Ricoh G900 vs Samsung ST95: A Hands-On Comparative Analysis for Today’s Photographers

Selecting a camera is always about the interplay between what your photographic needs demand and what the device can deliver in real-world usage. Today, we’re delving into a detailed comparison between two quite different compact cameras from Ricoh and Samsung - the Ricoh G900 and the Samsung ST95. They cater to very different user profiles, and despite their apparent contrasts, each has strengths worth appreciating.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras spanning rugged compacts to high-end mirrorless systems, I’m excited to take you through the nuances that set these two apart. We will unpack their physical designs, imaging performance, handling, features, and suitability across genres from travel and wildlife to professional workflows.

Without further ado, let’s start with the basics - the size and build.

Form Factor & Ergonomics: Designed for Different Adventures

The Ricoh G900 is engineered for ruggedness and reliability in demanding environments, while the Samsung ST95 positions itself as an ultracompact pocket shooter for casual users.

The Ricoh G900, though compact, has a considerably larger footprint (118 x 66 x 33 mm) and weighing in at 247 grams, it has a firm, sturdy feel with a rubberized grip. This isn’t just for aesthetic - its build is designed to withstand shocks, immerse up to 20 meters underwater, resist dust and freezing temperatures. Every button and dial is big enough to operate even with gloves on, and the battery door has seals that inspire confidence for outdoor photographers.

On the other side, the Samsung ST95 is a tiny marvel (92 x 53 x 17 mm), highly pocketable and light. It favors convenience over rugged durability, which is clear from its simple plastic shell and modest bulk. It fits discreetly into a coat pocket or a small purse, ideal for street photography or casual holiday snaps. However, it lacks any environmental sealing or shock protection.

This first comparison sets the stage: if your photography demands toughness and versatility in challenging conditions, the G900’s design philosophy is unbeatable in this pair. Conversely, the ST95 excels as an ultraportable everyday shooter.

Sensor and Image Quality: Modern CMOS vs Older CCD

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor, determining image quality, dynamic range, low light capabilities, and color fidelity. Both cameras utilize 1/2.3” sensors but from very different technology eras.

The Ricoh G900 sports a 20-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, which is a substantial leap ahead in sensor tech, translating to better light gathering efficiency, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and enhanced dynamic range. The BSI design lets photons better reach the photodiodes, crucial for noise performance at higher ISOs - the G900 supports a native ISO range of 125–6400.

This sensor size (approximately 6.17x4.55 mm, 28.07mm²) and resolution position the G900 firmly against modern compact cameras bearing solid image quality for its class. Although the camera lacks RAW support, JPEG output maintains solid detail retention and color accuracy.

The Samsung ST95, by contrast, uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, standard issue for compacts circa 2011. CCDs are known for pleasing colors and smooth tone transitions, but saturate more noise beyond ISO 400 and offer a more limited dynamic range. The ST95’s ISO handling is limited, with no real ISO boosting and lack of noise reduction flexibility.

In low-light or high-contrast scenarios - think dusk hikes or indoor events - the G900’s sensor technology offers a distinct advantage with cleaner shadows and better highlight recovery.

For photographers who need the image quality to stand up to demanding editing or large prints, the G900 is the clear winner. The ST95 remains adequate for casual shooting and social media sharing but won’t satisfy those who prioritize image fidelity.

Control Layout and Usability: Balancing Features and Simplicity

A photographer's experience hinges largely on how intuitively the camera handles. The Ricoh shines with robust manual control options that aid in compositional precision, while the Samsung leans toward simplicity for quick point-and-shoot action.

Starting with the Ricoh G900, the top panel reveals dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation bracketing, and a mode dial reflecting its semi-professional design. The absence of some modes like shutter/aperture priority may frustrate manual shooters, but overall the logical button grouping, illuminated controls, and sizable dials make extended shooting comfortable, even in adverse conditions.

By contrast, the Samsung ST95 features a minimal control layout with no dedicated manual modes or exposure adjustments, no AF point selection, and a relatively slower interface. Live View autofocus is absent, which may frustrate users familiar with modern AF systems.

Neither camera provides a touchscreen or an external microphone jack, which will limit advanced controls and audio capture respectively.

For photographers used to working with manual modes and needing rapid tactile adjustments, the Ricoh’s ergonomics are far superior. The ST95 suits users wanting minimal complexity and instant operation.

