Ricoh CX3 vs Sony NEX-3: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between cameras from two very different eras and design philosophies can be tricky - but fascinating. Here, I put side-by-side the 2010 Ricoh CX3, a compact superzoom point-and-shoot with a fixed lens, and the Sony NEX-3, an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera from the same year that helped popularize mirrorless systems. Both cameras target photography enthusiasts but in distinct ways: the CX3 for users seeking pocketable long zoom convenience, and the NEX-3 for those wanting a step into serious creative control and image quality. After personally testing hundreds of cameras, I wanted to dig into how these two hold up technically and practically, and how they serve different photographic goals.

Let’s dive deep - across specs, handling, image quality, and of course: real-world shooting experiences.

First Impressions and Handling: Compact Convenience Meets Mirrorless Flexibility

Right out of the gate, how a camera feels in hand can shape your shooting experience dramatically. The Ricoh CX3 is a compact superzoom, incredibly pocketable, with simple controls and a fixed 28-300mm (equivalent) zoom lens. The Sony NEX-3, while still small compared to DSLRs, is larger and heavier but offers interchangeable lenses and more dedicated control dials.

Holding the CX3, you instantly appreciate its travel-friendliness - it’s light at 206g and measures just 102x58x29mm. Handy for casual shooters wanting to carry a camera without extra weight or bulk. The Sony NEX-3, by contrast, is a bit heftier at 297g, measuring 117x62x33mm, but that additional size lets it pack in a bigger APS-C sensor and better ergonomics for grip.

Looking closer at controls, the CX3 sticks to basics: no manual exposure modes, simplified zoom and shot buttons, and a 3” fixed LCD. On the NEX-3, you get a tilt LCD for flexible shooting angles, dedicated exposure compensation, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes - a huge plus if you want to grow your craft and take creative control.

The Sony also offers hot shoe support for external flashes, something the CX3 lacks, aligning it more with semi-pro workflows than casual snapshots. However, the CX3’s sensor-shift image stabilization helps steady shots, especially at longer zooms, which can be critical closing the gap in sharpness for handheld shooting.

In terms of user interface and menu navigation, the NEX-3’s interface feels more customizable and engaging. Ricoh’s menus on the CX3 are simpler but may feel limiting if you want fine control or faster access to settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Advantage vs. Superzoom Specialty

Perhaps the single most significant difference between these two cameras stems from their sensors - the Ricoh CX3 features a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor with 10 megapixels, while the Sony NEX-3 sports a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels.

That difference in sensor size means a lot in image quality terms. The Sony’s 365mm² sensor area dwarfs the Ricoh’s 28mm², directly translating into better noise performance, greater dynamic range, and superior color fidelity.

For the Ricoh CX3, optimized for its sensor size, it excels in well-lit conditions with decent detail and respectable sharpness for snapshots and zoomed-in crops. Do note, however, that absence of RAW support means you’re stuck with JPEGs straight out of the camera - limiting post-processing flexibility.

The Sony NEX-3 shines in delivering cleaner images at higher ISOs (native up to 12800 vs. the CX3’s 3200 max ISO) and broader color depth (DxO mark color depth 22.1 vs. not tested but generally lower for small sensors). Shooting RAW files unlocks further potential, especially for enthusiasts who like polishing skin tones in portraits or boosting dynamic range in landscapes.

Noise control is noticeably better on the NEX-3 at ISOs over 800, making it a clear candidate for low-light and night photography.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras lack built-in electronic viewfinders - a little surprising for Sony’s mirrorless but typical for this early model. That means composing shots primarily via the rear LCD.

The CX3 provides a 3” fixed display with 920k-dot resolution, sharp for its class, but without any tilt or touchscreen functionality. This can be restrictive for shooting from unusual angles.

The NEX-3 matches in resolution but ups the ante with a tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD - a boon for overhead, low-angle, or selfie-style shots (though the NEX-3 itself isn’t explicitly selfie-orientated). The screen’s color reproduction is also noticeably richer and contrasty, which helps with accurate framing and reviewing images outdoors.

