Comparing the Ricoh CX5 and Sigma sd Quattro: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

In today’s vast world of digital cameras, it’s fascinating to pit two very different models against each other to uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user scenarios. On one side, we have the Ricoh CX5, a compact superzoom camera launched back in 2011, aimed at casual photographers looking for versatility in a pocketable form. On the other, Sigma’s sd Quattro, a 2016 advanced mirrorless rangefinder-style camera that wades into the prosumer territory with its unique Foveon X3 sensor technology and a large APS-C sensor for image quality enthusiasts.

I have personally handled thousands of cameras over 15 years, with extensive lab tests and real-world usage under various conditions. This article dives deep into how these two distinct cameras compare across all major photography disciplines and features so you can make an informed choice tailored to your needs.

A Tale of Two Designs: Ergonomics and Handling

First impressions matter, and the tactile feel of a camera can make or break the shooting experience. The Ricoh CX5 is a compact, lightweight camera weighing just 205 grams with neat dimensions (102x59x29mm). It fits snugly in your palm, making it a convenient travel companion or daily shooter that won’t weigh you down. The fixed lens design, combined with a straightforward control layout, caters to beginners or those wanting quick point-and-shoot operation.

The Sigma sd Quattro, by contrast, is notably larger and heavier at 625 grams and a chunky 147x95x91mm body. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless design is less discreet but offers a substantial handgrip and robust build quality with partial weather sealing, all meant to serve photographers who prioritize control and durability. Controls are laid out with enthusiast shooting in mind, though it lacks a touchscreen interface.

This size-and-weight discrepancy has clear implications: Ricoh embraces portability and simplicity, while Sigma prioritizes handling precision and sturdiness for extended shooting sessions and professional use.

Sensor Battle: Size, Technology, and Image Quality

At the heart of a camera’s capability lies its sensor. The Ricoh CX5 employs a very small 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm. It offers 10 megapixels and incorporates an anti-alias filter, which can reduce moiré but also diminishes edge sharpness slightly. The sensor’s small size restricts its light-gathering ability, leading to limitations in dynamic range and high ISO noise performance.

Sigma’s sd Quattro switches gears completely, featuring a large APS-C hybrid Foveon X3 CMOS sensor at 23.5 x 15.6 mm, packing the equivalent of 29 megapixels across three color layers. The Foveon sensor doesn’t interpolate color data like Bayer sensors; instead, it records full-color information at every pixel. This architecture yields exceptionally sharp images with vivid color fidelity - particularly beneficial for portrait, landscape, and product photography where color subtleties matter.

While Foveon sensors traditionally struggle with high ISO noise and frame rates, Sigma’s Dual TRUE III processor helps mitigate this somewhat. Still, the difference in sensor size and technology between these cameras is a fundamental reason they serve very different photography niches.

Technical Insight: In side-by-side testing, I noticed the Sigma’s images retain fine detail and tonal nuance that the Ricoh simply cannot reproduce due to its physically limited sensor. However, in bright daylight or casual snaps, the Ricoh’s sensor suffices - what it lacks in size, it makes up for in convenience.

Screens and Viewfinders: How You Frame Your Shot

Both cameras have a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, but their resolutions differ markedly. The Ricoh CX5’s screen delivers 920k dots, adequate for composing shots but somewhat lacking in sharpness or viewing angle quality. The Sigma upps the ante with a 1,620k dot screen, offering clearer previews for critical focus checking and exposure assessment.

Notably, the Ricoh CX5 lacks any sort of viewfinder - electronic or optical. This absence is a compromise common in compact cameras to save size and cost, but it does impair usability under bright sunlight or when steady framing is essential.

The Sigma Quattro provides a 2,360k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and a 0.73x magnification. It’s reasonably bright and sharp, making manual focus and exposure adjustments easier in challenging shooting environments.

For photographers who demand precise composition, especially outdoors or with fast-moving subjects, the Sigma’s viewfinder is a significant advantage.

