Panasonic FS25 vs Ricoh PX: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s crowded market can be a daunting task, especially when weighing options like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 and the Ricoh PX. Both aimed at casual shooters and enthusiast photographers, these cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s target users wanting simple operation and reliable outcomes, with some useful advanced functions.

Having tested and examined thousands of cameras across numerous genres, we’ll walk you through a detailed, hands-on comparison of these two small sensor compacts. We’ll cover technical specifications, real-world performance, and how they fit into various photography disciplines - all to help you decide which camera best suits your creative needs.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison between Panasonic FS25 and Ricoh PX

Ergonomics & Handling: Compact Yet Practical?

Both cameras fall under the small sensor compact category, designed for portability and straightforward operation.

• Panasonic FS25 measures 97 x 58 x 22 mm and weighs 148g
• Ricoh PX is a tad larger at 100 x 55 x 21 mm and heavier by 8 grams, weighing 156g

The Panasonic model emphasizes a slightly more rounded shape with moderate thickness, fitting comfortably in your hand or pocket. The Ricoh feels a little slimmer but is longer horizontally, which might influence grip style depending on your hand size.

When we tested them side by side, the FS25 offered more intuitive button placement, but the PX gains points by including manual focus control - a rare benefit for a compact of this era and category.

Top view design and control layout comparison

The top controls also show meaningful differences:

• The FS25 keeps things simple: zoom lever, shutter release, and power button. Unfortunately, no manual exposure modes or dedicated dials.
• Ricoh PX adds manual exposure mode capability, with more comprehensive control over shutter speed and aperture. You also get an exposure compensation dial, giving more creative flexibility.

For beginners looking for point-and-shoot ease, the FS25’s simpler layout helps focus on shooting without distractions. But for enthusiasts wanting granular control - manual focus included - the PX holds the edge.

Sensor and Image Quality: What Does the Sensor Tell Us?

Both cameras share a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor but differ in resolution and processing.

Sensor specifications side by side, influencing image quality

Image Quality Insights

• The Ricoh PX’s higher 16MP resolution outperforms the FS25’s 12MP on detail capture, benefitting landscape and macro shooters who prize resolution.
• ISO sensitivity also favors the PX, which reaches ISO 3200 natively, against FS25’s max 1600. This translates to improved usability in low light and indoor shooting.
• Both use CCD sensors, which excel in color accuracy and natural tonality, but lag behind modern CMOS sensors in noise control and speed.

Practically, this means Ricoh PX can deliver crisper images with finer detail at moderate ISO levels, whereas the FS25 might struggle slightly with noise at higher sensitivities.

Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to Composition

Back LCD screens of both cameras showing interface differences

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, meaning you’ll rely entirely on the rear LCD for framing shots. The Panasonic FS25 sports a slightly larger 3-inch screen, which provides a more comfortable preview experience. That said, both have modest 230k dot resolutions - not sharp by today’s standards but sufficient for reviewing images in good light.

User Interface

• The FS25’s interface is basic but straightforward, with clear menus designed for ease of use.
• Ricoh PX offers a richer menu system reflecting its manual controls. However, it lacks live view AF support, which can slow down focusing in some situations.

For street photography or quick snapshots, the FS25’s larger screen and live view AF make it a more responsive companion.

Autofocus and Focusing Performance: Precision for Every Shot

Autofocus is crucial across many genres, especially wildlife, sports, and macro photography.

• The FS25 uses a simple contrast-detection AF with face detection. It performed adequately for static portraits and casual shooting but lacked tracking for dynamic subjects.
• The Ricoh PX supports AF tracking and adds manual focus, giving you more precision, especially useful in macro or landscape shots where you might want to fine-tune focus.

While both cameras are no match for modern hybrid AF systems, the PX’s enhancements push it closer to enthusiast demands.

Lens & Zoom: Versatility in Composition

Both cameras feature 5x optical zooms covering roughly the same focal range - standard for compact cameras. The FS25’s lens starts slightly longer at 29mm vs. PX’s 28mm, which is negligible in practice.

Ricoh PX edges out FS25 for macro shooting with focusing as close as 3 cm compared to 5 cm of FS25, allowing for tighter close-ups with better detail reproduction. PX’s slightly brighter aperture at telephoto end (f/5.4 vs. f/5.9) will help modestly in lower light or for a shallower depth of field.

Build Quality & Durability: Everyday Ready or Fragile?

The Ricoh PX boasts environmental sealing, shielding the camera from dust and some moisture - a standout in this compact segment, aimed at travelers and field photographers. The FS25, by contrast, lacks any weather resistance features.

This has practical implications:

• PX can better tolerate harsh outdoor conditions and light rain, extending your shooting options outdoors - especially for nature and travel photography.
• FS25 requires more cautious handling but keeps a lighter footprint.

No waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof certifications exist for either model, so rough use should be avoided.

Burst Shooting & Video: Capturing Motion and Stories

The FS25 edges the PX with a 2 frames per second burst rate, useful for capturing fleeting moments like casual action shots. PX’s 1 fps rate limits continuous shooting to more deliberate captures.

However, video capabilities shift the balance:

• Ricoh PX offers 720p HD video at 30fps, providing acceptable video quality for casual vlogging or family events.
• FS25 maxes out at 848x480 - a lower resolution that feels dated and less useful for modern sharing standards.