Built-in flash performance favors the Sony with a longer effective range (~12m vs. 4m on CX3) and support for external flashes via hot shoe - essential for better-lit portraits and fill-in flash situations.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision vs. Point-and-Shoot Simplicity

Autofocus systems here couldn’t be more different. The Ricoh CX3 offers contrast-detection AF with 5-area multi-point AF, but lacks face or eye detection and offers only single AF without continuous tracking.

The Sony NEX-3, while also reliant on contrast detection (no phase detection), incorporates face detection and a denser 25-point focusing system providing more selectable focus areas, enhancing accuracy and compositional freedom.

For action or wildlife, neither camera is a sports shooter, but the Sony pulls ahead with a much faster burst mode at 7 frames per second, compared to the Ricoh’s unspecified but slower continuous shooting. Faster shutter speeds up to 1/4000s on Sony also accommodate bright outdoor action better than the Ricoh’s top 1/2000s.

Lens Versatility: One Fixed Zoom vs. Interchangeable Ecosystem

Here is where the cameras cater to different workflows fundamentally. The Ricoh CX3 sports a fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens with f/3.5-5.6 aperture - solid for general and travel purposes, offering a versatile zoom range in a tiny package but with no option to swap lenses.

Sony’s NEX-3 features the Sony E-mount with access to 121 compatible lenses, including high-quality primes, affordable zooms, macro lenses, and specialist lenses like fisheye and tilt-shift. This opens enormous creative possibilities as your skills and needs evolve.

If you want telephoto reach bigger than the CX3’s max zoom, or fast primes with beautiful bokeh for portraits, the Sony system will serve you better. Not to forget macro shooting where specialized lenses combined with Sony’s bigger sensor excel in retentive detail and shallow depth of field control.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Face Detection

While the Ricoh CX3’s 10MP sensor can deliver acceptable portraits in good light with decent skin tones, its small sensor size constrains natural background blur (bokeh). You’ll find the superzoom lens quite sharp but limited in the creamy bokeh department critical for pro-quality portraits.

The Sony NEX-3, on the other hand, benefits from both the larger APS-C sensor and comprehensive face detection autofocus, aiding accurate focus on subjects’ eyes and faces - even in tricky light. Using fast prime lenses like a 50mm f/1.8 on the NEX-3 brings out beautifully smooth background rendition, helping subjects “pop.”

Landscape and Outdoor Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

For landscapes, the Sony NEX-3’s superior sensor shines with its wider dynamic range (12 EV vs. untested but presumed narrower for Ricoh’s sensor) - meaning more detail retention in shadows and highlights. At 14MP resolution, you get more detail for large prints or cropping flexibility.

Ricoh CX3’s compactness makes it a nice grab-and-go option, but without weather sealing or environmental protection, you’ll want to be cautious in harsher conditions. The Sony also lacks weather sealing but generally offers better lens options for ultra-wide or specialized landscape shots.

Neither camera offers built-in GPS, but the Sony’s Eye-Fi card compatibility allows wireless image transfer, a practical plus when shooting on location.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed, Burst Rate, and Telephoto Reach

For wildlife photographers, the CX3’s 28-300mm zoom can reach decent telephoto lengths in a pocket-sized camera, though variable aperture and limited AF may hamper fast-moving subjects. The fixed lens stabilizer helps, but lack of continuous AF limits tracking.

Sony’s NEX-3, with interchangeable long telephoto lenses (like 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 or more advanced options), combined with 7fps burst rate, provides more control, though AF tracking is still limited without phase detection sensors. It’s never going to match flagship DSLRs for sports, but it’s a substantial step up from superzooms in performance and IQ.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Size, and Battery Life

Compactness matters on the street and traveling. The CX3 feels very discreet and lightweight - easy to carry all day without fatigue or attention. The silent shooting mode (no electronic shutter) and fast startup aid spontaneous capture. Its fixed lens means no lens changes in crowded or sensitive environments.

The Sony NEX-3 is still smaller than many DSLRs but noticeably larger and heavier than the CX3, potentially less pocketable but more versatile. Battery life also favors Sony, rated at about 330 shots per charge; the Ricoh’s battery life info is unspecified but generally compact cameras tend toward lower endurance.

