Ricoh GR II vs. Samsung NX210: An Insider’s Comparison of Two APS-C Cameras for Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera is never a trivial decision, especially when options come from different categories yet share key features like APS-C sensors. Today, I’m diving deeply into a comparison between two distinct but compelling models: the Ricoh GR II, a large sensor compact camera launched in 2015, and the Samsung NX210, a rangefinder-style entry-level mirrorless camera released in 2012. Both offer APS-C size sensors but cater to very different photographic philosophies and user needs.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’ve subjected these two to comprehensive comparative evaluation - spanning image quality assessments, autofocus performance, ergonomics, usability in diverse shooting scenarios, and value for money. Whether you’re a street photographer craving pocketability or an enthusiast seeking a lightweight mirrorless system, this guide will help you discern which suits your creative ambitions best.

A Tale of Two Designs: Compactness vs. Mirrorless Concept

At first glance, the Ricoh GR II and Samsung NX210 differ noticeably in form and handling.

Ricoh GR II is crafted as a Large Sensor Compact camera, emphasizing ultimate portability. It’s exceptionally pocketable with dimensions of 117×63×35 mm and weighing just 251 grams - with a fixed 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens that never needs swapping. The controls are minimalist but thoughtfully laid out around a substantial grip area, ideal for quick street photography bursts or travel when lugging a full system is impractical.

In contrast, the Samsung NX210 embraces the Entry-Level Mirrorless archetype. Its rangefinder-style body measures 117×63×37 mm and weighs a bit less at 222 grams but, importantly, it features an interchangeable lens mount (Samsung NX) with a broad 32-lens ecosystem. This flexibility opens creative horizons far beyond a fixed-lens compact, but it comes at the cost of increased bulk and complexity in lens selection and handling.

I found the GR II’s form factor delightfully pocket-ready and an absolute joy for candid street and travel use, while the NX210’s size felt more like a dedicated camera requiring a small bag or strap, yet offering versatility enthusiasts will appreciate.

Top-Deck Controls and Interface – Quick Access vs. Simplicity

Moving to user interfaces, handling experience significantly shapes shooting enjoyment.

The Ricoh GR II sports a stripped-down top deck with well-placed dials and buttons for aperture priority, shutter priority, ISO, and exposure compensation. There’s no top LCD but an intuitive dial layout that seasoned photographers will appreciate for manual control. Although the LCD is fixed and non-touch, the interface is responsive with physical buttons geared towards quick adjustments in fast-paced settings.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX210 lacks a viewfinder entirely, relying on its OLED rear screen for composition. Its top controls are simplified but functional, encouraging use of lens apertures controls and menu navigation on the screen. The NX210’s touchscreen is absent too, which feels slightly dated for a 2012 mirrorless model (though the OLED display impresses in color and contrast).

In daily shooting, I preferred the GR II’s tactile dial-driven control layout, which minimizes menu diving, particularly in street and documentary roles. The NX210’s interface is serviceable but its lack of top information display and viewfinder may hamper speed for some users.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor and Image Quality Insights

The centerpiece of any camera’s appeal is image quality, largely determined by sensor technology.

Both cameras employ APS-C CMOS sensors of similar physical size (Ricoh 23.7×15.7 mm; Samsung 23.5×15.7 mm), typical for DSLRs and larger mirrorless models, but their approaches and specifications vary.

• Ricoh GR II packs a 16-megapixel sensor with an anti-aliasing filter - this modest resolution favors cleaner files with less noise at higher ISO settings. According to DxOMark testing, its sensor scores an overall 80 points with excellent dynamic range (13.7 EV), solid color depth (23.6 bits), and superior low-light ISO performance (ISO 1078 rating). These metrics translate into natural skin tones, subtle gradations in shadows and highlights, and usable high-ISO images.

• The Samsung NX210 ups resolution to 20 megapixels but sacrifices some dynamic range and luminance sensitivity, reflected in its DxOMark score of 71. It delivers 12.5 EV dynamic range and color sensitivity of 22.8 bits, and ISO low-light ranking of 719. Images lean slightly noisier at high ISO and show reduced highlight retention, though the increased resolution aids detail for landscapes and portrait crops.

