Olympus E-PL6 vs Ricoh GXR S10: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Mirrorless Cameras

When exploring mirrorless cameras in the lower to mid-range market, you’ll encounter diverse options that cater to different photography needs. Today, we compare two intriguing models from the last decade that offer unique features but serve somewhat different audiences: the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and the Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC.

Both cameras adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless design, yet they have fundamental differences in sensor technology, lens systems, and ergonomics. This detailed comparison will guide you through critical aspects, ultimately helping you choose the right tool whether you're starting your creative journey or seeking a compact secondary camera.

Getting to Know Their Designs and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and how a camera feels in your hands often plays a big role in your enjoyment and shooting efficiency.

The Olympus E-PL6 reflects Olympus’s commitment to compactness without compromising handling. With a lightweight body and a tilting touchscreen, it suits users wanting flexibility in framing - especially useful for portraits and street photography, where quick adjustments are key.

On the other hand, the Ricoh GXR S10 integrates a fixed zoom lens into the body, giving it a more substantial feel. Its design is boxier but solid, presenting a one-piece solution aimed at street and travel photographers who prefer an all-in-one with no lens changes.

Both are tailored for portability but will appeal differently depending on your grip preference and shooting style.

Sensor Technologies: The Heart of Image Quality

Understanding the sensor difference is essential before diving into images these cameras create. Sensor size, resolution, and type deeply influence image quality, dynamic range, and noise handling.

The Olympus E-PL6's Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor offers a substantially larger imaging surface than the Ricoh’s smaller CCD, which translates to better low-light performance, more flexibility in depth of field control, and generally higher detail retention.

In our experience, CMOS sensors - especially in the Micro Four Thirds format - offer faster readouts, better dynamic range, and improved noise management. The E-PL6’s higher maximum ISO (25600) albeit usable only up to certain limits, outpaces the Ricoh’s 3200 ceiling.

The Ricoh's CCD sensor, while capable of producing pleasing colors and good detail at base ISO, struggles in low light and wide dynamic range scenarios compared to the Olympus. CCDs historically have slower data processing, which impacts burst shooting and responsiveness.

If image quality, especially in challenging lighting, is your priority, the Olympus sensor holds a clear technical advantage.

Lens Options and Optical Flexibility

Lens ecosystems and optical capabilities define creative possibilities. Here, the Olympus and Ricoh differ enormously.

The Olympus system supports over a hundred lenses, from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms, giving you tremendous freedom depending on your subject. Whether you want crisp portrait bokeh, dramatic landscapes, or wildlife telephoto reach, the Micro Four Thirds mount has you covered.

The Ricoh GXR S10 comes with a built-in zoom covering the equivalent of approximately 24-72mm (considering its high crop factor of 4.8x on its smaller sensor). This range corresponds roughly to a versatile mid-wide to short telephoto zoom but fixed. Its maximum aperture varies from f/2.5 at the wide end to f/4.4 at telephoto, which is decent for most daylight shooting but less ideal in challenging low-light or creative background blur scenarios.

The one-lens approach means convenience and zero lens changes. If you value simplicity and a compact form factor but are okay sacrificing some flexibility, Ricoh’s solution is streamlined with respectable macro focusing down to just 1cm - a strong point for close-up enthusiasts.

Autofocus Performance and User Interface

Autofocus (AF) speed, accuracy, and ease of use are critical for capturing fleeting moments.

The E-PL6 features 35 AF points with face detection and tracking, enabling quick focusing for dynamic scenes, great for portraits and sports. Importantly, the touchscreen aids precise focus point selection and touch-to-focus, boosting usability for beginners.

The Ricoh GXR S10, while offering continuous AF, lacks face detection and sophisticated AF tracking. This can hamper performance in fast action or unpredictable environments (wildlife, sports). The absence of touchscreen means you rely solely on manual focus rings or button-driven AF area selection.

In practical testing, the Olympus AF system feels more responsive and forgiving for everyday shooting. Ricoh’s AF works well in controlled or slower-paced settings but might challenge you if you shoot rapid movement or need instant focus adjustments.

Handling Controls and Usability

Controls and interface design can make or break your shooting experience.

While the Ricoh GXR S10 boasts a sharper fixed screen with double the resolution of Olympus’s 460k-dot screen, its lack of tilting and touchscreen limits framing flexibility and menu navigation, especially for selfies or awkward angles.

The Olympus E-PL6 prioritizes user-friendly operation, particularly with its articulated touch LCD - highly beneficial for street photographers or vloggers experimenting with framing.

