Ricoh CX5 vs Sigma sd Quattro H: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When selecting a camera for serious photography, the choice often comes down to sensor size, lens flexibility, image quality, and operational control. In this detailed comparison, we examine two cameras from fundamentally different classes and design philosophies: the Ricoh CX5, a compact small-sensor superzoom released in 2011, and the Sigma sd Quattro H, an advanced mirrorless system camera introduced in 2016 featuring Sigma’s distinctive Foveon X3 sensor technology.

Each model targets divergent user needs and shooting styles. The Ricoh CX5 epitomizes pocketable versatility with a large zoom range on a 1/2.3" sensor, while the Sigma sd Quattro H offers high-resolution, medium-format-like image quality on an APS-H sized Foveon sensor, backed by a dedicated lens ecosystem. This comparison draws upon extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation to provide a deep dive into how these two cameras perform across key photographic disciplines, ergonomic considerations, and practical workflow integration.

Body Design and Handling

On first inspection, the Ricoh CX5’s compact form factor (102 x 59 x 29 mm, 205 g) is designed for portability and ease of use in casual shooting scenarios. Its slim body and rubberized grip promote straightforward operation, albeit at the cost of limited physical controls. The fixed zoom lens and absence of a viewfinder mean that compositional adjustments rely wholly on the rear LCD.

Conversely, the Sigma sd Quattro H adopts a substantial rangefinder-style mirrorless design measuring 147 x 95 x 91 mm. While significantly larger and heavier, this camera caters to users who prioritize manual control and a traditional shooting experience. Physical controls are deliberately arranged to facilitate rapid access to exposure modes, with dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, reflecting its professional aspirations.

Ergonomically, the Ricoh’s compactness favors travel and street photographers valuing discretion and simplified handling. The Sigma’s bulkier chassis - with a robust grip and an electronic viewfinder (0.73x magnification, 2360 pixels resolution covering 100% frame) - is better suited to deliberate studio or outdoor work where control precision and longer sessions are expected.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality

The heart of these two cameras could not be more different. The Ricoh CX5 employs a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55mm, delivering a modest 10MP image resolution (3648 x 2736). This small sensor size inherently limits dynamic range and low-light performance but enables the camera’s extensive 10.7x (28-300 mm equivalent) zoom range and pocketable form.

In contrast, the Sigma sd Quattro H features an APS-H Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, sized at 26.6 x 17.9 mm and boasting an effective resolution of 45 MP via its layered color capture system. Unlike Bayer sensors, the Foveon technology records full color information at each pixel location, providing remarkable color fidelity and edge sharpness. The larger sensor area allows for improved dynamic range, richer tonal gradations, and superior noise control at native ISOs up to 6400.

From a practical standpoint, this means the Ricoh CX5 is well suited for daylight or brightly lit conditions but shows visible image quality degradation beyond ISO 400. The Sigma Quattro H handles shadows and highlights more gracefully and excels in situations requiring maximal detail and critical color rendering, such as landscape and studio portraiture.

Autofocus and Exposure Controls

The Ricoh CX5 relies on a touchless contrast-detection autofocus system with a single AF mode (AF Single) and no continuous autofocus or face detection capabilities. Autofocus speed is competent for its class but lacks tracking abilities for moving subjects. The camera only offers manual focus via a digital interface, which can feel overly simplified for precise adjustments. Exposure settings are limited to manual exposure mode without true shutter or aperture priority modes, restricting creative control.

The Sigma sd Quattro H, by contrast, includes a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection, with 9 focus points and various AF modes including single, continuous, and tracking. Face detection is implemented, though there is no animal eye AF. The inclusion of shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes allows for full creative latitude. Exposure bracketing options are present, which benefit high dynamic range capture workflows.

Practically speaking, wildlife and sports photographers will find the Ricoh’s autofocus system inadequate for rapid subject acquisition, whereas the Sigma empowers precise focus control albeit with a modest 3.8 fps burst rate, limiting its viability for fast action shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Range Versatility

The Ricoh CX5 incorporates a fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens with apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.6 - adequate for general-purpose photography within its compact system constraints. However, the lens quality is modest, and optical performance diminishes at the extreme telephoto end and wide aperture settings. The lack of interchangeable optics constrains adaptability, particularly for more specialized photography genres such as macro or ultra-wide landscape.