Neither camera provides microphone ports or advanced video features such as stabilization during recording, which restricts their use for serious videography.

Panasonic FS25 front Panasonic FS25 screen back Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back

Photography Genres: Matching Cameras to Your Creative Goals

Let’s explore how these cameras perform across key photography disciplines, based on hands-on testing and user scenarios.

Portrait Photography

• Camera to choose: Ricoh PX
• Thanks to its superior resolution (16MP vs. 12MP), face detection, and manual focus, the PX produces better-defined skin textures and more control over focus on the eyes.
• Both cameras have modest maximum apertures, limiting creamy bokeh, but PX’s slight advantage in aperture and manual control eases selective focus.
• FS25’s simpler interface is friendlier for casual users not wanting fuss.

Landscape Photography

• Camera to choose: Ricoh PX
• Landscape shots benefit from higher resolution and dynamic range. While neither camera offers raw output (limiting editing flexibility), PX’s higher native ISO and image quality shine for detail and color accuracy.
• Weather sealing offers peace of mind shooting in damp or dusty conditions.
• FS25’s slightly larger screen aids composition but lacks manual mode which enthusiasts appreciate for landscape exposures.

Wildlife Photography

• Camera to choose: Neither camera is ideal
• Both cameras’ modest burst rates and slow contrast-detect autofocus with no tracking limit action shooting.
• PX’s AF tracking is a rare plus for a compact but still inadequate for fast wildlife.
• Telephoto reach (145mm vs. 140mm) is modest, falling short for distant subjects.

Sports Photography

• Recommendation: Neither camera effectively serves this genre
• Very slow burst rates (max 2 fps), no phase-detect autofocus, and absence of advanced tracking contribute to this limitation.

Street Photography

• Camera to choose: Panasonic FS25
• Compact and lightweight with intuitive controls facilitates discreet shooting.
• Larger screen and live view AF enable quick framing and focusing in variable light.
• Lack of weather sealing means moderate caution outdoors.

Macro Photography

• Camera to choose: Ricoh PX
• PX’s 3cm minimum focusing distance and manual focus override deliver excellent macro potential for close-up detail work.
• Sensor-shift image stabilization helps steadier handheld shots.

Night and Astro Photography

• Camera to choose: Ricoh PX
• PX’s higher ISO ceiling (3200 vs. 1600) and manual exposure modes allow more flexible long exposures.
• However, small sensors and lack of raw shooting cap quality in extreme low light.

Video

• Camera to choose: Ricoh PX
• HD video recording in PX is noticeably superior to FS25’s VGA max resolution, facilitating casual video capture.
• Neither supports external audio input or stabilization, limiting professional video use.

Travel Photography

• Camera to choose: Depends on priorities
• FS25 scores on lightweight and simplicity - great for travelers wanting a no-hassle point-and-shoot.
• PX’s weather sealing and manual controls favor adventurous travelers needing resilience and creative options.

Professional Work

• Neither camera is suited for professional demands due to lack of raw format, modest sensors, and limited features.

Technical Deep Dive: Inside the Cameras

Image Processing and Speed

• Panasonic FS25 lacks a detailed processor specification but uses basic CCD readout technology, making it slow compared to modern sensors.
• Ricoh PX’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV contributes to slightly faster operations and improved noise handling.

Image Stabilization

• FS25 uses Optical image stabilization, while PX employs sensor-shift stabilization to stabilize the sensor mechanically.
• Sensor-shift systems generally offer improved performance across focal lengths, beneficial for handheld shooting in low light and macro.

Connectivity

Both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, restricting smart sharing and geotagging capabilities.

Value Assessment: Price vs. Features

At their respective price points, the Ricoh PX offers more value to enthusiasts seeking control and reliability outdoors. The Panasonic FS25 suits those on a budget or desiring simple, straightforward shooting.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera is Right for You?

Both Panasonic FS25 and Ricoh PX cater to the same compact, casual shooter segment but lean toward slightly different user profiles:

• Choose Panasonic FS25 if:

  • You prioritize portability and user-friendly, automatic operation
  • You shoot mostly daytime, casual subjects with easy-to-use features
  • You want a lightweight companion with a larger screen for framing

• Choose Ricoh PX if:

  • You need manual focus and exposure options in a small package
  • You require weather sealing for rugged travel and outdoor challenges
  • You want better macro performance and HD video recording capability

Neither camera replaces mid-range or advanced compacts or mirrorless cameras better suited for professional work or fast action. However, these models can still serve as affordable entry points or backup cameras with decent image quality if you understand their limitations.

Getting Started and Next Steps

If you find yourself leaning to either camera, consider hands-on testing to feel their weight, controls, and responsiveness. Try shooting portraits, landscapes, and macro scenes to judge comfort and quality.

Also, look for compatible accessories:

• Memory cards supporting SDHC format
• Protective cases or pouches for travel
• Spare batteries to extend shooting sessions

For anyone starting their photography journey or seeking a light travel companion with some creative control, both Panasonic FS25 and Ricoh PX remain worthy contenders - just choose based on your priorities in usability and features.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. Feel free to explore more reviews and hands-on sample galleries to make a fully informed choice. Your creative journey starts with the right tool, and we’re here to help you find it.

Happy shooting!