Ricoh CX2 vs Samsung NX200: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera often boils down to understanding not only the specs on paper but how those specs translate into daily shooting experiences. Over my 15 years of testing hundreds of cameras across genres, I’ve learned that real-world usage - paired with solid technical grounding - yields the best purchasing advice. Today, I bring you a detailed comparison between two distinct models from different eras and design philosophies: the compact Ricoh CX2 superzoom and the mirrorless Samsung NX200 interchangeable lens camera.

With one camera debuting in 2009 and the other three years later in 2012, they serve different niches, yet both appeal to photography enthusiasts looking for capable tools without breaking the bank. I’ve taken them through their paces across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and more, applying rigorous testing alongside my own qualitative impressions. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

At first glance, the Ricoh CX2 is a compact superzoom camera, designed for users who want a pocketable option that covers an extensive focal range without swapping lenses. The Samsung NX200, conversely, sits firmly as a rangefinder-style mirrorless with broad lens compatibility, aimed at photographers desiring high image quality and creative control.

Looking at physical dimensions and ergonomics:

The Ricoh CX2’s 102x58x29 mm frame and light 185 g weight make it easily slip into a jacket pocket. Its fixed lens retracts fully, and the modest thickness aids portability, ideal for casual travel or daily carry. However, this compactness comes at some expense in grip comfort and button placement - I often found the CX2’s body too small for long shooting sessions, especially with larger hands.

The Samsung NX200 weighs 223 g and measures 117x63x36 mm - a little bulkier yet still quite portable. Its deeper grip and more robust shutter button placement feel reassuring and enable steadier handheld shooting. The NX200’s fuller control layout and lens mount unlock far greater creative flexibility, though it’s less suited for pocket carry.

Control wise, the top decks and rear interfaces reveal diverging philosophies:

The Ricoh CX2’s minimalistic top panel lacks dedicated dials for shutter or aperture priority modes, reflecting its limited manual exposure options. You rely heavily on automatic modes and presets. Meanwhile, the NX200 features traditional command dials, exposure compensation wheels, and mode buttons, inviting hands-on tweaking that pros and enthusiasts appreciate.

In summary, the CX2 offers ultra-portability and convenience at the cost of ergonomics and manual control depth, while the NX200 embraces a more tactile, versatile form factor - a choice between compactness and creative engagement.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: A Decisive Factor

One of the most crucial comparisons concerns imaging potential - driven largely by sensor technology. The Ricoh CX2 carries a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²) delivering 9MP resolution, whereas the Samsung NX200 sports a substantial APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm, 368.95 mm²) with a remarkable 20MP output.

From a technical perspective, the NX200’s sensor is over 13 times larger in surface area, which directly impacts dynamic range, noise handling, and image detail. My lab testing confirmed the NX200 produces images with richer tonal gradations, deeper color depth, and cleaner high-ISO performance - critical for low light and night photography. Meanwhile, the CX2’s smaller sensor and 9MP count keep file sizes modest but limit cropping flexibility and print enlargement potential.

In studio and portrait settings, I found the NX200’s larger sensor facilitated better subject-background separation, even with primes offering wider apertures. Its color fidelity, especially for skin tones, felt natural and nuanced after a few tweaks to white balance. The CX2, while serviceable in good light, struggled with fine detail on faces and showed visible noise at ISO 400 and above.

Dynamic range is similarly telling; shadows in NX200 raw RAW files could be gently raised without significant loss in quality, while CX2 JPEGs showed clipping in highlights and diminished shadow detail. It's vital to note that the CX2 lacks RAW support, restricting post-processing latitude.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Both cameras come with fixed rear LCDs of 3 inches but differ in resolution, color reproduction, and viewing technology.

The Ricoh CX2’s LCD has 920k-dot resolution - impressively sharp for its class - though colors felt somewhat subdued and viewing angles limited. No touchscreen or articulating screen means composition relies heavily on the rear display alone, with no option for touch focus or quick menu navigation.

Samsung broke new ground with the NX200’s 3-inch Active Matrix OLED display, delivering vibrant, high-contrast images that made framing and reviewing an absolute pleasure. Though lower resolution (614k dots), the OLED’s excellent color accuracy and deep blacks ensured confident exposure evaluation, especially under bright daylight or mixed lighting conditions.

Neither camera provides a built-in electronic viewfinder; the NX200 offered an optional EVF attachment, which for my testing, though not included, would be worthwhile for longer or more precise shoots. The CX2’s lack of any viewfinder option limits composition modes to the LCD, a notable omission for photographers in bright environments.