Sigma’s camera employs the proprietary Sigma SA mount, supporting a growing catalogue of 76 lenses at announcement, covering everything from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms and macro optics. This affords enthusiasts flexibility to tailor their kit according to shooting requirements, from fast portrait lenses with large apertures to high-resolution landscape glass.

The fixed lens approach on the Ricoh and expansive mount on the Sigma signify a fundamental difference: the former prioritizes convenience and size, while the latter emphasizes quality and modularity.

Display, Viewfinder, and Interface

Both cameras feature 3-inch rear LCD displays, but with differing resolution and utility. The Ricoh CX5 offers a modest 920k-dot fixed, non-touch screen with no articulation. The Sigma Quattro H’s display doubles the resolution at 1.62 million dots, enhancing compositional clarity and menu navigation, critical for evaluating fine details in raw files.

More importantly, the Sigma includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, essential for precise framing in bright conditions and for traditional photographers reliant on a viewfinder. The Ricoh’s lack of any viewfinder limits its usability under bright sunlight and for engaging in conventional shooting postures.

Interface-wise, the Ricoh leans on a simplified control scheme with limited customizability, suitable for casual shooters. The Sigma offers extensive customization and physical dials enabling rapid manual adjustments, catering to experienced users. The absence of touchscreen on both systems aligns with their era but diminishes flexibility compared to contemporary models.

Burst, Shutter, and Stabilization Performance

For fast-paced subjects, the Ricoh CX5’s continuous shooting capability is modest at 5 fps, but without autofocus tracking during bursts, limiting effectiveness on moving subjects. Its shutter speed range tops out at 1/2000s, and there is no electronic shutter option.

The Sigma Quattro H offers 3.8 fps continuous shooting, combined with autofocus tracking modes. While slower, this frame rate suffices for controlled shooting scenarios like portrait studios or landscape bracketed exposures. The mechanical shutter’s max speed is 1/4000s, providing more flexibility in bright light.

Image stabilization is a differentiating factor: Ricoh’s sensor-shift stabilization helps mitigate handheld shake especially at telephoto focal lengths. The Sigma lacks in-body stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses where available or tripod use, which is common among medium-format-class cameras prioritizing image quality.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

The Ricoh CX5 is a consumer-grade compact with no environmental sealing or ruggedization, thus unsuited for adverse weather or rough conditions.

The Sigma sd Quattro H includes partial weather sealing suitable for light moisture and dust resistance - valuable for outdoor landscape or professional usage where equipment reliability is paramount. Neither camera is fully waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof.

Video and Connectivity Features

Video capability is a minor consideration here. The Ricoh CX5 shoots video up to 1280×720 (HD) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format. This is basic by today’s standards and does not offer advanced codecs, 4K, slow-motion, or external mic support.

The Sigma sd Quattro H does not support video recording, adhering strictly to still photography. It does include USB 3.0 for fast raw data transfer and HDMI output for tethered shooting but lacks wireless connectivity features found in modern systems.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras utilize proprietary batteries: Ricoh’s DB-100 and Sigma’s BP-61. Specific battery longevity figures are limited but can be inferred from system design. The Ricoh’s compact sensor and reduced processing demands likely afford moderate shooting counts (around 200-300 images per charge). The Sigma’s larger sensor and processing requirements, coupled with an electronic viewfinder, tend to reduce battery endurance, commonly necessitating spares for extended sessions.

Each camera uses a single SD/SDHC slot. The Sigma supports SDXC, allowing higher capacity cards for large raw files, essential for professional workflows. The Ricoh’s internal storage plus SD support favors casual use.

Real-World Use Case Performance Breakdown

To contextualize these technical distinctions, the following assesses how each camera performs across major photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh CX5: Fixed lens and limited aperture range (max f/3.5 at wide) reduce background separation and bokeh quality. Absence of eye detection AF impedes precise focus on critical features. Skin tone rendition is average with minor noise at base ISO.
• Sigma Quattro H: Larger APS-H Foveon sensor with high resolution yields exquisite detail and natural skin tones. Manual focus or face-detection autofocus capabilities accommodate demanding portraiture. Lens choice further enhances bokeh control and subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh CX5: Small sensor limits dynamic range, accentuating highlight clipping and shadow detail loss. Telephoto reach good for distant compression, but image resolution insufficient for large prints.
• Sigma Quattro H: Exceptional resolution and color fidelity excel in landscape application. Weather sealing and lens options support outdoor shooting. The slower continuous shooting and manual focus are less relevant here.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ricoh CX5: The long zoom range can reach distant subjects, but sluggish autofocus and lack of tracking hamper subject acquisition. Burst mode is reasonable but not designed for action bursts.
• Sigma Quattro H: Autofocus tracking and faster shutter speeds provide some capability, but limited frame rates and lens size/weight reduce suitability. More appropriate for stationary wildlife or macro.

