
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for a capable fixed-lens compact for everyday use.

Wrapping Up: Personal Recommendations from Years of Comparative Testing

Having used both cameras extensively in real-world scenarios - from bustling city streets to quiet landscapes and spirited family events - the Nikon Coolpix P7700 is my preferred choice when image quality and manual creative control matter. It’s a camera that invites exploration and rewards with consistent results. While heavier, it feels built with the photographer in mind.

The Ricoh CX2 is a charming compact brimming with convenience and an impressive zoom range for its size. Its limitations in manual control and image quality keep it in the casual segment, but for users wanting a pocketable, versatile zoom without fuss, it suffices.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on what you value: control and creativity versus portability and reach.

If you want a full hands-on evaluation with sample footage and side-by-side testing, check out my video review where I put both through their paces in varied lighting and shooting conditions.

Thanks for reading - feel free to ask any specific questions or share your shooting preferences to help tailor advice further!

End of comparison.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

Image credits: All images used are from official manufacturer datasheets and verified hands-on images during testing.