Ricoh CX2 vs Samsung HZ30W: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the sheer range of options can be overwhelming. Today, I’m diving deeply into two contenders that launched within a few months of each other - the Ricoh CX2 from August 2009 and Samsung’s HZ30W (also known as the WB600) from early 2010. Both represent compact superzoom cameras aimed at enthusiast users who want versatile focal ranges in a pocketable form, but they approach that goal quite differently.

Having spent a fair amount of bench time and field experience with each, I’ll walk you through the strengths and quirks of both, focusing on real-world performance across photography genres, usability, and whether either represents a good value for your photographic needs today. Along the way, I’ll be dropping in images and sample files to make these technical details easier to visualize.

Let’s get going.

At a Glance: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics Matter

Before even firing the first shot, the tactile experience of handling a camera greatly shapes your shooting enjoyment and performance. Both Ricoh CX2 and Samsung HZ30W fall squarely in the compact superzoom category, but subtle differences impact ergonomics.

The Ricoh CX2 measures 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighs just 185 grams, which makes it impressively light and pocket-friendly. The Samsung HZ30W is slightly larger, at 107 x 61 x 28 mm and weighs a heftier 245 grams, reflecting a more substantial build. How does that translate to feel in hand? The slight extra bulk gives the Samsung a bit more grip, which can be reassuring when swinging through longer focal lengths.

Looking at the control layout from the top view, Ricoh keeps things clean but minimal. The fixed lens zoom lever, shutter button, and a few dials make it straightforward but might leave those craving manual control wanting more. Samsung’s HZ30W offers a more conventional array, including dedicated exposure modes like shutter and aperture priority, plus exposure compensation - features many enthusiasts appreciate for creative control.

If you prioritize pocketability and simplicity, the CX2’s smaller form wins. If you want more dials and in-camera controls that support varied shooting styles, HZ30W nudges ahead.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Insights

Both models use a 1/2.3" sensor, which is typical for superzoom compacts but limits noise and dynamic range compared to larger sensors found in mirrorless or DSLRs. However, sensor tech and resolution differ significantly:

• Ricoh CX2: 9 Megapixels, CMOS sensor, uses Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor, supports anti-aliasing filter.
• Samsung HZ30W: 12 Megapixels, CCD sensor, equipped with an anti-aliasing filter but no detail on processor.

Simply put, CMOS sensors tend to perform better at higher ISOs and offer more efficient power management; CCD sensors can have excellent color rendition but often struggle with noise at elevated ISOs.

The sensor dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm) and area (28.07 mm²) are identical on paper for both, meaning differences we see largely come down to sensor tech and image processing.

From hands-on tests and shooting in mixed lighting, I found the Ricoh CX2's images to exhibit less noise when pushed toward ISO 800-1600, though its maximum ISO tops at 1600 native only. Samsung, with its CCD, can offer slightly sharper images at base ISO but the noise becomes quickly apparent past ISO 400.

Dynamic range is modest on both, though the Ricoh’s CMOS-plus-processing combo allowed marginally better highlight retention, especially in challenging high-contrast landscape shots. This modest edge helps preserve detail in skies and foliage - a plus for nature photographers working without bracketing.

The Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Reach

Both cameras boast very versatile zoom ranges allowing wide-angle to substantial telephoto reach but with notable differences:

• Ricoh CX2: 28-300 mm equivalent, 10.7x zoom, max aperture f/3.5-f/5.6
• Samsung HZ30W: 24-360 mm equivalent, 15x zoom, max aperture f/3.2-f/5.8

Samsung’s extra reach on the telephoto end can be a game-changer for wildlife or sports shooters needing to pull distant subjects closer. The slightly wider 24 mm wide angle offers more room for landscape and street photography framing flexibility.

However, telephoto ventures at f/5.8 can feel a bit dim, and neither camera includes lens optical stabilization details per se - though both offer image stabilization systems (sensor-shift for Ricoh, optical for Samsung).

Ricoh’s 1 cm macro focus distance is impressive for a superzoom and produced detailed super close-ups with sharp background separation even without additional macro accessories. Samsung’s minimum focus at 3 cm is respectable but less extreme.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Real Use

Autofocus technology often makes or breaks the shooting experience, especially beyond static subjects.

