Ricoh CX1 vs Sony A290

In this article, we will be contrasting the Ricoh CX1 vs Sony A290, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and A290 (14MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The CX1 was unveiled 15 months earlier than the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the CX1 grades against the A290 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh CX1 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Ricoh CX1 has outside dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Ricoh CX1 vs Sony A290 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the CX1 vs the A290.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the CX1 and A290 is 93 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the CX1 and A290.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The CX1 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A290 will produce extra detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged CX1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.