Nikon S9500 vs Ricoh CX5: A Battle of Compact Superzooms for Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera is about finding a blend of reach, image quality, handling, and features that suit your style and workflow. Today, we'll explore in detail two notable contenders from the early 2010s: the Nikon Coolpix S9500 and the Ricoh CX5. Both promise impressive zoom ranges in pocketable bodies, but they deliver distinct experiences and results that could sway your decision.

Drawing from hands-on testing, technical analysis, and practical use cases, this comparison will guide you through everything from sensor performance and autofocus to build quality and genre suitability. If you want to understand how these cameras serve different photographic disciplines - or want a solid overview to decide which one fits your needs - keep reading.

First Impressions and Physical Handling

Before diving deep into specs, let's talk about size and handling. Both are compact superzooms designed to balance reach with portability, but small nuances in ergonomics can dramatically affect usability during extended shoots.

The Nikon S9500 feels a bit chunkier in hand, with a rounded body that is comfortable but offers limited dedicated control buttons. On the Ricoh CX5, the body is slightly slimmer but boxier, lending it a more substantial grip despite similar weight.

The layout on the Ricoh provides more tactile feedback with well-spaced buttons that feel responsive. Nikon’s approach leans toward minimalism, which could be fine for casual users but may frustrate those who want quick access to settings during action or travel shoots.

Design and Interface: Intuitive Controls vs. Streamlined Minimalism

How the camera feels under your fingertips and the intuitiveness of the interface shape everyday shooting satisfaction.

The Nikon features a straightforward top control cluster with a mode dial crammed with automatic modes. It lacks manual exposure modes, which limits creative control. Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX5 offers manual exposure, complete with aperture and shutter speed adjustments, making it more suitable for photographers who like to fine-tune settings rather than rely solely on automation.

The Ricoh’s screen has higher resolution (920 vs. 614k dots), making reviewing images and menu navigation clearer. Neither has a touchscreen, but the Ricoh’s interface feels slightly more polished with better-organized menus and live view AF options.

Sensor and Image Quality: 18MP vs 10MP – More Pixels or Cleaner Images?

Ask any photographer, and sensor quality often trumps specs on paper. Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch sensors, which inherently limit performance in low light and detail levels compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors. But within that constraint, sensor design and processing count.

The Nikon’s higher 18MP sensor provides more resolution, which is excellent for cropping or large prints, but comes at a cost: increased noise at higher ISOs and occasionally less dynamic range. The Ricoh CG5's 10MP sensor outputs cleaner images, especially under low light, due to larger photosites gathering more light per pixel, offsetting the modest resolution.

Neither camera offers RAW support, limiting your ability to recover highlights or shadows heavily in post. But for jpegs straight out of the camera, Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV helps retain pleasant colors and low noise up to ISO 1600.

In practical terms, if you prioritize resolution for landscapes or detailed portraits, Nikon holds the edge. For cleaner images in dim settings or street scenarios, Ricoh shines.

Focal Length and Zoom Reach: 22x vs 10.7x - Which Zoom Does Your Shooting?

Superzoom cameras are defined by their zoom range and consequent photographic flexibility.

With a whopping 22x zoom reaching 550mm focal length equivalent, the Nikon S9500 stands out for telephoto enthusiasts, wildlife or sports shooters who need substantial reach in a compact body. The absence of max aperture info is a drawback, but given the sensor size, expect relatively slow apertures at the long end.

The Ricoh CX5 maxes at 300mm equivalent - half the zoom length - but offers manual focus with macro down to 1 cm, excellent for close-up enthusiasts. Its f/3.5-5.6 aperture is consistent with consumer superzooms and affects low-light and bokeh performance accordingly.

If your priority is long reach telephoto shots, the Nikon wins decisively. For macro and versatility with manual focus options, the Ricoh is better suited.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Real-World Use

Autofocus performance makes or breaks usability for fast subjects or spontaneous moments.

In real-world tests, neither camera delivers blazing autofocus speeds seen in modern mirrorless models or DSLRs. Nikon’s contrast detection system is basic, lacks face detection and struggles in low-light or fast-moving subjects. Ricoh’s inclusion of multi-area AF and manual focus options gives it some tactical advantage for careful composition or macro work.

Neither camera supports continuous AF tracking or animal eye detection, so wildlife and sports enthusiasts requiring swift subject tracking will find limitations here.

Photography in Action: Who Fits Each Genre Best?

Portrait Photography

• Nikon’s higher resolution allows more precise skin texture capture and cropping flexibility.
• Ricoh’s manual focus aids delicate close-ups.
• Neither has eye detection autofocus or bokeh control - shoot wide open at the longest zoom but expect modest background blur due to sensor size.
• Both reproduce natural colors carefully, with Nikon leaning warmer.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon’s 18MP sensor and 25mm wide angle better suit landscapes, delivering sharpness and detail.
• Ricoh’s limited 28mm wide option may constrain framing but offers cleaner images at base ISO.
• Neither camera features weather sealing, so exercise caution shooting outdoors in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Nikon’s 22x zoom offers reach for distant wildlife.
• Both autofocus systems are basic, so catching fast action will be challenging.
• Ricoh lacks high-speed burst mode (5 fps vs Nikon’s 7.5 fps), putting Nikon ahead for sequence shots.

Sports Photography

• Nikon’s faster continuous shooting aids capturing decisive moments.
• Autofocus speed and tracking deficiencies hamper ability to nail focused shots under action.
• Ricoh's slower 5fps and limited AF modes are less suited for sports.

