Ricoh CX4 vs Sony A57

Here is a in-depth overview of the Ricoh CX4 versus Sony A57, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the CX4 (10MP) and A57 (16MP) and the CX4 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The CX4 was launched 3 years earlier than the A57 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX4 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the CX4 grades versus the A57 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX4 and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX4 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and size. The Ricoh CX4 offers outer dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX4 versus Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the CX4 versus the A57.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX4 and A57 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX4 and A57.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CX4 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A57 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older CX4 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.