Ricoh CX5 vs Samsung NX100

Following is a comprehensive review of the Ricoh CX5 and Samsung NX100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Samsung. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and NX100 (15MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and NX100 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The CX5 was manufactured 11 months after the NX100 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the CX5 grades versus the NX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX5 and Samsung NX100. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Samsung NX100 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX5 enjoys external measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX100 has proportions of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh CX5 and Samsung NX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the CX5 compared to the NX100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the CX5 and NX100 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the CX5 and NX100.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The CX5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Samsung NX100 will offer extra detail due to its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics more aggressively. The younger CX5 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.