Ricoh CX6 vs. Samsung NX11: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When I first set out to compare the Ricoh CX6 and Samsung NX11, I didn’t want to just look at specs side-by-side. Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography, I always strive to get into the practical nitty-gritty, going beyond numbers alone. After all, no two cameras feel or perform the same in real-world situations - especially with models as fundamentally different as these. So buckle up for an insightful journey through sensor tech, autofocus prowess, build quality, and photographic versatility of these two cameras.

Before diving in, here’s a quick reminder of what we’re working with: the Ricoh CX6 is a compact, superzoom point-and-shoot camera, unveiled at the tail end of 2011, designed for convenience and reach. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX11, released slightly earlier in 2010, is a mirrorless entry-level interchangeable lens camera, designed to offer DSLR-like controls in a smaller, more accessible footprint.

Both cameras target different segments but overlap in use cases, especially for enthusiasts looking for capable cameras without breaking the bank or hauling heavy gear.

Let’s start by examining their physical presence and handling.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

For any photographer, the way a camera fits in the hand and how intuitively the controls fall to fingertips can make or break the shooting experience. And here, the Ricoh CX6 and Samsung NX11 couldn’t be more dissimilar.

The Ricoh CX6 is a nimble, pocketable device - measuring just 104 x 59 x 29 mm and weighing a mere 201 grams. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or compact bag, making it a perfect subcompact companion. Its small footprint means it won’t intimidate bystanders - ideal if you crave discretion.

On the contrary, the Samsung NX11 embodies the look and heft of a traditional DSLR but without the mirror. Its body is much larger, 123 x 87 x 40 mm and almost 2.5 times heavier at 499 grams. Grip, buttons, and dials on the NX11 are designed for a traditional “SLR-style” photographer, with physical controls that invite manual tweaking and precision. It has a deeper grip and more pronounced buttons, allowing for confident one-handed operation without fuss.

Looking from above, though, there’s more to the story.

The Ricoh CX6 keeps things minimalistic on top - a lone mode dial and the shutter release with zoom toggle. The NX11 hosts a more complex control set, including dedicated exposure compensation dial, customizable buttons, and a traditional mode dial. For enthusiasts who like to adjust settings on-the-fly, the NX11’s approach undoubtedly feels more purposeful.

But a smaller body like the CX6’s comes with compromises, particularly around button size and interface intuitiveness. I noticed the CX6’s buttons require more effort to press accurately, which might frustrate during fast action shooting or when wearing gloves.

The Sensor Showdown: Image Quality Foundations

Anyone worth their salt in photography will tell you the sensor lies at a camera’s heart. From low-light handling to dynamic range and color reproduction, the sensor dictates so much of image quality.

Here the Samsung NX11 flexes muscle with its significantly larger APS-C sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm - about 13 times the surface area of the Ricoh CX6’s small 1/2.3” 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor. That larger sensor area enables the NX11’s 15-megapixel resolution to capture more detail and perform far better under low light.

By contrast, the CX6’s 10-megapixel sensor is constrained in resolution and pixel size, impacting noise performance especially above ISO 400. The CX6 caps at ISO 3200 as does the NX11; however, I’ve found the NX11 can push usable images farther within that range thanks to its APS-C sensor.

Notably, DxOmark has tested the NX11, awarding it an overall score of 63, a respectable middle ground reflecting solid color depth (22.7 bits) and dynamic range (10.8 Evs). The CX6 hasn’t been tested by DxOMark but given the smaller sensor, image quality expectations should be tempered.

For landscape photographers craving wide tonal latitude and rich colors, the NX11 clearly wins. But for daytime travel snapshots or casual macro work where ultimate image fidelity is less crucial, the CX6’s sensor holds up surprisingly well.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Practical Use

Autofocus technology can be a make-or-break factor for wildlife, sports, street photography - or frankly any genre demanding split-second sharpness.

The Ricoh CX6 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system without phase detection, offering 5 autofocus areas but no continuous or tracking AF modes. It’s a straightforward system that performs well in good light and with still subjects, but struggles with fast-moving subjects or low light.

