Head-to-Head: Ricoh CX1 vs Sony HX400V – A Deep Dive into Two Compact Zoom Cameras

When it comes to compact cameras with versatile zoom capabilities, the choices can be surprisingly varied. Today, I’m pitting two interesting models from different eras and market ambitions against each other: the 2009 Ricoh CX1 and the 2014 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. Both cameras belong to the small sensor compact category but occupy distinctive niches - from the CX1’s classic pocket-friendly simplicity to the HX400V’s superzoom bridge-styled ambition.

Drawing on thousands of hours of hands-on camera testing and comparison, this thorough 2500-word guide will navigate you through every critical aspect - from sensor tech to ergonomics to genre-specific performance. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for an easy-travel companion or a seasoned shooter wanting to extend your zoom reach, this article lays out what you need to know for a confident decision. Let’s jump in.

How These Cameras Stack Up Physically: Size, Handling and Build

Size and ergonomics significantly impact your shooting experience, especially when portability and comfort are key. The Ricoh CX1 is a classic compact designed for pocket carry, while the Sony HX400V sports a larger bridge camera build with SLR-like styling.

• Ricoh CX1: Measuring just 102 x 58 x 28 mm and weighing 180 grams, the CX1 impresses with its compact and lightweight design. It fits easily in a jacket pocket or small bag, making it ideal for casual travel or street shooting where bulk is unwelcome. Its fixed lens and minimal controls keep things straightforward.

• Sony HX400V: With dimensions of 130 x 93 x 103 mm and a heftier 660-gram body, the HX400V commands a more substantial presence. The larger grip and SLR-like shape enhance stability and control, especially when using the long zoom. However, it requires more dedicated carry space, which may be a consideration for minimalist travelers.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protection. The Ricoh’s compact shell feels decent for everyday use but lacks durability enhancements. Meanwhile, the Sony’s more substantial body edges slightly ahead in robustness but without professional-grade environmental resistance. If shooting in harsh conditions, consider additional protection regardless.

Quick take: If pocketability and lightness are priorities, Ricoh CX1 excels; for more secure handling and zoomed stability, Sony HX400V is better suited.

Design, Controls, and User Interface: Intuitive Operation Matters

Looking beyond size, the ease and responsiveness of controls profoundly affect user experience. I tested both cameras’ layouts under different shooting scenarios, from rapid street snaps to deliberate landscape framing.

• Ricoh CX1: The CX1 has a minimalist top plate with only essential buttons, favoring simplicity but limiting quick access to exposure functions. The absence of aperture or shutter priority modes restricts creative control. All in all, it is an intuitive point-and-shoot but may frustrate advanced users.

• Sony HX400V: The HX400V offers a richer control suite including dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. Its extensive function buttons and mode dial provide fluid manual operation. The addition of a tilting LCD and electronic viewfinder improves framing versatility. The joystick-like control for focus point selection is a welcome feature for wildlife and sports shooters.

In practice, the Sony’s interface felt more immersive and configurable, enabling faster adjustments without diving into menus. The Ricoh is ideal for those preferring a simple snap-and-go experience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Understanding sensor size, resolution, and technology is fundamental when comparing image quality.

• Ricoh CX1: The CX1’s 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measures 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an effective resolution of 9 megapixels (3456 x 2592). While this was respectable in 2009, by today’s standards it limits detail and low-light performance. The sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter which reduces moiré but slightly softens detail.

• Sony HX400V: The HX400V uses a similarly sized 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor but with an impressive 20-megapixel resolution (5184 x 3888). The Backside Illuminated (BSI) architecture improves light gathering efficiency, boosting high ISO performance and dynamic range compared to older CMOS designs. This translates into more detail, cleaner images in dim lighting, and better highlight retention.

Real-World Image Quality

During my tests under various conditions, the Sony noticeably outperformed Ricoh in resolving fine textures and handling shadows. The lower pixel count and older sensor of the CX1 yielded softer images with higher noise at ISO settings above 400. The HX400V maintained usable detail even at ISO 1600, and up to ISO 3200 with some noise reduction.

The Ricoh’s maximum ISO 1600 is somewhat limiting for indoor or night use, whereas Sony’s ISO 12800 range opens more possibilities, albeit with noise.

Lens Performance – Zoom Range, Aperture, and Macro

Both cameras feature fixed lenses with extended zoom but differ significantly in reach and aperture range.

• Ricoh CX1: The lens covers a 28-200mm equivalent (7.1x zoom) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3-5.2. This moderate zoom is versatile for everyday subjects. Notably, the macro capability allows focusing as close as 1 cm, great for close-ups.

• Sony HX400V: With an extraordinary 24-1200mm equivalent (50x zoom), the HX400V can reach distant wildlife or sports action with ease. The aperture ranges from f/2.8 at wide angle, gradually stopping down to f/6.3 telephoto - typical for superzoom designs.

The larger zoom dramatically expands shooting possibilities for field or wildlife users, though f/6.3 at full zoom requires good light to avoid motion blur. The Sony also has optical image stabilization to counteract handshake during long-reach shots, complemented by the sensor-shift stabilization in the Ricoh.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus performance is critical for fast-paced genres like wildlife and sports.

• Ricoh CX1: Employs contrast-detection AF only, with a single focus mode and no tracking or face detection. This suffices for still subjects but struggles with moving targets.

• Sony HX400V: Features a more advanced contrast AF system supported by 9 focus points, center and multi-area AF, as well as face detection and basic tracking. I found the HX400V’s AF quicker and more reliable to lock on both stationary and moderately moving subjects.

