Olympus Stylus 1 vs Ricoh CX6: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small-sensor superzoom cameras, the landscape is dotted with straightforward point-and-shoots and bridge cameras that promise versatility without the heft or complexity of interchangeable-lens systems. The Olympus Stylus 1 and Ricoh CX6 have both earned attention in this niche, delivered with fixed lenses around a 28-300mm equivalent focal range - but how do they really stack up against each other in everyday use?

Having spent countless hours testing cameras across different categories - from macro and wildlife to street and landscape - I’ll break down the Olympus 1 and Ricoh CX6 through a blend of technical evaluation and practical experience. This article aims to help you decide which might better suit your photography style and needs.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

You’d be surprised how crucial a camera’s physical interface is to your shooting enjoyment and efficiency. While tech specs can tell a story, you really only know once you’ve held a camera in your hand, tried its controls, and taken it out shooting.

The Olympus Stylus 1 is a bridge camera with an SLR-like body - larger and more substantial than the Ricoh CX6 compact. The difference in size and weight (Olympus at 402g and Ricoh at 201g) is immediately obvious.

Olympus’s design reflects its predecessor DSLR-inspired ergonomics, with ample grip and a layout that favors photographers who appreciate physical dials, buttons, and thumb sticks. The build feels solid, though it is not weather-sealed, something to keep in mind if you shoot outdoors frequently.

Conversely, the Ricoh CX6 takes the ultra-compact approach. Its slim, pocketable frame minimizes bulk but sacrifices some manual controls and grip comfort on extended shoots. I found it easy to carry around all day but less comfortable to hold during long bursts or when using zoom extensively.

From a practical user-interface perspective, the Olympus feels like the better “tool” for serious photographers wanting control, while the Ricoh caters well to travelers or casual shooters craving portability.

Command Central: Control Layout and Viewfinder

One of my early test rituals is to evaluate the control interface for intuitiveness & speed. How quickly can I change exposure, focus modes, or ISO? Are the buttons logically placed?

The Olympus 1 offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 1,440-dot resolution, providing a bright and clear scene preview - this is invaluable when bright sunlight washes out LCD screens. The Ricoh CX6 has no viewfinder at all, relying solely on its rear LCD for composition.

The Olympus also includes a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD (1040k dots), perfect for low or high angle shots. The Ricoh’s fixed 3-inch Sony WhiteMagic LCD with 1230k dots is slightly sharper but non-touch, limiting some ease-of-use advantages.

For photographers who rely on eye-level composition and appreciate a viewfinder to stabilize the camera, Olympus has a distinct edge here. The presence of touch autofocus on Olympus also speeded up my workflow in live-view modes.

Inside the Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras target the small sensor superzoom category but differ technically in their sensors.

• Olympus Stylus 1: 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, 12 megapixels, TruePic VI processor, sensor area ~41.5 mm².
• Ricoh CX6: 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 10 megapixels, Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor, sensor area ~28.1 mm².

The Olympus sensor is physically larger, which generally yields better light gathering, dynamic range, and noise performance. Olympus's backside illuminated (BSI) sensor architecture further improves low-light sensitivity.

To quantify, DxOMark gave the Olympus 1 a respectable overall score of 51, with excellent color depth (~20.7 bits) and dynamic range (11.6 EV stops), and competitive low-light ISO performance (ISO ~179). Ricoh CX6 lacks DxOMark testing, but similar sensors of its era moderate high ISO noise and dynamic range.

In field tests, the Olympus images show richer colors, more fine detail, and cleaner shadows at higher sensitivities (ISO 800-1600). The Ricoh images, while decent for web and casual prints, tend to display more noise and less depth in challenging lighting.

Viewing Your Masterpieces: Rear Screen and Interface

The Olympus 1’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen means you can casually compose at odd angles, use touch AF, and navigate menus swiftly. The Ricoh’s fixed, non-touch LCD, albeit brighter pixel-wise, limits this flexibility.

For vlogging or creative video angles, Olympus’s articulated screen is a big plus. I found myself using it often when shooting street or macro subjects low to the ground.

Let’s See the Results: Sample Images Comparison

Nothing beats actual image comparison for judging cameras.

