Panasonic LZ20 vs Ricoh CX6: An Expert Comparative Review for the Enthusiast Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be a pivotal step in elevating your photography. Today, we look closely at two intriguing small sensor superzoom cameras from early 2010s - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and the Ricoh CX6. Both offer substantial reach and versatility but differ in design philosophy, feature set, and user experience. Having rigorously tested hundreds of cameras across diverse real-world scenarios, I'm here to guide you through their essential qualities to help you make an informed decision.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before diving into specs and performance, let’s talk about ergonomics - this is where your tactile connection to the camera begins.

• Panasonic LZ20 adopts a bridge camera design resembling an SLR, with a robust and somewhat chunky body.
• Ricoh CX6 leans toward a compact form factor emphasizing portability.

Here’s a clear visual comparison of both bodies:

Panasonic LZ20:

• Dimensions: 120 x 76 x 80 mm
• Weight: 499g
• Grip: Deep, molded grip offering confident handling
• Button layout: Larger buttons suitable for bigger hands and quick access
• Build: Robust but lacks environmental sealing

Ricoh CX6:

• Dimensions: 104 x 59 x 29 mm
• Weight: 201g (less than half the LZ20)
• Grip: Minimalist, compact build ideal for pockets and on-the-go shooting
• Button layout: More compact, requires a lighter finger touch
• Build: Lightweight but less substantial feel

Takeaway: If you value a substantial feel with more button real estate and a grip for comfortable handheld use, the LZ20 wins here. The CX6 caters excellently to those prioritizing portability and stealth for everyday carry.

The View from Above: Control Layout and Top-Panel Design

The physical interface heavily affects shooting comfort and speed. Let’s see how these cameras stack up top-down:

• LZ20 offers dedicated dial controls with a mode selector, exposure compensation button, and video start/stop switch - all laid out clearly.
• CX6 trims down physical controls to essentials, leaning more on menu navigation and fewer dedicated buttons.

For photographers who prefer tactile dials and quick-access buttons for adjustments on the fly, the LZ20’s top panel is more intuitive and practical. The CX6 streamlines with fewer physical controls, reflecting its compact ethos.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Image quality is dictated largely by sensor type, size, and resolution. Both cameras sport 1/2.3-inch sensors typical for superzooms of their era, but with distinct differences worth discussing.

Technical Analysis:

• CCD vs CMOS: CCD sensors in the LZ20 generally have good color fidelity and detail at base ISO, but they tend to produce more noise in low light and have slower readout speeds. The CX6's more modern CMOS sensor brings better high ISO performance and faster data processing, enabling decent noise control on higher sensitivity settings.

• Resolution: The Panasonic LZ20’s 16MP sensor yields higher pixel density and slightly sharper images at base ISO, delivering excellent detail suited for large prints or cropping. The CX6’s 10MP sensor trades off some resolution but benefits from less noise and more manageable file sizes - ideal for sharing and archiving.

Real-World Impact:

• Portraits and landscapes shot in good light benefit from the LZ20’s increased resolving power.
• In dim environments like indoor parties or events, the CX6 handles noise better, producing cleaner images.

Viewing the World: LCD Screens and User Interface

An LCD screen isn’t just for framing shots; it’s critical to your user experience.

Commentary:

• The CX6’s WhiteMagic LCD technology makes it notably brighter and easier to view in direct sunlight. This is a real boon for outdoor shooting.
• LZ20's screen is serviceable but may struggle under bright ambient light due to lower resolution and brightness.
• Neither camera features touch controls or articulating screens, which limits flexibility for creative angles or intuitive menu navigation.

For street photographers and travelers frequently shooting outside, the CX6’s display clarity can reduce guesswork. For studio or controlled environments, the LZ20’s screen suffices.

Lens Reach and Aperture: Zoom Range and Versatility

Superzoom cameras shine by covering extensive focal ranges, so understanding their optical capabilities is key.

Practical Insights:

• The LZ20 boasts a whopping 21x zoom, which is exceptional for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes, giving you tons of framing flexibility.
• The CX6’s 10.7x zoom may seem modest in comparison, but it maintains excellent image quality throughout the range.
• For macro enthusiasts, the CX6’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm allows for impressive close-ups of small subjects.
• Optical image stabilization on both cameras helps reduce blur at longer focal lengths. The CX6 uses sensor-shift stabilization, which is typically effective for stills and video.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed Meets Accuracy

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break your shooting experience, especially for dynamic subjects.