In contrast, the Samsung NX11 features a 15-point contrast-detection AF with face detection. It’s not cutting-edge by today’s standards - noticeably lacking phase detection autofocus, which would improve tracking - yet it supports continuous autofocus modes better than the CX6, making it more reliable for dynamic subjects.

Neither camera features advanced animal-eye AF that modern wildlife shooters crave. In practice, this means the NX11 will give you better results for portrait subjects and casual movement but still requires the photographer’s involvement for action scenes.

For street photography, the CX6’s AF is decent enough given its quick start-up and compact size, but the NX11’s selectable AF points and face detection offer a slightly more versatile toolkit.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Composing shots accurately depends heavily on the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen, so let's see how these cameras stack up.

The Ricoh CX6 sports a 3-inch fixed Sony WhiteMagic LCD screen, boasting 1230k dots of resolution, which delivers crisp previews even under bright daylight. However, it offers no touchscreen functionality, which does feel outdated these days, especially when it comes to navigating menus or quick focusing.

The Samsung NX11 matches the 3-inch screen size but at a lower 614k-dot resolution with an OLED panel. While not as sharp on paper, the OLED’s deep blacks and vibrant colors make image playback visually pleasing. Again, no touchscreen is present, somewhat limiting ease of use.

A key differentiator is the NX11’s inclusion of a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.57x magnification - offering a traditional eye-level shooting experience. For many serious photographers, the EVF is indispensable for composing in bright sunlight or for steady framing. The CX6 relies solely on its rear LCD.

If you value manual framing precision and prefer an eye-level shooting stance, the NX11 shines. But for casual compositions, the CX6’s high-quality LCD is perfectly serviceable.

How Do They Handle in Different Photography Genres?

Now that we understand the core hardware differences, let’s explore how these cameras perform across popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, Eye Detection

The NX11’s larger sensor and interchangeable lens system allow for much better separation of subject from background and generally more flattering skin rendition. Paired with Samsung’s range of 32 NX mount lenses, you can select fast prime lenses for creamy bokeh and excellent sharpness - critical for portraits. The built-in face detection further assists human subjects.

The Ricoh CX6, with its fixed zoom lens capped at f/3.5-5.6 aperture, delivers moderate background blur but can approach compelling close-up portraits thanks to its 1cm macro focus capability. However, it lacks any face or eye detection autofocus, which reduces ease-of-use in portrait shooting.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, Durability

Here the NX11’s superior sensor wins hands down in capturing fine detail and wide dynamic range - qualities essential for breathtaking landscapes. Its ability to shoot RAW files enables comprehensive post-processing latitude, unlike the CX6 which lacks RAW support.

That said, the CX6’s small size makes it an agile companion on hikes, although it lacks weather sealing or any protective features. So does the NX11, which while weather-resistant, is not fully sealed either.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Neither camera is designed specifically for fast action photography, but the NX11 at least includes continuous AF and a higher burst shooting mode with 3 fps. The CX6’s 5 fps continuous shooting is misleading because of limited autofocus capabilities, making sustained action capture difficult.

Telephoto reach is a massive advantage for wildlife shooters. The CX6’s 28-300mm equivalent zoom (approx 10.7x) reaches far for a compact, though image quality at the extreme telephoto end is limited by the small sensor. The NX11 can pair with various telephoto NX mount lenses, often larger but offering better optics and autofocus performance.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Portability, Low Light

If you cherish staying under the radar, the CX6’s petite profile and low noise operation favor street use. Its respectable low-light ISO options and image stabilization help capture scenes without a flash.

Conversely, the NX11’s louder shutter and bulkier body can draw attention, though it provides better image quality for ambient light. The EVF also aids quick framing in tricky lighting.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focus Precision, Stabilization

Both have macro modes, but only the CX6 goes ultra-close to 1cm with decent sharpness. The NX11 depends on macro lenses, which offer far greater magnification and purity but add weight and cost.

Importantly, the CX6 features sensor-shift image stabilization, which is beneficial for handheld macro shots. The NX11 lacks in-body stabilization, relying on optical stabilization in compatible lenses.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Control

The NX11 is winner here by design - larger sensor and higher ISO usability, plus RAW capture and long exposure capability (max shutter 4000). The CX6 maxes out at 1/2000s shutter speed but can go down to 8 seconds, aiding in night shooting, though noise limitations are noticeable beyond ISO 800.

