Ricoh CX5 vs Sony QX30

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Ricoh CX5 and Sony QX30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and QX30 (20MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The CX5 was announced 4 years before the QX30 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the CX5 scores against the QX30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Ricoh CX5 offers external measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony QX30 has specifications of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh CX5 and Sony QX30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the CX5 versus the QX30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and QX30 is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The picture below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the CX5 and QX30.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Sony QX30 to provide greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged CX5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.