• The Ricoh CX2 employs contrast-detection autofocus only, single-point, with no continuous AF nor face/eye detection. Focus speed is steady but not lightning quick - expect a slight lag in low light or moving subjects.
• Samsung HZ30W also relies on contrast detection but adds support for AF tracking and multiple AF areas, plus a center and multi-area AF option. This allows better subject tracking on moving targets and more reliable focus acquisition out of the box.

In real-world testing, Samsung's AF proved snappier and more dependable for walk-and-shoot scenarios, including street and wildlife photography, thanks to the tracking feature. Ricoh’s approach suits deliberate, slower shooting where you have the time to compose and focus carefully.

Display and Interface: Your Window to the Shot

Both offer a fixed 3-inch LCD, but here, Ricoh takes a winning position in terms of resolution with 920k dots compared to Samsung's 230k. The higher pixel density on Ricoh means images and menus are visibly sharper, aiding manual focusing and reviewing details in the field.

Neither camera features a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder, which is standard in this price and era category but something to keep in mind if you’re used to modern conveniences.

Menu systems are straightforward on both but Ricoh's smoother interface feels cleaner. Samsung throws more options on-screen (given its exposure controls), which may overwhelm beginners but satisfies experienced shooters.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control

Here is where Samsung’s HZ30W flexes more enthusiast muscle:

• Ricoh CX2: No manual exposure modes; limits you to program mode with some white balance and ISO tweaks.
• Samsung HZ30W: Full manual exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation.

This makes HZ30W a flexible tool for those wanting to hone control over depth of field and motion blur in varying scenarios from sports to night photography.

Video Capabilities: Modest at Best

Both cameras offer video recording at modest resolutions and frame rates by today’s standards:

• Ricoh CX2 shoots up to VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps in MJPEG format.
• Samsung HZ30W steps up to HD 720p at 30 fps with the more efficient H.264 codec.

Neither camera provides external microphone input, headphone monitoring, or advanced video tools such as stabilization modes beyond optical/sensor-based steadying.

If video is a priority, Samsung’s HZ30W video will feel less grainy, smoother, and more watchable on HD screens.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries: Ricoh’s DB-70 and Samsung’s SLB-11A. Neither manufacturer extensively publicizes battery ratings, but real-world use indicates both can hit between 200-300 shots per charge under average conditions.

Storage-wise, both rely on SD or SDHC cards, with Samsung adding SDXC compatibility which future-proofs you for larger cards and longer shooting runs.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers special weather or dust sealing, nor rugged protection like shockproofing or freezeproofing. Physically, the Samsung feels marginally more robust, but both are designed mainly as travel-focused, everyday-use cameras.

Real-World Performance Across Genres

It's often easiest to see how these cameras perform when you think through real shooting situations.

Portrait Photography

Ricoh’s CMOS sensor and 9 MP resolution deliver pleasing skin tone gradation with good color accuracy. However, without face detection or eye AF, you must rely on manual focus precision, which can be tricky in fleeting moments.

Samsung, with its AF tracking and multi-area contrast detection, holds better focus on portraits, especially in groups or moving subjects, leading to fewer missed shots. Higher resolution means more cropping flexibility but not necessarily better low-light portrait shots due to sensor noise.

Bokeh (background blur) is limited on both due to small sensors and relatively modest max aperture lenses, but Ricoh’s macro-mode shines for tight close-ups with nicely blurred backgrounds.

Landscape Photography

Samsung’s wider 24 mm lens and 12 MP sensor allow for expansive framing and greater detail capture, making it a better candidate here. Ricoh’s dynamic range advantage slightly is offset by its narrower lens.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so outdoor use in challenging environments demands care. Both lack RAW shooting, limiting post-processing latitude vital for high-end landscape work.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Samsung’s 15x zoom to 360 mm and AF tracking capabilities give it a clear edge for wildlife and action shots. The higher maximum ISO (3200) helps in lower light but introduces significant noise at the upper end.

