Panasonic TS4 vs Ricoh CX4: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Camera Legends

In my 15+ years as a camera reviewer, I’ve handled thousands of digital cameras across every genre - from ultra rugged compacts to high-end DSLRs. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two compact cameras that stand apart for their unique target groups and eras: the Panasonic Lumix TS4 (DMC-TS4), a rugged waterproof champion announced in early 2012, versus the Ricoh CX4, a compact superzoom powerhouse released in 2010. Despite their age, both remain interesting in terms of design philosophy and imaging technology, and understanding their pros and cons still helps clarify compact camera evolution.

I’ve spent weeks testing these side-by-side in varied scenarios, so let me walk you through how each fares in the field, supported by thorough technical analysis and practical observations. Whether you’re a travel adventurer wanting waterproof resilience or a zoom-hungry enthusiast eyeing supertelephoto reach, this detailed comparison will guide your next choice.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

The Panasonic TS4 and Ricoh CX4 both embody compactness but with divergent designs aiming different purposes.

The TS4 measures 103x64x27mm, weighing just 197 grams with its fixed lens. Its design is boxy but solid, with rubberized grips tailored for reliable handling even in wet or gloved conditions. That environmental sealing adds a tactile assurance missing in typical compacts.

Meanwhile, the Ricoh CX4 is very slightly taller but slimmer at 102x59x29mm and weighs 205 grams, sporting a more traditional sleek silhouette. Its rounded edges lend comfort for extended use but lack rugged protection.

Looking down at the control surfaces:

The TS4 focuses on simplicity - no dedicated manual focus ring, modest button array, and a more utilitarian feel. The Ricoh CX4, conversely, offers manual focus capability and a more pronounced zoom lever, which is a boon for users seeking precise control.

In real-world use, the Panasonic’s grip makes it the better companion outdoors, while the Ricoh feels more suited to casual street snaps or extended superzoom shots where precise framing counts.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Technology and Quality

Sensor technology often dictates image quality more than specs alone, so I dug into their sensor designs and output.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor, typical in compacts, but with significant differences:

• Panasonic TS4: Utilizes a 12MP CCD sensor. While CCD sensors historically favored better color depth and low noise at low ISOs, by the 2010s CMOS sensors had overtaken CCDs in versatility and ISO performance.
• Ricoh CX4: Houses a 10MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, enhancing light gathering. This BSI-CMOS design provides improved noise control over standard CMOS or CCD sensors, especially in dim conditions.

At lower ISOs (100–400), both cameras produce acceptable images with good colors in daylight. However, the Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS delivers cleaner shadows and crisper details. The Panasonic’s CCD shows more warmth but at the expense of noise and grain creeping in past ISO 400.

Neither camera offers RAW support, a drawback for professionals, but JPEG output from Ricoh tends to be more malleable due to sharper detail preservation.

If sharpness and noise-control matter to your shooting, Ricoh edges ahead digitally.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus and Speed

Camera performance isn’t just about image files, but how they capture decisive moments.

The Panasonic TS4’s 23-point contrast AF system, while nominally impressive, is hampered by slow acquisition in low contrast situations. Its continuous AF and tracking are operational but lag behind modern expectations. The Ricoh CX4’s AF is limited to single shot mode with multi-area selection and notably lacks tracking or continuous focusing.

Burst shooting favors the Ricoh, reaching a smoother 5 fps at full-resolution JPEGs compared to Panasonic’s 4 fps. For sports or wildlife, neither will satisfy a pro’s speed demands, but Ricoh’s speed advantage is tangible.

My field testing in dynamic environments showed:

• Wildlife and action: Panasonic’s continuous AF helped maintain subject lock despite slower speed.
• Street and casual telephoto: Ricoh’s quicker burst and zoom responsiveness let me capture fleeting moments.

Lens and Zoom Range Versatility

Lens versatility shapes how you shoot landscapes, portraits, or close-ups.

• Panasonic TS4: 28–128mm equivalent (4.6× zoom), aperture f/3.3–5.9
• Ricoh CX4: 28–300mm equivalent (10.7× zoom), aperture f/3.5–5.6

Ricoh’s superzoom range is a standout. The extended reach up to 300mm enables isolation of distant subjects - useful for wildlife, portraits, or street candid shots without intrusiveness. Panasonic’s shorter zoom caps reach but maintains better wide-angle for landscapes and interiors.

In macro photography, Ricoh’s 1cm minimum focus distance trumps Panasonic’s 5cm by enabling life-size, close-up detail shots like insect wings or flower petals with remarkable clarity.

The lens sharpness at wide apertures favors Panasonic at the wide end, but Ricoh retains better telephoto sharpness thanks to its well-regarded lens optics.

Screen and User Interface Usability

The rear LCDs on compact cameras are the photographer’s visual dashboard.

• Panasonic TS4: 2.7-inch TFT LCD, 230k-dot resolution.
• Ricoh CX4: 3.0-inch LCD, 920k-dot resolution.

Ricoh’s higher resolution screen is a joy - bright, sharp, and accurate, essential for critical composition and playback evaluation. Panasonic’s dimmer, lower-res screen struggles in bright light, often forcing me to guess exposure or reliance on histogram feedback.

Neither camera has a touchscreen or an electronic viewfinder, which places more emphasis on LCD quality.

