Olympus XZ-10 vs Ricoh CX5

Choosing the Right Compact Companion: Olympus XZ-10 vs Ricoh CX5 in Real-World Photography

Stepping into the compact camera arena, especially among small sensor models, can be a bit of a maze. Two contenders that often surface in discussions are the Olympus Stylus XZ-10 (hereafter XZ-10) and the Ricoh CX5. Released within two years of each other, these cameras promise portability without sacrificing too much on photographic control. But how do they truly compare in practice? After extensive hands-on testing spanning various photographic genres, I’m here to unpack the nuances that set them apart. Spoiler: your choice will hinge heavily on what you prioritize - speed, zoom reach, image quality, or ergonomics.

Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison starting with their physicality.

When Size and Feel Matter: Comfort and Ergonomics in Your Daily Shoot

Compact cameras are often prized for their portability, but that means little if they don’t feel good in your hand during longer shoots. Both the Olympus XZ-10 and Ricoh CX5 are built with similar compact footprints, but subtle differences affect handling.

The XZ-10 measures 102 x 61 x 34 mm and weighs about 221g with battery - slightly chunkier than the CX5’s 102 x 59 x 29 mm and 205g. In practice, that extra girth on the Olympus translates to a more confident grip, aided by a modest thumb rest and a front finger ridge. The CX5, thinner and lighter, slips more effortlessly into pockets but can feel a little “barebones” in the hand during extended use. Controls on both are well placed, but the XZ-10’s slightly larger body allows for buttons that are easier to press without looking, a big plus for street or travel photographers who shoot on the fly.

Looking from the top (see image), the Olympus sports a dedicated mode dial and aperture/shutter priority modes - not always a given in this class - while the Ricoh leans toward simplicity with fewer direct controls and more reliance on menu navigation. If you value tactile control and quick adjustments, the XZ-10 edges ahead here.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor and Image Quality Showdown

Both cameras use the same 1/2.3” sized sensor with identical physical dimensions (6.17x4.55 mm), but sensor technology and resolution differ slightly.

The XZ-10’s sensor features a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS design, improving light gathering efficiency, and clocks in at 12 megapixels. This setup generally yields better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to the CX5’s 10-megapixel CMOS sensor without BSI. During my tests, this was evident in the XZ-10’s cleaner image rendering at ISO 800 and above, with images retaining more shadow detail - a plus for landscapes or indoor shooting where lighting is less controllable.

However, it’s worth noting that both sensors are modest in size compared to APS-C or full-frame alternatives. This naturally limits noise control and ultimate resolution, especially visible when cropping or printing large. For typical 4x6 or 8x10 prints and web use, both deliver solid results, but the Olympus has a slight technical edge.

The Lens: A Tale of Versatility vs. Brightness

Lens specifications are where the cameras start to diverge markedly.

The Olympus XZ-10 features a fast 5x zoom from 26–130 mm equivalent, with a wide aperture range of f/1.8–2.7 - unusually bright for a compact zoom. The Ricoh CX5 offers a whopping 10.7x zoom spanning 28–300 mm equivalent, but with a more modest maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end, tapering to f/5.6.

This difference plays out in interesting ways:

• The Olympus gives you a fast lens with excellent low-light potential at wide angles and smooth, creamy bokeh for portraits thanks to the f/1.8 aperture.
• The Ricoh delivers greater telephoto reach for wildlife or sports but requires good light or higher ISO settings to maintain shutter speed due to its slower aperture.

For macro work, both cameras impressively focus down to 1 cm, but the Olympus benefits from the wider aperture enabling better background separation and subject isolation. I preferred the XZ-10 for portraits where skin tone rendering and shallow depth of field are priorities. Meanwhile, the CX5’s reach is handy for distant subjects but demands careful handling to avoid camera shake.

Framing Your Shot: Viewscreens and Interfaces

Both cameras use fixed 3-inch LCDs with 920k dot resolution; no viewfinders are included.

