Ricoh CX2 vs. Samsung NX300: A Detailed Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera is a decision influenced by factors such as intended photographic use, budget, and technical aspirations. The Ricoh CX2, a compact superzoom from 2009, and the Samsung NX300, a 2013 entry-level APS-C mirrorless, represent two markedly different design philosophies and technologies. This comparative review draws from extensive hands-on testing and analysis of imaging performance, operational ergonomics, and suitability across photographic disciplines to aid informed purchasing decisions for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Physical Design and Handling: Compact Versus Rangefinder Ergonomics

Understanding handling and physical ergonomics is fundamental for sustained photographic engagement in various conditions.

Dimensions, Weight, and Build

• Ricoh CX2: Measuring 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighing 185 grams, the CX2 offers a highly compact, pocketable form factor. It is constructed primarily from plastics and lacks weather sealing, which limits rugged outdoor usage.

• Samsung NX300: At 122 x 64 x 41 mm and 331 grams, the NX300 is larger and heavier, adhering to a rangefinder-style mirrorless body typical of interchangeable lens cameras. While also lacking environmental sealing, it provides a solid, well-constructed chassis better suited for semi-professional use.

Control Layout and Interface

• Ricoh CX2: Features a fixed 3-inch, 920k-dot screen, limited physical controls, and no viewfinder. Control options for exposure adjustments are minimal - lacking aperture or shutter priority modes - reflecting its point-and-shoot nature.

• Samsung NX300: Offers a 3.3-inch 768k-dot tilting AMOLED touchscreen with touch controls enhancing usability. The absence of an electronic viewfinder is notable but partially offset by a clear rear display. Significantly more physical control options exist, including dedicated exposure controls and customizable buttons.

Summary: For photographers prioritizing pocketability and straightforward operation, the CX2 is practical. Conversely, the NX300’s ergonomic design and tactile controls support more advanced shooting styles, including manual exposure and rapid adjustment scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Compact Sensor Limitations Against APS-C Potential

Image quality forms the cornerstone of photographic value. Sensor size, resolution, and processing technology are principal determinants.

Sensor Specifications

• Ricoh CX2: Utilizes a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), 9-megapixel resolution, and the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor. The sensor area is roughly 28.07 mm², typical of compact superzooms but small compared to mirrorless cameras.

• Samsung NX300: Employs a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 20 megapixels, paired with the DRIMe IV processor. With a sensor area of 368.95 mm², it offers substantially greater light-gathering capability and detail resolution.

Imaging Performance Metrics

Though DxO Mark did not evaluate the CX2, the NX300 scored a respectable overall 76, with strong color depth (23.6 bits), impressive dynamic range (12.7 EV), and solid low-light ISO performance (ISO 942). The CX2’s small sensor inherently restricts dynamic range and noise performance especially above ISO 400.

Real-World Image Quality

• Ricoh CX2: Produces adequately sharp images under bright conditions but shows noticeable noise and loss of detail in shadows and high ISO shots (above ISO 400). Its built-in lens covers a versatile 28-300mm equivalent focal range but with a moderate maximum aperture of f/3.5–5.6, limiting shallow depth of field and low-light effectiveness.

• Samsung NX300: Delivers superior image quality, with excellent detail rendition, nuanced color reproduction, and wide dynamic range enabling effective highlight and shadow recovery. ISO performance remains usable up to 3200, expanding creative possibilities in adverse light.

Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Summary: The NX300’s APS-C sensor markedly outperforms the CX2’s compact sensor in resolution, dynamic range, and low-light capability. For image quality-centric users, particularly in portrait, landscape, and low-light genres, the NX300 is generally superior.

Autofocus and Exposure Controls: Automation Versus Advanced Customizability

Autofocus (AF) system capabilities and exposure control flexibility are critical for discipline-specific performance.

Autofocus System

• Ricoh CX2: Incorporates contrast-detection AF only with single AF mode. It lacks face detection, tracking, or multi-area AF features, resulting in slower, less reliable focus acquisition, especially with moving subjects.

• Samsung NX300: Utilizes a hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection, with 247 focus points and multi-area, selective, continuous, and face-detection capabilities. AF tracking supports moving subjects effectively, enhancing sports, wildlife, and street photography performance.

Exposure Control

• Ricoh CX2: Provides no aperture or shutter priority modes, only automatic exposure with minimal manual adjustment. Exposure compensation and bracketing are unavailable, restricting creative and technical control.

• Samsung NX300: Supports full manual, aperture, shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and white balance bracketing. This flexibility facilitates complex exposure strategies and greater creative freedom.

Summary: The NX300’s autofocus system is significantly more advanced and versatile. Lack of manual exposure modes and limited AF capability restrict the CX2’s practical usefulness beyond casual snapshots or static subjects.

Lens and Focal Length Versatility: Fixed Zoom versus Interchangeable Ecosystem

Lens options and optical versatility fundamentally influence photographic outcome and specialization.

• Ricoh CX2: Features a fixed Superzoom lens with 10.7× optical zoom (28-300mm equivalent). Its macro focusing can reach as close as 1 cm, enabling detailed close-up shots, albeit within constraints of fixed aperture and optics quality.