Street and Travel Photography

• Ricoh CX5: Compact size, lightweight, and versatile zoom make this camera convenient for street photography. However, limited manual controls and absent viewfinder may frustrate seasoned users.
• Sigma Quattro H: Larger, more conspicuous, and requiring bulky lenses, the Sigma is less discreet but offers superior image quality. Consider it for travel where image control outweighs portability.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh CX5: Offers macro focusing down to 1cm, with sensor-shift stabilization helpful at close range. Optical quality decent but limited by sensor size.
• Sigma Quattro H: Superior detail rendering with dedicated macro lenses available in the Sigma SA mount. Focus precision aided by manual focus and focus peaking (if paired with external tools).

Night and Astro Photography

• Ricoh CX5: High ISO performance limited; noise rapidly degrades images beyond ISO 400. No long exposure Bulb mode.
• Sigma Quattro H: Better low-light sensitivity, albeit with slower shutter speeds and noise considerations. Longer exposures feasible, especially on tripods, though stabilization absent.

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

Workflow Integration and File Formats

The Ricoh CX5 provides only JPEG output - raw capture is unsupported. This impedes post-processing flexibility, an important consideration for professionals and enthusiasts who want maximum latitude in editing.

The Sigma sd Quattro H’s raw files are among the largest and most detailed available due to the Foveon sensor. Raw workflow integration is robust but demanding on processing hardware and software that supports Sigma’s proprietary .X3F format. These files require longer processing times but reward the photographer with unmatched detail extraction.

Connectivity and Expansion

Neither camera has wireless features such as Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth, which limits remote control and instant sharing capabilities expected by many modern users.

USB connectivity is present on both, but Sigma’s USB 3.0 allows faster tethered shooting and file transfer, an advantage in professional tethered workflows.

Price-to-Performance Ratio Analysis

With a street price around $399, the Ricoh CX5 presents an entry-level cost for casual photographers prioritizing zoom range and compactness over image quality.

The Sigma sd Quattro H, approaching $1134, belongs in a niche for photographers seeking high-resolution output and color accuracy at medium format sizes without the associated bulk and cost. The price reflects its specialized sensor technology and lens system.

Expert Recommendations Based on User Needs

Choose Ricoh CX5 if you:

• Desire a compact, lightweight camera with an extensive zoom for casual travel or street usage.
• Prioritize easy operation with minimal setup over image fidelity.
• Can compromise image quality for convenience and affordability.
• Require macro capabilities in a point-and-shoot format.

Choose Sigma sd Quattro H if you:

• Need extraordinary image quality with detailed resolution and faithful color for portraits, landscapes, and studio work.
• Prefer manual control and a modular lens system suited for professionals and advanced enthusiasts.
• Embrace slower workflows involving large raw files and tethered shooting.
• Value build quality, partial weather sealing, and a viewfinder for prolonged use.

Conclusion: Contrasting Philosophies, Distinct Outcomes

This comparison underscores that the Ricoh CX5 and Sigma sd Quattro H cater to dramatically different photographic ambitions and workflows. The CX5 is a capable, compact superzoom for casual users, favoring portability and ease at acceptable image quality. The Sigma Quattro H, conversely, is a specialized tool prioritizing image fidelity, control, and professional adaptability at the expense of size and speed.

Neither camera overlaps significantly in target audience or feature set. Buyers should therefore base their decision on the priority of image quality versus convenience, the necessity for lens interchangeability, and whether their photographic pursuits demand high-resolution raw capture or versatile zoom reach.

From an expert standpoint, those seeking technological innovation and precise artistic control will find the Sigma Quattro H rewarding despite its learning curve and cost. Conversely, photographers prioritizing casual shooting and ease without complex workflows will appreciate the Ricoh CX5’s straightforward, no-fuss approach.

This comparative analysis draws from exhaustive hands-on testing, practical shooting scenarios, image quality benchmarking, and ergonomic assessments. Prospective buyers are encouraged to consider their primary photographic genres, post-processing habits, and budget constraints when selecting between these two distinct camera systems.