The Olympus includes a touchscreen interface, uncommon but welcome in 2013 when it launched, that eases menu navigation and touch-to-focus use - definitely handy in situations requiring rapid refocus, such as street photography or uneven lighting. The Ricoh sticks to traditional buttons, demanding a bit more menu diving.

In real-world usage, the touchscreen on the XZ-10 feels responsive and intuitive, though it does add smudge-prone surfaces to maintain. The lack of any electronic or optical viewfinder on both cameras means shooting in bright sunlight remained challenging, where glare hampered visibility. The Olympus LCD offered slightly better brightness and color reproduction, marginal yet noticeable.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus systems in compacts rarely get headlines, but they can make or break critical moments.

The Olympus XZ-10 boasts a 35-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and tracking capability. The Ricoh CX5 uses a multi-area contrast detection system but lacks face tracking.

In practice, the XZ-10’s autofocus was meeker in dim light yet more versatile, especially with face detection aiding portraits and candid captures. The Ricoh’s AF was often slower to lock onto farthest zoomed subjects and struggled with moving objects - expect some hunting under challenging conditions.

Both cameras offer 5 fps continuous shooting, sufficient for basic action, but neither sports advanced burst buffers or silent shooting modes. For wildlife or sports photography at a serious level, they’d both feel limiting. However, for casual action, the speed matches the sensor and processing capabilities without noticeable lag.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Sensor-shift image stabilization is present in both cameras, crucial for reducing blur at longer focal lengths or reduced shutter speeds.

Testing handheld shots at 1/60s to 1/30s at telephoto, the Olympus XZ-10’s system felt a bit more confident, delivering a larger percentage of sharp frames compared to the Ricoh CX5. This may partly result from the wider lens aperture allowing faster shutter speeds and the operational firmware sophistication.

Though ISO top settings are ISO 6400 on the Olympus versus ISO 3200 on the Ricoh, practical use beyond ISO 1600 is very noisy on both. I suggest keeping ISO low and relying on image stabilization or external lighting whenever possible.

Video Capabilities: What Can These Compacts Offer?

If you’re inclined to shoot video occasionally, understanding each camera’s capabilities matters.

The XZ-10 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression and offers an HDMI output for external monitors. Unfortunately, there’s no microphone input or headphone jack - a typical limitation at this class and era.

The Ricoh CX5 maxes out at HD 720p 30fps using Motion JPEG format and lacks HDMI output or audio input options. Its video is serviceable but feels dated compared to the Olympus.

For casual videography or hybrid shooters who intend to shoot both stills and 1080p video occasionally, the XZ-10 is a clear step ahead.

Battery Life and Storage Practicalities

Battery life can be a deciding factor for travellers and event shooters.

The Olympus XZ-10 uses the Li-50B battery and rates around 240 shots per charge. In real-world mixed shooting, factoring in LCD use and stabilization, I found it sufficient for a day of moderate shooting, but carrying an extra battery is prudent.

The Ricoh CX5 uses a DB-100 battery, with official life figures less clear, but my tests approximated a similar range, marginally better with the conservative LCD usage.

Both rely on SD cards, with the Ricoh additionally offering small internal storage - a definite bonus if you forget your card on a short outing.

Outdoor Durability: Weather Resistance and Build

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. They are compact, svelte, pocketable units, designed for urban, travel, or family use rather than harsh environments.

If you’re prioritizing built-in protection against dust, moisture, or shocks, you’d want to consider other categories.

Real-World Photography Field Tests: How They Handle Different Genres

So, how do these two cameras perform across popular photography genres? Here’s an overview based on my comprehensive real-world trials.

Olympus XZ 10 front Olympus XZ 10 screen back Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Olympus XZ-10’s fast lens and face detection autofocus make portraits easier to nail. Skin tones came out natural, and the f/1.8 aperture enabled a creamy bokeh effect, helping subjects stand out from the background. Ricoh CX5 portraits were adequate but less dramatic due to slower lens speed and lack of face tracking. Eye detection is absent in both, which can be a sticking point for pro portrait shooters.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are crucial here. The XZ-10’s BSI sensor helped capture shadow and highlight detail better, lending to more vibrant and nuanced images. Both cameras cap at 12 and 10 MP respectively - fine for sharing online and reasonable prints. The Olympus lens’s wider view at 26mm versus Ricoh’s 28mm means slightly broader framing. Neither is weather sealed, so cautious use in damp environments is needed.

