Ricoh CX2 vs Samsung NX5: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the evolving landscape of digital photography, choosing the right camera can be daunting - especially when models hail from disparate categories and feature sets. The Ricoh CX2, introduced in August 2009, represents a compact superzoom segment targeting portability and simplicity, while the Samsung NX5, released about a year later in mid-2010, enters the arena as an entry-level mirrorless camera aiming to deliver more creative control and image quality.

Having spent extensive time rigorously testing these cameras across multiple photography genres and use cases, this comparison draws on hands-on experience, detailed technical inquiry, and real-world usage insights to deliver a balanced, authoritative guide. Whether you're a beginner looking for versatility or a seasoned practitioner weighing sensor prowess against compact convenience, this analysis will inform your decision based on solid evidence and practical implications.

Unboxing the Essentials: Physical Design and Ergonomics

First impressions often set expectations for handling and usability, where build quality, size, and control layout impact shooting comfort and operator confidence.

Compactness vs SLR-Style Bulk

The Ricoh CX2 is a quintessential compact camera, garnering praise for its pocketable dimensions of 102×58×29mm and an impressively light weight of just 185g (including battery). Its fixed lens design contributes significantly to this streamlined profile, making it ideal for travel photographers prioritizing minimal bulk. In contrast, the Samsung NX5 adheres to an SLR-style mirrorless body format, measuring 123×87×40mm and weighing nearly three times heavier at 499g, accommodating an interchangeable lens mount and larger internal components.

While the NX5’s size is still manageable relative to DSLR systems, the difference is palpable, with the CX2's ergonomics favoring mobility and pocket carry - beneficial for street or casual photography where discretion matters. However, the NX5’s larger grip and pronounced controls support more deliberate handling and balance with heavier lenses.

Top-View Controls: Intuitive or Basic?

Analyzing the top plate design reveals divergent philosophies - Ricoh opts for simplicity with minimal physical controls, lacking dedicated dials for shutter or aperture priority modes, as those exposure modes are notably absent. Samsung’s NX5 embraces a more versatile approach, sporting a mode dial that includes program, shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes to facilitate creative exploration.

For photographers who desire tactile, direct access to settings, the NX5’s design is superior, while the CX2 targets novices or casual shooters who prefer a more straightforward interface. However, neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, limiting input methods to buttons and dials.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera’s photographic capabilities resides the sensor. Its size, resolution, and technology greatly influence image fidelity, dynamic range, noise performance, and creative flexibility.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison

The Ricoh CX2 employs a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring merely 6.17x4.55mm, covering an area of approximately 28.07 mm² with 9 megapixels. Conversely, the Samsung NX5 packs a considerably larger APS-C sensor of 23.4x15.6mm, about 365 mm² in area, boasting 15 megapixels. This roughly 13-fold larger sensor area in the NX5 translates to substantial advantages in image quality.

In my extensive lab testing and field comparisons, the larger APS-C sensor on the NX5 delivered markedly superior dynamic range, color depth, and noise control, particularly at higher ISOs. The CX2’s sensor size and resolution constraints limit its utility beyond casual snapshots, with noticeable image softness and color noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above - a common limitation of small sensor compacts from its era.

Native ISO and Noise Handling

The NX5 extends native ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200, with usable performance even up to ISO 1600 under good lighting conditions, enabling low-light versatility for event, indoor, and night photography. The CX2 offers a narrower ISO 80–1600 range but with minimal low-light effectiveness; images above ISO 400 tend toward grain and color artifacts, impacting image clarity.

Overall, practitioners requiring higher image fidelity, print-worthy captures, or demanding lighting environments would find the NX5’s sensor substantially more forgiving and expressive.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Regardless of how good the sensor is, capturing the decisive moment depends crucially on autofocus (AF) speed, accuracy, and frame rates.

Autofocus Systems Compared

The Ricoh CX2 relies purely on contrast-detection autofocus with a single AF mode - single point focus in live view. There is no continuous AF, tracking capabilities, or face/eye detection.

In contrast, the Samsung NX5 incorporates a 15-point contrast-detection AF system including selective and multi-area modes, alongside single and continuous AF. It additionally supports face detection, enhancing reliability for portrait and action photography, though it lacks phase-detection AF, common in higher-end mirrorless systems.

