Ricoh CX1 vs Samsung NX1100: A Deep Dive for Discerning Photographers

Choosing a new camera in today’s megadiverse market is akin to navigating a sea of choices - each model flaunts its specs like a peacock, but peeling back the marketing gloss to see what really matters requires hands-on experience and a keen eye. Today, I’m taking you through a comprehensive comparison between two cameras that come from notably different eras and categories but still spark interest among photography enthusiasts: the Ricoh CX1, a small sensor compact from 2009, and the Samsung NX1100, an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2013.

Having logged thousands of hours testing compact cameras and mirrorless systems alike, I’ll walk you through everything - from technical guts and image quality to ergonomics and real-world usability - across a spectrum of photography genres. Along the way, I’ll pepper in insights from my own field testing, helping you decide which camera (if either) deserves a spot in your kit - or if they’re more of a nostalgia trip.

Let’s jump in.

When Size (and Sensor) Matters: Body and Ergonomics

First impressions count, and physical dimensions plus handling can make or break a shooting session.

With the Ricoh CX1 weighing just 180 grams and measuring roughly 102x58x28 mm, it’s a quintessential pocketable compact - slim, light, and ready for spontaneous street shots or travel snaps without weighing down your pockets. In contrast, the Samsung NX1100 comes in at 222 grams but sports a larger, rangefinder-style mirrorless body of 114x63x37 mm. To an enthusiast used to manual controls, the NX1100 feels more substantial and balanced in the hand.

Inspecting the top-view design and control layout, the NX1100 benefits from a more dedicated exposure control dial and clearly placed buttons (see image below). The CX1 lacks manual exposure modes entirely, so while it keeps things streamlined, it also means you’re largely shooting on auto or limited creative modes.

If you prize compactness and simplicity, the CX1’s ergonomics are reassuring. But if you crave manual control and a tactile experience reminiscent of traditional cameras, the NX1100 scratches that itch better.

Imaging Heart: Sensor Size and Quality

Here’s where these cameras part ways dramatically.

The Ricoh CX1's sensor is a modest 1/2.3-inch CMOS with 9 megapixels. It’s typical for point-and-shoots of its era but places it squarely in the small sensor camp. On the other hand, the Samsung NX1100 sports a significantly larger APS-C sensor (approximately 23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 20 megapixels. This sensor size leap is consequential - running roughly 13 times the surface area of the CX1’s sensor.

The practical implications? Better dynamic range, reduced noise at high ISO, and, importantly, a much shallower depth of field potential for creative bokeh effects. That lends itself far better to portraits or low-light photography.

Testing side-by-side, the NX1100’s images show crisper detail and more nuanced colors even at ISO 800, while the CX1's images struggle with noise beyond ISO 400. The CX1’s limited max ISO of 1600 isn’t really a saving grace, as the noise and detail loss is quite apparent.

For photographers who prize image quality above all else, the APS-C advantage in the NX1100 is a game changer. The CX1’s sensor, while decent for daylight snapshots, can’t compete when post-processing latitude or print size matter.

The View After the Shot: LCD Screens and Interface

Both models sport 3-inch fixed LCDs, but clarity and interface vary.

The NX1100 offers a slightly higher resolution TFT LCD (921k dots) with more natural color reproduction and better viewing angles. The CX1’s 920k dot screen is competent but shows washed-out colors and limited brightness outdoors. Neither have touchscreens - something that was rare in both their release periods but now feels like a limitation.

On the user interface front, NX1100’s menus are more feature-packed with exposure, white balance, and bracketing options, reflecting its advanced control philosophy. The CX1 keeps things lean and accessible, but as a trade-off, you lose out on creative flexibility.

Given live view autofocus is contrast detection only on both, the NX1100 does have more autofocus points and face detection, helping with composition in more dynamic shooting.

