Ricoh CX3 vs Sony W550

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Ricoh CX3 and Sony W550, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Ricoh and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the CX3 (10MP) and W550 (14MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The CX3 was brought out 13 months before the W550 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the CX3 matches up vs the W550 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The entire galleries are provided at Ricoh CX3 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX3 has outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

See the Ricoh CX3 and Sony W550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the CX3 vs the W550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the CX3 and W550 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the CX3 and W550.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Sony W550 to offer more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older CX3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.