Ricoh’s shorter reach to 300 mm and no continuous AF or tracking restricts usability for fast subjects.

Both cameras have no burst shooting modes, limiting continuous capture speed.

Street Photography

Ricoh CX2 scores for portability and quiet operation (no mechanical zoom noise issues reported), making it less obtrusive on the street.

Samsung, while bigger, offers more control over exposures and faster autofocus, which helps snap candid moments in varying light.

Neither provides viewfinders or articulating screens, which could be a challenge shooting at waist level or in bright sunlight.

Macro Photography

Ricoh’s 1 cm macro focusing with sensor-shift stabilization supports impressively detailed close-ups without extra equipment - a significant advantage.

Samsung’s 3 cm minimum focus distance is decent but less suited for extreme macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors and limited ISO ranges present challenges to both for night or astrophotography.

Ricoh gives slightly cleaner images up to ISO 800 due to CMOS sensor and good internal stabilization, a slight boon for handheld night shots.

Samsung’s higher ISO goes to 3200 but introduces noise very visibly.

Neither camera offers intervalometers or dedicated long-exposure modes suitable for astrophotography beyond basic timelapse on Ricoh.

Video Usage

Samsung’s superior video resolution and encoding make it a no-brainer if lightweight HD video is desired.

Ricoh’s VGA video is a significant limitation and unlikely to satisfy most modern content creators.

Reviewing Sample Images: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Seeing both cameras’ test images side-by-side clarifies many of these points.

Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back

Note how Samsung's images preserve more detail at wide focal lengths, but color saturation can lean slightly oversaturated. Ricoh balances colors nicely with slightly softer overall definition, which may please portrait shooters.

Telephoto crops show Samsung’s reach advantage but also more visible compression artifacts in lower light.

Overall Verdict: Which Camera Fits Which Photographer?

Let’s summarize with an overall performance rating chart to visualize each camera’s strengths - from autofocus to image quality, zoom versatility, video capability, and ergonomics.

Specialized Scores by Photography Type

Breaking down each camera’s aptitude for different photography scenarios clarifies user recommendations.

• Portrait: Samsung edges out with faster AF and higher res; Ricoh close for muted, flattering colors.
• Landscape: Samsung stronger with wider lens and resolution.
• Wildlife/Sports: Samsung clear winner due to zoom and AF.
• Street: Ricoh preferred for discretion and portability.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1cm close focus is standout.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels, but Ricoh slightly better low-light noise.
• Video: Samsung’s HD video is beneficial.
• Travel: Ricoh wins for size; Samsung for creative control and zoom.
• Professional Workflow: Neither supports RAW capture or professional tethering - limitations to consider.

Final Thoughts and Buying Recommendations

Both cameras serve slightly different niches despite their superficial similarities as small-sensor superzooms.

• Pick the Ricoh CX2 if: You want the most compact, lightweight camera with great macro capabilities, low-light handheld shots, and highly portable design. It’s ideal for street, travel, and casual portrait photographers who prioritize simplicity and decent sensor performance over zoom reach or manual controls.

• Pick the Samsung HZ30W if: You crave longer zoom, richer manual exposure options, full HD video, and more versatile autofocus that can keep up with action. It suits NHorsc physical handling, wildlife enthusiasts, amateur sports shooters, or anyone wanting a bit more creative flexibility at an accessible price.

All told, neither camera replaces the experience of a mirrorless interchangeable lens system today, but both still hold respectable value for collectors, beginners, or those needing a rugged, simple zoom camera. Just bear in mind that the lack of RAW and limited ISO performance means post-processing latitude is restricted compared to modern alternatives.

Dear Ricoh and Samsung

If either brand ever remakes these models, adding electronic viewfinders, touchscreen interfaces, and RAW capability would move them into the top compact superzoom tier instantly - with a focus on expansive aperture lenses or stronger stabilization for their class.

For that nostalgic mix of travel-friendly size, powerful zooms, and modest price points, the Ricoh CX2 and Samsung HZ30W both earn their places - but your choice boils down to which photographic needs you value most. Hopefully, this comparison sheds light on the right pick for your artistic vision and shooting style.

Happy shooting!