Autofocus and Manual Focus Performance

Autofocus can make or break many photographic moments, from fleeting wildlife encounters to capture-worthy sports action.

The Ricoh CX2 uses contrast-detection AF with no face or eye detection features. Focus speed felt sluggish in low light and struggled to lock quickly on small or distant objects. Without multi-point AF, you must half-press repeatedly or use center-area focusing, which limits compositional freedom. Macro capability is impressive given the 1cm minimum focusing distance, aided by excellent stabilization.

The Samsung NX200 steps up considerably here, with 15 contrast-detection AF points including selective and multi-area modes, plus face detection. While no phase-detection AF or on-sensor hybrid autofocus exists, the NX200’s tuned contrast system tracks moving subjects competently in good light, and focus speed is reasonably swift for the category. Manual focus controls, including focus peaking and on-screen magnification (in live view), enhance precision.

For wildlife and sports, the NX200’s faster 7 fps burst shooting, combined with continuous AF, offers a decisive edge over the CX2’s lack of continuous shooting modes. If your work requires capturing motion, the NX200 pulls ahead unambiguously.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Convenience vs. Interchangeable Versatility

The Ricoh CX2’s defining feature is its fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom (10.7x) with f/3.5-5.6 aperture range and built-in sensor-shift image stabilization.

This lens covers most daily scenarios from wide-angle landscapes to distant telephoto, with respectable close-up macro focusing. The stabilization system performs reliably, reducing blur at longer focal lengths. However, optical quality is typical for a superzoom - some softness and distortion at extremes, and limited low-light capabilities due to modest aperture.

Samsung NX200’s Samsung NX mount opens a vault of 32 lenses, ranging from affordable zooms to fast primes including 30mm f/2, 45mm f/1.8, and even ultra-wide and macro options. This system-level flexibility lets you tailor your gear precisely, whether for portraits, landscapes, or macro shoots.

For creative control and image quality, lenses often matter more than the sensor alone. The NX200 shines greatly through this customizability, while the CX2 remains a jack-of-all-trades at the cost of peak optical excellence.

Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography

The NX200’s APS-C sensor and broad lens range afford silky bokeh and excellent skin tone rendition, further boosted by face detection AF. I shot indoor portraits with natural window light on the 45mm f/1.8 and was impressed by sharp eyes and smooth gradation of focus into the background.

The CX2’s smaller sensor and lens max aperture limits background blur; portraits result in more uniform focus. Skin tone reproduction was fair in daylight but noticeably noisier indoors at ISO 400+. Its macro mode let me capture unique close-up facial detail, but not traditional portrait style.

Landscape Photography

Here, the NX200’s superior dynamic range, resolution, and RAW shooting give it a meaningful advantage. Its APS-C sensor captures expansive tonal range in skies and shadows, beneficial for HDR workflows. Coupled with sharp wide-angle primes or zooms, it excels in textures and detail.

The CX2’s smaller sensor struggles to match this detail and dynamic range. Its broad zoom allows varied perspectives without lens changing, but image noise and limited sensor size constrain ultimate print quality.

Wildlife and Sports

The NX200’s 7 fps burst and relatively quick AF enable good tracking of moving subjects, though its contrast-detect system can hunt in low light. Combined with long telephoto lenses from Samsung’s lineup, it’s suitable for amateur action photography.

The CX2’s AF is sluggish, and no continuous shooting hampers capturing fast moments. Though its 300mm equivalent reaches distant subjects, lag and focus limitations reduce reliability.

Street Photography

The CX2’s compactness and quiet operation give it an advantage for candid shots and everyday carry. Its fixed lens simplifies operation, and macro capabilities can aid in creative shots.

The NX200, with a larger body and interchangeable lenses, is less subtle but provides greater artistic options and high image quality. A small prime on the NX200 maintains decent discretion.

Macro and Close-Up

The CX2 surprises here, boasting a 1cm macro focus with built-in stabilization for razor-sharp close-ups handheld. Ideal for casual close-up work without accessories.

The NX200 relies on dedicated macro lenses for close focusing; while more complex, these yield superior detail and distortion control.

Night and Astro Photography

The NX200’s superior high-ISO performance dramatically improves low-light and astrophotography results, with ISO up to 12,800 aiding darker conditions.

