Ricoh CX5 vs Samsung GX-20

Here is a in depth review of the Ricoh CX5 and Samsung GX-20, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and GX-20 (15MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and GX-20 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The CX5 was revealed 3 years later than the GX-20 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Samsung GX-20 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the CX5 scores vs the GX-20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX5 & Samsung GX-20. The full galleries are available at Ricoh CX5 Gallery & Samsung GX-20 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 enjoys outside 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 Samsung GX-20 has sizing of 142mm x 101mm x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh CX5 and Samsung GX-20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the CX5 vs the GX-20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and GX-20 is 92 and 58 respectively.

Typically, its tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the CX5 and GX-20.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The CX5 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung GX-20 will give you greater detail because of its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The younger CX5 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.