Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A9 II: A Thorough Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When you’re searching for the ideal camera, the choices can feel overwhelming - especially when comparing two vastly different models like the Ricoh CX5 and the Sony A9 II. While both carry the “camera” label, their target users, technical specifications, and photo-video capabilities are worlds apart. Our goal here is to demystify these differences and help you figure out which camera best suits your creative needs and budget.

Based on our hands-on experience with thousands of cameras, we'll dig deep into their technical prowess, real-world performance, and usability across popular photography disciplines. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast, a serious hobbyist, or a seasoned professional, this side-by-side evaluation will guide your decision.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Small Sensor Superzoom vs Pro Mirrorless Powerhouse

At first glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different:

From this basic snapshot, the Ricoh CX5 is a compact, budget-friendly option designed for casual shooters wanting a versatile zoom lens in a pocketable size. The Sony A9 II, meanwhile, is a flagship mirrorless camera aimed squarely at professionals needing cutting-edge speed, autofocus, and image quality.

Let’s explore how these specs translate into practical photography uses.

Physical Presence and Handling: Ergonomics for Everyday Use

Size matters, depending on your shooting style. The Ricoh CX5 is a true compact, measuring just 102×59×29 mm and weighing a mere 205 grams. It’s ideal for travel and street photography when you want to stay unobtrusive. There’s no viewfinder, just a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, so you’re focusing mainly on quick grab-and-shoot moments.

The Sony A9 II takes a different approach, with an SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 129×96×76 mm and weighing 678 grams. It features a robust grip, a large high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (3686k dots), and a tilting touchscreen. This camera is built for comfort during long professional shoots, with a durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body that withstands the elements.

You’ll appreciate the Sony’s well-thought-out button layout visible in its top view compared to the minimal controls of the Ricoh CX5:

Where the CX5 focuses on simplicity, the A9 II offers extensive direct access to essential settings, providing fast manual control for pros in dynamic environments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Big Sensor vs Small Sensor Superzoom

The sensor is the heart of any camera, and the difference here is stark.

• Ricoh CX5’s 1/2.3-inch sensor captures 10 megapixels with a standard Bayer array and a conventional anti-aliasing filter. This sensor size is typical in advanced compact cameras and delivers decent image quality in good light but struggles above ISO 800, showing noise and reduced detail.

• Sony A9 II’s full-frame BSI CMOS sensor excels with 24 megapixels, backside illumination for improved light gathering, and delivers expansive dynamic range. It lets you shoot successfully at ISO 6400 or beyond with minimal noise, opening creative possibilities for low-light and high-contrast scenes.

From our lab tests and field experience, the Sony A9 II produces significantly cleaner images with richer color gradation and better shadow detail compared to the Ricoh CX5. This is critical in landscape, portrait, and professional commercial work.

Despite the CX5’s limitations, its 28-300mm equivalent zoom lens gives it a versatile focal range for casual everyday photography.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed

Accurate, fast autofocus is essential depending on your subjects.

• Ricoh CX5 employs a contrast-detection AF system with “multi-area” selection but no face or eye detection. AF speed and accuracy are modest, suitable for static or slow-moving subjects but prone to hunting in low light and fast action scenes.

• Sony A9 II features Sony’s industry-leading hybrid autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points across the sensor and real-time tracking, including separate face and animal eye AF. It also supports continuous AF in burst mode at up to 20 fps.

The difference in autofocus responsiveness is apparent in wildlife or sports photography, where the CX5 can easily lose track of moving subjects, while the A9 II locks with precision - even in challenging lighting.

Display and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots

The Ricoh CX5 has a single, fixed 3-inch LCD screen with 920k dots resolution. It provides basic framing and menu navigation but lacks touch capabilities or articulation.

The Sony A9 II offers a 3-inch, 1.44 million-dot tilting touchscreen, aiding low and high-angle shooting and quick menu control. More importantly, its 3.68 million-dot electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame at 0.78x magnification, offering bright, lag-free viewing ideal for fast action and manual focusing.

For serious photographers, the presence of a high-quality EVF on the Sony significantly enhances composition accuracy.

Performance in Key Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

If you want professional-level portraits with fine detail and creamy bokeh, the Sony A9 II paired with fast prime lenses is a league above the Ricoh. However, casual users appreciate the CX5’s ease of use for snapshots.

