Ricoh CX4 vs Sony NEX-5

Ricoh CX4 vs. Sony NEX-5: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When choosing a digital camera, discerning photographers must weigh technical specifications, practical performance, and overall usability to perfectly fit their creative ambitions and shooting environments. Here we dissect two notable cameras released in 2010: the Ricoh CX4, a small sensor superzoom compact camera, and the Sony NEX-5, one of the pioneering mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Although launched within months of each other, these models cater to fundamentally different photographic philosophies and user needs.

Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing and years of evaluating cameras across genres, we compare these two cameras through their build quality, sensor technology, autofocus systems, ergonomics, optics, and real-world application - bringing clarity to which might best suit your photography requirements. Throughout, practical shooting disciplines, from studio portraiture to wildlife and travel, inform our insights. We also integrate direct visual references as appropriate.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Physical design profoundly affects daily shooting comfort and responsiveness. The Ricoh CX4 is a compact superzoom camera with a fixed lens, characterized by portability and simplicity. Conversely, the Sony NEX-5 embraces a rangefinder-style mirrorless mirrorless form factor, offering manual lens interchangeability and more advanced controls.

Measuring 102 x 59 x 29 mm with a weight of just 205 grams, the Ricoh CX4 is noticeably pocketable, making it extremely convenient for casual outings or travel. Its modest footprint allows for discreet photography but naturally sacrifices physical controls that serious users crave.

The Sony NEX-5, somewhat larger at 111 x 59 x 38 mm and 287 grams, strikes a balance between compactness and functionality. The additional thickness accommodates the APS-C sensor and interchangeable lens mount. This design choice inevitably trades off some pocketability but unlocks greater photographic flexibility and control ergonomics for enthusiasts progressing beyond point-and-shoot convenience.

Control-wise, the CX4 opts for a simplified approach, with limited customizable buttons and a fixed screen. The NEX-5 features more extensive manual exposure controls (shutter/aperture priority), a dedicated exposure compensation dial, and a tilting 3” LCD screen promoting versatile shooting angles (critical for macro or street photography).

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. APS-C Advantage

At the heart of any camera's imaging capability lies its sensor. The differences between the CX4’s 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor and the NEX-5’s much larger APS-C CMOS sensor are profound, shaping every aspect of image fidelity, noise performance, and dynamic range.

Ricoh CX4 Sensor:

• Size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
• Resolution: 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736)
• Max ISO: 3200 (native), no boosted ISO levels
• Sensor Type: Backside-Illuminated CMOS to improve low-light sensitivity relative to older CCDs
• Raw format: Not supported

Sony NEX-5 Sensor:

• Size: 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365.04 mm²), roughly 13x larger surface area than CX4
• Resolution: 14 megapixels (4592 x 3056)
• Max ISO: 12800 native, supported
• Sensor Type: Conventional CMOS with proven high dynamic range and noise performance
• Raw format: Yes, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility

The APS-C sensor in the NEX-5 translates to superior image quality across the board - most notably better control over depth of field, less noise at high ISO settings (critical for low-light situations), and wider dynamic range that preserves highlight and shadow details. In practical terms, this allows landscape and portrait photographers to achieve richer color gradations and cleaner textures in shadows without the softening or chromatic noise often seen on the smaller CX4 sensor.

Viewing and Composition: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which was not common in this market segment at the time. Both rely heavily on their rear LCD screens for composition, but their implementations differ notably.

The CX4 has a fixed 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots resolution - a respectable display for framing and reviewing images, but its inability to tilt restricts shooting versatility. On the other hand, the NEX-5’s similarly sized and resolved screen tilts upward and downward, facilitating low-angle or overhead shooting without awkward body postures, which benefits street and macro photographers.

The NEX-5’s screen also excels in offering live histogram and exposure preview in manual modes, whereas CX4’s more basic interface limits this functionality.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Real-World Responsiveness

Speed and accuracy in locking focus impact virtually every genre, from wildlife and sports to candid street shots. Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus - standard for their sensor architectures at the time - but with different implementations and performance.

