Ricoh CX5 vs Ricoh GR II

Here, we will be analyzing the Ricoh CX5 and Ricoh GR II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are produced by Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and GR II (16MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The CX5 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the GR II and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the CX5 scores vs the GR II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX5 & Ricoh GR II. The full galleries are available at Ricoh CX5 Gallery & Ricoh GR II Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX5 features exterior measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Ricoh GR II has measurements of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh CX5 and Ricoh GR II in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the CX5 compared to the GR II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and GR II is 92 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The graphic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the CX5 and GR II.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The CX5 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Ricoh GR II will show extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older CX5 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.