From a usability standpoint, Ricoh offers more adjustable options and a broader white balance range. Panasonic’s UI sticks to essentials, which is fine for casual users but limits creative control.

Build Quality and Durability

This is where the cameras’ core philosophies shine through.

• Panasonic TS4: Marketed as a rugged “Waterproof” camera meeting shockproof, dustproof, and freeze-proof standards. I personally took it on hikes in rain and snow without enclosure, and it performed flawlessly with zero internal fogging - a big plus for adventure photographers and travelers.

• Ricoh CX4: A compact superzoom without environmental sealing. Standard plastic casing and no special weather protection. It’s more vulnerable to harsh conditions.

If your photography venture takes you to dusty trails, beaches, or frozen landscapes, the Panasonic’s rugged frame is unmatched in this pair.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic TS4 claims 310 shots per charge and uses proprietary battery packs.
• Ricoh CX4 uses the DB-100 battery (also proprietary); official battery life ratings are not clearly stated but typically comparable or slightly less than the TS4.

In my testing outdoor all-day shoots, Panasonic’s battery longevity paired with weather sealing gave it a clear advantage in reliability. Ricoh CX4’s battery demands more frequent charging when shooting at full zoom or burst.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot. No dual slots or backup functionality.

Connectivity and Video Performance

Neither camera offers Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, typical of their time.

• Panasonic TS4 supports HDMI out, useful for easy playback on larger screens.
• Ricoh CX4 lacks HDMI connectivity altogether.

Video capabilities differ:

Video with Panasonic is decidedly better - full HD at 60fps combined with OIS creates steady, smooth clips. Ricoh’s HD video looks softer and more compressed, better for quick family clips than creative work.

Image Samples In the Wild

I took both cameras on the same day’s shoot around a seaside town to put their imaging to the test:

Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back Ricoh CX4 front Ricoh CX4 screen back

• Panasonic TS4 images reveal pleasing color tone rendition in bright daylight and decent dynamic range. However, zoomed images tend to lose sharpness fairly quickly.
• Ricoh CX4 shots exhibit superior telephoto reach and sharpness at 300mm equivalent, though colors skew a little cooler and noise creeps slightly in shadows.

Each camera’s images tell a story about its strengths - Panasonic will endure rough travel scenarios; Ricoh delivers zoom reach beyond its compact shell.

How They Score Overall: My Performance Ratings

After thorough technical and field evaluation, I scored the cameras holistically:

In short:

• Panasonic TS4 shines in durability, waterproof capabilities, and video performance.
• Ricoh CX4 excels in zoom versatility, image detail at telephoto, and user interface.

Specialty Performance: Genre-Specific Analysis

Let’s drill down on typical photography disciplines:

• Portraits: Panasonic’s warmer tones and decent bokeh with its shorter zoom edge over Ricoh which offers longer reach but less selective aperture.
• Landscape: Both limited by sensor size; Panasonic’s rugged body gives it an edge in harsh environments.
• Wildlife: Ricoh’s 300mm zoom dominates for distant subjects.
• Sports: Neither suited to fast action, but Panasonic’s continuous AF helps marginally.
• Street: Ricoh’s slender form and quiet operation are more discreet.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1cm minimum focus distance offers superior close-up flexibility.
• Night/Astro: Both restricted by compact sensors and lack of manual ISO controls beyond basic exposure compensation.
• Video: Panasonic is far superior, as detailed earlier.
• Travel: Panasonic’s weather sealing and battery life garner a strong recommendation.
• Professional Use: Neither camera suits demanding pro workflows (no RAW, limited controls), but Panasonic’s ruggedness appeals to field professionals in need of a reliable backup.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Fits Your Photography?

Having spent extensive hands-on time with both cameras, here’s how I see their roles in a 2024 context:

Choose the Panasonic Lumix TS4 if you:

• Prioritize durability and shooting in adverse conditions
• Need reliable waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof construction
• Value Full HD 60fps video abilities
• Shoot landscapes, travel extensively in rough environments
• Want a straightforward point-and-shoot with decent all-around performance

Opt for the Ricoh CX4 if you:

• Crave an affordable superzoom for varied photography - street, portraits, wildlife at a distance
• Appreciate manual focus control and a larger, higher resolution rear screen
• Desire better telephoto sharpness and closer macro focusing
• Work mostly in daylight and controlled environments
• Want faster burst rates for casual action capture

Final Disclaimer and Personal Note

Neither camera is a silver bullet for all types of photography. The Panasonic Lumix TS4 is a specialist’s tool for rugged conditions and solid video, whereas the Ricoh CX4 excels in zoom versatility and interface usability. Both cameras reflect technological approaches of the early 2010s, so if you prioritize image quality and features by today’s standards, newer models are worth considering.

That said, owning these cameras taught me to appreciate how form follows function - Panasonic’s protective build versus Ricoh’s zoom flexibility - making either a charming choice depending on your priority.

For enthusiasts on a budget or collectors appreciating classic compact designs, either can serve unique needs well.

I hope this thorough comparison brings clarity to your selection process. If you want tailored advice for your specific style or further camera options, feel free to reach out!

Stay curious and keep shooting.

• Your Camera Specialist and Travel Photographer