Nikon Coolpix S800c vs Ricoh PX: A Hands-On Small Sensor Compact Showdown

When it comes to compact cameras, the balance between portability, image quality, and user control becomes an ongoing juggling act - especially in a segment where smartphone cameras increasingly dominate. Today, I'm putting two intriguing small sensor compacts head-to-head: the Nikon Coolpix S800c, announced in early 2013, and the slightly older Ricoh PX from 2011. Both cameras target enthusiasts who want more than their phone can offer, but each takes a notably different approach.

Having logged dozens of field sessions with both, I’ll guide you through their unique strengths, real-world performance, and what kind of photographers they ultimately serve best. Whether you’re a casual snapper wanting easy-to-use shoot-and-share functionality or a cheapskate macro-hunting explorer needing rugged reliability, this comparison will help you settle on the right tool for your workflow.

Before we delve into image quality and features, a quick look at their physical presence - because size and handling are paramount in this category.

How They Feel in Your Hands: Size, Build and Ergonomics

I always say you can’t judge a camera purely by specs; you have to hold it, feel the surface, interact with the buttons, and see if it fits your shooting style. The Nikon S800c and Ricoh PX differ noticeably here.

• Nikon S800c measures 111x60x27mm and weighs 184g
• Ricoh PX is a bit smaller and lighter at 100x55x21mm and 156g

The Nikon’s larger footprint affords it better grip options - there’s some clever sculpting on the front that lets you cradle it without squeezing your hands into a claw-like grip. The rubberized thumb rest is a nice touch, making it easier to work for extended periods without hand fatigue.

Conversely, the Ricoh PX’s ultra-compact and sleek design seems destined for pocket camouflaging. It’s more of a slip-into-your-jacket pocket kind of device. However, that compactness comes with compromises - the buttons are smaller and closer together, which can be a club for your thumbs if you have larger hands.

The Nikon has a sturdier feel due to its more substantial build, but note that the Ricoh touts environmental sealing, a big deal if you often shoot outdoors in unpredictable conditions (no waterproofing, though, so don’t dunk it).

In summary, if you prize grip and comfortable extended use, Nikon leads here. But if ultra-portability and ruggedness matter more, Ricoh’s design makes sense.

Control Layout and Top-Down Usability

Ease of access to key controls can either elevate your shooting or grind it to a halt. Nikon relies heavily on touchscreen interaction (more on that shortly), while Ricoh sticks to physical dials and buttons.

The Nikon S800c keeps the top clean, with a traditional shutter button surrounded by a zoom ring - intuitive for those used to compact zoomers. It integrates an OLED touchscreen that handles most of the menu diving, making the top controls minimalistic but partially reliant on screen navigation.

Ricoh went old-school with dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and a physical zoom rocker. This appeals to photographers who want quick tactile feedback without fumbling through touch menus.

For beginners or casual shooters, the Nikon’s touchscreen might be friendlier at first, but for anyone accustomed to manual camera clubs for their thumbs, Ricoh is more conventional and less frustrating. Nikon lacks manual exposure modes (more below), so its limited buttons reflect that design choice.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: One-Third of an Inch Matters a Lot

Both cameras sport the same 1/2.3-inch 16MP sensor size, but the devil’s in the details - a CCD sensor in the Ricoh PX versus a BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS in the Nikon S800c. What does this mean in practice?

• Nikon’s BSI CMOS sensor offers better low-light sensitivity and improved dynamic range. The back-illumination design allows more light to hit the photodiodes, which directly translates to less noise at higher ISOs.
• Ricoh’s CCD sensor is older tech that traditionally yields excellent color rendition and sharpness but tends to struggle in dim conditions.

From my side-by-side tests in various lighting conditions (including controlled studio setups and shadowed landscapes), Nikon consistently delivered cleaner images with smoother gradients and less color noise beyond ISO 400. In daylight, both performed admirably - but crunch the shadows or shoot indoors, and Nikon keeps more detail and usable tones.

That said, the CCD sensor in the Ricoh PX produces a distinctive punch in mids and highlights that some photographers love for JPG output, giving it a vintage charm out of the camera. However, this comes with less latitude for post-processing corrections - particularly in underexposed shots.

Maximum ISO tops out at 3200 on both, but the Nikon offers a cleaner rendition at this setting, while Ricoh images start to look grainy and muddy.

Resolution-wise, the Nikon shoots 4608×3456 pixels, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the Ricoh slightly less tall images at 4608×3072, corresponding to 3:2 ratio - hands-on, no major differences in cropping flexibility there, just personal preference.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Sense of Touch and Context

Now, here’s where Nikon’s S800c begins to feel more “modern” - with its 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen boasting 819k dots (think sharp, bright, and with excellent viewing angles). The touchscreen interface feels fluid and responsive, enabling quick menu dives, image zooming, and even on-screen focus point selection (a rarity in this segment). Navigating exposure compensation or white balance is intuitive.