Neither camera offers built-in intervalometers for astro time-lapses, but the CX6’s timelapse support of course earns it a mention here.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Practical Use

Both cameras record 720p HD video at 30fps, with the Samsung NX11 offering H.264 compression and the Ricoh CX6 using Motion JPEG. The NX11 has an HDMI output for better monitoring, while the CX6 does not.

Neither has mic or headphone ports, limiting audio flexibility. For casual video, both suffice, but professionals or vloggers will quickly outgrow these offerings.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility, Battery Life, Size

If travel light and pocketability are your priority, the Ricoh CX6 is the clear choice - small, easy to carry, and versatile thanks to its superzoom lens. Unfortunately, battery life figures for CX6 are unspecified, while the NX11 enjoys roughly 400 shots per charge, a solid performance.

For greater photographic flexibility and image quality on trips, the NX11 with a compact prime lens is a worthwhile companion, though with the trade-off of increased bulk.

Professional Considerations: Reliability, File Formats, Workflow

The NX11 supports RAW capture which is essential for professional-grade post-processing workflows. The CX6 only outputs JPEGs, limiting control.

Build quality of both cameras is adequate but neither offers significant weather-sealing or ruggedness needed for professional fieldwork.

Technical Deep Dive: Build, Connectivity, and Lens Ecosystem

The Samsung NX11, with its Samsung NX mount, has access to 32 native lenses ranging from ultra wide to telephoto primes and zooms. This extended system is valuable for photographers looking to grow their gear over time.

On the other hand, the Ricoh CX6’s fixed lens system means no lens swaps, which simplifies use but limits versatility.

Connectivity-wise, the CX6 supports Eye-Fi wireless card integration, enabling quick image transfers - a nice touch for casual sharing. The NX11 has no built-in wireless, though third-party options might exist. The NX11 includes HDMI out, useful for tethered shooting or playback on monitors.

Neither has Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their era and market positioning. USB 2.0 ports for file transfer are standard but unspectacular.

Both lack environmental sealing or toughness features, so care is required in adverse conditions.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

To summarize the hard data and my real-world testing:

Galaxy-grade image quality and versatility from the NX11’s APS-C sensor meet the Ricoh CX6’s convenience and zoom.

More telling are the genre-specific strengths:

Notice how the NX11 leads in portrait, landscape, and night photography, thanks to sensor size and lens options. The CX6 fares better in travel and street due to compactness and zoom reach.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

I won’t let my words stand alone - contrast the two cameras’ image quality in these sample photos shot in varying conditions. Pay close attention to noise levels and detail retention.

Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back Samsung NX11 screen back

Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

• Choose the Ricoh CX6 if:

  • You want an ultra-compact superzoom for casual travel and street photography.
  • You prioritize portability and ease-of-use over ultimate image quality.
  • Budget-conscious and prefer a simple point-and-shoot experience.
  • Timelapse and handheld macro shooting are in your plans.

• Choose the Samsung NX11 if:

  • Image quality and control are paramount - RAW support, aperture and shutter priority modes.
  • You want the flexibility to build a lens collection and experiment creatively.
  • Portrait, landscape, or night photography are your priorities.
  • You’re comfortable carrying a larger body and mastering manual adjustments.

Wrapping Up: My Personal Preference

Having shot extensively with both, I find the Samsung NX11 a more compelling tool for those serious about photographic quality and flexibility. Its APS-C sensor, raw file support, and lens system leave room to grow and experiment.

However, the Ricoh CX6 remains a surprisingly capable compact with a versatile zoom lens and solid stabilization - an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, go-anywhere camera without fuss.

Whichever you pick, understanding their core strengths and compromises ensures you get a camera that truly matches your photography style and ambitions.

Happy shooting!

If you’d like an even deeper dive into hands-on comparisons, sensor lab tests, and real-life usage scenarios, I have dedicated video reviews linked in my gear reviews section. Meanwhile, feel free to shoot me questions or comments below.

Until next time - capture the moment, whatever camera you choose!