Ricoh CX1 vs Samsung NX5

Below is a thorough comparison of the Ricoh CX1 vs Samsung NX5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and NX5 (15MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was announced 15 months earlier than the NX5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the CX1 matches up versus the NX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX1 and Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh CX1 provides physical dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX1 vs Samsung NX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the CX1 vs the NX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the CX1 and NX5 is 93 and 80 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX1 and NX5.

As you can see, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The CX1 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung NX5 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older CX1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.