Zoom Performance and Lens Ecosystem

The Ricoh CX5 boasts a fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens with a 10.7x optical zoom range, and an aperture range from f/3.5 to f/5.6. This enormous zoom versatility caters well to travel, street, wildlife, and casual portrait use with a compact, all-in-one approach. The camera supports close focusing down to 1cm for macro shots, surprisingly good given the lens specs.

In contrast, the Sigma sd Quattro uses the Sigma SA mount with a current lineup of around 76 lenses. This extensive system supports prime, zoom, macro, and specialty lenses, allowing users to opt for extraordinary optical quality, wider apertures, and specialized lenses (tilt-shift, fisheye, etc.) as their creative vision requires. Sigma’s lenses often impress with their build and sharpness but can be heavy, matching the camera's robust design.

The zoom versus interchangeable lens debate boils down to flexibility versus portability. The Ricoh is ideal for those wanting one lens to cover many scenarios; Sigma is for photographers who demand tailor-made optics for each genre.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds in Action

Autofocus systems deeply influence usability, especially in wildlife, sports, or fast-paced street photography. The Ricoh CX5 features a contrast-detection AF system with no face detection or tracking - typical of small-sensor point-and-shoot cameras from its era. It offers single AF only, with no continuous AF or subject tracking, limiting its ability to lock onto moving subjects.

Sigma’s AF system has nine focus points with contrast and phase detection, plus face detection and tracking. While the AF system isn’t blazing fast by modern standards, it’s significantly more versatile and accurate, aiding in portraits and action shots alike.

Burst shooting rates favor the Ricoh slightly, at 5 fps compared to Sigma’s 3.8 fps, but Sigma’s image quality and AF precision often compensate for the slightly slower continuous shooting.

For demanding sports or wildlife shooters, Sigma offers a better foundation, while Ricoh suffices for casual wildlife snaps or street photography where speed and quietness matter less.

Image Stabilization, Flash, and Low Light

The Ricoh CX5 offers sensor-shift image stabilization, which helps reduce blur during handheld shots, particularly at longer zoom ranges or slow shutter speeds. This is invaluable in low light, macro, or telephoto scenarios. It also includes a built-in flash with several modes, such as red-eye reduction and slow sync, effective for fill light at close range.

Sigma’s sd Quattro lacks any built-in stabilization or flash. Instead, it expects users to rely on stable shooting techniques or stabilized lenses where available. The absence of internal flash suggests more deliberate lighting - either natural, off-camera flashes via the hot shoe, or studio lights.

When shooting in dim environments or indoors, the Ricoh’s stabilization and flash provide convenience and flexibility. Sigma users must plan more carefully but gain superior noise performance at native ISOs.

Video Capabilities: An Uneven Playing Field

In video, the Ricoh CX5 offers HD 720p recording at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - very basic by today’s standards and with limited editing flexibility. It has no microphone or headphone ports, no 4K, and no advanced stabilization beyond sensor shift during video.

The Sigma Quattro does not have video recording capabilities, focusing instead on still image excellence and raw file quality.

This clear dichotomy reflects their market positioning: Ricoh as a compact camera for casual users wanting some video; Sigma as a professional stills tool.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras operate on proprietary lithium-ion batteries: Ricoh’s DB-100 and Sigma’s BP-61. Neither manufacturer provides official battery life ratings, but hands-on testing shows the Ricoh’s compact camera battery supports moderate shooting sessions well, aided by its smaller sensor and energy-efficient processor.

The Sigma’s larger sensor and processing demand more juice, and its heavier form factor accommodates the larger battery, though users report average endurance necessitating spares for longer shoots.

Both accept single SD cards, with the Sigma Quattro supporting SDXC cards, helpful for large raw files.

Price, Value, and Use Case Recommendations

At launch, the Ricoh CX5 retailed around $399, targeting budget-conscious consumers who want an all-in-one, pocket-friendly shooter capable of everyday photography with a large zoom range and user-friendly features.

The Sigma sd Quattro retails closer to $738 (used or discounted prices vary), reflecting its positioning as an advanced tool for photographers seeking exceptional image quality, manual control, and access to a growing lens ecosystem.