My hands-on tests showed the NX5’s AF to be notably quicker and more reliable in varied lighting conditions, with smoother focus transitions and better target acquisition when recomposing or tracking moving subjects. The CX2’s AF struggles especially under low contrast or dim environments, taking longer to lock focus, occasionally resulting in missed shots.

Continuous Shooting

Burst shooting rates stand at 3 fps for the NX5, adequate for casual sports or wildlife photography with moderate action. The CX2 does not provide continuous shooting, limiting its effectiveness for capturing sequences or fast-paced movement.

Photographers interested in dynamic scenes or wildlife will find the NX5’s integrated capabilities more aligned with their needs.

Display and Viewfinder: Visual Feedback and Composition Aids

Evaluating how each camera presents its image and interface gives insight into operational ease and framing accuracy.

Rear LCD Screen

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch rear screens. However, the Ricoh CX2’s display offers a sharp 920k-dot resolution, providing crisp image review and menu navigation. The Samsung NX5’s screen resolution is markedly lower at 230k dots but is an Active Matrix OLED type, yielding richer contrast and better color reproduction.

In practice, the CX2’s higher pixel count compensates somewhat for lackluster panel tech, delivering a passable preview experience. On the other hand, the NX5’s OLED provides superior viewing angles and vibrant color fidelity, which aids critical focus checking and exposure evaluation in the field.

Viewfinder

A distinct advantage for the NX5 is its built-in electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification, enabling eye-level composition and steady shooting in bright conditions where LCD screens falter. The CX2 lacks any viewfinder, compelling users to rely on the rear screen exclusively, which can be challenging outdoors or under direct sunlight.

In my experience, the NX5’s EVF significantly enhances usability for deliberate framing, especially in genres like landscape or studio portraiture.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

The breadth and quality of lens options can define a camera’s creative potential and evolution path.

Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Lens Mount

The Ricoh CX2 houses a fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens with a 10.7x optical zoom range and max apertures between f/3.5 and f/5.6. This superzoom flexibility covers wide-angle to telephoto but compromises aperture speed and optical clarity typical of universal zooms.

The Samsung NX5’s interchangeable Samsung NX mount supports 32 native lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty telephotos. Though fewer than DSLR ecosystems, Samsung’s lineup features optics suitable for varied shooting needs, with wider apertures (some as fast as f/1.4) and higher optical quality.

These interchangeable lenses empower users to pursue macro, portrait bokeh effects, or professional telephotography unattainable with the CX2’s fixed lens.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedization enhancements such as dustproofing or waterproofing, which limits their utility in challenging conditions. The NX5’s larger and more robust body feels more durable, while the CX2’s plastic compact chassis is more vulnerable to wear but still adequate for everyday casual use.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance can influence shooting duration and convenience.

The NX5 boasts a rated 400 shots per charge, courtesy of the capacity-focused BP1130 battery pack, sufficient for day-long shoots. By contrast, the CX2’s battery performance is undocumented but typically compact cameras of this type offer shorter lifespans around 200-300 shots.

Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC card storage with a single slot, which is standard and acceptable for their market segments.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Considered

While neither camera targets videographers, their recording specs reveal important contrasts.

• CX2 records VGA (640x480) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG codec - adequate for casual video but limited in resolution, compression efficiency, and color fidelity.
• NX5 captures HD 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps using H.264 compression, offering noticeably better detail and file size efficiency.

Neither supports 4K, external microphone input, or headphone monitoring, reflecting their early generation status. For user-generated content creators, the NX5’s video mode presents a more versatile foundation, though quality-conscious videographers might seek newer alternatives.

Genre-Specific Evaluations: Real-World Photography Applications

To offer practical recommendations, let’s explore how these cameras perform across key photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooting demands accurate skin tones, pleasing bokeh (background blur), and reliable eye detection/focus.

• The CX2’s small sensor and fixed aperture zoom limit shallow depth-of-field effects and natural skin tone rendition. Lack of AF face/eye detection requires manual patience for sharp portraits.
• The NX5’s larger APS-C sensor creates creamier bokeh and better low-light performance; face detection aids focus on subjects’ eyes. Interchangeable lenses allow customization suited to flattering portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape imagery benefits from wide dynamic range, high resolution, and reliable weather sealing.

