Pentax X-5 vs Ricoh CX1

Below is a in depth assessment of the Pentax X-5 vs Ricoh CX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Ricoh. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and CX1 (9MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The X-5 was introduced 3 years later than the CX1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the X-5 matches up against the CX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Ricoh CX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Ricoh CX1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 has got outside dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Ricoh CX1 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X-5 vs Ricoh CX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the X-5 and the CX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and CX1 is 65 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the X-5 and CX1.

Plainly, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Pentax X-5 to render greater detail using its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more recent X-5 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.