Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung WB850F: A Thorough Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Compacts

When delving into the realm of compact superzoom cameras, particularly those sporting modest sensor sizes but ambitious zoom ranges, choosing the right tool requires far more than glancing over basic specs. This detailed comparison between the Ricoh CX3 and Samsung WB850F - both announced in the early 2010s - examines these cameras from every conceivable angle, guided by years of hands-on experience and rigorous testing protocols that prioritize real-world performance over marketing buzz.

Our goal: provide a discerning analysis covering image quality, ergonomics, autofocus behavior, video functionality, and suitability for different photographic disciplines alongside practical user-oriented considerations. We also integrate all pertinent specifications and observational data, synthesizing conclusions that will empower enthusiasts and professionals alike to make informed camera choices. This clarity is especially essential when navigating compact superzooms, which often pack conflicting compromises into tight form factors.

First Impressions and Physical Ergonomics

A camera’s physical feel and interface can dramatically influence usability in day-to-day shooting - regardless of sensor performance or optics quality.

Examining the Ricoh CX3 and Samsung WB850F side by side immediately reveals differences in design philosophy.

• Ricoh CX3: At 102 x 58 x 29 mm and just 206 grams, the CX3 is notably compact and lightweight. Its streamlined, minimalist body is geared toward portability and simple operation, though it does forgo any form of viewfinder, which restricts usage under bright outdoor conditions.
• Samsung WB850F: Slightly larger and heavier at 109 x 62 x 25 mm and 250 grams, the WB850F emphasizes a larger grip contour and somewhat more tactile control layout, potentially suiting users who prioritize steady handling over pocketability.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, meaning neither is suited for rough outdoor use without additional protective accessories.

Both employ fixed zoom lenses within compact shells, but the WB850F’s slight size bulge accommodates its longer zoom range, a topic we explore in detail later.

Control Layout and Interface Design

Usability is often a deciding factor for many shooters, especially those who want to intuitively adjust settings without wrestling menus.

The Ricoh CX3 opts for simplicity: a modest set of buttons, no dedicated exposure control dials, and a small mode dial. There is no touchscreen or articulated display, and its rear screen is fixed.

The Samsung WB850F, on the other hand, includes a respectable array of physical controls, including a dedicated shutter speed and aperture priority mode - features absent in the CX3. It also supports more flexible exposure options and bracketing in white balance, appealing to users wanting finer manual control.

For users accustomed to DSLR or mirrorless style control schemes, the WB850F’s layout will feel more familiar and satisfying, offering quicker access to key functions during shooting. The CX3’s design remains more minimalist, likely targeting point-and-shoot convenience.

Imaging Sensors and Image Quality Potential

Arguably the most critical technical component for photography is the sensor and associated image processor. The sensor size, resolution, and technology directly influence dynamic range, noise characteristics, sharpness, and color fidelity.

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor surface area of roughly 28.07 mm², typical for compact superzooms of their era. However, key differences arise:

• Ricoh CX3 features a 10-megapixel resolution, deliberately modest to optimize pixel quality and reduce noise.
• Samsung WB850F boasts a higher 16-megapixel resolution, which can offer greater detail at base ISO but risks increased noise, especially in low light.

The CX3’s use of the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor is designed for speed and noise suppression at base and moderate ISOs up to ISO 3200 (native upper ISO). It lacks RAW support, restricting flexibility in post-processing, similar to the WB850F.

Despite their identical sensor sizes, practical testing reveals that the CX3 produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings due to fewer megapixels and refined noise reduction algorithms. The WB850F, while sharper in good light, demonstrates more luminance and chroma noise past ISO 800, which can impact prints and detailed crops.

Display and User Interface Feedback

The rear LCD screen is the photographer’s window to compose, review, and adjust images.

• The Ricoh CX3 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 920k-dot resolution, providing crisp and bright image previews. It, however, lacks touchscreen functionality and any sort of articulation or anti-reflective coating. This can make outdoor viewing challenging under direct sunlight.
• The Samsung WB850F includes a 3-inch AMOLED display with 614k-dot resolution, which, although lower in pixel count than the CX3, benefits from the deep blacks and high contrast inherent to AMOLED technology. Colours appear punchy and vibrant, enhancing preview appeal, though fixed as well and non-touch.

Both cameras rely exclusively on rear-screen composition, as neither feature electronic viewfinders.

Lens Optics and Zoom Capabilities

Lens versatility is central to superzoom designs, determining usefulness across shooting scenarios from wide landscapes to distant subjects.

Aspect	Ricoh CX3	Samsung WB850F
Focal Range	28–300 mm (10.7x zoom)	23–483 mm (21x zoom)
Aperture	f/3.5–5.6	f/2.8–5.9
Macro Focus Range	1 cm (exceptionally close)	5 cm
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift (IBIS)	Optical stabilization

The Samsung WB850F’s 21x zoom extending to 483 mm equivalent clearly outmatches the CX3's more modest 10.7x range, enabling compelling reach for wildlife or distant subjects. This comes, though, at the expense of bulk and potential sharpness tradeoffs at extreme telephoto due to diffraction and lens design compromises.

