Compact Contenders: Ricoh CX2 vs Sony TX100V – A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras, especially those wielding a superzoom or boasting ultracompact designs, it’s easy to get lost in specs and marketing blurbs. I’ve spent years putting similar cameras through their paces in real-world scenarios, and today, let’s delve into two intriguing models from the late 2000s to early 2010s era: the Ricoh CX2 versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX100V. Both carried their unique strengths and have attracted photography enthusiasts who crave portability without sacrificing versatility.

If you’re considering one of these little powerhouses, or simply want to understand the practical trade-offs between fixed-lens compact zoom cameras with small sensors, my detailed breakdown - backed by hands-on testing and technical know-how - will help guide your choice.

Size and Handling: When Ergonomics Meet Pocketability

Right out of the gate, size and handling shape how you use a camera day-to-day. The Ricoh CX2 sits squarely in the compact superzoom category, whereas the Sony TX100V is an ultracompact designed for discreet shooting.

The Ricoh CX2 measures 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighs around 185 grams, with a boxier profile that feels sturdier and offers better grip, especially for one-handed operation. Its deep body allows more space for physical dials and buttons, a plus when you want to adjust settings quickly without diving into menus.

In contrast, the Sony TX100V’s sleek, slab-like body (97 x 59 x 18 mm, 147 grams) makes it one of the slimmest ultracompacts I've tested. While it easily slips into jeans pockets and purses, I found its slender frame a bit trickier to hold steady during longer shoots. The tradeoff here is obvious: maximum portability over traditional ergonomics.

When your photography involves travel or street shooting, the TX100V’s unobtrusive design wins. Meanwhile, if you prioritize quick manual control and a confident grip - say for wildlife or sports - the CX2’s more tactile body appeals more.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom Range and Aperture

Let's talk glass. The Ricoh CX2 packs a 28-300mm equivalent zoom (about 10.7x), which stretches from moderate wide-angle to significant telephoto reach. This broad range suits scenarios from landscapes to wildlife glimpses, a genuine all-rounder.

Sony’s TX100V offers a 25-100mm equivalent range (4x zoom), indulging wider apertures at the long end (F3.5-4.6 vs CX2’s F3.5-5.6), giving it a slight edge in low-light telephoto shots.

Here’s the catch: for reach, CX2 wins comfortably. For optical quality and low-light brightness at moderate zooms, TX100V’s optimized lens shines through.

In practical use, I’ve captured detailed bird shots with Ricoh’s lengthy reach - though image stabilization and autofocus speed become critical here and will discuss both shortly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras share a sensor size - 1/2.3” CMOS measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with about 28 mm² area - but their sensor resolutions differ substantially.

The Ricoh CX2 has a 9-megapixel sensor, while the Sony TX100V doubles that with 16 megapixels. The trend here often implies better detail and cropping flexibility for the Sony but potentially more noise and dynamic range challenges, especially in small 1/2.3-inch sensors.

In practical field tests, Ricoh’s images deliver decent clarity with less visible noise at base ISO due to the lower pixel density. Sony’s sensor, being BSI-CMOS (Back-Side Illuminated), is optimized for better low-light sensitivity and color accuracy, coupled with Sony’s BIONZ processor refining image output.

However, the increased resolution comes with trade-offs: at elevated ISOs above 800, noise becomes noticeable on images from the Sony - a common issue with small sensors pushed toward higher pixel counts.

Dynamic range performance for both cameras is average, neither excelling at preserving highlight or shadow details, but the Sony’s slightly more advanced processor grants a minor edge in color gradation.

Control Layout and User Interface

When shooting in the field, the interface can dramatically impact your workflow.

Ricoh’s CX2 opts for a minimalist button layout, sacrificing advanced exposure modes (no aperture or shutter priority, manual exposure absent) but includes physical zoom rocker and menu buttons placed logically. Its lack of custom dials means you’ll rely significantly on in-menu navigation, which can slow rapid shooting.

Sony’s TX100V, while lacking physical dials, compensates with a distinctive 3.5-inch touchscreen - a rarity in this era - featuring Sony’s XtraFine OLED screen with TruBlack technology.

This touchscreen lets you tap to focus, change settings swiftly, and navigate menus with ease. Though I always maintain some preference for tactile controls, the TX100V’s responsive LCD brings a modern-user-friendly feel to compact camera operation.

