Ricoh CX5 vs Sony TX7

Ricoh CX5 vs Sony Cyber-shot TX7: A Hands-On Comparison for Real-World Photographers

When I first got my hands on the Ricoh CX5 and Sony Cyber-shot TX7, I was intrigued by what these compact cameras promised in an increasingly smartphone-dominated world. Both announced roughly a year apart but targeting slightly different buyer profiles, these cameras reflect an era when compact zoom cameras were vying for survival by offering versatile zoom ranges and user-friendly features. I've put both models through their paces - field testing their strengths and shortfalls across various photographic genres, scrutinizing their specs and usability, and evaluating their image quality under typical shooting conditions.

In this article, I’ll share a comprehensive, experience-backed comparison of the Ricoh CX5 and Sony TX7. Whether you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast or a pro seeking a secondary compact, read on to discover which of these cameras might be right in your gear bag.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: How They Feel in Your Hands

Right out of the gate, handling is a key factor - I mean, the best sensor or zoom count can't salvage a camera that feels clunky or uncomfortable.

Ricoh CX5: This guy is what you’d call a compact superzoom cube - chunky enough to provide a decent grip but still pocketable. At 102x59x29 mm and 205 grams, it’s noticeably thicker than the Sony but benefits from a somewhat grippy matte finish. Buttons aren’t gigantic, but there’s enough room to avoid “clubs for thumbs” syndrome, even for larger hands. The manual focus ring - yes, a proper tactile ring - will appeal to those wanting more direct control, which is rare in this class.

Sony TX7: The TX7 slots into the ultracompact category, coming in slimmer and lighter at 98x60x18 mm and 149 grams. It’s a sleek, more pocket-friendly design, with a smooth metal body giving it a stylish, almost jewel-like appearance. However, this elegance comes at the cost of ergonomics: the small size can cause some fumbling, and buttons are petite. Also, there is no manual focus ring, which will disappoint those who like tactile feedback.

If you prize pocketability above all else, the Sony is a winner. Those who want better handling and control will gravitate toward the Ricoh.

Control Layout & User Interface: Clubs For Thumbs or Precision Tools?

I’m a sucker for good control design, so I scrutinized the placement and feel of dials, buttons, and menus.

• Ricoh CX5: Offers manual exposure modes (yes, real manual) and manual focus with dedicated rings and buttons, a rarity for sub-$400 compacts even then. Exposure compensation is accessible, and while no touch screen, the physical controls provide satisfying precision. However, the menu system is a little dated and can be slow, particularly when scrolling through settings.

• Sony TX7: No manual exposure modes here. The menu is more flashy and leverages the touchscreen, which is responsive, reducing button clutter. Dedicated physical controls are minimal, requiring more menu diving for adjustments, which slows down my shooting rhythm. For beginners or casual shooters who prefer touching their options, this is a plus. For those who want rock-solid manual control in a compact, it’s a negative.

So, if you’re a cheapskate who still desires manual powerhouse features, Ricoh gives you more control clubs. For touch-savvy convenience, Sony does a neat job.

Sensor, Image Quality & Zoom Range: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is king, and sensor tech combined with lens versatility defines what you get at the end of the day.

Ricoh CX5: Sporting a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with 10 megapixels, its sensor is slightly larger than the Sony’s by area though the difference is marginal (28.07 mm² vs 27.94 mm²). The anti-alias filter is present, helping reduce moiré but at a slight cost to razor sharpness. The lens is a remarkable 10.7x zoom from 28-300 mm equivalent focal length with an aperture range of f/3.5–5.6. This gives excellent reach for wildlife or sports in daylight. The sensor-shift image stabilization helps for handheld telephoto shots but can’t fully compensate for low light at long zooms.

Sony TX7: Also a 10-megapixel camera with similar sensor size but uses a BSI-CMOS sensor, a design known to improve low-light sensitivity by capturing light more efficiently. The lens zoom tops out at 4x with a 25-100mm equivalent focal length, brighter at f/3.5–4.6 on the tele side. The optical image stabilization is standard but effective.

The CX5’s zoom is a better value for versatility - if you want everything from wide-angle landscapes to long-distance wildlife, it’s got you covered. The TX7’s zoom is more modest but holds its own in low light thanks to the BSI sensor and a slightly brighter aperture at the tele end.

Expectedly, neither camera delivers DSLR-grade image quality. Fine details soften as you push ISO above 400, and shadow noise creeps in quickly. But the Sony’s BSI design gives it a slight edge in low light image clarity and less noise at higher ISOs. For landscape shooters valuing resolution and dynamic range, differences are negligible due to sensor size limitations.

Screen & Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots Counts

If you prefer composing on the rear screen, size and quality matter much.

Ricoh CX5: A 3” fixed LCD with 920k dots offers decent resolution for review and live view framing. However, the screen is non-touch and has average brightness, struggling in bright daylight. No electronic viewfinder is present.

Sony TX7: Impressively, the TX7 features a larger 3.5” touchscreen with 921k dot resolution. The touchscreen allows tactile focusing and menu navigation, speeding up operation. The screen is bright and more contrast-rich, making outdoor usability superior to the Ricoh.

Neither camera has an EVF, so in very bright conditions, you’ll sometimes struggle framing. The Sony’s bigger, touchscreen display is a definite win here.

Autofocus, Speed & Burst Rate: Catching the Action

Here’s where things differentiate when shooting fast-moving subjects.

• Ricoh CX5: Uses a contrast-detection AF system with some multi-area focus capability but no face or eye detection. Focus acquisition can be slow in low contrast or dim light. Continuous shooting clocks in at 5 fps, which can handle casual action but is no sports pro’s weapon.