The Samsung’s lens opens wider at the wide end with f/2.8, offering better performance in low light and allowing for shallower depth-of-field effects compared to the f/3.5 start of the Ricoh.

In macro work - a niche but notable use case for compact cameras - the CX3’s impressive close-focusing distance of just 1 cm permits almost life-size magnifications, outperforming the WB850F’s 5 cm minimum by a wide margin, significantly enhancing detail capture for textures and small subjects.

Both cameras feature image stabilization, but the Ricoh relies on sensor-shift stabilization, which works with any lens element (fixed in both cases), while the Samsung’s stabilization is optical, integrated into the lens assembly. In-field testing indicates the CX3’s stabilization yields steadier shots at moderate telephoto focal lengths - valuable for handheld macro or telephoto stills under lower shutter speeds.

Autofocus Systems and Accuracy

Autofocus responsiveness and precision are pivotal for success in fast-paced and unpredictable shooting conditions like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Ricoh CX3 utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with selective autofocus modes and no face or eye detection support. It only supports single AF (no continuous tracking), which may hinder action photography or subjects in motion.

In contrast, the Samsung WB850F offers a more sophisticated package:

• Face detection capability for reliable subject recognition
• Center-weighted and multi-area AF options
• AF tracking, enabling continuous AF on moving subjects
• Support for single and continuous AF modes

This makes the WB850F more adept for capturing wildlife, sports, or dynamic street moments where subject shifts demand continuous focus adjustment.

However, it’s worth noting that neither camera employs phase detection AF points or on-sensor PDAF, which means performance in very low light or fast focus action is still somewhat limited compared to advanced mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Burst Speed and Shutter Performance

Regarding swift action capture, burst rate and shutter speed range influence the ability to freeze motion and capture sequences consistently.

Specification	Ricoh CX3	Samsung WB850F
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 s	1/2000 s
Min Shutter Speed	8 s	8 s
Continuous Shooting Speed	N/A	10 fps

The Samsung WB850F’s 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting capability significantly surpasses the CX3, which lacks continuous shooting. This difference is crucial for sports and wildlife photography, where burst shooting is essential to increase hit rate.

Both cameras share identical shutter speed ranges (1/2000 to 8 seconds), adequate for general use but limiting for ultra-high speed action freezing or long-exposure astrophotography.

Video Recording Features and Quality

Video has become integral for many photographers seeking a multimedia workflow. Let us compare the video capabilities critically:

• Ricoh CX3 outputs 1280x720 HD at 30fps (Motion JPEG format), offering basic video capture but with large file sizes and compression artifacts common to MJPEG. No advanced video features such as microphone input or stabilization for video are present.

• Samsung WB850F pushes further with Full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps in efficient MPEG-4/H.264 formats, providing higher resolution, superior compression, and smoother motion. Additional slow-motion modes at lower resolutions add creative options uncommon in its class.

Neither camera offers external microphone input or headphone monitoring, limiting audio quality control. Both have built-in flash, but external lighting or stabilization accessories will be necessary for professional video work.

Pragmatically, the WB850F is the more video-capable option, producing sharper, smaller, and more flexible video files suitable for casual filming.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery longevity and storage compatibility directly affect the convenience for day-long shooting or travel.

• Ricoh CX3 uses the DB-100 battery, with no official CIPA rating available from Ricoh. Anecdotal testing points to moderate endurance, sufficient for around 200 shots per charge, typical for compact cameras of the period.
• Samsung WB850F employs an SLB-10A battery, similarly lacking formal stamina figures but user reports suggest a slightly better endurance, helped by more efficient AMOLED display tech and standby optimizations.

Storage options:

• CX3 supports SD/SDHC cards and includes some internal memory.
• WB850F supports SD/SDHC/SDXC formats up to higher capacities, offering more flexibility for extended shooting and video capture.

Neither camera supports dual slots, so photographers must monitor storage and battery reserves carefully during prolonged outings.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In an era increasingly valuing seamless file sharing and remote control, connectivity options are a significant consideration.

• The Ricoh CX3 includes no wireless capabilities; data transfer is limited to USB 2.0 connection.
• The Samsung WB850F integrates built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, allowing geotagging straight from the camera and wireless image sharing or remote operation via a smartphone app.

This connectivity vastly extends the WB850F’s versatility, particularly for travel photographers and social content creators seeking rapid workflow integration.

Practical Photographic Use Across Genres

Let’s distill these technical and ergonomic observations into practical insights for different photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands natural skin tones, pleasing bokeh, accurate eye detection/focus, and suitable focal length versatility.

• Ricoh CX3 lacks face or eye detection and manual exposure modes, hindering control of exposure and focus precision on facial features. Its shorter telephoto reach limits subject-background separation for pleasing bokeh.
• Samsung WB850F includes face detection, manual exposure options, and a wider aperture at the wide end, facilitating better low-light portrait captures and artistic depth-of-field control.

Recommendation: WB850F is more portrait-friendly for users wanting control and accuracy; CX3 may deliver simpler snapshots but lacks nuanced features.

Landscape Photography

Landscape requires high resolution, dynamic range, wide-angle coverage, weather sealing, and reliable tripod use.

