Ricoh CX1 vs Samsung NX30

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Ricoh CX1 and Samsung NX30, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Samsung. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The CX1 was revealed 5 years earlier than the NX30 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the CX1 scores vs the NX30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX1 & Samsung NX30. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery & Samsung NX30 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX1 has external measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Samsung NX30 has proportions of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") having a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh CX1 and Samsung NX30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the CX1 vs the NX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the CX1 and NX30 is 93 and 75 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The image below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the CX1 and NX30.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The CX1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX30 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged CX1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.