Ricoh CX5 vs Sony NEX-F3

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Ricoh CX5 and Sony NEX-F3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The CX5 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the NEX-F3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the CX5 scores against the NEX-F3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The full galleries are available at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX5 offers exterior measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-F3 has proportions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh CX5 and Sony NEX-F3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the CX5 against the NEX-F3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the CX5 and NEX-F3 is 92 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the CX5 and NEX-F3.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The CX5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-F3 will resolve greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged CX5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.