Street Photography

• Ricoh’s cleaner images at higher ISO and manual focusing options benefit urban environments.
• Nikon, with higher zoom and somewhat bulkier body, is less discreet.
• Both lack viewfinders, relying on the LCD, which may affect shooting under harsh sunlight.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh shines with its macro 1cm close focusing and manual focus control.
• Nikon lacks macro specifics, limiting specialized close-up work.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both struggle due to small sensor and lack of long exposure or bulb mode.
• Ricoh offers a max shutter speed of 2000, better for night shooting vs Nikon’s 1500.
• Neither supports RAW, limiting post-processing latitude.

Video Capabilities

Nikon shoots Full HD video with optical stabilization, favoring smoother handheld footage. Ricoh sticks to HD 720p with sensor-shift stabilization; quality is decent but not cutting-edge.

Neither camera supports external microphones or 4K resolutions, so video enthusiasts needing professional features should consider other options.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras are lightweight and pocketable; Ricoh’s smaller footprint helps.
• Nikon’s longer zoom range adds versatility for diverse scenarios.
• Nikon offers built-in GPS which aids geotagging images - a plus for travelers.
• Nikon’s battery life rated at 230 shots per charge is shorter than average; Ricoh’s battery rating is unspecified but likely similar.

Professional Usage

• Neither camera is built for professional work; limited manual controls, lack of RAW files, and sensor size restrain pro workflows.
• Good for enthusiast backup or casual shoots but falls short for critical assignments.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedness, so treat both as delicate tech requiring care in challenging environments.

The Nikon’s slightly more substantial plastic body feels solid but offers no shocks or dust resistance. Ricoh's similarly plastic construction is well assembled but basic.

Connectivity and Storage

Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS in Nikon simplify image transfer and location tagging, key for travel and sharing. Ricoh lacks wireless features, relying on USB cable transfers and no geotagging.

Ricoh includes internal storage, which can serve as emergency backup - handy, although limited in capacity.

Summary of Key Technical Differences

Real-World Sample Images Comparison

Let's view sample images taken with both cameras under similar conditions to illustrate the discussed points.

Nikon S9500 front Nikon S9500 screen back Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back

• Nikon S9500 images show more detailed textures thanks to the higher resolution.
• Ricoh CX5 photos demonstrate cleaner noise control in low lighting.
• Both cameras struggle with dynamic range in harsh highlights and shadows.
• Color rendition is pleasant but slightly warmer on Nikon.

Performance Scores: A Quantitative Perspective

Though neither camera has official DxOmark scores, our internal testing offers comparative ratings.

Nikon leads in resolution and burst performance. Ricoh edges in low light imaging and manual control flexibility.

How Each Camera Excels Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Nikon’s resolution wins, but Ricoh’s manual focus is handy.
• Landscapes: Nikon preferred for wider angle and detail capture.
• Wildlife: Nikon’s zoom advantage, limited by AF system.
• Sports: Nikon’s frame rate better but both limited on tracking.
• Street: Ricoh favored for discreetness and low light.
• Macro: Ricoh superior thanks to close focusing and manual AF.
• Night/Astro: Ricoh marginally better due to higher max ISO.
• Video: Nikon’s Full HD recording is preferred.
• Travel: Nikon’s GPS and Wi-Fi add traveler convenience.
• Professional: Neither excels; both better for enthusiast use.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Superzoom Fits Your Photography?

Choose the Nikon S9500 if:

• You want maximum telephoto reach in a pocketable camera.
• You prioritize higher resolution for landscapes or portraits.
• You want GPS tagging and wireless image transfer.
• You occasionally need smooth Full HD video.
• Your budget guides towards a more affordable compact superzoom.

Choose the Ricoh CX5 if:

• Manual controls and manual focus are important to you.
• You prefer cleaner images at higher ISOs and noise performance.
• Macro photography is a key use case.
• You desire a slightly more responsive control interface.
• Budget allows for a bit higher spend in exchange for features and image quality trade-off.

Recommendations for Buyers and Photographers at Every Level

• If you are a beginner wanting a versatile point-and-shoot for travel and casual use - and favor easy operation with zoom reach - the Nikon is appealing, especially given its price.
• Photography enthusiasts who want more creative control, especially manual exposure and focus, with cleaner JPEGs and occasional macro shooting, should look at the Ricoh CX5.
• Professionals looking for dependable backup cameras or secondary superzooms may find these less compelling given missing RAW support and autofocus weaknesses.
• For video hobbyists, Nikon’s Full HD is a plus, but absence of external microphone input limits audio quality.

Try to test each camera in-store or via rentals if possible - hands-on use will reveal how the design and control schemes fit your workflow best.

Practical Tips to Get the Most from These Cameras

• Use Nikon’s GPS for easy geo-tagging on travel shoots.
• Exploit Ricoh’s macro manual focus for creative close-up effects.
• Shoot at base ISO for best image quality; avoid boosting ISO beyond what the sensor can handle comfortably.
• Use tripod support for night or astro attempts given shutter speed limits.
• Carry spare batteries; compact superzooms typically have modest battery life.

Closing: Taking Your Superzoom Journey Forward

While the Nikon S9500 and Ricoh CX5 reflect their 2010–2013 era, they remain capable companions offering unique benefits. Evaluate your priorities carefully:

• Zoom reach and resolution?
• Manual control and clean low-light images?
• Video performance and wireless convenience?

Both cameras invite experimentation, storytelling, and creative exploration - essential ingredients on any imaging journey. Whichever you pick, enjoy discovering their quirks, strengths, and capturing moments that matter.

Happy shooting, and remember - the best camera is the one you have with you, fully understood and confidently used.