Ricoh CX6 vs. Sony WX1: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Powerhouses

When it comes to compact cameras that pack a punch without breaking the bank, both the Ricoh CX6 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 stand out - but they do so in distinctly different ways. Having spent weeks testing these two cameras side-by-side across multiple photography genres and practical scenarios, I’m eager to share an in-depth, first-hand comparison based on real-world usage and technical benchmarks. Whether you’re a casual shooter, an enthusiast, or a professional seeking a solid travel companion, this guide aims to help you decide which of these 10-megapixel compacts aligns best with your photographic goals.

Let’s dive past the spec sheets and into the nuanced details that matter most when you’re making that crucial purchase decision.

Size, Handling, and Design: Compact vs. Ultralight

At first glance, these cameras are compact, but they cater to different ergonomics and portability demands.

The Ricoh CX6 is a solid little superzoom compact measuring 104 × 59 × 29 mm and weighing 201 g. It sits well in the hand and feels sturdy enough for casual fieldwork. Meanwhile, the Sony WX1 weighs just 149 g and sports slim 91 × 52 × 20 mm dimensions, making it a true pocket companion.

Looking from above, you notice immediately contrasting approaches to controls and usability:

The Ricoh features direct access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - an enthusiast photographer’s loving touch. It also includes a modest-sized, easy-to-grip body and a tactile zoom rocker, which is sorely missed on the Sony.

The WX1, by comparison, opts for an ultracompact shell with fewer physical buttons, relying heavily on its streamlined interface. This design slightly compromises quick manual control in favor of ultra-portability.

If you value weather sealing or ruggedness, neither camera excels here - they both lack environmental protection that professionals might demand. But for everyday carry, the WX1 edges out with sheer lightness, while the CX6 offers a more comfortable grip and direct control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Analysis

Sensor size and technology strongly influence image quality. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor format with roughly 28 mm² active area, but there’s a notable difference: the Ricoh uses a traditional CMOS sensor, whereas the Sony employs a BSI-CMOS (backside-illuminated), which generally helps in low-light scenarios.

Both deliver a 10-megapixel resolution (3648 × 2736), but the Sony’s BSI sensor offers improved sensitivity and noise reduction at higher ISOs.

Looking at practical image quality testing results, we see:

• Both cameras struggle slightly beyond ISO 800, but the WX1 handles low light with less apparent noise and retains more detail.
• Dynamic range is comparable, though the Ricoh’s sensor edges out slightly in highlight recovery in well-lit landscapes.
• Color reproduction is vivid on both, but Ricoh has a warmer, more natural palette, which appeals for portraiture and skin tones.

It’s worth highlighting that neither camera supports raw capture - which limits post-processing flexibility. You’ll be working exclusively with in-camera JPEGs, so image quality largely depends on how well each camera’s processing engine - Smooth Imaging Engine IV on the CX6 and Bionz on the WX1 - balances noise reduction and detail preservation.

Viewing and Interface: Screen Size, Resolution, and Controls

A good LCD screen can make or break the shooting experience, especially for composing in bright outdoor conditions.

Ricoh’s CX6 includes a 3-inch Sony WhiteMagic VGA LCD with a resolution of 1230k dots - quite crisp for its class. The WX1 features a smaller 2.7-inch display with just 230k dots, noticeably less sharp and a bit harder to use under direct sunlight.

Neither has a viewfinder, electronic or optical, meaning you’ll rely entirely on the LCD - fine for daytime, but sometimes tough when bright.

On interface, Ricoh offers full exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, and custom white balance. Sony’s simpler interface is more streamlined, with no manual exposure or direct compensation controls - aimed squarely at point-and-shoot users.

In terms of autofocus control, the CX6 offers limited multi-area AF but no face or eye detection, while the WX1 provides 9-focus points and center-weighted AF. Neither supports continuous AF or subject tracking, making them less than ideal for fast-moving subjects.

Zoom Capabilities and Lens Review

Lens versatility can be crucial depending on your shooting style. Here the Ricoh and Sony show notable differences.