Notably, neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, requiring you to compose using the LCD in bright sunlight, which can be a challenge outdoors.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Let’s examine autofocus, a make-or-break factor, especially in fast-paced photography.

Ricoh’s CX2 relies on contrast-detection autofocus without face or eye detection, focusing accurately but not particularly fast or versatile. There’s no continuous autofocus or tracking modes, limiting its ability to maintain lock on moving subjects.

Sony’s TX100V also uses contrast detection but incorporates nine AF points with multi-area AF and the ability to use touch-to-focus on the LCD. While face detection is surprisingly absent, the multiple AF points help in composing off-center subjects.

Despite this, neither camera excels at sports or wildlife with rapid action - where phase-detection on-mirrorless or DSLRs dominate - but Sony’s 10 fps continuous shooting can help capture fleeting moments better than Ricoh’s limited burst capability.

Image Stabilization and Macro Capabilities

Image stabilization (IS) can be the difference between sharp and unusable shots at telephoto or low shutter speeds.

Ricoh CX2 uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Sony TX100V features optical lens-based IS. Optical stabilization generally provides steadier images, especially at the telephoto end and video capture.

For macro photography, Ricoh wins slightly with a close focus distance of just 1cm, enabling extreme close-ups with excellent detail. Sony leaves macro capabilities somewhat vague but generally less capable given the wider minimum focusing distance typical of ultracompacts.

Those into close-up flora or insect work might find Ricoh’s macro a fun, handy feature.

Video Capabilities

While compact cameras of this era are not famed for video, both offer basic functionality.

Ricoh CX2 records at 640x480 VGA resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. The limitation here is clear - video quality is modest, with no HD options or external microphone support.

Sony TX100V is markedly better with Full HD 1080p at 60fps, along with 720p and VGA modes, utilizing MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. HD video allows rich, smooth footage suitable for casual clips or family memories.

Unfortunately, neither model offers microphone inputs or headphone monitoring, leaving limited audio control. Optical stabilization on Sony also benefits smoother handheld video.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards, but Sony’s broader compatibility with Memory Stick Duo series can be helpful for Sony ecosystem users.

Battery-wise, both rely on proprietary lithium-ion packs: Ricoh DB-70 and Sony NP-BN1. From my experience, these have moderate endurance - roughly 200-250 shots per charge. Always carry a spare if you plan extended shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Extras

Sony edges Ricoh here with built-in GPS, tagging your photos with location data - a boon for travel and geotagging enthusiasts. It also supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for image transfer, and includes HDMI output for direct TV connection.

Ricoh CX2 lacks wireless or GPS features - a marked limitation in today’s increasingly connected workflows.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproof features. Both are suited for urban or gentle outdoor use but should be protected from harsh elements.

Real-World Use Across Popular Photography Genres

Understanding how these cameras perform in various genres helps paint a clearer picture of their practical value.

Ricoh CX2 front Ricoh CX2 screen back Sony TX100V screen back

Portrait Photography

Ricoh’s lower resolution sensor and absence of face or eye detection limit precise autofocus on portraits, but the longer zoom aids framing from a distance. Bokeh control is minimal given the small sensor and relatively modest apertures.

Sony’s touchscreen AF and wider lens help compose portraits better; however, the smaller zoom range restricts tight framing. Skin tone reproduction on Sony generally displays more warmth and natural colors - an advantage for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, sensor resolution and dynamic range matter.

Sony’s 16MP sensor provides finer detail for prints or large crops. Both cameras capture decent scenes, but the TX100V’s wider 25mm equivalent lens allows more expansive vistas without stitching.

Neither camera shines in dynamic range nor offers RAW shooting - a drawback for professionals wanting maximum post-processing flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

The Ricoh’s 300mm-equivalent reach is tempting for occasional wildlife snaps. Nonetheless, sluggish autofocus and lack of continuous tracking hinder success.

Sony’s faster burst rate (10 fps) is helpful but limited zoom and AF speed reduce practical use for distant subjects.

Sports Photography

Neither is designed for fast action; Ricoh lacks burst mode entirely, and Sony’s 10 fps shooting does not come with advanced tracking autofocus.

For intense sports, one should consider dedicated CSCs or DSLRs.

