Ricoh CX1 vs Sony A37

In this article, we will be contrasting the Ricoh CX1 and Sony A37, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Ricoh and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and A37 (16MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The CX1 was announced 4 years prior to the A37 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the CX1 matches up versus the A37 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX1 and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX1 enjoys outer 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) whilst the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh CX1 and Sony A37 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the CX1 compared to the A37.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CX1 and A37 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The picture here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the CX1 and A37.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The CX1 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A37 will show extra detail with its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged CX1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.