The Ricoh CX6 sports a 10.7× optical zoom (28–300 mm equivalent) with an aperture range from f/3.5–5.6. This long reach gives you freedom for detailed wildlife or sports distant shots without swapping lenses.

The Sony WX1’s zoom is more modest - 5× optical, 24–120 mm equivalent, and a slightly brighter lens aperture of f/2.4–5.9. The wider lens and faster aperture lend it to better low-light capability at wide angles and general street/travel shooting. But you’ll miss the telephoto reach significantly if you plan to shoot faraway subjects.

Macro capabilities are interesting - the Ricoh focuses down to 1 cm, translating to impressive close-up performance beyond its superzoom role. The Sony’s macro limit is 5 cm, adequate but less versatile.

Neither has a lens mount, so your focal choices are fixed, but the Ricoh’s extended zoom arguably provides more creative reach across genres.

Autofocus and Burst Performance in Action

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems tuned for stills. Here’s what my testing shows:

• The Ricoh’s AF locks reasonably quickly in bright light but slows noticeably in low light due to lack of phase-detection AF.
• The WX1 has a center-weighted AF system with 9 selectable points but no face detection or AF tracking.
• Neither camera supports continuous autofocus (AF-C) or eye detection.

Regarding continuous shooting speeds, the Sony WX1 impresses in burst mode with up to 10 fps, twice that of the Ricoh’s 5 fps. That makes the WX1 a better choice for capturing fleeting moments in sports or street scenes, assuming focus can be locked promptly.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Background Separation

For portraits, several factors matter: color rendition (especially skin tones), bokeh quality, and autofocus precision to nail eyes.

The Ricoh CX6’s warmer color reproduction creates more pleasing skin tones than Sony’s slightly cooler palette. However, the limited aperture range (max f/3.5 wide, f/5.6 tele) restricts your ability to achieve creamy bokeh, even at the 300 mm end.

Sony WX1’s wider maximum aperture of f/2.4 at 24 mm makes it better in low-light portraits but its shorter zoom limits background compression.

Neither camera offers eye-detection autofocus, and face detection is missing from both, so achieving tack-sharp eyes requires patience and careful focus.

Overall, for portraits emphasizing natural skin tones, the Ricoh has the edge, but for casual snap portraits in available light, the WX1 is more forgiving.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscapes demand excellent dynamic range, detail, and weather tolerance.

The Ricoh CX6’s sensor marginally outperforms the WX1 in dynamic range tests, showing improved highlight recovery in mixed light. Both have identical resolutions that suffice for medium prints up to 13x19 inches.

You’ll want to know both cameras lack weather sealing - which might cause issues if you shoot in mist or light rain - so handle with care outdoors.

The Ricoh’s extended zoom also assists in isolating distant landscape features or wildlife.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Here’s where things get interesting: wildlife and sports demand fast autofocus and speedy continuous shooting.

The Ricoh’s longer zoom range (up to 300 mm) theoretically suits wildlife better but loses points on autofocus speed and burst rate.

The Sony WX1, while limited to 120 mm, supports 10 fps burst shooting at full resolution, which is impressive. However, given its contrast-detect AF and no subject tracking, you’ll find focusing on fast-moving animals or players challenging.

To put it plainly: neither is an ideal sports or wildlife camera, but for casual shooting, WX1’s faster fps might win occasional decisive moments.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

For on-the-go photographers, size, quick controls, and versatility are paramount.

The Sony WX1’s ultracompact design and lighter weight make it a great street photography option when you want a camera that’s unobtrusive and easy to carry all day.

The Ricoh CX6, though larger, offers manual control and more reach if you want to blend spontaneous shots with more creative input.

Battery life is a bit of a grey area, as neither manufacturer publishes official CIPA figures for these older cameras, but the WX1’s simpler feature set and smaller screen lend itself to longer shooting sessions between charges.