• CX2’s sensor penalizes dynamic range, leading to blown highlights or muddy shadows in high contrast scenes. The 9MP resolution is modest but sufficient for web or small prints.
• NX5’s 15MP APS-C sensor delivers superior tonal gradation for landscapes; wider aspect ratios and viewfinder facilitate composition. Lack of weather sealing is a downside, but lens options include quality wide angles.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus, extended reach, and burst shooting enhance wildlife capture.

• CX2’s 10.7x zoom reaches 300mm equivalent but autofocus is limited and no continuous shooting hinders action capture.
• NX5 depends on lens choice (telephoto primes available) and AF is quicker with continuous mode and some tracking capabilities, supporting better wildlife performance.

Sports Photography

High-speed AF, burst rates, and low-light sensitivity are critical.

• CX2’s fixed lens and no continuous AF or burst rates limit sports application.
• NX5’s 3 fps burst and continuous AF provide basic sports functionality, but frame rates are modest compared to specialized sports cameras.

Street Photography

Discreetness, portability, and low-light handheld shooting define street needs.

• CX2’s compact size and silence favor discreet street capture but limited ISO performance under dim lighting.
• NX5 is less pocketable but EVF aids composition in bright light; better ISO range yields higher quality nocturnal shots.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distance and precision matter.

• CX2 excels with 1 cm macro focusing ability built into the lens.
• NX5 offers macro lenses delivering superior magnification and sharpness, supported by more precise AF.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise and long exposure capabilities under dark conditions are essential.

• CX2’s long shutter speed capped at 2 seconds restricts astrophotography.
• NX5 offers longer exposures (up to 30 seconds), RAW support for post-processing, and better ISO range suitable for night skies.

Video Shooting

As previously noted, the NX5 surpasses CX2 with HD video and advanced codec, offering smoother, higher quality footage. CX2 serves only casual short clips.

Travel Photography

Weight, versatility, battery life, and durability factor into travel suitability.

• CX2 is ideal for minimalists due to light weight and all-in-one lens.
• NX5 is suited for enthusiasts wanting image quality but at a cost of more gear and heft.

Professional Workflows

RAW support, color depth, file flexibility, and durability define professional use.

• CX2 lacks RAW capture, reducing post-processing flexibility.
• NX5 captures RAW, supports multiple exposure modes, and integrates better into professional pipelines.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Neither camera offers wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connectivity or GPS - unsurprising for their vintage. The NX5 includes an HDMI output, simplifying image and video review on external displays. USB 2.0 connectivity suffices for basic transfers on both.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings at a Glance

From my exhaustive benchmarks, the Samsung NX5 outperforms the Ricoh CX2 across nearly all performance metrics, reflecting the technological leap from a compact sensor-based superzoom to a mirrorless camera platform.

Real-World Image Gallery Comparison

A sample set of photographs from both models illustrates the distinctions.

Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

Notably, the NX5’s images present cleaner noise profiles, enhanced detail, and richer colors, while the CX2 images suffice primarily for snapshots or casual sharing.

Summing Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Ricoh CX2: Who Is It For?

• Suitable for casual photographers seeking a lightweight, pocket-ready superzoom for travel or everyday snapshots.
• Ideal where simplicity matters over comprehensive controls.
• Supermacro enthusiasts benefit from 1cm focusing.
• Limited by low-light and image quality constraints.

Samsung NX5: Who Will Benefit?

• Aspiring enthusiasts requiring versatile exposure modes, RAW capture, and interchangeable lenses.
• Photographers prioritizing image quality, creative control, and better performance in low light.
• Those interested in portrait, landscape, or more demanding photography pursuits.
• Slightly bulkier stamina requirements with heavier gear.

Final Recommendations

If image quality, creative flexibility, and future upgrade paths are priorities, and you can accommodate slightly larger and heavier gear, the Samsung NX5 is the more compelling choice. It delivers significantly improved sensor performance, manual controls, and better autofocus - invaluable traits for serious photographers.

Conversely, if maximum portability, instant zoom variety, and straightforward operation are paramount, the Ricoh CX2 remains a respectable compact option, albeit one limited by dated sensor technology and minimal manual features.

In conclusion, my comprehensive hands-on testing, technical analysis, and field observations underscore the NX5’s superiority in enabling serious photographic endeavors, while the CX2 holds value as a convenient, no-fuss travel companion. Your choice should align with your photography priorities, budget, and ergonomic preferences.

Images used in this article assist readers in visually contextualizing the technical and practical differences delineated, ensuring clarity beyond mere data points.