Street Photography

Sony’s slim profile and quiet operation make it a superior street camera, fitting discreetly in your hand or pocket.

Ricoh’s bulk and longer zoom can disrupt candid shooting, though its stabilization aids in lower light conditions.

Macro Photography

Ricoh’s close focusing distance of 1 cm is remarkable for a compact, yielding intricate shots of tiny subjects.

Sony lacks this ability, focusing more on general-purpose shooting than specialized close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

Limited ISO ranges and lack of manual exposure control restrict both cameras in low light. Sony’s max ISO 3200 is higher than Ricoh’s 1600 but noise levels increase quickly.

Neither offers bulb mode or long-exposure capabilities typically favored by astrophotographers.

Video

Sony’s Full HD video with optical stabilization decisively outperforms Ricoh’s 640x480 VGA clips, making it a better choice if video plays a considerable role in your workflow.

Travel Photography

I prefer Sony’s compact form, GPS tagging, touchscreen interface, and video quality for travel, despite its shorter zoom.

Ricoh’s zoom flexibility and macro make it handy for detailed shots but trade off convenience.

Professional Use

Neither camera caters specifically to professionals, lacking RAW file support, robust exposure controls, and high-quality build. Ricoh’s fixed focal lens and fewer features underscore this.

Sony’s better sensor and connectivity options marginally address semi-pro needs, but neither replaces more advanced CSC or DSLR cameras.

Overall Performance and Scoring

After putting both through a battery of tests - image quality charts, autofocus responsiveness, shooting speed, build ergonomics, and real-world scenarios - I provide a summarized scorecard.

• Ricoh CX2: Solid zoom range, good macro, stable build, but modest sensor and no advanced features hold it back.
• Sony TX100V: Excellent imaging, modern touchscreen UI, HD video, but limited zoom reach and less grip comfort.

Here’s a genre-specific breakdown too:

Key Strengths and Weaknesses In a Nutshell

Ricoh CX2

Pros:

• Impressive 28-300mm zoom (10.7x)
• Excellent macro capabilities (1cm minimum focus)
• Sensor-shift stabilization
• Better grip and handling

Cons:

• Limited 9MP resolution
• No RAW support or manual exposure modes
• No wireless or GPS connectivity
• VGA video quality only
• Slow AF, no burst mode

Sony TX100V

Pros:

• 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with good detail and low light performance
• Bright and large 3.5" OLED touchscreen
• Optical image stabilization
• Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps
• GPS built-in and Eye-Fi wireless support
• Burst shooting at 10 fps

Cons:

• Limited 25-100mm zoom range
• No manual control or RAW shooting
• Slim body compromises handling stability
• No face or eye detection AF

So, Which Should You Pick?

It boils down to priorities:

• If zoom range, macro photography, and stable handling are your top requirements - and you can live without video and advanced connectivity - the Ricoh CX2 is the standout choice.

• If you value image quality, HD video, touchscreen interface, and travel convenience, and your subjects don’t demand super telephoto reach, the Sony TX100V is closer to an all-around performer.

For enthusiasts dipping toes into compact superzooms, Ricoh’s lens versatility packs serious punch despite its limits. Meanwhile, Sony’s clever display and sensor advances push ultracompacts' boundaries at the cost of telephoto reach.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Shooting with these cameras felt like two different philosophies from the same compact category. Ricoh’s CX2 is classically pragmatic - zoom hard, focus close, stabilize steady - for folks who want one camera to do a bit of everything with decent results.

Sony’s TX100V feels more like a glimpse into future compact cameras: intuitive touchscreen operation, strong imaging chops, and smart connectivity, wrapped in a pocket-sized slab you almost forget you’re carrying.

If you find yourself shooting mostly landscapes, portraits, or travel scenes where subtle color and detail matter - Sony’s superiority in sensor and UI makes it the preferable choice. But if your adventure demands reach and macro creativity, Ricoh fulfills those needs uniquely.

Both will test your patience in sustained fast-action shooting or professional workflows, serving better as advanced compacts than pro tools.

Thanks for joining me on this exploration between the Ricoh CX2 and Sony TX100V. I hope these insights help you weigh the real-world attributes beyond spec sheets and marketing slogans. For an up-close look, check out my video review where I show both cameras in action, comparing their ease of use and image results in diverse shooting environments.

Happy shooting!