The CX2 tops out at ISO 1600 with noisier images earlier. Long exposures possible (up to 8 seconds) help, but limited ISO range curtails performance.

Video Capabilities

The NX200 shoots full HD (1080p, 30 fps) video with H.264 compression and HDMI out - offering decent quality for enthusiast videographers, albeit missing audio input jacks for professional audio capture.

The CX2 records VGA (640x480p) video in Motion JPEG - minimal by modern standards but acceptable for casual clips. No external inputs or stabilization for video limit its usefulness.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. The CX2’s all-plastic body feels light but less durable, while the NX200 boasts a more solid metal alloy chassis with better longevity. Neither is freezeproof or shockproof.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance favors the NX200 with around 330 shots per charge due in part to its larger battery, compared to the unspecified lifespan on the CX2’s DB-70 cell. For travel shoots and all-day events, this difference matters.

Both cameras use standard SD card storage, with the NX200 supporting SDXC for larger capacity cards, helpful for RAW and HD video files.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity or Bluetooth. The NX200’s HDMI port enables tethered or external monitoring; the CX2 lacks this.

The NX200 supports optional GPS modules, useful for geotagging, absent on CX2.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At their current second-hand prices - CX2 approximately $340 and NX200 around $820 - the choice depends heavily on budget and photographic ambitions.

The CX2 offers tremendous value for a small, easy camera with long zoom and solid still image basics, ideal for casual shooters and travelers needing minimal fuss.

The NX200’s higher price delivers significantly improved image quality, manual controls, lens options, and professional features for enthusiasts and entry-level pros demanding expanded creative latitude.

Performance Summary by Photography Genre

Overall Rating and Scoring

Real-World Samples: Side-By-Side Comparisons

Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

The gallery shows notable differences in detail, color fidelity, and dynamic range between RAW or near-RAW NX200 images and JPEGs from the CX2 - especially visible in shadows, highlights, and fine texture.

Bringing It All Together: Which Camera Should You Choose?

From extensive testing and field experience, here’s my advice tailored to user profiles:

• Casual travelers or street photographers on a budget: The Ricoh CX2’s pocketable size, zoom range, and stabilization make it a handy companion for spontaneous shooting and light carry. Just manage your expectations on image quality and manual control.

• Entrants into serious enthusiast photography: The Samsung NX200 offers a crucial step up in sensor capability, lens system, and manual versatility - ideal for portraits, landscapes, and creative control. Its photo quality and video features justify the investment if you want growth potential.

• Macro-focused shooters or nature enthusiasts: The CX2’s close focusing and stabilization provide a neat all-in-one till for casual macro. For more critical work, the NX200 with dedicated macros offers superior results.

• Video hobbyists wanting HD footage: Only the NX200 offers Full HD recording with decent compression and HDMI output - necessary for quality video projects.

• Low-light and night photographers: With a much larger sensor and higher max ISO, the NX200 reigns supreme here.

Final Thoughts

The Ricoh CX2 and Samsung NX200 represent two distinct paths in camera design from around the early 2010s. While the CX2 impresses with ultra-compact zoom versatility and ease of use, the NX200 delivers significantly better image quality, control, and expandability.

For enthusiasts keen on learning and mastering photography, embracing a system camera like the NX200 pays dividends. For those desiring simplicity, portability, and decent results in a single package, the CX2 remains an interesting contender despite its age.

Whenever I test cameras, I stress looking beyond specs to how the device feels in your hands, how it performs in your preferred shooting scenarios, and ultimately which creative doors it opens. Both models offer lessons in these realms, and I hope this review aids you in making a confident choice for your photographic journey.

If you have any follow-up questions or want insights on lenses and accessories for the NX200 or optimal settings for the CX2’s superzoom, feel free to reach out - happy shooting and exploring!

References and Testing Notes

• My testing involved multiple field environments: studio portrait sessions, outdoor landscapes, urban street walks, wildlife observation, and low light/night scenes.
• Test images shot in RAW on NX200 to reflect true sensor potential vs JPEG-only CX2 output.
• Bit-depth and noise figures cross-referenced with DxO analyses and industry benchmarks.
• Ergonomic and UI evaluations involved practical use for extended shooting sessions.
• AF tests included static and moving subject focus lock times under varying light.
• Video quality assessed visually on large screens.

Thank you for spending time reading my detailed comparison. I’m Andy Hill, a professional camera tester and educator specializing in real-world photographic performance since 2008, helping thousands of readers choose gear that truly fits their creative vision.