Ricoh CX1 vs Sony A55

Here is a detailed review of the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and A55 (16MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was brought out 18 months prior to the A55 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the CX1 scores against the A55 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX1 and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX1 enjoys external dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Sony A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony A55 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the CX1 vs the A55.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX1 and A55 is 93 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The photograph here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX1 and A55.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CX1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony A55 will render more detail having its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older CX1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.