Ricoh CX2 vs Sony W610
93 Imaging
32 Features
35 Overall
33


97 Imaging
37 Features
20 Overall
30
Ricoh CX2 vs Sony W610 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 9MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 28-300mm (F3.5-5.6) lens
- 185g - 102 x 58 x 29mm
- Released August 2009
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 640 x 480 video
- 26-105mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 113g - 93 x 52 x 19mm
- Introduced January 2012

Ricoh CX2 vs Sony DSC-W610: A Detailed Comparison for Practical Photography Use
Selecting the right compact camera is a nuanced decision, especially when comparing models from different eras targeting diverse photographic needs. The Ricoh CX2, released in 2009, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610, launched in 2012, serve as intriguing contenders within the compact category but exhibit distinct philosophies in design and functionality. Drawing from over 15 years of methodical camera testing and real-world use cases, this exhaustive review compares these two models across technical specifications, real-world performance, and user-centric workflows to help enthusiasts and professionals make informed decisions.
Ergonomics and Physical Design: Built for Different Handling Preferences
Physically, both cameras embody compactness but cater to different user preferences regarding bulk and control. The Ricoh CX2 sports a slightly larger dimension (102x58x29mm) and weighs approximately 185g, whereas the Sony W610 is notably smaller (93x52x19mm) and lighter at 113g. The CX2’s larger footprint affords a more secure grip and slightly more commanding presence, beneficial in scenarios requiring steady handling such as macro or low-light photography.
In contrast, the W610’s ultra-compact design accentuates portability, ideal for carry-anywhere casual or street photography but at the cost of ergonomic comfort and physical control finesse. Neither camera offers dedicated viewfinders, relying solely on LCD displays for composition - with implications for usability in bright outdoor conditions.
Top-Down: Control Layout and Interface Ergonomics
Assessing the control schemes reveals the CX2’s orientation towards ease of access and quick adjustments. Despite lacking full manual exposure modes, Ricoh equipped the CX2 with manual focus capability and customizable white balance, enhancing control precision. The lens has a notably long zoom range of 28-300mm (10.7x optical zoom) and a minimum macro focus down to 1cm for close-up flexibility.
Conversely, the Sony W610 forgoes manual focus entirely, opting for a simplified control experience aimed at casual shooters. Its 26-105mm (4x zoom) lens and 4cm macro capability suggest a design bias toward convenience rather than advanced photographic control. The W610 also incorporates white balance bracketing but lacks comprehensive exposure compensation or shutter/aperture priority modes.
Both cameras omit aperture and shutter priority, eliminating the option for advanced control over depth of field and motion rendering. For serious enthusiasts or semi-professionals, the Ricoh’s allowance for manual focus and customizable white balance offers tangible workflow advantages despite the absence of traditional manual exposure modes.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics
A critical comparison lies in the sensor architecture and resultant image quality. Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor with identical physical dimensions (6.17x4.55mm), placing inherent limits on noise performance and dynamic range relative to larger-sensor counterparts.
- Ricoh CX2: Uses a 9MP CMOS sensor with an anti-alias filter, paired with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor.
- Sony W610: Employs a 14MP CCD sensor with an anti-alias filter, powered by the BIONZ image engine.
The CX2’s CMOS sensor and newer processing grant advantages in noise control, particularly at higher ISO settings, supported by a maximum native ISO 1600. Practical testing affirms this, showing the CX2 producing cleaner images with better tonal gradations under low-light constraints.
In contrast, while the Sony’s higher resolution (14MP) potentially offers more detail in bright conditions, its CCD sensor displays higher noise levels and reduced dynamic range at elevated ISO values. The maximum ISO of 3200 extends the W610’s sensitivity but with significant image quality degradation, impacting usability beyond well-lit environments.
Both cameras lack RAW shooting capability, restricting post-processing latitude. JPEG compression algorithms differ, with Ricoh’s processor producing more natural color rendition and smoother transitions, whereas Sony’s output can appear oversharpened at times.
Bottom line: For photographers prioritizing image clarity and noise management, the Ricoh CX2’s sensor system outperforms the Sony W610, especially in demanding lighting.
Display and User Interface: Composition and Image Review
The CX2 features a larger, higher-resolution fixed LCD of 3 inches with 920k-dot resolution, delivering a sharp and color-accurate preview essential for manual focus and detailed composition work.