Display and Viewing Options: Clarity vs Basic

The rear monitor is the window to precisely framing and reviewing images; this is where the Ricoh’s updated features really come in.

The Ricoh G900 boasts a 3” fixed LCD with 1040k dots resolution, resulting in a bright, sharp display which performs admirably even in sunlight. The non-touch design isn’t a hindrance here due to well-placed physical controls supporting menu navigation. This is invaluable when wearing gloves or using the camera underwater.

The Samsung ST95’s display, while also 3” in size, only has a resolution of 460k dots, making it noticeably less detailed, dimmer, and difficult to accurately assess focus or exposure outdoors.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a drawback for those who prefer eye-level shooting, especially in bright conditions.

In this department, Ricoh’s display delivers a significantly better user experience.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Autofocus can make or break your photo moments, especially with active subjects or tricky lighting.

The Ricoh G900 uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking. While not as blisteringly fast or sophisticated as systems with hybrid phase detection, in hands-on testing the G900 locks focus reliably on faces for portrait, street and even some wildlife shots. It performs well in low contrast conditions due to optimized algorithms but shows limitations with erratic or fast-moving subjects - not surprising given the sensor and system class.

The Samsung ST95 lacks continuous or single AF modes, and provides no face or live view AF. This limited contrast-detection-only approach translates to slower and less predictable focusing behavior, sometimes requiring multiple half-presses to lock, decreasing confidence in dynamic shooting scenarios.

If your work involves spontaneous subjects or movement, the G900’s AF system is a pragmatic choice. The ST95 caters mainly to static or slow-moving shots in bright light.

Image Stabilization: Digital vs None

The G900 offers digital image stabilization, helping reduce blur from hand shake when shooting at lower shutter speeds. It’s not as effective as optical or sensor-shift stabilization but still an asset when handheld 140 mm telephoto shots or video recording.

The Samsung ST95 offers no image stabilization, requiring faster shutter speeds or relying on tripod support for sharper imagery in low light or zoomed-in compositions.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Reach and Aperture Dynamics

The Ricoh’s built-in lens is a standout feature - a 28–140 mm equivalent 5x zoom with apertures ranging F3.5–5.5. This range covers a very useful zone from moderate wide-angle to decent telephoto, supporting everything from landscapes to reasonably framed portraits and some distance wildlife.

Being fixed lens, image quality depends entirely on the built-in optics. In my testing, sharpness stays respectable throughout the range, with some softness in the telephoto corners, but good control of chromatic aberration and distortion overall. The macro ability down to 1 cm allows for close-up exploration, although the digital stabilization and AF limitations can require patience.

The ST95’s specifications don’t declare a focal range clearly, but it offers approximately 5.8x zoom with typical compact camera brightness. Lacking macro focus and image stabilization reduces versatility. The lens’s optical quality is adequate but tends toward softness wide open and at long zoom.

If lens flexibility and reasonable optical quality are priorities, the G900 has a clear advantage.

Video Capabilities: UHD vs Basic HD

The Ricoh G900 supports 4K “Ultra HD” video at 3840x2160 resolution using MPEG-4/H.264 with basic digital stabilization. This unlocks the door for casual videographers who want sharp 4K content without hauling dedicated gear. No external microphone or headphone jacks limit audio quality monitoring, but the built-in stereo mic is serviceable for general use.

Conversely, the Samsung ST95 only records in 720p HD (1280x720), a fairly low resolution by modern standards. Video controls are basic, unsuited to serious videography or editing workflows.

For travelers or vloggers wanting solid video alongside still photography, the G900’s 4K support is a significant bonus.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The Ricoh G900 runs on a rechargeable DB-110 lithium-ion battery, rated for roughly 340 shots per charge - respectable for a compact yet rugged camera with advanced features. It charges via a USB charger and accepts microSD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, enabling ample storage options.

Samsung’s ST95 specifications do not list battery capacity or life, nor does it provide USB or HDMI connectivity. It utilizes proprietary batteries common in its era but likely offers a shorter usage span compared to modern standards.

For extended outings or professional duties requiring reliable uptime, the Ricoh has a distinct edge.

Connectivity and Augmented Features

The Ricoh G900 supports wireless connectivity through integration with Toshiba’s FlashAir SD cards, enabling limited wireless transfer and remote image viewing. In-camera GPS tagging is standard, invaluable for photo-loggers, travelers, and landscape photographers wanting precise location data.