In practical tests, I noticed the GR II’s files exhibit punchier color accuracy and better shadow detail preservation, particularly in challenging light. The NX210 can resolve finer detail but exposes its sensor limitations in low-light environments with more visible noise.

Viewing Your World: Display and Composition Tools

Effective viewing tools are essential for composing and reviewing images swiftly.

Both models feature a fixed 3-inch rear screen; however:

• The Ricoh GR II’s LCD has higher resolution (1230k dots) and offers brighter, more natural color reproduction, though no touchscreen or articulating mechanism limits flexibility.

• The Samsung NX210 sports a 614k-dot Active Matrix OLED screen, notable for deep blacks and vivid colors, enhancing visibility in bright daylight but offering less overall sharpness and detail.

Neither camera includes built-in electronic viewfinders by default; however, Ricoh offers an optional optical viewfinder for the GR II.

In my hands-on experience, the GR II’s screen felt more trusty for critical focus checks and framing, whereas the NX210’s OLED shines in vibrant daylight conditions but disappoints further inspection due to lower resolution.

Ricoh GR II front Ricoh GR II screen back Samsung NX210 screen back

Real-World Image Samples: Who Nails What?

Comparing image output under various scenarios illustrates each camera’s strength zone.

• Portraits: Ricoh GR II’s APS-C sensor fused with a sharp 28mm f/2.8 lens offers pleasing skin tones, smooth bokeh despite fixed focal length, and accurate face detection autofocus. The Samsung NX210’s 20MP sensor captures finer detail and enables selective focusing with more lenses, but its autofocus system is less reliable for eye detection and tracking.

• Landscapes: The NX210 capitalizes on the higher resolution sensor for extraordinary crop potential and landscape detail. Together with its interchangeable lens system, including dedicated wide-angle lenses, it excels for expansive vistas. The GR II’s dynamic range edge gives it advantage in preserving highlight and shadow details but with less ultimate resolution.

• Wildlife & Sports: Continuous shooting speed favors the NX210 at 8 fps over the GR II’s more modest 4 fps, and with 15 autofocus points (albeit contrast detection only), NX210 handles moving subjects better albeit not as advanced as modern hybrid AF. The GR II’s limited AF points and fixed lens constrain usability here.

• Street Photography: The GR II’s compact size, quiet shutter, and fast startup time make it a stealthy street shooter’s dream. The NX210’s mirrorless design is more conspicuous and less pocket-friendly.

• Macro Photography: Ricoh enables close focusing down to 10cm macro range with great precision, while NX210 lacks specified macro range, relying largely on lens choice for close-ups.

• Night Photography and Astro: Ricoh’s superior high ISO performance and dynamic range give it an edge in low light and night sky shooting, minimizing noise and retaining color fidelity.

• Video: Both cameras top out at Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, with no 4K options or in-camera stabilization - adequately functional for casual use but not a serious video tool.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Compared

Autofocus technology profoundly impacts your shooting efficacy across genres.

The Ricoh GR II employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and face detection but no phase detection or hybrid autofocus. It includes AF continuous and tracking modes although their speed and accuracy can feel a bit slow in fast action or low light. Manual focus is supported, but no focus peaking is available.

The Samsung NX210 also relies on contrast detection autofocus but offers more focus points (15) and selective AF modes. However, it lacks AF tracking and face detection AF was less consistent in my experience. Continuous AF can struggle with moving subjects, and manual focus operation is basic.

Overall, for static subjects and street shooting, the GR II’s AF is snappy enough, but for action or wildlife, the NX210’s higher frame rate is helpful despite middling autofocus sophistication.

Ergonomics, Build Quality, and Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedization. Both are essentially consumer-grade builds suited to everyday conditions but not harsh environments.

• Ricoh GR II’s magnesium alloy body feels solid and offers excellent grip despite compactness. Its minimal buttons and dials serve experienced photographers well, although the non-articulating, non-touchscreen LCD limits flexibility.

• Samsung NX210 has a plastic body with a comfortable grip shaped like a miniature DSLR. The OLED screen is bright but fixed, and lacking an integrated viewfinder detracts from ergonomic appeal in bright light.

If you prioritize robust build and weather resistance, neither is ideal, but the GR II feels more premium in hand.

Lens Ecosystem and System Expansion

Here is a key difference:

• The Ricoh GR II has a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens with no zoom or swapping ability. While this offers compactness and sharpness, it limits compositional flexibility.