• Ricoh CX4: Offers single AF and multi-area AF modes but no continuous AF tracking or face/eye detection. Its contrast-detection AF relies on relatively older focusing algorithms, often slow and prone to hunting in low contrast or dim conditions. Continuous burst shooting maxes out at 5 fps.

• Sony NEX-5: Contains a more advanced 25-point AF system with more precise selective AF areas and continuous AF for tracking moving subjects. While still contrast-based (no phase-detect AF in this model), it benefits from optimized Bionz processing for improved speed and reduced hunting. Burst shooting peaks at 7 fps.

For action photography such as sports or wildlife, the NEX-5 noticeably outperforms the CX4, helping deliver sharper captures of unpredictable motion. The CX4 remains viable for static subjects or travel snapshots requiring less speed.

Optics and Zoom Range: Fixed Superzoom vs. High-Quality Interchangeable Lens Mount

The Ricoh CX4’s built-in zoom lens covers an impressive focal length of 28-300 mm equivalent (10.7x zoom), allowing versatility in framing without changing gear. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 at the wide end to f/5.6 at full telephoto.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5 utilizes the E-mount system, compatible with over 120 native lenses - including fast primes and high-quality zooms - offering limitless optical possibilities depending on budget and shooting preferences.

The flexibility of lens choice in the NEX-5 is a decisive advantage for enthusiasts wanting to specialize in portraits (using fast f/1.8 or f/1.4 lenses), macro (dedicated close-focusing optics), or wildlife (telephoto zooms tailored for sharpness and reach).

The CX4’s fixed lens has macro capabilities down to 1 cm, which is excellent for close-up photography without extra optics. However, its variable aperture and smaller sensor size limit creative control over depth of field and low-light performance.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras share minimal environmental sealing, a reflection of their consumer-targeted designs. Neither boasts dust, water, or shockproof features that professional outdoor photographers require.

However, the compactness and light weight of the CX4 make it a convenient everyday carry for casual outdoor excursions, whereas the NEX-5’s larger body offers a more robust grip albeit without enhanced sealing.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

The Ricoh CX4 uses a proprietary DB-100 battery without official battery life ratings - users can expect moderate endurance for casual use. Its single SD card slot supports common SD/SDHC/SDXC formats.

Sony NEX-5 boasts a NP-FW50 battery rated at approximately 330 shots per charge, a benchmark for mirrorless cameras of its day, ensuring solid longevity for event or travel shoots. Storage is similarly flexible, supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.

Neither camera provides Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity - reflecting the period’s technology - but the NEX-5 includes an HDMI port, a boon for tethered shooting or high-definition playback on larger displays.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording for the Era

• Ricoh CX4: Captures 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. While usable for casual videos, the format leads to larger file sizes and less efficient compression compared to modern codecs.

• Sony NEX-5: Provides 1080p full HD recording at 60fps in the more efficient AVCHD format, allowing smoother and higher-quality footage. Although neither camera supports microphone input, the NEX-5 gives more video options for enthusiasts wanting better cinematic quality.

Practical Photography Discipline Insights

We have observed and tested these cameras in multiple shooting scenarios to verify their strengths and limitations.

Ricoh CX4 front Ricoh CX4 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Portraiture: The NEX-5’s APS-C sensor combined with fast E-mount lenses delivers superior subject separation, pleasing bokeh, and smoother skin tones - critical for professional or portrait-centric work. The CX4’s small sensor struggles with natural background blur and often flattens tonality, making it less ideal beyond casual portraits.

Landscape: Thanks to greater resolution and dynamic range, the NEX-5 captures landscapes with richer details and retains shadow/highlight detail in challenging lighting. The CX4 can serve as a travel snapshot camera but cannot match the fine detail fidelity of the larger-sensor rival.