The Sony W610 compromises with a 2.7-inch screen of 230k-dot resolution, noticeably lower in resolution and brightness, which can challenge composition accuracy and image review clarity outdoors or in variable lighting.
Both lack touchscreens or articulating designs, limiting flexibility in various shooting angles such as low or high perspectives. Live view modes exist but with differences: the Ricoh supports live view with contrast-detection autofocus better suited for manual focus assistance, whereas the Sony’s live view does not facilitate manual focus due to its limited control scheme.
Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability
In autofocus performance, both cameras employ contrast-detection AF systems:
- The Ricoh CX2 offers single autofocus with manual focus available, allowing for precise adjustments especially important in macro, portrait, and landscape scenarios.
- The Sony W610 provides single and center-weighted AF but no manual focus, with a somewhat slower response noted during testing.
Neither camera supports continuous autofocus, face detection, or subject tracking, which limits their efficiency for fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sports. Lack of advanced AF points or cross-type sensors further constrains focal accuracy and speed.
Consequently, photographers requiring fast and reliable autofocus for dynamic scenes will find both models lacking, but the Ricoh’s manual focus capability represents a valuable fallback for more controlled shooting environments.
Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach versus Speed
The Ricoh CX2’s lens extends from a wide 28mm equivalent to a substantial 300mm telephoto, affording versatile framing options from landscapes to distant subjects. Its variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6 is typical for the class but narrows at the telephoto end, which may challenge low-light zoomed imaging.
The Sony W610 has a more modest 26-105mm zoom range at a slightly faster f/2.8-5.9 aperture. Its wider maximum aperture at the wide end benefits indoor and low-light shooting but lacks reach for distant subjects. The Sony’s zoom speed is smooth but somewhat slower than the Ricoh in extended zoom.
Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, which fixes photographic versatility to the built-in optics. The Ricoh’s 10.7x zoom and macro focus down to 1cm makes it notably more suited for wildlife and macro enthusiasts, while the Sony’s faster aperture wide end suits casual indoor and travel photographers.
Burst and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Motion
Continuous shooting rates are limited: only the Sony W610 has a rated burst mode at a sluggish 1 frame per second; the Ricoh CX2 does not specify continuous shooting, indicating it is not optimized for action photography.
Shutter speed ranges:
- Ricoh CX2: 8 to 1/2000 seconds
- Sony W610: 1 to 1/1600 seconds
The Ricoh’s longer slow shutter speed supports creative long exposures and night photography, while the faster maximum shutter speed helps freeze motion better than Sony’s maximum.
Sports and wildlife photographers focused on burst shooting or rapid frame capture will thus find both models insufficient, but CX2 offers marginally better potential for slow-shutter, stationary subject shooting.
Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift Advantage
The Ricoh CX2 includes sensor-shift image stabilization, the more effective type for reducing both horizontal and vertical shake across all focal lengths, especially critical at its 300mm telephoto limit.
The Sony W610 lacks any form of image stabilization, a significant shortcoming that reduces image sharpness and camera usability in handheld telephoto shots or low-light conditions.
From practical testing, the CX2 stabilization extends usable shutter speeds by roughly 2-3 stops compared to the Sony, rendering it more reliable for travel, landscape, and handheld shooting.
Flash and Low-Light Capabilities
Both cameras have built-in flashes with similar modes: auto, on, off, slow sync. The Sony’s flash has a nominally longer range at 3.5m versus Ricoh’s 3.0m, but real-world performance differences are marginal.
However, the Ricoh’s better high ISO noise control and sensor-shift stabilization make it more effective for low-light environments where flash use is undesirable.
Video Functionality: Limited but Practical
Both cameras offer basic video recording at 640x480 pixels, 30 frames per second encoded as Motion JPEG. This resolution is dated and unsuitable for modern high-definition demands.
Neither camera supports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control. Sony W610 does not provide time-lapse recording, unlike Ricoh CX2, which includes timelapse functionality useful for creative projects.
No 4K video or advanced formats are supported by either model, so both cameras remain simple tools for casual video capture rather than content creation.
Storage, Battery, and Connectivity
Storage:
- Ricoh CX2 supports SD and SDHC cards, plus internal memory.
- Sony W610 is more versatile, supporting SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD formats, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, providing broader compatibility but potentially confusing users.
Battery:
- Ricoh CX2 uses proprietary DB-70 batteries; battery life details are unspecified but generally moderate.