On the flip side, Ricoh’s PX offers a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with just 230k dots; it’s decent but noticeably less crisp. No touchscreen means reliance on buttons, which feels clunkier but straightforward, especially if you want quick shots without hunting on screen. The interface is deliberately simple - no fancy touch gestures, just plain physical interaction.

So, if you value quick access to settings and modern control schemes, Nikon’s OLED is a standout for a camera released in 2013. The Ricoh feels practical but decidedly dated in this regard.

Autofocus and Handling Speeds: Hunting the Decisive Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your experience, especially in genres like sports or wildlife photography.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, typical for small-sensor compacts, but Nikon’s S800c boasts a touch-based AF point selection system and 9 AF points whereas Ricoh doesn’t specify exact AF points but allows center-weighted multi-area focus with face detection.

Shooting fast-moving subjects with the Ricoh is sluggish, capped at only 1 fps in burst mode - definitely limiting for anything beyond relaxed snaps.

Nikon speeds things up with an 8 fps burst rate, which is surprisingly brisk for this class and lets you capture fleeting moments better. However, keep in mind its continuous autofocus implementation is limited; it locks focus when you press the shutter halfway and holds there during the burst, so not perfect for erratic action.

Both cameras struggled in low-contrast or low-light autofocus during my tests, frequently "hunting" for focus, but Nikon fared better thanks to its contrast-detection coupled with face detection and selective AF.

In real-world use, Nikon’s AF felt snappier and more responsive for everyday shooting. Ricoh’s autofocus is more deliberate and better suited for static subjects.

Zoom Lenses: Range and Aperture Trade-offs

The Nikon S800c sports a 25-250mm equivalent 10x zoom with an aperture range of f/3.2-5.8, offering flexibility from moderate wide angles through to respectable telephoto lengths.

The Ricoh PX’s 28-140mm equivalent 5x zoom is less ambitious but maintains a slightly faster aperture range of f/3.9-5.4, particularly on the telephoto end.

In practice, Nikon’s longer zoom is fantastic for landscapes and casual wildlife or sports snapshots when you can’t get close, though image quality does degrade somewhat at full zoom, as expected in such a compact lens.

Ricoh’s shorter zoom, while less versatile telephoto-wise, benefits from using macro at just 3cm minimum focus distance, considerably closer than the Nikon’s 10cm minimum. This makes it an unexpected contender for macro enthusiasts who want crisp close-ups of flowers or insects without switching lenses.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s put these two through their paces in ten major photography domains:

1. Portrait Photography

• Nikon S800c offers face detection and center-weighted metering that reliably renders skin tones. Its BSI CMOS sensor produces smooth bokeh at wide apertures, but with the small sensor, true portrait isolation is limited.
• Ricoh PX also supports face detection but with no tactile AF point selection. Macro focus helps close-up headshots, but background blur is minimal. The CCD sensor gives punchy colors but can skew skin tones slightly under artificial light.

For skin tone accuracy and ease of use, Nikon wins here, particularly for casual portraiture.

2. Landscape Photography

Nikon’s 10x zoom provides a versatile field of view for landscapes, plus the OLED screen helps fine-tune composition outdoors. Though neither camera offers weather sealing, Ricoh’s environmental sealing (dust and splash resistance) is a notable plus in nature settings.

The Nikon’s greater dynamic range and noise control deliver richer details in shadow areas, vital for shooting varied light. Therefore, Nikon is the better choice for landscape buffs prioritizing image quality, while Ricoh suits photographers who hike rugged trails and worry about environmental vulnerability.

3. Wildlife Photography

Burst rate is critical here, so Nikon's 8 fps offers better chances to capture animals on the move. Its longer zoom stretches reach further than Ricoh’s 5x.

However, neither camera is ideal for serious wildlife work; AF tracking is limited and sensor size inhibits detail and low light performance.

For casual wildlife work, I’d push you cautious but lean Nikon.

4. Sports Photography

Similar story: Nikon’s faster burst and better light sensitivity make it more suitable. Ricoh's single fps burst rate and slower maximum shutter speed (1/2000s vs 1/4000s on Nikon) limit sports use.

Neither has full manual exposure with aperture/shutter priority modes, but Ricoh provides manual exposure - a niche advantage if you know what you’re doing.

5. Street Photography

Ricoh PX’s smaller size, silent operating characteristics, and environmental sealing make it a stealthy companion for street shooters who want discretion and durability.

Nikon feels flashier - a touchscreen and larger lens draw attention and might snag the curious eye. Its higher ISO capability helps for night street shots, but size and noise are downsides.

6. Macro Photography

Ricoh shines here with a 3cm minimum focus distance and sensor-shift image stabilization compensating for shaky hands at close range. Nikon can only focus down to 10cm, which restricts intimate close-ups.

Image quality from the Ricoh’s CCD sensor gives pleasing detail and color fidelity on flower and insect shots, making it excellent for macro photographers on a budget.

7. Night and Astrophotography

Neither camera is a powerhouse for astrophotography thanks to tiny sensors and lack of long exposure modes.

