Ricoh CX6 vs. Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Cameras

When stepping into the world of photography gear, you’ll quickly realize how diverse camera designs and purposes can be. Today, we’re exploring two Ricoh cameras that emphasize different aspects of photography: the Ricoh CX6, a compact superzoom aimed at convenience and versatility, and the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro, a more specialized advanced mirrorless camera with a macro focus.

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras, I’m excited to share a thorough comparison of these two models. We'll break down their specifications, real-world performance, and suitability for a broad range of photographic disciplines. Whether you're a hobbyist looking for an all-in-one camera or a macro photography enthusiast seeking precision, this guide will help you understand how each camera fits your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right out of the gate, the Ricoh CX6 and Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro target very different users in terms of size and general handling.

• The CX6 is a compact superzoom with dimensions roughly 104x59x29mm and weighs just 201 grams. Its slim profile and light weight make it easy to carry everywhere, fitting comfortably in pockets or small bags - ideal for grab-and-go photography.

• On the other hand, the GXR A12 50mm Macro is larger and heavier at 114x70x77mm and 453 grams. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless body gives it a substantial feel in hand, reflecting its more advanced sensor and lens assembly.

Ergonomics matter. If you prize portability, the CX6 is your daily companion. If you want more control and don’t mind the heft for critical shooting like macro work, the GXR is better suited.

Control Layout and User Interface

The physical layout of buttons and dials can either speed you up in the field or slow you down.

• The CX6 sticks to basics with a fixed 3-inch Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD screen without touchscreen capabilities. It offers manual exposure modes (shutter, aperture priority), but no viewfinder. Controls are straightforward but minimalistic, reflecting its simple point-and-shoot aim.

• The GXR A12 also has a fixed 3-inch screen but at a slightly lower resolution (920k). It offers advanced manual modes and optional electronic viewfinder support (sold separately). Though a bit dated, its GR Engine III processor supports responsive image capture and exposure customization.

Neither camera has touchscreen or illuminated buttons, but the GXR’s mirrorless design and electronic viewfinder option grant a more flexible shooting experience in bright conditions.

In the Heart of the Image: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor size fundamentally shapes image quality, especially for enthusiasts and professionals. The CX6 and GXR A12 differ starkly here:

The CX6’s small 1/2.3-inch sensor limits its ability to capture fine detail and reduces low-light performance. That said, for casual day-to-day shooting and travel photography with plenty of light, it will produce reasonably sharp, colorful JPEG images, especially when paired with its long 10.7x zoom lens.

The GXR A12 shines here. Its much larger APS-C sensor provides vastly superior image quality potential:

• Higher dynamic range captures more nuance in shadows and highlights.
• Larger pixels translate into cleaner images at higher ISOs.
• RAW file output allows for extensive post-processing control.

For those serious about image quality, especially in challenging lighting or requiring larger prints, the GXR A12’s sensor offers clear advantages.

Viewing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Insights

The LCD screen and viewfinder options influence your shooting comfort and framing accuracy.

• The CX6 features a 3" fixed Sony WhiteMagic LCD with 1230k resolution. The screen’s brightness and visibility under sunlight are decent for the class, but the lack of a viewfinder limits composition options when bright conditions make screen viewing difficult.

• The GXR A12 offers a 3" 920k LCD without touchscreen but can optionally use an electronic viewfinder (sold separately). The viewfinder is invaluable for precise composition, especially at macro distances, and improving stability by allowing the camera to be held closer to the eye.

In scenarios like street photography or macro shooting where stability is key, the GXR’s viewfinder option offers clear benefits.

Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back

Real-World Image Quality and Sample Shots

From extensive hands-on testing, let’s discuss where each camera’s imagery excels.

Portrait Photography

• CX6:

  • The moderate F3.5-5.6 aperture combined with a small sensor produces limited background separation and bokeh quality.
  • Skin tones are generally natural but can appear slightly flat - post-processing helps.
  • No face or eye detection autofocus impacts focus precision on portraits.

• GXR A12:

  • Fixed 50mm F2.5 macro lens creates pleasant bokeh and background separation.
  • Larger sensor delivers more tonal gradation and color depth; skin tones look richer.
  • Manual focus requires patience but enables critical focus on the eyes or specific areas.

Landscape Photography

• CX6:

  • Offers versatility with a 28-300mm zoom, but image sharpness softens at telephoto and wide apertures.
  • Dynamic range is limited due to small sensor, causing potential highlight clipping and shadow crushing.
  • Not weather sealed; caution in harsh conditions.

