Ricoh CX1 vs Sony a1

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony a1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and a1 (50MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was introduced 13 years prior to the a1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the CX1 scores against the a1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX1 and Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX1 has outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Sony a1 has measurements of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

See the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony a1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the CX1 vs the a1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the CX1 and a1 is 93 and 61 respectively.

Usually, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing only by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the CX1 and a1.

Clearly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CX1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a1 will deliver more detail using its extra 41 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older CX1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.