That said, Nikon’s BSI CMOS produces less high ISO noise and better dynamic range, yielding more usable night shots. Both max out at ISO 3200, but Nikon’s noise control stands out.

8. Video Capabilities

Nikon offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression, called “MPEG-4” in specs, a solid entry-level package, plus an HDMI port for external monitoring.

Ricoh caps out at 720p video in motion JPEG format - less efficient and lower resolution. No microphone ports on either camera limit audio flexibility.

Nikon’s superior video specs make it a better choice for vloggers or casual videographers.

9. Travel Photography

Here, size, versatility, battery life, and wireless features matter.

Nikon’s built-in GPS and Wi-Fi allow for instant location tagging and quick sharing, very handy for travel bloggers. Battery life is quoted at 140 shots, on the low side, so keep spares.

Ricoh lacks wireless and GPS but wins on rugged build and smaller size - a big consideration if your travels include dusty trails or sudden weather.

10. Professional Work

While neither camera targets professional shooters, Nikon’s Expeed processor coupled with broader connectivity options allows integration into basic workflows for quick social media content or point-and-shoot assignments.

Ricoh is more a niche rugged compact for specific use cases and less workflow-friendly.

Build Quality, Environmental Resistance, and Reliability

This is where Ricoh PX flexes with its environmental sealing - a splash and dust-resistant body able to survive moderate outdoor abuse with confidence.

Neither camera is waterproof or freezeproof, so if you’re trekking cold or wet environments, consider ruggedized options elsewhere.

Nikon’s plastics feel solid but lack any official sealing, increasing vulnerability in harsh weather.

Reliability over months of shooting has been trouble-free with both, but Ricoh’s simpler mechanics potentially mean fewer failures - something budget-conscious buyers appreciate.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Battery life: Nikon uses a rechargeable EN-EL12 battery with about 140 shots per charge - a weakness for those not carrying spares. Ricoh’s DB-100 battery life is undocumented but generally shorter; compact cameras typically require charging every few hundred shots.

• Storage: Both rely on SD/SDHC cards with a single slot; Ricoh also supports internal memory as a backup.

• Connectivity: Nikon includes Wi-Fi and built-in GPS, allowing wireless image transfer, geotagging, and remote control applications. Ricoh lacks all wireless connections but includes standard USB 2.0 and HDMI output.

From a practical standpoint, Nikon offers more modern connectivity comforts important nowadays.

Price vs Performance: What’s the Real Deal?

At launch, Nikon S800c targeted around $290, Ricoh PX was slightly pricier at $329, though prices today vary widely in used markets.

For the money:

• Choose Nikon if you want better image quality in varied lighting, fuller zoom range, video prowess, and modern wireless features - ideal for casual shooters seeking a multimedia compact.

• Choose Ricoh if size, ruggedness, macro capabilities, and a tactile manual control experience are top priorities, especially for outdoor and adventure photographers with a cheapskate’s resolve.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

If scoring cameras was a club fight - which I’ve done with respect to sharpness, noise, autofocus, and ergonomics - the Nikon scores higher on image quality, speed, and screen interface. Ricoh clamps down on durability and manual control mastery points, making it an ideal specialized tool.

Sample Shots: Seeing Is Believing

Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back

Looking at side-by-side full-resolution images:

• Nikon’s shots have brighter colors, less noise, and more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Ricoh’s files show a distinct signature emphasizing punchy hues and contrast, but noise and softness creep in earlier, especially in low light.

Both cameras produce usable images for social media and small prints but fall short for large enlargements or professional use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, where do these two cameras land on my shelf of value for enthusiasts and pros?

Who Should Choose Nikon S800c?

• Photographers who want easy, smartphone-like connectivity
• Casual videographers desiring full HD video
• Users who prefer touchscreen interaction and faster burst modes
• Those prioritizing image quality and diverse zoom range

Who Should Choose Ricoh PX?

• Enthusiasts needing a tough field camera for rough conditions
• Macro photographers seeking very close focusing without attachments
• Users desiring manual exposure and tactile control schemes
• Those valuing a smaller, stealthier footprint for street or adventure photography

Final Verdict

If you want a jack-of-all-trades compact seasoned for modern convenience and solid image quality, Nikon’s S800c is still a valid contender despite its age. It blends features nicely for versatile day-to-day photography and basic video tasks, especially for budget-conscious social shooters.

On the other hand, Ricoh PX thrives as a niche rugged macro and adventure camera, offering reliability and manual control where Nikon’s more consumer-focused design cannot match.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you favor modern versatility and speed (Nikon) or all-weather durability and macro prowess (Ricoh). Take a good look, consider your shooting style, and remember: no small sensor compact can replace a proper DSLR or mirrorless system, but both these cameras can broaden the creative possibilities beyond your phone - and that's no small achievement.

Thanks for reading! If you have questions about these models or want recommendations for related compacts, drop me a line - happy to help you find your perfect match.