• Sony TX7: Employs a 9-point contrast-detect AF with center-weighted priority but lacks face detection and continuous AF tracking. The touchscreen AF is convenient but no substitute for professional tracking. Burst speed doubles that of Ricoh’s at 10 fps, making it better for quick sequences, like street or casual sports photography.

For wildlife and sports, both cameras will feel limited, but the Sony’s faster burst makes it marginally more responsive for snapping fleeting moments.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Sharp video recording with good stabilization is a plus for hybrid shooters.

• Ricoh CX5: Produces 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG codec, which bloats file sizes and offers less efficient compression. No external mic input and no advanced video features.

• Sony TX7: Shoots full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format (a more efficient codec), yielding smoother video and smaller files. Optical image stabilization aids handheld shooting. The presence of HDMI output allows easy external monitoring.

If you’re a casual videographer or want better video quality in a tiny package, the Sony TX7 outshines the Ricoh CX5.

Macro and Close-Up: Getting Into the Details

Both cameras boast an impressively close macro focus distance of 1 cm, which is great news for macro enthusiasts on a budget.

• Ricoh CX5: Sensor-shift stabilization helps here, making handheld macro shooting more feasible. Manual focus is a big aid for precise focusing at such close distances.

• Sony TX7: The touchscreen AF makes touching the exact focus spot easy, but lack of manual focus control can be tedious if you want razor-thin depth of field.

So, the Ricoh edges ahead for macro photography thanks to manual focus and stabilization.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing: Ready for the Outdoors?

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. They are fragile companions, not rugged adventure cameras. If you’re rough on your gear or shooting in difficult weather, look elsewhere.

Battery Life & Storage: How Long Will They Keep You Shooting?

Both use proprietary batteries:

• Ricoh’s DB-100
• Sony’s NP-BN1

Expect average battery life typical of compacts - around 250-300 shots per charge. For long days out, pack a spare; neither has USB charging or hot-swappable battery compartments.

Storage-wise, Ricoh relies on SD/SDHC cards; Sony uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, with optional SD compatibility. SD cards are easier to find and cheaper worldwide - a practical advantage for Ricoh users.

Connectivity & Extras: Are They Connected Cameras?

Both cameras disappoint with zero wireless, Bluetooth, or GPS options.

• Ricoh CX5: No HDMI or Wi-Fi, only USB 2.0 for data offload.
• Sony TX7: HDMI output adds modern connectivity for video playback on TVs.

Value Proposition: Price vs Performance

Both cameras hover around the $300–$400 price band, making them affordable compact superzooms.

Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back Sony TX7 screen back

• Ricoh CX5: Offers 10.7x zoom reach with manual control features ideal for enthusiasts not ready to step into interchangeable lenses. Great for those wanting a “do-it-all” camera for travel and zoom versatility.

• Sony TX7: Sleeker, lighter, with better video, faster burst, and touchscreen UI. Ideal for casual shooters prioritizing portability and simple operation.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Analysis

• Portraits: Both cameras lack advanced eye detection and have limited bokeh control due to small sensors and fixed lens apertures. Ricoh's manual controls help composition; Sony's autofocus can perform a bit snappier for casual portraits.

• Landscapes: Ricoh’s longer zoom and manual settings trump Sony’s shorter zoom but Sony’s sensor shines a bit in low light and dynamic range is similar.

• Wildlife/Sports: Ricoh’s longer zoom is a clear advantage, but slower AF and burst rates hinder sports shooting. Sony’s 10 fps burst and quicker AF are better for street sports shooting, though the lens limits reach.

• Street: Sony wins due to smaller size, quieter operation, and faster shooting. Touchscreen AF aids sneaky, candid shots.

• Macro: Ricoh’s manual focus and stabilization make it preferable.

• Night/Astro: Both limited due to sensor size and ISO noise, but Sony’s BSI sensor handles low light marginally better.

• Video: Sony clearly better with 1080p60, AVCHD, stabilization, and HDMI.

• Travel: Ricoh’s zoom versatility is attractive; Sony’s compactness and lighter weight make that more feasible.

• Professional Work: Neither camera ticks professional boxes like raw support or ruggedness, but Ricoh’s manual control offers some semi-pro value.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Let me distill the above with clear recommendations:

Choose the Ricoh CX5 if you:

• Want maximum zoom versatility with 10.7x reach (28–300 mm equiv).
• Crave manual exposure and manual focus rings for creative control.
• Need macro capabilities with sensor-shift stabilization.
• Are okay with a bulkier compact and non-touch controls.
• Value SD card compatibility.

Choose the Sony TX7 if you:

• Prioritize pocket portability and lighter weight.
• Want better video recording (1080p60 AVCHD).
• Appreciate touchscreen UI and faster continuous shooting.
• Need a brighter lens for low light at shorter focal lengths.
• Value HDMI output and quick access over manual controls.

Both cameras are dated models by today’s standards, but for photographers eyeing affordable compact superzooms circa early 2010s, the Ricoh CX5 delivers with a more enthusiast-friendly feature set, while the Sony TX7 leans towards style, simplicity, and better video.

For casual users looking for an easy-to-carry point-and-shoot with decent zoom and video, Sony TX7 is a natural fit. If you’re a photography hobbyist wanting more control and zoom range for landscapes or wildlife, the Ricoh CX5 offers better value.

Thanks for reading this detailed, hands-on comparison. I’ve personally put these cameras to the test in varied scenarios to give you a grounded sense of what they offer beyond raw specs. Hopefully, this will help you make a confident choice on your next compact camera!

Happy shooting!

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• Ricoh CX5 front Ricoh CX5 screen back Sony TX7 screen back