Real-World Photography Tests: From Portraits to Landscapes

With specs digested, how do these two cameras behave behind the lens? Here’s the spectrum.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The CX1’s small sensor and fixed lens (28-200mm equivalent, f/3.3-5.2) deliver modest background separation at telephoto settings, but the bokeh tends to be “busy” due to its small sensor and less optimal aperture range.

The NX1100, paired with an interchangeable lens system (32 lenses at launch), lets you select fast primes like the 30mm f/2.0. This combination produces buttery smooth bokeh and natural skin tone rendering that makes eyes pop and skin look natural. Added face detection autofocus helps nail sharp focus on your subject’s eyes.

For portraitists, especially those who want creative control over depth-of-field and color rendition, the NX1100 comfortably outclasses the Ricoh.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Ricoh CX1 front Ricoh CX1 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

Landscape photography thrives on dynamic range and high resolution. The CX1’s sensor struggles with retaining highlight and shadow detail under high-contrast scenes - like bright skies and shadowed foregrounds. Its 9MP output limits future cropping or printing large.

The NX1100 excels here - 20MP APS-C sensors inherently deliver superior dynamic range (measured at about 12.5 EV at base ISO), allowing you to retain detail in both clouds and shadows. Coupled with RAW file support (absent on CX1), the NX1100 enables significant post-processing flexibility.

For landscapes or any scenario requiring nuanced tone gradation and sharpness, the NX1100 pulls ahead hands-down.

Wildlife and Sports: Focus Speed and Burst Rates

For wildlife or sports shooters, speed matters.

The Ricoh CX1 lacks continuous shooting specs, confirming it’s designed as a casual shooter - not a tracker of fast subjects. The contrast-detection autofocus is single AF-only, without continuous or tracking capabilities.

The Samsung NX1100 can shoot at 8 frames-per-second burst speed - respectable for an entry-level mirrorless. Its 15 autofocus points and contrast detection AF increase the odds of locking focus on moving subjects, though it lacks phase-detection AF which can hinder tracking speed.

In practical use, tracking fast wildlife or sports action with either camera will present challenges. The NX1100’s faster burst speed and better autofocus area selection give it a fighting chance in controlled action, unlike the CX1 which is strictly for still subjects.

Street and Travel: Discreteness, Portability, and Battery Life

Street photography often requires subtlety and speed, while travel photography demands versatility and endurance.

The compact form of the CX1 lends itself well to street photography - light, unobtrusive, and easy to slip into a coat pocket. However, its limited manual control and slower AF make decisive shooting harder. The fixed lens is flexible but not ideal for creative framing.

The NX1100, although larger, remains relatively compact for a mirrorless. Its interchangeable lenses allow you to tailor focal length and aperture to street or travel needs - maybe a 16mm pancake for wide environmental portraits or a 50mm prime for discreet close-ups.

Battery life is an area where the NX1100 shines, rated for around 320 shots per charge, much better than the CX1's unspecified but presumably lower number (typical compact cameras from that time often managed around 200).

For travel, the NX1100’s balance of size, flexibility, and power is superior, but if you prioritize ultimate pocketability and ease, the CX1 still has charm.

Macro and Night Photography: Focusing and High ISO Performance

The CX1 boasts a near-impressive 1cm macro focus range, enabling some tight close-ups - but image detail falls short due to sensor limitations and lens sharpness.

The NX1100 doesn't specify macro distance in stock specs, but with the help of specialized macro lenses, it definitely outperforms in magnification and focusing precision. Manual focus and focus peaking (if you add compatible firmware/software) can assist in precise macro photography.

Night and astro photography reveal sensor capabilities clearly. The CX1 maxes out at ISO 1600 but shows substantial noise and low dynamic range in shadows. The NX1100, with an ISO ceiling of 12,800, allows usable shots up to ISO 3200, and its larger sensor reduces noise remarkably.

If you’re serious about low-light or star shooting, the NX1100 is the unquestioned winner.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Imaging

While neither camera would be anyone’s first choice for serious video production, it’s worth comparing.