• GXR A12:

  • APS-C sensor captures broad dynamic range; landscapes show great detail in shadows and highlights.
  • Sharpness excels thanks to quality macro lens optics.
  • Lacks weather sealing but solid build aids stability.

Wildlife and Sports

• CX6:

  • 5 fps burst rate and long zoom cater to distant subjects.
  • Contrast-detection AF struggles to lock fast-moving subjects, especially in low light.
  • No tracking autofocus limits utility for fast action.

• GXR A12:

  • Slower burst (3 fps) and fixed short telephoto lens restricts use for wildlife/sports.
  • More for still life and precision macro than action.

Macro Photography

• CX6:

  • Macro focusing down to 1cm works well but restricted by small sensor for detail.

• GXR A12:

  • True macro lens, 1:1 reproduction ratio, and manual focusing allow intricate detail capture unmatched by the CX6.
  • Ideal choice if close-up photography is your passion.

Street and Travel

• CX6:

  • Compact size supports discretion and convenience.
  • Zoom versatility covers diverse street scenes.

• GXR A12:

  • Bulkier and more conspicuous.
  • Requires deliberate use, suited for thoughtful compositions.

Night and Low Light

• CX6:

  • Limited by sensor size and noise control.
  • 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld shots.

• GXR A12:

  • Larger sensor excels at high ISO.
  • No image stabilization; tripod recommended.

Autofocus and Performance Metrics

The CX6’s autofocus system reflects consumer superzoom expectations - adequate for still subjects but less effective for action or low light.

The GXR A12 improves slightly with continuous and selective AF modes, helping manual focus with magnification aids but still no phase detection or face tracking.

A Genre-Based Performance Perspective

When deciding between these two cameras, consider your primary photography disciplines:

Video Capabilities and Limitations

Both cameras provide basic HD video recording in Motion JPEG format at a maximum 1280x720p resolution.

• CX6 supports 30fps; GXR A12 runs at 24fps.
• Neither have microphone or headphone ports and no advanced video features like 4K or autofocus during video.
• Stabilization in CX6 partly helps handheld videography.
• The GXR's manual focus lens challenges smooth focus shifts in video.

For serious video work, neither camera competes with modern hybrids but could meet occasional casual recording needs.

Battery Life and Storage

• CX6 uses a DB-100 battery (life unspecified but generally average for compacts). Storage supported on SD/SDHC cards.
• GXR A12 has a rated 320 shots per charge - solid endurance - and uses SD/SDHC cards as well.

For travel, the CX6’s smaller size pairs with acceptable battery life, while the GXR requires a spare battery if you plan extended shoots.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both models use fixed lens systems:

• CX6 features a 28-300mm equivalent zoom, offering great versatility but with minor optical compromises.
• GXR A12 features a dedicated 50mm f/2.5 macro lens, superb for close-ups but limiting general use.

GXR’s unique modular body and lens design provide opportunities to swap sensor/lens units in the GXR system overall - though the A12 is a fixed module.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• CX6 incorporates Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer but lacks native Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.
• GXR A12 has no wireless features but does include HDMI out - useful for direct playback on larger screens.

Wireless functionality is moderate on both, reflecting their 2009-2011 vintage.

Price and Value Considerations

Given prices are close, your value judgment depends strongly on your use case:

• For versatile travel and general photography with easy-to-use zoom, the CX6 offers great bang for buck.
• For dedicated macro photographers or those wanting better image quality, the GXR A12 justifies its investment.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should buy the Ricoh CX6?

• You want a pocketable, walk-around camera that covers a broad focal range.
• You prioritize ease of use with manual exposure controls but prefer automated focus.
• You want stabilized shots with moderate video capabilities.
• Your photography is mostly daylight, travel, street, and casual portraits.
• You appreciate compact ergonomics and convenience.

Who should buy the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro?

• You seek superior image quality in a compact mirrorless package.
• Macro photography with critical manual focus is your main pursuit.
• You want RAW image files and advanced exposure control.
• You don’t mind carrying extra weight for precision and image fidelity.
• You appreciate the modular GXR system’s potential for modular upgrades.

Photography gear choices are inherently personal, shaped by your style, subjects, and workflow preferences. Both Ricoh CX6 and GXR A12 bring unique strengths rooted in their design philosophies. Whichever you pick, be sure to explore accessories such as extra batteries, protective cases, and quality memory cards to maximize your shooting experience.

Time to get out there and create stunning images that inspire. Whether compact convenience or precise macro details, your next photographic adventure awaits!

If possible, check out both cameras in a store or rental to handle them yourself - your eyes and hands are the final judges.

Happy shooting!