Nikon S30 vs Ricoh CX3

Let's look a little more in depth at the Nikon S30 and Ricoh CX3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Ricoh. The image resolution of the S30 (10MP) and the CX3 (10MP) is very comparable but the S30 (1/3") and CX3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S30 was brought out 20 months after the CX3 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the S30 scores against the CX3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S30 and Ricoh CX3. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon S30 Gallery and Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon S30 offers outside measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX3 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S30 and Ricoh CX3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the S30 compared to the CX3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S30 and CX3 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S30 and CX3.

Clearly, the two cameras come with the identical megapixels but different sensor sizes. The S30 contains the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh trickier. The fresher S30 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.