Olympus 7030 vs Ricoh CX5

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus 7030 vs Ricoh CX5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the 7030 (14MP) and CX5 (10MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The 7030 was announced 18 months earlier than the CX5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the 7030 matches up against the CX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 7030 and Ricoh CX5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus 7030 Gallery and Ricoh CX5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 7030 offers outside measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 7030 vs Ricoh CX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the 7030 vs the CX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 7030 and CX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The photograph below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 7030 and CX5.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus 7030 to give more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older 7030 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.