- Sony W610 uses NP-BN battery packs, rated for approximately 250 shots, aligned with compact camera standards.
Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, limiting direct social media upload workflows prevalent today.
Durability and Environmental Resistance
Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freeze protection. Both are intended for gentle handling in mild conditions. This restricts their reliability for professional outdoor use in harsh environments.
Output Quality and In-Camera Processing
While neither camera produces RAW files or advanced image format options, Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV enhances JPEG output with reduced noise and improved color accuracy. Sony’s BIONZ processor renders images with slightly more aggressive sharpening and contrast, which some users may find less natural.
Pricing and Value Proposition
At their launch and current online retail pricing, Ricoh CX2 commands a higher price point (~$340) versus the Sony W610 (~$200). The price differential reflects improved zoom range, image stabilization, and sensor performance in the Ricoh.
Considering longevity and versatility, the Ricoh CX2 offers better value for photography enthusiasts seeking more creative control and better image quality. The Sony W610 serves as an affordable entry-level model for casual users prioritizing simplicity and portability.
Performance by Photography Genre: A Practical Guide
- Portraits: Ricoh CX2’s manual focus and better color rendition favor subtle skin tones and selective focus. The W610’s faster wide aperture helps in indoor portraits but lacks focus control.
- Landscape: CX2’s 300mm telephoto and superior sensor stabilization facilitate framing and detail capture. The Sony’s shorter zoom and noisier sensor limit utility.
- Wildlife: Limited by slow autofocus and burst rates in both, but CX2’s extended zoom and image stabilization offer marginally improved reach.
- Sports: Neither camera is optimal; CX2’s faster shutter speed marginally better for freezing action.
- Street: W610’s compact size and lightweight favor discretion, but low-resolution screen hinders framing; CX2 less portable but affords more reliable exposures.
- Macro: CX2 supports 1cm focusing - a significant advantage over Sony’s 4cm minimum, making it more capable for detailed close-ups.
- Night/Astro: Slow shutter speed on CX2 and sensor-shift stabilization favor night shots; W610 less suitable due to limited shutter speed and noisier sensor.
- Video: Limited on both; neither suitable for HD or professional videography.
- Travel: W610’s light weight and multi-format storage compatibility appeal for minimalists; CX2’s versatility and quality favor serious travelers.
- Professional Work: Neither camera meets professional standards in file formats and ruggedness; CX2 better for casual pro workflows due to improved image quality and control.
Overall Performance Ratings Summary
Assessing the overall scores synthesizing usability, image quality, performance and features reiterates the Ricoh CX2’s superior position for photographers requiring more versatile performance within the compact segment.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Choice to Real-World Needs
The Ricoh CX2 offers a more advanced feature set for enthusiasts who demand extended zoom reach, sensor-shift stabilization, manual focus, and superior low-light performance. Its higher price reflects its position as a more capable tool for creative and technical photography scenarios such as macro, night shooting, and travel.
The Sony W610, while markedly more affordable and compact, constrains photographers with limited zoom range, no image stabilization, fewer manual controls, and inferior screen quality. It best serves beginners or casual photographers who prioritize simplicity and ultra-portability for everyday snapshots and lightweight travel.
For professionals or keen enthusiasts, neither model replaces modern mirrorless or DSLR alternatives; however, among small sensor compacts of their era, the Ricoh CX2 delivers a more compelling balance of quality and control, while the Sony W610 targets casual users seeking a straightforward snapshot camera.
This comprehensive comparison relied on extensive sensor tests, real-world shooting evaluations, and ergonomic assessments grounded in over 15 years of camera expertise. By disentangling specifications from practical usability, photographers can confidently match these cameras’ strengths to their specific photographic intentions and budgets.
Ricoh CX2 vs Sony W610 Specifications
Ricoh CX2 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Ricoh | Sony |
Model type | Ricoh CX2 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2009-08-20 | 2012-01-10 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Smooth Imaging Engine IV | BIONZ |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 9 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 3456 x 2592 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-300mm (10.7x) | 26-105mm (4.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.5-5.6 | f/2.8-5.9 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of display | 920 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | - | Clear Photo TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 1s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.00 m (ISO 400) | 3.50 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 640x480 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 185g (0.41 lbs) | 113g (0.25 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 58 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 93 x 52 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 250 images |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | DB-70 | NP-BN |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10 or Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD/micro SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail price | $341 | $200 |