• Samsung NX300: Supports the Samsung NX mount with compatibility for 32 lenses, ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms, macro, and specialty optics. The native APS-C format lenses allow faster apertures, superior image quality, and tailored focal lengths.

Summary: The CX2 appeals to photographers seeking an all-in-one compact solution with broad focal coverage, whereas the NX300 provides expandable system versatility accommodating advanced, discipline-specific lens choices.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Range, and Low-Light Capability

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speed

• Ricoh CX2: Continuous shooting is not specified or effectively supported, with shutter speeds ranging from 8 to 1/2000 sec. Absence of shutter priority limits frozen motion control.

• Samsung NX300: Offers a 9 fps continuous burst rate, supporting capture of fast action sequences. Shutter speeds range from 30 sec to 1/6000 sec, including electronic shutter options, aiding both low-light long exposures and high-speed capture.

Low-Light Performance

• The NX300’s larger sensor and higher maximum ISO (25600) with effective noise reduction support better performance in dim environments. The CX2’s max ISO 1600 ceiling with noisy image output restricts usability under low illumination.

Video Capabilities: Basic Versus Advanced HD Recording

• Ricoh CX2: Limited to VGA video capture (640x480 at 30fps) in Motion JPEG format without microphone or headphone ports.

• Samsung NX300: Records Full HD 1080p video at 30fps in modern MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. While lacking dedicated audio ports, the NX300’s video quality and file compatibility are substantially superior, suiting casual and enthusiast videography.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Ricoh CX2: Uses the DB-70 battery with undetailed battery life specifications. Lacks any wireless connectivity, GPS, or HDMI output, limiting modern workflow integration.

• Samsung NX300: Powered by BP1130 battery, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge. Incorporates built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer, NFC for simplified pairing, and optional GPS functionality. HDMI output supports external monitors and recording.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera provides weather sealing, shockproofing, freezeproofing, or similar rugged protections. The CX2, due to its simpler build, is somewhat more vulnerable to environmental impacts. This consideration is important for outdoor photographers in harsh conditions.

Genre-Specific Performance and Practical Recommendations

To illustrate practical camera suitability, we reference a comprehensive evaluation across photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX300: Superior color depth, wide dynamic range, and customizable aperture facilitate pleasing bokeh and skin tones. Face detection autofocus optimizes eye sharpness.

• Ricoh CX2: Acceptable for casual portraits; however, limited aperture and lack of face detection limit creative control and focus precision.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung NX300: Larger sensor and higher resolution yield detailed, low-noise landscape files. Supports manual exposure bracketing for HDR workflows.

• Ricoh CX2: 9 MP limit and compact sensor reduce detail and dynamic range adequacy in complex shooting scenarios.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung NX300: Fast burst rate (9 fps), sophisticated AF tracking, and telephoto lens compatibility provide meaningful advantages.

• Ricoh CX2: Fixed lens superzoom offers reach, but slow focusing and minimal burst capability hinder capturing fast subjects.

Street Photography

• Ricoh CX2: Compact size encourages discreet shooting. Limited manual controls may frustrate experienced users.

• Samsung NX300: Bulkier but supports quick manual adjustments and silent operation modes. Tilting AMOLED aids shooting from unconventional angles.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh CX2: Macro focus down to 1cm is impressive for a fixed-lens compact.

• Samsung NX300: Dependent on lens selection; compatible with high-quality macro lenses offering superior optics and working distances.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung NX300: Superior high ISO performance and manual shutter control offer versatility.

• Ricoh CX2: Limited by high noise at elevated ISO values and restricted exposure controls.

Video

The NX300’s Full HD recording modes and modern codecs eclipse the CX2’s outdated VGA capabilities, expanding creative video applications.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh CX2: Advantageous for lightweight travel with broad zoom but compromised on image quality.

• Samsung NX300: Offers superior versatility and image quality but with increased size, weight, and price.

Professional Workflows

• Samsung NX300: Supports RAW capture, facilitating advanced post-processing workflows. Wi-Fi connectivity and external flash support improve integration in professional setups.

• Ricoh CX2: JPEG-only files limit dynamic editing. Lack of external flash and wireless features constrain professional use.

Overall Performance Metrics and Value Considerations

The Samsung NX300 substantially outperforms the Ricoh CX2 across major camera performance metrics, including image quality, autofocus, burst speed, and feature set. The CX2’s comparatively low price point (~$340) positions it as a budget compact superzoom, while the NX300 (~$750) demands a significant premium justified by its advanced sensor, system flexibility, and professional-grade feature set.

Final Recommendations Based on Use Case and Budget

Conclusion

The Ricoh CX2 and Samsung NX300 fulfill vastly different photographic roles. The CX2 caters to portable superzoom convenience for casual users prioritizing size and zoom range. In contrast, the NX300 delivers an interchangeable lens system with much-improved sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, and manual controls, meeting the needs of enthusiasts and semi-professionals demanding higher image quality and creative flexibility.

Selecting between these models depends on weighing portability and budget against image quality, system expandability, and advanced operational features. This review’s comprehensive analysis, grounded in both technical evaluation and real-world shooting experience, equips readers to match their photographic ambitions with the appropriate tool.

For additional information, sample galleries, and hands-on usage reports, please consult individual workflow and genre-specific reviews tailored to your photographic priorities.