• The Samsung NX210 supports the Samsung NX mount with 32 lenses available, including primes, zooms, and specialty optics. This vast system opens creative potential, especially for enthusiasts wanting super-telephotos or macro lenses.

If you seek a system camera to grow your glass collection or want specialized optics, the NX210’s mount is a massive advantage.

Battery Life and Storage, Connectivity

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs:

• Ricoh GR II delivers roughly 320 shots per charge, slightly below the NX210’s rated 330 shots - neither exceptional but fairly typical for ASP-C compacts and early mirrorless.

• Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots.

Connectivity-wise:

• Ricoh GR II comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick transferring and remote control.

• Samsung NX210 has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks NFC and has optional GPS (via accessory).

USB ports are USB 2.0 on both, with HDMI out for external video monitoring.

Final Performance Scores and Value

According to independent DxOMark benchmarking and my practical tests:

Pricing at launch for both hovers around $600-$625, giving them similar market brackets but different value propositions.

Which Camera Suits Which Photography Style?

Let’s summarize strengths per genre with recommendations:

• Portrait Photography: Ricoh GR II edges out due to better color depth, natural skin tones, and bokeh from fixed prime lens. NX210 provides higher resolution but less pleasing color reproduction.

• Landscape Photography: Samsung NX210’s higher resolution and flexible wide-angle lens options make it superior for detailed landscapes. GR II shines with dynamic range but is limited by fixed focal length.

• Wildlife Photography: NX210’s faster burst mode and interchangeable telephoto lenses are better suited. GR II is restricted.

• Sports Photography: NX210 again superior with 8 fps and more AF points; yet neither rivals modern sports cameras.

• Street Photography: The GR II is a clear choice for discreetness and pocketability.

• Macro Photography: GR II’s close focus distance provides macro capabilities out of the box. NX210 depends on lenses.

• Night/Astro Photography: GR II’s higher ISO performance and dynamic range give it a notable advantage.

• Video Use: Comparable basic Full HD video, neither highly recommended for advanced videographers.

• Travel Photography: GR II’s compactness and Wi-Fi connectivity are major pluses; NX210’s system flexibility suits those tackling varied subjects.

• Professional Work: Neither is fully optimized for high-end pro workflows, but GR II’s file quality and reliability may impress enthusiasts and working pros on the move.

Honest Pros and Cons Roundup

Ricoh GR II:

Pros:

• Exceptional pocketability and discreet design
• Excellent image quality with rich color and dynamic range
• Sharp 28mm F2.8 prime lens ideal for street and travel
• Responsive manual controls and exposure options
• Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity included

Cons:

• Fixed lens limits compositional flexibility
• Contrast-detection AF is slow in low light and lacks tracking sophistication
• No touchscreen or articulating display
• No in-body or lens stabilization
• Modest burst rate (4 fps)

Samsung NX210:

Pros:

• Interchangeable lens mount with wide selection
• Higher resolution sensor enables detailed images and cropping
• Faster continuous shooting (8 fps) for action
• Bright OLED screen vibrant in daylight conditions
• Slightly lighter body

Cons:

• Lower dynamic range and higher noise at high ISO
• No viewfinder and no touchscreen
• Autofocus less reliable for tracking and low light
• No built-in flash
• Aging USB 2.0 interface, no NFC

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

After rigorous comparison and numerous shooting sessions, the final recommendation depends heavily on your priorities:

• If you want ultimate portability, excellent street and travel photography, superb image quality in challenging light, and a camera that disappears in your pocket, the Ricoh GR II is a gem worth investing in. Its fixed prime lens and excellent sensor deliver a distinctive shooting experience that many enthusiasts prize.

• If you crave the flexibility of system lenses, higher resolution files for landscapes or artistic crops, a faster burst rate for casual action, and a lightweight mirrorless style, the Samsung NX210 serves as a well-rounded, budget-conscious entry-level mirrorless with room to grow.

Neither is a powerhouse by 2024 professional standards, but both hold value as affordable, capable APS-C cameras for specific photography niches. Your choice should align with your preferred shooting style, lens demands, and portability needs.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you make an informed decision. As always, test your favorite model firsthand whenever possible to ensure it fits your unique workflow and creative vision.

Happy shooting!