Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh CX1: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

In the often crowded compact camera world, picking the right tool for your photographic adventures can feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Today, I’m putting two very different compacts under the microscope - the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the Ricoh CX1 - to help you separate the wheat from the chaff, or shall I say, the photographers’ champ from a vintage contender. These two cameras don’t just differ in specs, but in their very approach to photography, separated by almost a decade of technological evolution. So buckle up, because this comparison spans sensor technology, ergonomics, shooting disciplines, and even video capabilities, all seasoned with my own hands-on field experience.

What They Are and Who They’re For

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to set expectations. The Panasonic LX100 II (announced in 2018) is a large sensor compact positioned as a premium travel and enthusiast camera with features that punch well above its weight class. Whereas the Ricoh CX1 (released way back in 2009) is more of a budget-friendly, traditional compact with a smaller sensor and fewer bells and whistles.

Think of the LX100 II as the DSLR-style compact for pros and serious enthusiasts, while the CX1 is a simple point-and-shooter aimed at casual users who want an all-in-one zoom and prefer pocketability.

First Impressions and Build: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics Battle

Handling experience often defines long-term satisfaction more than image quality alone. The Panasonic LX100 II feels substantial and reassuring - almost like a miniature DSLR with a solid grip, comfortable button layout, and the heft to inspire confidence in hand. Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX1 is a petite delight, pocketable and light, dipping the scale at only 180 grams.

As you can see in the size comparison image, the LX100 II’s dimensions (115x66x64mm, 392g) dwarf the CX1’s compact frame (102x58x28mm, 180g). If portability is your top priority - say, for street photography or casual travel - the CX1 will win you over. But if you prefer something that feels more “camera-like” in the hand with manual controls easily accessible, the LX100 II offers superior ergonomics.

The top control layout is telling, too:

The LX100 II boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture (an elegant throwback to film cameras), and exposure compensation - a dream for tactile shooters who want the camera’s dials to obey their every whim without diving into menus. By contrast, the CX1’s minimal top plate means most settings are buried in menus - a relegation typical of earlier compact cameras.

Ergo: LX100 II for enthusiasts who crave direct control and a camera that communicates tactile confidence; CX1 for travelers and novices who prize simplicity and pocket size.

Sensor Technology: The Heart of Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, sensor size and resolution are king, unabashedly dictating the final image fidelity, especially under challenging conditions like low light or high contrast landscapes.

Here’s a technical comparison:

• Panasonic LX100 II

  • Sensor Type: Four Thirds CMOS
  • Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 mm
  • Area: 224.90 mm²
  • Resolution: 17 MP
  • ISO Range: 200–25600 (native), 100 (boost)
  • Anti-alias filter: Yes
  • Raw support: Yes

• Ricoh CX1

  • Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CMOS
  • Dimensions: 6.17 x 4.55 mm
  • Area: 28.07 mm²
  • Resolution: 9 MP
  • ISO Range: 80–1600
  • Anti-alias filter: Yes
  • Raw support: No

That’s an eight-fold sensor area difference, a rationale alone for superior image quality from the LX100 II. Larger sensors collect more light, promise less noise at high ISO, smoother tonal gradations, and better dynamic range.

What’s more, the LX100 II shoots in raw format, allowing photographers to squeeze maximum quality and flexibility in post-processing - a real game-changer for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The CX1, alas, is restricted to JPEG outputs, limiting creative freedom.

So, how does this translate in real life?

• Low Light: The LX100 II shines, maintaining usable color and detail up to ISO 3200 and above with manageable noise; the CX1 struggles beyond ISO 400, with graininess creeping in fast.
• Dynamic Range: The Four Thirds sensor's notable latitude means landscapes and interiors retain highlight and shadow details better, whereas the CX1 flattens contrast and blacks out shadows easier.
• Resolution: Though the LX100 II offers only 17 MP - not the highest today - it’s a sweet spot for fine detail without oversampling, whereas the CX1’s 9 MP is decent but feels dated.

In practice, I found the LX100 II's images remarkably vibrant with deep blacks and excellent skin tones, while the CX1, as expected, delivered softer images, fit for casual snaps but not fine art.

Back-Screen and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get?

User interface means more than just operation - it influences composition, focusing, and reviewing your shots.