Macro and Close-up Photography: Precision and Magnification

For macro enthusiasts, Ricoh CX6’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm lets you explore minute details and textures with ease. Its sensor-shift image stabilization also helps reduce blur at high magnifications.

Sony WX1’s 5 cm minimum focus distance is more limiting but still decent for casual macro applications.

Neither model offers focus bracketing or stacking, so you’ll need to rely on steady hands and patience for deep depth-of-field close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Shooting at night is a serious challenge for compact cameras.

Sony WX1 edges Ricoh slightly in low-light due to the BSI sensor and slightly faster max aperture wide. However, the CX6’s superior exposure controls (including full manual and shutter priority) allow more creative long-exposure experimentation.

Neither supports bulb mode, which restricts very long exposures essential for astrophotography, but the CX6’s minimum shutter speed of 8 seconds is helpful.

Both max out at ISO 3200, though image quality beyond ISO 800 declines rapidly.

Video Features and Handling

For casual video shooters, both cameras record 720p HD at 30 fps, but codec differences matter.

The Ricoh CX6 saves video in Motion JPEG, which is less efficient and leads to larger files but is widely compatible with editing software.

Sony WX1’s video format details are less specified but likely involve AVCHD Lite, which generally produces better compression.

Neither model features microphone or headphone jacks, nor do they have in-body 5-axis stabilization - though both incorporate forms of image stabilization (sensor-shift for Ricoh and optical for Sony) to smooth handheld footage.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Unfortunately, precise battery life figures aren’t provided for these models, but usage tests suggest:

• The Ricoh CX6 uses DB-100 rechargeable batteries, likely offering moderate shot counts.
• The Sony WX1 battery specifics aren’t clearly documented, but its smaller screen and fewer features may give it longer endurance.

Both cameras support single card slots: CX6 uses SD/SDHC, while WX1 relies on proprietary Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, which may limit your card options and add expense.

Connectivity-wise, the Ricoh supports Eye-Fi wireless SD card compatibility, enabling wireless image transfer - a very nice touch for 2011 tech. The Sony WX1 has no wireless features but includes an HDMI port for easy playback on TVs.

Final Performance Ratings and Overall Assessment

Bringing it all together, here’s a visual summary of their strength areas:

And genre-specific scores that illustrate the fit:

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Both the Ricoh CX6 and Sony WX1 offer compelling features for photographers with different priorities.

Choose the Ricoh CX6 if you value:

• A longer 10.7× zoom range for wildlife and telephoto needs
• Manual exposure controls and shutter/aperture priority modes
• Slightly better dynamic range and highlight management
• Superior macro focusing ability (1 cm close focus)
• Slightly better LCD quality and image stabilization

Choose the Sony WX1 if you prefer:

• A lightweight, pocket-friendly ultracompact body
• Faster burst shooting (10 fps) for action and street photography
• Slightly better low-light sensitivity due to BSI sensor and faster lens at wide
• Simpler, more beginner-friendly interface
• HDMI output for easy video playback

My Practical Recommendation

If you want a versatile compact with creative controls and superzoom reach, the Ricoh CX6 better suits enthusiasts who prefer shooting landscapes, wildlife, and detailed photos.

If you often prioritize portability, street readiness, and occasional fast-action capture for social shots, the Sony WX1 offers excellent usability in a tiny footprint.

For professional or semi-pro work, neither camera replaces interchangeable-lens models, but as backup or travel shooters, the Ricoh’s manual modes and zoom versatility may edge ahead.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples

To really see these differences in practice, take a look at my curated image gallery featuring both cameras across multiple scenarios:

Ricoh CX6 front Ricoh CX6 screen back Sony WX1 front Sony WX1 screen back

Choosing between these cameras ultimately comes down to balancing portability with control and zoom reach with autofocus speed. I encourage you to test handling and menus if possible, since tactile comfort is just as important as specs.

I hope this comparison steered you closer to your perfect compact companion - after all, the best camera is the one you carry and enjoy using every day. Happy shooting!