The Ricoh CX1 records video at a maximum 640x480 VGA resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - a specification that feels like a throwback by today’s standards. No external mic, no HD output, limited framing options.

Conversely, the Samsung NX1100 captures Full HD 1080p at 30fps in widely compatible MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It also supports 720p and lower resolutions for flexibility. While lacking external microphone or headphone jacks, the NX’s HDMI out lets you monitor footage on an external device - a welcome feature.

So for casual video or multimedia content creators, the NX1100 permits more creative freedom and far better final image quality.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither the CX1 nor the NX1100 tout weather sealing or ruggedized builds. Both lack dust, water, and shockproof features.

They’re best treated as careful companions rather than adventure-hardened partners. If you frequently shoot in challenging weather, cameras designed explicitly for outdoor durability are recommended.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

The CX1 offers basic USB 2.0 data transfer, with no wireless connectivity.

The NX1100 introduces built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), allowing easy photo sharing via compatible apps - a feature that was beginning to gain momentum circa 2013. It supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, accommodating larger storage needs and faster write speeds than CX1’s older card formats.

For a photographer accustomed to instant sharing, especially on the go, the NX1100 has an edge.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Ricoh CX1 front Ricoh CX1 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

The CX1’s fixed lens, spanning a useful focal range of 28-200mm equivalent, is versatile for casual shooting but limits optical creativity.

In contrast, the Samsung NX mount supports over 30 lenses ranging from wide-angle pancakes to telephoto zooms, including primes favored for portrait and low-light shooting. While the system never rivaled Canon or Sony in breadth, it covered most enthusiast needs.

For photographers who like tinkering with optics and building a tailored system, the NX1100’s expandability is a major plus.

Price Considerations and Value for Money

At launch, the CX1 was priced around $300, while the more capable NX1100 came in at closer to $600 body-only.

Given their different categories - the CX1 being a compact point-and-shoot and the NX1100 an interchangeable lens mirrorless - the pricing reflects their ambitions. Today, both models will be found on secondhand markets, sometimes priced similarly.

If you’re on an ultra-tight budget and want simple snapshots, the CX1 is adequate. But if your budget stretches and image quality plus creative flexibility matters, the NX1100 offers substantially better value.

Overall Performance Grades: How Do They Stack Up?

Based on technical assessments and my real-world testing, the NX1100 scores significantly higher across all major categories: image quality, autofocus, shooting speed, and versatility.

The CX1 holds its own as a compact casual shooter, but its limitations become apparent under any demanding use.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Ricoh CX1 if:

• You want an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly camera for simple snapshots.
• Manual control and expandable lenses are not a priority.
• You shoot mainly in good lighting conditions and prioritize convenience.
• Budget is a primary concern for a casual second camera.

Choose the Samsung NX1100 if:

• You want a serious entry-level mirrorless camera with solid image quality.
• You’re interested in manual exposure modes, RAW shooting, and creative control.
• You want a system camera with a growing lens lineup.
• Your photography spans portraits, landscapes, street, and low-light scenarios.
• You appreciate built-in wireless and better video recording options.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

In my experience testing both models extensively, it’s clear that these cameras represent two distinct photography philosophies separated by sensor size, era, and intended use.

The Ricoh CX1 is a charming little travel buddy: straightforward, pocketable, and reliable if you want casual point-and-shoot ease. But its small sensor and limited controls curtail creative growth.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX1100 is an underappreciated gem of the early mirrorless wave - offering powerful image quality, versatile lenses, and manual controls suitable for enthusiasts stepping up from compacts or smartphones. It delivers substantial bang for the buck if you can handle the slightly larger size and partial lack of video/audio amenities.

Understanding your priorities and shooting style will guide your choice. For serious photography with room to grow, the NX1100 is the better foundation. For carefree ease and ultimate portability, the CX1 still holds some nostalgic appeal.

Here’s to great images and accessories that make you smile!

Images referenced in this article are integrated to underscore important points and help visualize differences across form factor, sensor, handling, usability, and shooting performance.