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach favors the Ricoh CX5 with its long 300 mm equivalent zoom versus 130 mm on the Olympus. However, autofocus hunting and slower response limit opportunities for sharp captures of fast wildlife. The Olympus autofocus and image quality at its max zoom fared better for landscapes and portraits but lacked the reach.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is built for serious sports photography. Autofocus tracking is absent, buffer sizes are limited, and burst rates modest (5 fps). The Olympus’s face detection adds a little edge, but overall, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere for this genre.

Street Photography

The Olympus XZ-10’s compact size, tactile controls, and touchscreen make it very street-friendly. Quick mode switching and fast lens help grab fleeting moments. The Ricoh is thinner and lighter, better for discrete shooting, but its slower controls can cause missed chances. Both handle low light moderately, but I preferred the Olympus for quicker focus and better image quality.

Macro Photography

Both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm, impressive for compacts. The Olympus’s wider aperture allows better background separation and more creative macro work. Ricoh’s longer zoom helps frame elusive close-ups from slightly further away, but lens speed limits creativity.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited sensor size restricts both models’ astrophotography potential. The Olympus supports ISO up to 6400 with noise reduction that preserves detail better, making it the preferable choice for casual night shots. Longer exposures require a tripod anyway, and neither camera offers bulb mode or intervalometer functions.

Professional Workflow and File Formats

Raw support stands as a dividing line:

• Olympus XZ-10 offers RAW shooting, enabling post-processing flexibility essential for professionals and enthusiasts pushing image quality.
• Ricoh CX5 lacks RAW, saving only JPEG, which may be a dealbreaker if you intend extensive editing or want maximum quality preservation.

Neither offers tethering or advanced connectivity beyond Olympus’s Eye-Fi card compatibility. USB 2.0 ports deliver basic file transfer to a computer, and neither supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Price and Value: What Will Your Dollars Buy?

Currently, the Olympus XZ-10 lists around $428, and the Ricoh CX5 about $399. For that marginal price difference, Olympus gives you noticeable technical advantages:

• Faster lens aperture and wider zoom range (on the wide end)
• RAW file support
• Touchscreen and Full HD video
• Slightly better image stabilization and autofocus features

The Ricoh’s longer telephoto zoom and lighter body win on versatility and portability but at the cost of image quality and some usability conveniences.

Breaking down genre-specific performance scores reinforces this:

Summing It Up: Which Compact Fits Your Photography?

If you crave a versatile everyday compact with a bright lens, solid image quality, tactile controls, and video capabilities, the Olympus XZ-10 serves well. Its superior autofocus with face detection, RAW format, and touchscreen appeal to enthusiasts and casual professionals balancing portability with creative control.

Alternatively, if your priority is long-range zoom reach for travel or nature scenes within broad daylight, and you want a lighter, simpler camera with internal storage backup, the Ricoh CX5 is a viable, budget-conscious option. Just temper expectations regarding image quality and focus speed.

Both cameras serve better as secondary, grab-and-go shooters in daily life, travel, and casual situations rather than for specialized or professional assignments.

Final Thoughts: Personal Preferences and Use-Case Focus

In my experience handling these cameras side by side, I gravitate toward the Olympus XZ-10 for most photographic tasks because it feels like a more complete package - something that rewards a bit of care and knowledge with better images and faster operation. The Ricoh CX5 can win hearts for its zoom reach and simplicity but feels more like a point-and-shoot with advanced zoom than a flexible creative tool.

Dear Olympus: more manual zoom rings and an electronic viewfinder would elevate this camera even further. And Ricoh, I would welcome RAW support and faster AF for your next iteration.

Until then, consider what matters most to you in a compact before pulling the trigger. Both cameras will fit nicely in a jacket pocket and deliver decent images; the tipping point is in their subtle but important differences - details only hands-on, real-world experience can uncover.

Happy shooting!