Choosing Between the Ricoh GR II and Samsung ST150F: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison for Photographers

When you’re hunting for a new camera, especially in the compact realm, choice can be dizzying. Do you prioritize image quality? Size? Versatility? Price? Today, I’m putting two vastly different compact cameras head-to-head: the Ricoh GR II, a large-sensor powerhouse, versus the Samsung ST150F, a small-sensor budget-friendly compact.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the last 15+ years - ranging from entry-level compacts to pro-level beasts - I’m here to give you a straightforward, experience-driven, and technically-informed take on these two models. We’ll cover everything from sensor tech and autofocus to real-world usability across major photography genres. Whether you’re a travel photographer needing portability or a street shooter craving discretion, this guide will help you make the right call.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build & Ergonomics

At first glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different.

The Ricoh GR II opts for a robust, “large sensor compact” build. It’s pocketable but chunky enough (117x63x35 mm, 251g) to hold comfortably for extended shooting. The matte black finish and simple, functional design scream “serious enthusiast.” The buttons and dials offer a tactile feedback that made it a joy during hands-on tests, especially for those of us who appreciate “clubs for thumbs” over touchscreen fiddling.

In contrast, the Samsung ST150F is a classic small-sensor compact - skinny and nearly half the weight (94x58x18 mm, 114g) - designed for casual snapshooters who want something to toss in a handbag or large pocket. The plastic shell feels lighter but less durable. Controls are minimal; expect the camera to handle things mostly on its own.

Turning both cameras over reveals more clues: the GR II’s dedicated exposure compensation dial, front command dial, and various custom buttons offer quick access to settings, whereas the ST150F keeps things simple with just basic zoom and shutter controls.

Bottom line: Ergonomics favor the Ricoh for serious shooting; Samsung feels like a grab-and-go casual camera.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here we step into the technical arena.

The GR II sports an APS-C 16MP CMOS sensor (23.7 x 15.7 mm, no less!), a size cherished in advanced mirrorless and DSLR cameras for delivering exceptional image quality. Its sensor area is 372.09 mm², roughly 13 times larger than the Samsung’s tiny 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD sensor of around 28 mm². Despite both offering 16MP resolution, the sensor technology difference is staggering.

So what does that mean in practice? The bigger sensor inherently captures more light per pixel, leading to:

• Superior dynamic range: More detail in shadows and highlights.
• Better low-light performance: Cleaner images at high ISO with less noise.
• Greater color depth: Richer, more accurate colors.
• Shallower depth of field: Ability to isolate subjects with pleasant background blur (bokeh).

The GR II even scored a respectable 80 overall on DXOMark, with strong color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (13.7 EV). The ST150F wasn’t tested on DXOMark but given sensor specs and CCD tech, expect average to below-average IQ with limited ISO headroom.

In real-world shooting (and I mean under challenging indoor and night conditions), the GR II produces clean, punchy images, while the ST150F’s photos often show noise and limited tonal gradation beyond ISO 400.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Seeing is Believing

The GR II features a 3-inch fixed LCD with 1,230k dot resolution - sharp enough to assess focus and exposure confidently. Its menu system is straightforward, with physical buttons for quick adjustments.

The ST150F has the same size screen but only sports QVGA 230k dots - so expect grainy previews and some difficulty judging sharpness precisely in the field. The menu system is minimalistic with no touchscreen, which is standard for its segment and era.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Burst Rates

Real-world photographers know autofocus and shooting responsiveness can make or break a camera.

Ricoh GR II:

• Contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points.
• Continuous AF capable.
• Face detection enabled but no animal eye AF.
• 4 frames per second burst shooting.

While not blazing fast compared to modern mirrorless, the GR II’s AF is accurate and snappy for a compact of its generation. It’s perfectly usable for street photography, casual action, and wildlife at moderate speeds but will struggle with very fast sports tracking.

Samsung ST150F:

• Contrast-detection AF with unspecified points.
• Single AF only; no continuous AF.
• Face detection present but more basic.
• No high-speed burst mode.

The autofocus can be sluggish and hunts in low-light, which is a frustration for any aspiring enthusiast looking to capture fleeting moments.

Lens Versatility: Fixed Focal Length vs Zoom

This is really a tale of two philosophies.

The Ricoh GR II features a fixed 28mm equivalent lens at a bright F2.8 aperture. Limits aside, this prime lens offers superb sharpness, edge-to-edge detail, and invites a “zone focusing” style used by many street photographers. While you can’t zoom, the quality and wide field help capture environmental context beautifully.

The Samsung ST150F opts for a budget-friendly 25-125 mm (5x) zoom lens but with a modest aperture range of F2.5-6.3. Versatility-wise, the ST150F wins because you can frame tightly or wide without moving. However, optical quality is average, and the small sensor struggles to resolve fine detail at telephoto.

Prime vs zoom boils down to your style - are you a wide-angle shooter who crops to compose, or do you want in-camera framing flexibility?

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventures?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection, so be cautious in harsh conditions.

The Ricoh’s metal body feels more resilient, while the Samsung’s plastic shell is less so. For outdoor and landscape users, I’d recommend weather-proofing accessories with both.