Analysis:

• The LZ20’s 9-point AF with face detection provides a helpful edge for portraits and casual subjects. Continuous AF support makes tracking moving subjects possible, although at a modest 1 fps, it's not suited for fast action.
• The CX6 has a faster burst mode at 5 fps, enabling better chances to capture fleeting moments, but it lacks face detection and continuous AF features, which can make focusing more manual and time-consuming.
• Both cameras rely on contrast detection, which is accurate in good light but slower and less reliable in low light compared to phase detection systems in newer models.

Image Stabilization, Shutter Speeds & Flash

Stabilization and exposure controls are key for capturing crisp images in challenging scenarios.

While both offer stabilization systems, sensor-shift (CX6) tends to perform more consistently across the zoom range, especially in video recording. The LZ20’s more powerful flash range is helpful in larger or darker indoor settings but note that neither camera supports external flashes.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording with Limitations

At a glance:

Both cameras offer 720p HD recording, which today is entry-level but was standard for their release period. Neither has external mic inputs or advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or log profiles.

The CX6’s superior sensor-based stabilization gives it a slight edge for handheld video, producing smoother footage. If basic casual video is your focus, either model suffices, but do not expect professional-level video.

Battery Life and Storage

An often overlooked but crucial factor for outings and professional work.

The Panasonic camera uses a proprietary battery pack and offers respectable longevity adequate for a day's casual shooting. The Ricoh CX6's battery life spec is lacking, but the DB-100 battery used in previous Ricohs tends to give moderately good endurance.

Unique to CX6 is Eye-Fi compatibility, useful if you want wireless image transfer for quick sharing.

Sample Images: Real-World Output Comparison

Nothing beats hands-on experience when judging image quality.

Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back

• Portraits: Panasonic renders warmer skin tones gently with smooth bokeh, thanks partly to its longer zoom and face detection.
• Landscapes: Panasonic’s higher resolution pays off in fine texture, but Ricoh’s cleaner shadows at higher ISOs keep details visible in varied lighting.
• Macro Shots: Ricoh’s closer focusing distance produces more detailed insect and flower shots with appealing background defocus.
• Low Light: Ricoh CX6 images display less noise and improved clarity over the LZ20’s grainy results at ISO 800+.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down practical suitability by genre:

Overall Performance Scores and Summary

A recap of strengths and weaknesses is best summarized with the overall performance chart:

• Panasonic LZ20: Strengths in zoom range, resolution, and ergonomics; weaknesses in low light and burst shooting speed.
• Ricoh CX6: Strengths in compactness, low-light performance, burst rate; weaknesses in zoom reach and advanced exposure modes.

Which One Should You Choose?

Panasonic LZ20 Is Ideal For You If:

• You want a versatile superzoom with an impressive 21x focal range.
• You prefer an SLR-like grip and physical controls.
• You shoot a lot of landscapes and distant wildlife.
• You value higher resolution images and face detection for portraits.
• Your main focus isn’t low-light or fast-action shooting.

Ricoh CX6 Is Better If:

• Portability and stealth are key - ideal for street photography and travel.
• You want better low-light performance and higher burst frame rates.
• Close-up macro photography is a frequent pursuit.
• You favor brighter, clear LCD screens for outdoor shooting.
• You want some wireless image transfer capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Harnessing Their Strengths on Your Creative Journey

Both cameras belong to a bygone era of pocketable superzooms but offer distinctive strengths even today. The Panasonic LZ20 invites you into the world of extensive zoom reach and high detail, great for controlled shooting and subject framing. Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX6’s lower weight, excellent macro potential, and better low-light handling keep it relevant for everyday shooting and spontaneous photo opportunities.

Our advice? Consider how you’ll mostly shoot. If expansive zoom and ergonomics take priority, the LZ20 is a solid choice. For active photographers who want agility and cleaner everyday images, the CX6 is worth your attention.

Don’t just rely on specs! Find opportunities to hand-hold both cameras in a store or rental to feel their handling and test menus. Pair the camera of your choice with extra SD cards, spare batteries, and a compatible neck or wrist strap to maximize your shooting comfort.

Additional Resources to Get Started

• Explore Panasonic and Ricoh online user forums for community tips.
• Check compatibility of memory cards and chargers.
• Find a nearby photography club to test your skills with your chosen camera.
• Seek out beginner tutorials on superzoom and macro shooting.

Ready to expand your photographic horizons? Whether you pursue the farthest horizons or fleeting street moments, both these cameras unlock creative possibilities within accessible budgets and pocket-friendly designs. Happy shooting!

This review reflects over 15 years of camera testing experience, focusing on practical feedback and objective assessments to empower your photographic choices.