The LX100 II sports a 3.0 inch touchscreen LCD with 1240k dots resolution, offering crisp previews and easy menu navigation. It also features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a generous 2.76 million dots, high magnification (0.7x), and 100% coverage, invaluable for bright outdoor shooting or precise framing - something missing in the CX1’s toolkit (no EVF at all).

By contrast, the CX1’s 3-inch LCD has only 920k dots, no touchscreen, and no viewfinder, making sunny day framing tricky and menu navigation slower. This absence lowers the shooting experience, especially for professional or demanding casual use, where immediate feedback is key.

If you ask me, the LX100 II's EVF is like having binoculars for composition - it opens doors to confident, sharp framing even in challenging light.

Autofocus Systems Under the Hood: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Points

Sharpness is king, but without swift and reliable autofocus, it can be elusive.

• Panasonic LX100 II

  • Contrast-detection AF only (no phase-detection)
  • 49 focus points
  • Face detection, eye detection for humans
  • Available AF modes: single, continuous, tracking, touch AF
  • Focus bracketing and stacking; post-focus capabilities

• Ricoh CX1

  • Contrast-detection AF
  • No face detection or advanced tracking
  • Manual focus yes, but no continuous AF
  • Limited to single AF mode

Practically speaking, the LX100 II's autofocus feels predictably fast and reliable, considering the sensor technology and modern processor (Venus Engine). The face and eye detect functions work well for portraits, with rapid acquisition that stays locked - even at wider apertures for beautiful bokeh separation.

The CX1's AF system shows its age: focus hunts more frequently, especially in low light or busy scenes. No continuous or tracking AF also means fast-moving subjects might escape sharp capture.

For wildlife or sports photographers (or even a lively toddler), the LX100 II is miles ahead.

Lens Specifications: The Optics That Shape Your Image

In fixed-lens cameras, the lens defines versatility and image character.

• LX100 II Lens: 24-75mm (35mm equivalent), f/1.7–2.8 aperture
• CX1 Lens: 28-200mm (35mm equivalent), f/3.3–5.2 aperture

The LX100 II’s fast aperture range is stellar for low-light shooting and controlling depth of field - important for portraits and creative effects. Its 3.1x zoom covers a useful range but is modest compared to the CX1.

The Ricoh CX1 impresses with a 7.1x superzoom lens, extending to 200 mm. This makes it a decent travel zoom compact where reach is valued over brightness. However, the smaller aperture (slower f/3.3–5.2) means less light gathering and less control over background blur.

In practice, the LX100 II’s image sharpness and bokeh quality significantly outshine the CX1. Its Leica-branded lens optics are sharp wide-open even at 24 mm, delivering creamy backgrounds - something the CX1’s lens cannot manage.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Freezing the Action

For sports and wildlife, frame rates are critical.

• LX100 II: Up to 11 fps continuous shooting, max mechanical shutter speed 1/4000s, max silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s
• CX1: Mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/2000s, no continuous shooting speed specified

The LX100 II is well-equipped for capturing fleeting moments, including silent shutter capability for stealth shooting. The electronic shutter at 1/16000s is a boon for shooting wide-open in bright light without ND filters.

The CX1’s shutter maxes out at 1/2000s, with no continuous shooting to speak of - a limitation for dynamic subjects.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Crisp

Both cameras feature image stabilization but with different implementations.

• LX100 II: Optical image stabilization
• CX1: Sensor-shift stabilization

In real-world shooting, the LX100 II’s optical IS was notably effective, especially in video and low light handheld shots. The CX1’s sensor-shift IS is basic and doesn’t provide the same steadiness on telephoto shots, making it tougher to get blur-free photos at longer focal lengths.

Video Capabilities: Who Packs More Punch?

Video is now an essential part of many photographers’ toolkits.