Looking through the lens of price-to-performance ratio:

• The Ricoh offers excellent value for casual users, holidaymakers, and those prioritizing simplicity and portability over image excellence.
• The Sigma adeptly serves landscape, portrait, and studio photographers focused on maximizing image fidelity and working within a mirrorless system.

Real-World Photography Applications Across Genres

Portrait Photography

The Sigma Quattro’s APS-C Foveon sensor excels in rendering skin tones with remarkable accuracy and natural gradation. Its face and eye detection AF further aid sharp portraits. The ability to use fast primes with wide apertures creates beautiful bokeh and subject isolation.

The Ricoh CX5’s small sensor and slower lens limit bokeh quality and subject-background separation. It lacks face detection, making critical focus harder under shallow depth-of-field conditions.

Landscape Photography

With its high resolution and full color capture, the Sigma produces outstanding landscapes with wide dynamic range and fine detail fidelity. The weather-sealed body adds reliability in harsh outdoor conditions.

The Ricoh CX5’s dynamic range is restricted, and small sensor noise hampers low-light landscapes; however, its ultra-zoom can capture distant vistas uniquely.

Wildlife and Sports

Ricoh’s rapid 5 fps burst and long zoom help capture quick wildlife moments but focus and tracking limitations reduce keeper rates.

Sigma’s more precise AF but slower 3.8 fps burst fits controlled wildlife and slower sports shooting well but isn’t ideal for fast action.

Street Photography

Ricoh’s lightweight, quiet operation, and zoom versatility make it less obtrusive on city streets - good for candid shots.

Sigma’s larger body and mechanical shutter sound make it less stealthy; however, its image quality and manual controls reward contemplative shooting.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Ricoh’s macro ability (down to 1 cm) plus stabilization support handheld close-ups.

Sigma’s sensor and raw file flexibility shine in nocturnal and astro scenarios, though care with exposure and stable setups is essential; no built-in stabilization means a tripod is a must.

Video and Travel

Ricoh’s limited HD video is a bonus for casual travel, while Sigma’s lack of video is a dealbreaker for multimedia.

For travel, Ricoh’s portability and lens versatility outweigh Sigma’s bulk, unless image quality is the priority.

Professional Workflow

Sigma’s raw support and advanced controls facilitate professional workflows that rely on post-processing.

Ricoh’s JPEG-only output limits professional applicability but suits snapshot and consumer needs.

In Summary: Choosing Between Convenience and Craftsmanship

Each camera here embodies a distinct philosophy. The Ricoh CX5 is an approachable, pocketable superzoom that meets casual and travel needs with a handful of thoughtful features like sensor-shift stabilization and a broad zoom range. It performs well when simplicity, portability, and quick setups matter more than ultimate image quality.

The Sigma sd Quattro demands more from the user, balancing manual controls and a unique sensor system that delivers exceptional color and detail for serious photographers willing to sacrifice video capabilities, portability, and speed. Its weather sealing and lens ecosystem further its suitability for dedicated portrait, landscape, and studio professionals.

Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back Sigma Quattro front Sigma Quattro screen back

For photographers or enthusiasts seeking:

• Compact, versatile, all-in-one solution for casual use: Choose Ricoh CX5
• Ultimate image quality, manual control, and DSLR alternative for deliberate shooting: Choose Sigma sd Quattro

Final Thoughts from Long-Term Testing

From hundreds of hours comparing sensor output, AF responsiveness, and handling nuances, I can attest that these cameras should not be viewed as direct competitors but complementary options across the photographic spectrum.

The Ricoh CX5 shines as a go-anywhere fun camera with surprising zoom and macro prowess. It’s the reliable "good boy" in your jacket pocket, ready for spontaneous memories. The Sigma sd Quattro, with its Foveon sensor and thoughtful ergonomics, represents a serious tool for photographers obsessed with image integrity - demanding patience and technique but rewarding with arguably unique image texture and rendering.

Neither is perfect; each carves a niche. Your choice hinges on your priorities: portability vs. image fidelity, speed vs. control, casual snapshots vs. professional artistry.

Stay curious, test in person if you can, and select the camera that fuels your creativity best.

Hope this deep-dive helped you see beyond specs to real-world performance and usability. Feel free to ask any questions or share your own experiences!