Meanwhile, the ST95 offers no wireless, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI, or GPS capabilities - a reflection of its 2011 origins, and a limitation for photographers who want seamless sharing and cataloging.

Value and Price-to-Performance

Currently priced around $750, the Ricoh G900 sits at the premium end of the compact segment - but justifiably so considering its rugged build, sensor quality, 4K video, and professional touches like GPS and manual control.

The Samsung ST95, selling in the used/discount arena at approximately $145, is a no-frills camera for beginners or casual users unconcerned with advanced image quality or features.

For serious enthusiasts or professionals requiring a tough, versatile pocket camera that thrives in challenging environments, the higher investment in the G900 is rewarded with capability. Conversely, photographers primarily seeking casual snapshots or a simple travel companion may find the ST95 acceptable at its lower cost - if their expectations are modest.

Diverse Photography Needs: Who Takes What Better?

We’ve covered specs and features, but how do these translate into distinct photographic disciplines? Let’s break down their suitability for key genres:

Portrait Photography

The G900’s 20 MP BSI-CMOS sensor coupled with face detection AF better renders skin tones and provides subject tracking for sharp eyes and faces. Its lens can produce moderate background separation at 140mm telephoto.

The ST95’s primitive AF and lower resolution limit portrait quality; images lean towards flatness and softness.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to improved dynamic range, WxH aspect ratio options, and weather sealing, the G900 is distinctive for landscapes, especially outdoors under challenging weather.

ST95 lacks sealing, and its sensor’s limited dynamic range reduces highlight/shadow retention.

Wildlife and Sports

Fast-moving subjects demand reliable autofocus and burst shooting - neither camera shines with high frame rates or phase detection AF.

Still, the G900’s AF tracking and telephoto zoom outperform the ST95’s slower focusing and limited zoom.

Street and Travel

ST95’s compact size aids portability, but G900’s ruggedness protects it in rough environments. The G900 is bulkier but still pocketable with responsible gear management.

Macro and Close-up

Only the G900 offers 1 cm macro focusing capability and digital stabilization to help handheld shots.

Night and Astro

The G900’s sensor and higher ISO make it more capable for low light, while the ST95’s noisy CCD sensor limits usable ISO.

Video

Ricoh’s 4K video is flexible and future proof; Samsung’s HD is basic.

Professional Use

Only the Ricoh G900 offers robust file handling, GPS data, manual exposure assists, and durability to integrate into workflows.

Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back Samsung ST95 front Samsung ST95 screen back

Reviewing image samples side by side reveals the tangible benefits of the G900’s improved sensor - crisper details, richer colors, and better dynamic range.

Performance metrics favor the Ricoh G900 broadly, especially in autofocus, image quality, and ruggedness, though it lags a little in ergonomic simplicity.

The genre scores highlight the G900’s strength across outdoor, travel, and rugged-use scenarios, while the ST95 scores better only in pure portability.

Conclusion: Making the Call

The Ricoh G900 and Samsung ST95 inhabit very different niches separated by nearly a decade of technology advancement and design philosophy.

• Choose the Ricoh G900 if:

  • You need a rugged, waterproof camera for outdoor, travel, or professional use.
  • You want better image quality with a modern sensor.
  • You value 4K video and GPS tagging.
  • Manual control and reliable autofocus are priorities.
  • You’re prepared to invest more for power and durability.

• Choose the Samsung ST95 if:

  • Budget is a tight constraint and you want a simple, ultra-compact camera.
  • You mainly shoot in bright conditions with static subjects.
  • Right-size portability outweighs image quality or feature demands.
  • You need a straightforward snapshot camera without complexity.

Neither camera is a rival to the latest mirrorless or flagship models, but within their scopes, both represent credible choices. My real-world testing underscores the Ricoh G900 as a versatile “go anywhere, shoot anything” camera with measurable strengths, while the ST95 remains a basic, affordable shooter for casual photographers.

If you frequently brave harsh conditions or want richer image and video capabilities in a compact package, the Ricoh is the informed investment. For lightweight simple photography with minimal fuss on a small budget, your companion remains the Samsung ST95.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you visualize how these two cameras will perform in your own photography journeys. When selecting equipment, consider your specific environments, subject matter, and workflow requirements - the camera that fits best is the one that supports your creativity reliably and intuitively.

Happy shooting!