• Panasonic LX100 II:

  • 4K UHD at 30p, 100 Mbps
  • H.264 codec with AAC audio
  • 4K photo mode (extract 8 MP stills from video)
  • Timelapse recording supported
  • HDMI out
  • No mic or headphone ports - limiting for serious recording

• Ricoh CX1:

  • VGA (640x480) video at 30fps
  • Motion JPEG format
  • No external audio ports or HDMI out

The LX100 II is a serious video contender with high resolution, good bit rates, and stabilizing features, matching many entry-level professional camcorders (albeit without mic input). Conversely, the CX1’s video feels retro and limited - enough for casual clips but obsolete by today’s standards.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power on the Go

• LX100 II: About 340 shots per charge, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) cards supported
• CX1: Battery life unspecified but generally lower, SD/SDHC cards only

The LX100 II’s battery life is decent but not exceptional; carrying a spare is advisable for all-day shooting. The CX1’s older battery technology means shorter uptime, which could be a frustration for serious users.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

Connectivity is a big part of modern workflow.

• LX100 II:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and image transfer
  • USB charging supported
  • HDMI output

• CX1:

  • No wireless connectivity
  • USB 2.0 port only

The Panasonic deserves applause here: Bluetooth makes pairing smoother, and Wi-Fi grants easy smartphone integration. Ricoh’s CX1 is stuck in a pre-smartphone era.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof. For adventurous photographers shooting in adverse weather, external protection is recommended for both models.

Quick Gallery: Sample Images From Both Cameras

Let’s look at how these differences translate into actual photos:

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Ricoh CX1 front Ricoh CX1 screen back

From smooth bokeh and sharp foliage detail on the LX100 II side to more grainy, compressed-looking samples from the CX1, the Panasonic’s superior sensor, optics, and processing are apparent. Observe the skin tones on the LX100 II: natural and nuanced, versus flatter colors on the CX1.

How Do They Score Overall?

Here’s a summary rating based on combined performance metrics including image quality, handling, features, and value:

Unsurprisingly, the LX100 II dominates, scoring especially well on image quality and feature set. The CX1, aged but reliable, scores modestly, reflecting its foundation as a budget compact from a much earlier era.

Diving Deeper: Performance By Photography Type

What about specific photographic genres? Here’s a detailed view:

• Portrait: LX100 II’s fast lens, face/eye-detection AF, and high ISO prowess win hands down.
• Landscape: LX100 II’s dynamic range and resolution dominate.
• Wildlife & Sports: LX100 II’s faster autofocus and burst rates outpace the CX1’s limitations.
• Street: CX1’s smaller size aids discretion but LX100 II’s low-light capabilities make it preferable indoors.
• Macro: Both cameras close-focus near, but LX100 II’s higher resolution and focus stacking add value.
• Night/Astro: LX100 II can handle higher ISOs and longer exposures better.
• Video: LX100 II is vastly superior.
• Travel: CX1 is pocket-friendly; LX100 II offers versatility but is larger.
• Professional Work: LX100 II superior in file quality, manual control, and workflow compatibility.

Final Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?

Get the Panasonic LX100 II if:

• You’re an enthusiast or professional craving a compact camera with large sensor image quality and manual controls.
• Portraits, landscapes, low-light shooting, or video are high on your agenda.
• You need features like raw support, 4K video, and fast lenses.
• Budget allows ~ $1000 for a tool that will elevate your photography.
• You prefer a camera that feels like a proper camera, not a glorified point-and-shoot.

Go for the Ricoh CX1 if:

• You want a compact, lightweight camera for casual snapshots or travel.
• Pocketability and a superzoom lens (28-200mm equivalent) at an affordable price (~$300 used) is your priority.
• You typically shoot in good light and don’t need raw or advanced video.
• Simplicity in operation outweighs the need for modern features.
• You appreciate the charm and ease of a classic compact with basic functions.

Wrapping It Up: A Tale of Two Compacts Through Time

Comparing the Panasonic LX100 II to the Ricoh CX1 is like putting modern sports car technology side-by-side with a classic sedan from a previous decade. The LX100 II’s serious imaging chops, refined controls, and tech sophistication make it a compelling choice for anyone demanding the best possible quality out of a compact camera. Meanwhile, the CX1 still has value as a straightforward, no-nonsense snapshot machine with a versatile zoom, especially for beginners or those on a strict budget.

In my personal workflow, the LX100 II often serves as a pocketable second camera alongside larger systems - delivering unexpectedly rich files in a compact package. The CX1, while a nostalgic gem and simple companion, now feels best suited for casual use or backup rather than critical work.

So, choose according to your photography style, budget, and priorities - but whichever route you take, understanding these cameras’ strengths and weaknesses will ensure fewer regrets and more satisfying shots.

Happy shooting!