Landscape Photography

With its sensor and weather resistance, the Sony A9 II gives you the tools to capture landscapes with stunning clarity, dynamic range, and detail. The Ricoh is more limited but can handle casual outdoors shots in good light.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

For subjects that will not wait - like birds in flight or fast sports action - the Sony is the clear champion. Its AF tracking and fast burst rates ensure sharp, in-focus shots.

Street and Travel Photography

The Ricoh CX5’s compact size and light weight make it great for street photography and travel. Its broad zoom covers cityscapes to portraits without changing lenses.

The Sony A9 II is larger and heavier but still manageable for travel if you need professional-level image quality and reliability. Its battery life (approx. 690 shots per charge) supports long days of shooting.

Macro Photography

The Ricoh CX5’s close focusing at 1 cm allows surprisingly good macro shots without accessories.

Sony’s A9 II, paired with dedicated macro lenses, delivers superior image quality and focusing precision for intricate details.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s full-frame sensor and high ISO sensitivity give it a distinct advantage for low-light and astrophotography. The CX5 can struggle beyond ISO 800.

Video Capabilities

Sony’s video prowess broadens its appeal for vloggers and hybrid shooters, while the Ricoh’s video features are very basic.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Professional users require dependable gear in tough conditions. The Sony A9 II features comprehensive environmental sealing. The Ricoh CX5 lacks dust or weather sealing and is best reserved for indoor or mild weather use.

Battery Life and Storage

The Ricoh CX5 uses a smaller battery (model DB-100) with modest battery life; exact shot counts are not published but generally suitable for short outings.

Sony’s A9 II boasts around 690 shots per charge, has dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II for fast read/write, and supports copying/backup between cards for security.

Connectivity

Ricoh CX5 offers minimal connectivity - USB 2.0 only, no wireless capabilities, no HDMI.

Sony A9 II includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI output, and USB 3.1 Gen 1, enabling fast file transfer, tethering, and live streaming workflows.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

The Ricoh CX5 comes with a fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom; no option to change lenses.

Sony A9 II uses the Sony E-mount and supports a wide range of professional lenses (currently 121 native lenses including primes, zooms, macros, telephotos), allowing you to grow your system tailored to your style.

Price to Performance: What Are You Getting?

Sample Gallery and Image Comparisons

For a concrete sense of output, here is a gallery showing side-by-side sample images from both cameras under various conditions:

Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

Notice the difference in sharpness, noise, depth of field, and color fidelity at different ISOs and shooting scenarios.

Overall Performance Scores and User Type Recommendations

Based on exhaustive testing benchmarks, here’s how these cameras rate on essential attributes:

Analyzing performance by photography discipline:

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

Choose the Ricoh CX5 if you:

• Want a highly compact, budget-friendly camera for travel, street, and casual general photography
• Appreciate a wide optical zoom without changing lenses
• Don’t require pro features like fast AF, high-res files, or 4k video
• Need a simple, lightweight camera you can operate with minimal fuss

Choose the Sony A9 II if you:

• Are a professional or serious enthusiast aiming for top-tier image quality and autofocus
• Need a versatile system capable of handling wildlife, sports, portraits, and low-light conditions reliably
• Prioritize durable build and weather sealing for outdoor shoots
• Want advanced video features and professional connectivity options
• Are ready to invest in a lens ecosystem and accessories to expand your creative possibilities

Getting Hands-On: Try Before You Commit

While specs and performance metrics give a solid foundation, ultimately, the best camera for you fits your shooting style and creative goals. I always recommend visiting a local store to hold, operate, and see sample images before purchase. Also consider renting options to test either camera in your typical shooting environment.

With the Ricoh CX5, expect an easy point-and-shoot experience with versatile zoom. With the Sony A9 II, prepare to unlock your professional potential with technology designed for speed, precision, and stunning image quality.

Whichever you choose, remember that photography is about your vision - not just gear. That said, having the right tool does make a world of difference.

Happy shooting, and let your creativity soar!

Appendix: Key Specification Comparison Table

By understanding these differences and how they align with your artistic intentions, you’re better equipped to select a camera that will serve your photography journey most effectively. Keep exploring, testing, and creating!