Performance Across Photography Genres

To help you envision how each camera shines (or stumbles) in various genres, here’s a breakdown with insights from my hands-on tests:

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh GR II: Strong performance, thanks to APS-C sensor and sharp 28mm prime lens. The F2.8 aperture, while not ultra-fast, delivers decent background separation. The face detection AF works well indoors for natural skin tones, though the 28mm FOV means you’re closer to subjects than traditional portrait lengths.
• Samsung ST150F: Limited portrait capability; small sensor, slower lens (F6.3 telephoto end) and lack of AF speed hurt skin tone rendering and bokeh quality.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh GR II: The 16MP APS-C sensor delivers impressive dynamic range for capturing complex scenes with shadows and highlights. Robust exposure controls help in tricky light. No weather sealing is a downside for field shoots, but image quality compensates.
• Samsung ST150F: Wide zoom lens helps framing variety, but tiny sensor curtails detail and tonal range. Colors tend to be flatter, less punchy.

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh GR II: Not ideal for fast-action wildlife; AF is slower than mirrorless or DSLRs, and 4fps burst rate limits capturing fleeting moments.
• Samsung ST150F: Similarly limited; focus lag and no continuous AF mean missed shots.

Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short here due to AF speed and frame rate constraints.

Street Photography

• Ricoh GR II: Dream machine. Compact (for large sensor), stealthy design, quick startup, and good AF make it a favorite among street shooters who prize image quality over zoom flexibility.
• Samsung ST150F: Small size is a plus, but autofocus and IQ make it a secondary choice.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh GR II: 10 cm minimum focus distance allows some close-up work, though no specialized macro mode or stabilization hinders sharpness without a tripod.
• Samsung ST150F: No special macro capabilities, limited by lens and sensor.

Night/Astro Photography

• Ricoh GR II: Excellent high-ISO performance for a compact, making it viable for night sky shots with exposure bracketing and manual modes.
• Samsung ST150F: Limited ISO range and noise control make astrophotography unfeasible.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh GR II: Full HD up to 30fps with H.264 codec, but lacks microphone input and in-body stabilization, limiting prosumer video use.
• Samsung ST150F: Max HD 720p at 30fps, no external mic or HDMI out - basic video for casual use only.

Travel Photography

The Ricoh GR II, with its balance of quality and portability, is a stellar travel companion if you can afford the price and don’t mind slightly bulkier body. Samsung ST150F wins points for lightness and zoom flexibility but can’t match image quality.

Professional Work

The Ricoh GR II’s RAW support, customizable controls, and superior sensor make it a backup or discreet secondary for pros who want candid shots with excellent IQ. Samsung ST150F isn’t suitable here.

Battery Life and Storage

The GR II offers a rated 320 shots per charge with a proprietary DB-65 battery. That’s moderate by compact standards; carry spares for all-day shoots.

Samsung’s battery specs aren’t detailed but lighter weight suggests smaller capacity, so plan for frequent charging.

Storage-wise, Ricoh uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while Samsung accepts microSD cards. Personally, I prefer the more common SD format in Ricoh for faster write speeds and broader compatibility.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

The Ricoh GR II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to pair with smartphones, which is handy for quick image transfers and remote control. Samsung ST150F has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks NFC, HDMI, and Bluetooth, limiting wireless functionality.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget Getting You?

The Ricoh GR II, priced around $600, is a specialized tool delivering high image quality and a tactile shooting experience in a compact body. It’s a sensible investment for enthusiasts and professionals on a budget who want large sensor benefits without a bulky camera system.

The Samsung ST150F retails near $300, aimed at casual shooters wanting a simple all-in-one compact zoom camera. It’s a decent starter but limited on critical parameters like image quality, speed, and low-light ability.

In my tests, the GR II outperforms sustainably across every meaningful metric except zoom versatility.

Pros and Cons Summary

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Let me be blunt to save you headaches:

• Get the Ricoh GR II if you...

  • Care deeply about image quality and dynamic range.
  • Are serious about street, travel, or landscape photography but want a pocketable system.
  • Need RAW shooting and manual controls for creative flexibility.
  • Are willing to invest a mid-tier budget for a camera that punches above its weight.

• Pick the Samsung ST150F if you...

  • Are a casual shooter looking for a lightweight zoom compact.
  • Want a no-fuss “point and shoot” for family vacations or social snaps.
  • Have a tight budget and are willing to compromise on image quality.
  • Don’t care for manual modes or RAW shooting.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Different Paths

The Ricoh GR II and Samsung ST150F are honestly apples and oranges in many respects, despite both getting tagged “compact.” The Ricoh GR II is a compact powerhouse that can serve professionals as a stealthy secondary or enthusiasts craving large sensor quality in a pocketable form. The Samsung ST150F is a simple, budget-friendly zoom compact aimed at entry-level users who prize convenience over advanced imaging.

Having “lived with” both cameras in diverse shooting scenarios - from low-light café portraits to bustling street corners - my verdict leans heavily towards the Ricoh GR II for anyone serious about quality and control. Meanwhile, Samsung’s offering remains an affordable choice for folks just starting or needing a lightweight everyday camera.

Ricoh GR II front Ricoh GR II screen back Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back

In closing, I encourage you to think hard about what matters most: If you want stellar images, sharp controls, and a compact that feels like part of your hand - not a gadget you toy with - the Ricoh GR II earns my wholehearted recommendation. If you’re a cheapskate happy to trade detail for zoom and simplicity, the Samsung might fill that slot.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera journey be a rewarding one!

For those who love data-driven decisions, the detailed specs and ratings, along with thorough hands-on tests in this article, should arm you well.

If you want me to test other contenders or need advice on lenses to complement the GR II, just reach out.

Cheers!