The Ricoh’s lack of wireless connectivity contrasts with the Sony NEX-3’s Eye-Fi card compatibility (Wi-Fi via card), an early step toward modern wireless workflows - important for travel bloggers or photojournalists needing instant sharing.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Macro capability on the Ricoh is notable for its 1cm macro focusing distance - a very close focusing range for a superzoom, great for quick close-ups without extra gear.

The Sony relies on compatible macro lenses to enable macro photography. While that means more investment, the image quality and detail captured are far superior on a larger sensor and dedicated optics.

Night and Astrophotography

In low light, the Sony NEX-3’s superior high ISO performance, larger sensor, and faster lens compatibility give it a clear edge. The CX3’s maximum ISO 3200 is respectable, but noise and detail fade quickly in dark environments.

The Ricoh's sensor-shift stabilization helps in handheld night shots but cannot substitute for higher ISO performance and manual controls. Sony’s 1/4000-max shutter speed and manual exposure modes make long-exposure night shots and beginner astrophotography possible, whereas the CX3’s fixed aperture zoom and no manual modes limit creative options in dark skies.

Video Capabilities: Modest by Modern Standards

Both cameras offer HD video at 720p/30fps, but use different codecs - Ricoh records Motion JPEG while Sony uses MPEG-4. Neither supports 1080p or 4K, reflecting 2010 standards. Neither offers microphone inputs or image stabilization on the NEX-3 (relying on lens or body stabilization lenses).

While video on these models is supplementary at best, the Sony’s manual exposure controls and tilting screen make it somewhat better suited for casual video enthusiasts.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither the Ricoh CX3 nor Sony NEX-3 feature weather sealing or shockproofing, so treat both with care in adverse weather. The CX3’s metal body lends a reassuring feel, and Sony’s magnesium alloy construction feels sturdy but not rugged. In general, both cater mostly to careful enthusiasts rather than pros in extreme conditions.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

Sony NEX-3 offers superior connectivity thanks to Eye-Fi card support, HDMI output, and more versatile storage compatibility (SD, SDHC, SDXC plus Sony's Memory Stick Duo). Ricoh sticks to basic SD/SDHC and no wireless functions.

Battery-wise, the Sony is rated around 330 shots on a single charge - good for mirrorless standards then and now. Ricoh’s DB-100 battery specs make for a compact package but no official endurance rating, likely lower given sensor and processor demands.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Breaking it down by photographic genre, take a look:

Who Should Choose Ricoh CX3?

• Photographers prioritizing extreme portability with versatility of a superzoom.
• Casual travel or street shooters who want a simple point-and-shoot without swapping lenses.
• Those who want stabilized image capture at telephoto without investing in a larger system.
• Buyers on a tight budget favoring immediate out-of-the-box use with minimal technical learning.
• Macro enthusiasts appreciating a true 1cm close-focusing ability in a compact.

Who Should Lean Towards Sony NEX-3?

• Enthusiasts ready to embrace interchangeable lenses and manual controls.
• Photographers demanding significantly improved image quality for portraits, landscapes, or low light.
• Users wanting more creative control - aperture, shutter priority, custom white balance, and RAW support.
• Those interested in gradually expanding their lens collection for sport, wildlife, macro, and travel.
• Hobbyists or semi-pros who want to explore video and wireless image transfer, albeit limited by early tech.

Final Thoughts: Different Cameras for Different Times and Needs

The Ricoh CX3 and Sony NEX-3 represent two distinct paths in camera evolution - the ultra-portable superzoom compact, and the nascent mirrorless enthusiast system. Although both were cutting edge upon release around a decade ago, their strengths highlight what each was designed to do: quick zoomed convenience vs. stepping up to serious image quality and creative control.

If you prize pocketability and zoom reach over manual features and sensor size, the Ricoh’s simplicity and image stabilization shine for casual day-to-day use. Conversely, for anyone wanting to develop photography skills, achieve better image quality, and experiment with lenses, the Sony NEX-3 remains an attractive gateway.

Technology has moved on, but I hope this deep dive helps you appreciate how the design choices, sensor tech, and ergonomics influence your photographic journey. If possible, trying these cameras hands-on is invaluable; usability and feel often tip the scales beyond specs.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be a perfect fit for your creative vision!

Ricoh CX3 front Ricoh CX3 screen back Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back