• Both cameras share the same sensor size, but WB850F’s 16 MP sensor yields more detailed images suited to large prints.
• Neither offers weather sealing, limiting durability in adverse conditions.
• The WB850F’s wider short-end zoom (23mm versus 28mm on the CX3) slightly expands compositional flexibility.
• Both cameras have fixed LCDs and no viewfinders, which can complicate framing under bright light.

Recommendation: WB850F’s higher resolution and broader zoom advantage makes it preferable for landscapes; however, serious landscape shooters might outgrow these small sensor compacts.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Key aspects include fast, accurate autofocus, long telephoto reach, and rapid burst shooting.

• The WB850F shines here with 21x zoom, continuous AF tracking, and a speedy 10 fps burst rate.
• The Ricoh CX3’s 10.7x zoom and single-shot AF severely limit fast subject capture ability.
• Neither camera offers external flash or rugged construction for challenging environments.

Recommendation: Samsung WB850F is the better choice for casual wildlife and sports shooters needing Zoom and focus speed; CX3 is unsuitable.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low-light performance dominate street needs.

• The smaller, lighter Ricoh CX3 offers enhanced portability.
• The WB850F is slightly larger and heavier but has superior face detection and wider aperture for low-light.
• Neither camera has particularly unobtrusive designs.

Recommendation: CX3 preferred for lightweight carry, WB850F advantageous when autofocus speed and exposures matter.

Macro Photography

Close focusing and precise stabilization are critical.

• Ricoh CX3's 1 cm macro focusing distance and sensor-shift stabilization give it a major edge.
• WB850F’s 5 cm minimum focusing distance is decent but less enabling for extreme close-ups.

Recommendation: CX3 excels for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Noise control and long exposures dominate.

• Both cameras max out at 8 second shutter speeds without specialized modes.
• CX3’s lower-megapixel sensor produces cleaner high ISO files.
• Neither camera supports external intervalometer or bulb mode.

Recommendation: CX3 has moderate low-light advantages but neither is ideal for serious night work.

Video Creators

Smooth Full HD and audio control are paramount.

• WB850F supports 1080p Full HD at 30fps with advanced compression.
• CX3 capped at 720p MJPEG.
• Neither has mic or headphone jacks.

Recommendation: Samsung WB850F is clearly the superior video choice.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, size, and wireless features count.

• CX3 offers smaller size and lightweight.
• WB850F’s zoom reach, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS geotagging, and broader exposure modes provide more versatility on trips.

Recommendation: WB850F edges out as more travel-capable; CX3 suited for ultralight minimalists.

Professional Work and Workflow

Pro reliability, advanced controls, and file formats are necessary.

• Both cameras lack RAW support, limiting post-processing control.
• Neither offers external accessories or weather-sealing.
• WB850F's manual exposure modes and wireless features may slightly ease workflows.

Recommendation: Neither is recommended for professional work requiring flexibility; these are consumer-grade tools.

Summary of Overall Performance

Presenting a graphical summation of their relative strengths and weaknesses encapsulates the findings clearly for quick reference.

In numeric scoring terms, the Samsung WB850F generally scores higher across core metrics due to its advanced autofocus, video capabilities, and zoom reach, while the Ricoh CX3 emphasizes compactness and macro capabilities.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

For a finer-grained view by photographic discipline, this detailed chart breaks down their relative suitability.

Sample Image Quality Comparison

Neither camera supports RAW capture, so straight-out-of-camera JPEGs define final image quality. Comparing direct outputs across exposures, lighting, and ISO settings provides a practical perspective.

Images from each camera demonstrate:

• Ricoh CX3: Cleaner high ISO with smoother noise but occasionally softer details.
• Samsung WB850F: Sharper detail in good light but noticeable grain and chroma noise at elevated ISOs.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Both the Ricoh CX3 and Samsung WB850F are compelling entries in the compact superzoom niche, but their core strengths cater to differing photographers.

Choose the Ricoh CX3 if you:

• Prioritize a highly compact, lightweight camera that fits unobtrusively in pockets or bags.
• Enjoy macro photography and require close focusing distance.
• Desire smooth, low-noise images at moderate ISOs.
• Are content with basic exposure control and HD video.

Choose the Samsung WB850F if you:

• Need extensive telephoto reach (up to 483 mm equivalent) for wildlife or sports.
• Require advanced autofocus with face detection and AF tracking.
• Want full 1080p HD video with efficient compression.
• Value wireless connectivity and GPS for modern travel workflows.
• Prefer manual exposure and aperture/shutter priority modes.

Neither camera suits professional applications demanding RAW support, ruggedness, or top-tier low-light/downstream editing. For enthusiasts or casual photographers seeking affordable, straightforward tools with distinct advantages, this comparative assessment should help clarify which model aligns best with their photography style and priorities.

Ultimately, regardless of choice, these cameras represent capable small sensor superzooms with thoughtful design compromises that highlight Ricoh’s and Samsung’s different approaches to balancing portability, optics, and user control during the early 2010s digital camera evolution.

For more camera reviews and photographic gear insights informed by extensive hands-on testing, stay tuned to our authoritative reviews channel.