Ricoh CX2 vs Sony NEX-C3

Lets look a little more in depth at the Ricoh CX2 and Sony NEX-C3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the CX2 (9MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the CX2 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The CX2 was announced 24 months earlier than the NEX-C3 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX2 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the CX2 grades vs the NEX-C3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX2 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh CX2 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh CX2 comes with outer dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-C3 has dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh CX2 and Sony NEX-C3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the CX2 against the NEX-C3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the CX2 and NEX-C3 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes only by seeing technical specs. The picture below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX2 and NEX-C3.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CX2 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-C3 will show more detail with its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged CX2 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.