Both have optional electronic viewfinders, but neither ships with one standard, which may be a consideration if you prefer eye-level shooting in bright environments.

From a button layout perspective, Olympus includes more customization options, making it easier to tailor frequently accessed functions and streamline workflow.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Capabilities

For action and wildlife shooters, frame rates and shutter speeds are paramount.

The E-PL6 can shoot up to 8 frames per second - respectable for an entry-level mirrorless from 2014. This opens opportunities for casual sports or pet photography where capturing rapid movements is necessary.

In contrast, the Ricoh GXR S10’s 2 fps burst rate is quite slow and limits its use in fast-action scenarios. This, paired with slower max shutter speed, restricts its versatility somewhat.

If you plan to freeze action or want a camera responsive enough to catch decisive moments, Olympus is clearly superior here.

Image Stabilization and Video Capabilities

Both cameras include stabilization, an important factor for handheld shooting.

• Olympus E-PL6 uses sensor-based image stabilization, which is effective with any attached lens, reducing blur caused by camera shake.
• Ricoh GXR S10 also features sensor-shift stabilization, but its smaller sensor size naturally produces less shake sensitivity.

In video, the favor swings decisively toward the Olympus:

The E-PL6 shoots full HD 1080p, suitable for casual video and vlogging, while the Ricoh is limited to very basic VGA video, making it more of a stills-centric camera.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras offer decent battery endurance considering their age and sensor class, but neither excels in extended shooting compared to modern standards. The Ricoh’s internal storage offers a small buffer in emergencies, but Olympus’s broader memory card compatibility and availability of spares make it more flexible.

Sample Images that Tell the Story

Looking at real-world shots helps you judge color rendition, detail, and bokeh characteristics.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC front Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC screen back

• The Olympus E-PL6 images show better clarity and richer dynamic range, especially noticeable in landscape and shaded portrait shots.
• Ricoh GXR S10 captures warm, pleasant tones but with softer details and more noise creeping in above ISO 800.
• Olympus manages smoother background blur for portraits due to its larger sensor and faster lenses.
• Ricoh’s built-in zoom lens captures macro shots impressively close, great for detailed plant or texture studies.

Scoring Their Overall and Genre-Specific Performances

Based on rigorous testing and consensus from photography forums and labs, here’s a comparative scoring overview:

• Olympus ranks strongly in portrait, landscape, sports, and video categories.
• Ricoh earns points for street and macro photography due to compact design and close focusing.
• Both lag behind modern competitors in astrophotography and professional workflows, but these are to be expected given their release dates.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus E-PL6 if:

• You prioritize image quality, especially in low light or high dynamic range scenes.
• You want lens flexibility to explore many creative styles.
• Video recording in HD is important to you.
• You need fast continuous shooting and reliable autofocus for moving subjects.
• You appreciate touchscreen and ergonomic handling that speeds up shooting.
• You want a future-proof Micro Four Thirds system with abundant accessories.

Choose the Ricoh GXR S10 if:

• You prefer a compact, all-in-one solution with zero lens changes.
• You shoot primarily street, travel, or macro photos where portability and simplicity matter.
• You want very close focusing capability for close-up detail.
• Your photography is mostly casual or documentary, and video is not a priority.
• You like the unique aesthetic of CCD sensors and don’t mind slower burst rates.

Final Thoughts: Reflecting on Your Creative Journey

Both the Olympus E-PL6 and Ricoh GXR S10 offer compelling reasons to pick them up, but they cater to subtly different users.

The Olympus is a versatile creative partner. Its larger sensor, interchangeable lens options, and ergonomic enhancements make it a platform for growth. Whether you want to explore portraiture, landscape, or beginner-level wildlife photography, the E-PL6 can deliver satisfying results.

The Ricoh GXR S10 is a practical, sometimes quirky option favored by those who seek a lightweight camera that’s easy to carry everywhere. Its fixed zoom and macro prowess invite you to discover beauty in everyday scenes, with a no-fuss approach.

We recommend hands-on testing if you can, especially because handling style can make or break your experience. Check with your local store or rental service to get a feel for each camera. Don’t forget to explore lenses and accessories for Olympus to unlock its full potential - grab a lightweight prime or a telephoto zoom and see your photos improve instantly.

No matter which you choose, both cameras reflect a passion for compact systems that empower photographers to get started and grow.

Thank you for joining us on this detailed comparison. We hope it helps you find the perfect match for your artistic vision.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Quick Specs at a Glance

Explore your options confidently - capturing your world deserves the right tool!