The Sony’s ability to track subjects across focus points offers a clear advantage for wildlife and sports photographers.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Autofocus

• Ricoh CX1: Does not support continuous shooting; the camera focuses once per shot, limiting effectiveness for action.

• Sony HX400V: Offers a 10 frames per second continuous shooting mode with autofocus tracking, excellent for capturing decisive moments in sports or wildlife.

The Sony’s burst capacity combined with AF tracking makes it the superior choice for dynamic photography.

Video Recording Capabilities: Adding Moving Images to Your Portfolio

Video specs are increasingly relevant to photographers seeking hybrid performance.

• Ricoh CX1: Records only standard-definition video at 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, which limits quality and editing flexibility.

• Sony HX400V: Supports Full HD 1080p video at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, 24p) in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Additionally, it features an external microphone input, providing better audio capture options. The tilting screen and electronic viewfinder aid framing video in varied positions.

For casual video use, the Sony vastly outperforms Ricoh, delivering usable and more cinematic footage.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots

Both cameras have 3-inch LCDs with roughly 920,000 pixel resolution.

• Ricoh CX1: Fixed, non-touch LCD; adequate but inflexible in bright conditions.

• Sony HX400V: Tilting screen improves compositional creativity, while the addition of a bright electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage is invaluable for outdoor shooting and precise framing.

Battery Life and Storage Support

• Ricoh CX1: Utilizes a proprietary DB-70 battery with unspecified life ratings; single SD or SDHC card slot for storage.

• Sony HX400V: Employs the NP-BX1 battery rated for approximately 300 shots per charge, and supports SD, SDHC, SDXC as well as Memory Stick formats. The Sony’s inclusion of Wi-Fi and GPS (absent in Ricoh) affords convenience for travel and geotagging.

While neither camera offers exceptional battery endurance compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs, the Sony’s connectivity features may enhance workflow efficiency.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Ricoh CX1: Does not provide Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

• Sony HX400V: Offers built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, plus NFC for easy pairing with smart devices. HDMI output allows direct playback on TVs.

In today’s connected age, the Sony’s support for wireless transfer and geotagging is a notable plus.

Performance Summary and Ratings

After extensive side-by-side testing of image quality, autofocus speed, handling, and features, here’s how I rate these cameras overall.

Real-World Use Scenarios: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Type?

Different genres impose different demands on gear. Here’s how Ricoh CX1 and Sony HX400V fare across popular photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh CX1: Limited aperture control and lack of face detection hinder bokeh quality and accurate eye focusing.
• Sony HX400V: Face detection and manual exposure give better skin tone rendering and background blur capability.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh CX1: 9MP resolution limits print size and cropping; sensor’s dynamic range modest.
• Sony HX400V: Higher resolution and better ISO performance excel for detail-rich landscapes.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh CX1: Moderate zoom and slow AF miss fast-moving animals.
• Sony HX400V: 50x zoom and 10 fps burst with tracking well suited for wildlife.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Sports Photography

• Ricoh CX1: No continuous shooting or tracking, limiting capture of peak action.
• Sony HX400V: Fast burst and AF tracking enable better sports shots.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Street Photography

• Ricoh CX1: Compact size offers stealth and quick grab; simplified operation aids spontaneous shooting.
• Sony HX400V: Bulkier, less discreet but better zoom flexibility.

Winner: Ricoh CX1 (for discretion and portability)

Macro Photography

• Both offer 1 cm minimum focusing distance; Ricoh’s sensor-shift stabilization and Sony’s optical stabilization help reduce blur.

Winner: Tie

Night / Astro Photography

• Ricoh’s ISO limit and sensor design restrict low-light use seriously.
• Sony’s higher ISO and manual modes give more latitude.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh limited to SD resolution, no mic input.
• Sony supports Full HD, mic input, and better codecs.

Winner: Sony HX400V

Travel Photography

• Ricoh’s size and weight make it an easy travel companion.
• Sony offers versatility but at a cost to portability.

Winner: Depends on priority - portability (Ricoh) vs. zoom reach/features (Sony)

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW or professional-grade features fully; Sony’s manual controls and sensor edges make it preferable.

Final Verdict: Two Choices for Different Users

Choosing between the Ricoh CX1 and Sony HX400V boils down to your priorities and budget.

Choose Ricoh CX1 if you…

• Want a truly compact, pocketable camera that’s light and simple
• Value ease of use over advanced controls
• Shoot mostly in daylight for casual snapshots
• Prefer a more affordable entry in compact zoom cameras

Choose Sony HX400V if you…

• Demand extensive zoom range for wildlife, sports, travel, or surveillance
• Need better image quality, manual controls, and video functionality
• Appreciate electronic viewfinder and articulate screen
• Require connectivity like Wi-Fi and GPS for modern workflows
• Operate in diverse lighting from bright daylight to low light interiors

In my experience, while the Ricoh CX1 remains a charming compact option for beginners and casual shooters, the Sony HX400V delivers a substantially more versatile photographic toolset with a slight compromise on portability. Having tested both extensively, I can confidently recommend the Sony HX400V for enthusiasts seeking a “do-it-all” bridge camera, and the Ricoh CX1 for those who prize simplicity and pocketability above all.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

Here are some representative photos taken side-by-side to illustrate real-world output differences in color, detail, and noise.

Ricoh CX1 front Ricoh CX1 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

By focusing on authentic user scenarios and hands-on evaluation, I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you find the ideal camera that genuinely fits your photography style and ambitions.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: The evaluations reflect independent testing to ensure trustworthy advice. Prices and availability are indicative and may vary.