Wildlife: The CX4’s extensive zoom up to 300 mm is useful for moderate-distance wildlife, but the slower autofocus and smaller sensor degrade image quality significantly. The NEX-5 requires an appropriate telephoto lens but rewards with superior sharpness and responsiveness.

Sports: Continuous AF modes and burst rates in the NEX-5 lend themselves to tracking fast action, whereas the CX4's more modest shooting speed and AF limit sports applicability.

Street Photography: The CX4’s compactness and quiet operation suit candid street shooting, favoring subtlety over ultimate image quality. The NEX-5’s tilting screen aids low-angle or creative perspectives but the larger body is more conspicuous.

Macro: CX4’s built-in macro focusing to 1 cm is user-friendly for everyday close-ups, while the NEX-5’s manual lens variety provides precision and higher magnification with specialized macro optics.

Night and Astro: The NEX-5’s superior low-light ISO headroom drastically outperforms the CX4’s noise-prone high ISO images, making it a better choice for astrophotography or nighttime cityscapes.

Video: The NEX-5’s 1080p AVCHD recording with smooth frame rates makes it more compelling for serious video enthusiasts, whereas the CX4’s 720p Motion JPEG is serviceable but limited.

Travel and Professional Use: Portability favors the CX4 on long trips with minimal gear, but the NEX-5’s image quality, lens ecosystem, and manual controls make it more versatile for serious travel documentation or professional work where image fidelity and creative control matter.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

To distill these complex performances into accessible visual summaries, consider the following comparative ratings derived from multifaceted testing data and benchmark evaluations:

• Portraits: NEX-5 clearly excels due to sensor and optics.
• Landscape: NEX-5 preferred for resolution and dynamic range.
• Wildlife & Sports: NEX-5 favored for autofocus and speed.
• Street: CX4’s compactness gives an edge for discretion.
• Macro: Mixed, CX4 easier; NEX-5 higher quality.
• Night/astro: NEX-5 dominates with cleaner high ISO.
• Video: NEX-5 superior HD capabilities.
• Travel: Depends on user preference for size vs image quality.
• Professional use: NEX-5 suitable for workflow integration.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Ricoh CX4 if:

• You prioritize maximum zoom flexibility in a pocket-friendly package.
• You desire a simple, point-and-shoot experience without fussing over manual controls.
• Your photography is casual, emphasizing travel snapshots, street candid shots, or occasional macro fun.
• Your budget is limited and you want good value for a superzoom compact.

Consider the Sony NEX-5 if:

• You seek excellent image quality from a large APS-C sensor for portraits, landscapes, or professional-quality outcomes.
• You want full manual shooting modes, exposure compensation, and more sophisticated control layouts.
• You appreciate the creative freedom from interchangeable lenses and plan to expand your system.
• Video recording quality and higher frame rates are important to your workflow.
• You are prepared to carry a slightly larger body for substantial gains in photographic capability.

Final Thoughts: Contextualizing Two Different Visions of Photography

The Ricoh CX4 and Sony NEX-5 embody two distinct pathways from the dawn of the 2010s: the refined superzoom compact camera aimed at all-in-one convenience versus the fledgling mirrorless system heralding a new era of compact, versatile, high-quality imaging.

While the CX4 impresses with portability, straightforward operation, and respectable optical reach, it cannot escape the inherent constraints imposed by its small sensor and limited controls. In contrast, the NEX-5’s APS-C powerhouse sensor, manual exposure options, and expandable lens system offer a far richer toolkit for serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking creative latitude and quality.

Ultimately, photographers must evaluate which strengths align with their needs: pure pocketable convenience or scalable system-level performance. Armed with this detailed comparison, selecting your ideal camera becomes a more informed and confident decision.

This review has sought to combine direct empirical testing insights with thorough technical analysis to guide you honestly and expertly through the nuanced choices between these two 2010 classics.

If you would welcome further deep-dives into lenses for the NEX-5 system or sample galleries illustrating specific shooting scenarios, feel free to reach out.

Happy shooting!