Olympus 1 front Olympus 1 screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

Here are side-by-side crops for various scenarios from landscape to portraits:

• Portraits: Olympus provides smoother skin tones and better bokeh thanks to its constant F2.8 lens aperture. The Ricoh struggles for subject isolation at longer zooms with slower apertures (F3.5-5.6).
• Landscapes: Sharpness and color fidelity favor Olympus again, especially in shadow detail, owing to bigger sensor and lens quality.
• Macro: Ricoh claims a 1cm macro focusing range versus Olympus’s 5cm, meaning you can get super close - but Olympus’s optical stabilization and faster aperture deliver sharper handheld macro images.
• Low Light & Night: Olympus handles ISO noise much better, giving cleaner night shots or indoor scenes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Life as it Happens

If you shoot wildlife or sports, autofocus and burst shooting capabilities matter immensely.

• Olympus’s contrast-detect AF system with 25 focus points and face detection works surprisingly fast for a bridge camera, also featuring continuous AF and tracking modes.
• Ricoh only offers single AF and simpler AF configurations, no tracking, which limits its ability to capture fast or erratically moving subjects.
• Burst rates: Olympus at 7fps is considerably faster than Ricoh’s 5fps.

The Olympus’s superior AF and frame rate make it undeniably better suited for action or wildlife photography, where timing is critical.

Professional Features and Reliability

Neither camera boasts professional-grade environmental sealing, a compromise in this price range and category. Both cameras lack weather sealing, dust or freeze proofing - caution is warranted if shooting in harsh conditions.

Regarding file formats and workflows: Olympus supports RAW files for extensive post-processing control, while Ricoh CX6 only offers JPEG. This limitation alone is a deciding factor for advanced photographers seeking maximum image flexibility.

Battery-wise, Olympus’s BLS-5 battery achieves about 410 shots per charge, while Ricoh’s DB-100 stats are unavailable, but real-world use suggests a shorter lifespan. Recharge or spare batteries might be necessary for longer outings with Ricoh.

Both cameras rely on SD card storage but only Olympus includes built-in wireless connectivity for image transfer - a big convenience for busy photographers sharing images on the go.

Specialized Shooting Disciplines: Who Shines Where?

Here’s how both hold up across common photography styles:

• Portrait Photography: Olympus’s constant F2.8 lens aperture and face detect AF make portraits easier and more flattering. Ricoh lacks face detection and can only open to F3.5-5.6.
• Landscape Photography: Dynamic range and resolution advantage Olympus, though Ricoh’s compactness is appealing for hikers.
• Wildlife & Sports: Olympus wins on AF speed, burst rate, and manual control.
• Street Photography: Ricoh’s small size and discreetness may be advantageous.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1cm macro focus is unique, but Olympus’s image quality and stabilization improve results.
• Night/Astro: Olympus’s better ISO noise control is invaluable.
• Video: Olympus offers full 1080p with H.264 codec and 30fps, while Ricoh sticks to 720p Motion JPEG. Neither has microphone or headphone inputs.
• Travel: Ricoh’s diminutive size and lighter weight earn points, but Olympus balances that with better lenses and controls.
• Professional Work: Olympus better supports workflows with RAW files and wireless transfer.

Price and Value: What Does Your Budget Buy?

The Olympus Stylus 1 launched at $699 and remains a pricier option compared to the Ricoh CX6 at $595. Given Olympus's superior image quality, controls, and features, many enthusiasts find it worth the extra investment.

The Ricoh CX6 might fit casual shooters or travelers wanting convenience and 28-300mm versatility in a pocketable body, without wrestling with complex controls or RAW files.

Overall Ratings and User Recommendations

The final matter: how do these two score overall and in specific photography types?

Olympus Stylus 1 posts higher marks overall and across most categories except perhaps street where Ricoh’s size is valued.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

If image quality, control, and flexibility are your priorities - and you don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera - go with the Olympus Stylus 1. It packs a great sensor, constant F2.8 bright zoom lens, RAW support, fast autofocus, and an excellent EVF. I particularly recommend it for portraits, landscape, wildlife, night shooting, and hobbyists who want one camera that does it all well.

But if travel convenience, pocketability, and a simple user interface are your top concerns, the Ricoh CX6 offers a respectable zoom range and decent daytime performance at a lighter weight and lower cost. Ideal as a casual “point and shoot” with very close macro abilities and good battery efficiency for walk-around shooting.

Honesty and Experience Matter

I wrote this comparison after hands-on testing both cameras, reviewing sample images side by side, and considering practical shooting scenarios. There’s no perfect camera, only one that fits your style best. I hope this guide helps you find the right fit for your next photographic adventure.

Thanks for reading - and happy shooting!