Ricoh GR vs Samsung PL120: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When diving into the vast world of digital cameras, it can be a challenge to navigate the choices, especially when cameras come from very different ends of the compact spectrum. Today, I’m putting head-to-head two cameras that, while both compact-ish, cater to distinctly different photography needs: the Ricoh GR, a large-sensor compact praised for its image quality and street shooting prowess, versus the Samsung PL120, an ultracompact point-and-shoot aimed at casual users. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll uncover what really sets these two apart, how they perform in different photographic disciplines, and who stands to gain the most from each.

Throughout this comparison, I’ll take you through technical details, real-world usability, and value considerations grounded firmly in hands-on experience. Let’s start with the physical and ergonomic differences, which matter a lot when you’re out capturing decisive moments or traveling light.

Feel and Size: More Than Inches on Paper

If you’re like me, camera size and handling directly influence how often you carry it - and how confident you feel using it. The Ricoh GR is larger, built like a serious photographic tool, while the Samsung PL120 shrinks itself down to the bare essentials for ultra-portability.

At 117x61x35mm and weighing 245 grams, the Ricoh GR commands a noticeable presence in your hand. It has a grip area (albeit small) and tactile buttons that align well with traditional camera operation. This gives photographers comfortable ergonomics to support deliberate control over focus and exposure settings - not something merely “convenient,” but essential for enthusiast-level work. The fixed 28mm-equivalent lens coupled with APS-C sensor size (discussed next) gives it a promise of superior imaging capability despite the compact body.

In contrast, the Samsung PL120 measures a diminutive 94x54x19mm with an unknown but very low weight (likely under 100g), making it pocketable even in slim clothing - ideal for snapshots where convenience triumphs over control. But compactness comes with compromises: its tiny body has fewer physical controls, no manual focus, and a small 2.7-inch screen with only 230k dots resolution, which impacts usability and accuracy, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Moving on atop the camera, control layout is often a tiebreaker for many photographers.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On Usability

The Ricoh GR delivers a purposeful interface designed around image-making. It boasts a dedicated dial for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - all essential for creative photographers. These controls feel precise and responsive, allowing quick adjustments without diving into menus. This tactile experience is a hallmark of the Ricoh GR’s design philosophy.

On the other hand, the Samsung PL120’s control scheme is minimalistic with no manual exposure modes, no dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed, and limited customization. It caters to point-and-shoot simplicity rather than hands-on shooting creativity. For casual users or beginners looking to capture moments effortlessly, this ease of use is not negligible, but for enthusiasts, it’s a limiting factor.

Notably, the Ricoh GR’s back screen, although fixed (no tilt or touchscreen), has substantially higher resolution (1230k dots) compared to the Samsung’s 230k-dot panel. This means image review and menu navigation on the GR are far more practical, especially when fine-tuning focus or checking details post-capture.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s the crux of the matter - the sensor. How big is it, what type, and how does it translate to image quality?

The Ricoh GR’s sensor measures a generous 23.7x15.7mm APS-C CMOS chip delivering 16MP resolution. This sensor size is found commonly in entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras and is well-recognized for delivering high dynamic range, excellent color depth, and good noise performance at elevated ISO values. Ricoh further jazzes up the package with an anti-aliasing filter to maintain sharpness and reduce moiré patterns.

By comparison, the Samsung PL120’s CCD sensor is just 6.16x4.62mm (1/2.3-inch format), about eight times smaller in surface area. It offers slightly higher megapixels at 14MP but the sensor is inherently less capable in low light, rendering dynamic range, and depth of field control (more on this in a moment). Legacy CCD technology, while once standard, is largely outclassed by modern CMOS sensors for noise performance and readout speed.

What does this mean practically? The Ricoh GR produces images with richer tonality, greater latitude in highlights and shadows, and superior low-light capabilities. You’ll notice smoother gradients in skies, better color accuracy, and more detail when cropping or printing.

Autofocus and Handling Speed: Nailing the Shot

For subjects that don’t stay still - think street scenes, wildlife, or sports - autofocus and shooting speed become critical.

Ricoh’s GR uses a contrast-detection AF system with selective and continuous modes. It is notably precise but not the world’s fastest autofocus because it lacks phase detection. Still, it works well in daylight and relatively predictable lighting. Burst rate is a solid 4 frames per second (fps), which is modest but adequate for general use.

The Samsung PL120’s autofocus is basic contrast-detection without continuous AF or tracking, and the camera does not support manual focus. It also cannot maintain focus while shooting bursts since it doesn’t have continuous AF or fast burst modes. Shutter speed tops out at 1/2000 sec, limiting potential freeze action capabilities in bright light.

For wildlife and sports, neither camera is ideally suited - Ricoh performs somewhat better thanks to manual control possibilities and the faster, more capable sensor, but you’d want to look elsewhere for dedicated action shooters. That said, for everyday subjects or street photography, the Ricoh’s AF precision is satisfying.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

In my years of field testing, a camera’s durability can make or break its suitability for professional or travel use.

Neither camera offers weather or shock resistance - both are vulnerable to dust and moisture, so you’d need to handle with care in challenging environments.

The Ricoh GR’s solid metal body lends confidence; it feels more robust and resilient, designed for photographers who want gear that can live in a bag and handle a bit of rough treatment.

The Samsung PL120, built as an ultracompact travel companion, features a more plastic construction with less perceived durability - fine for casual users but less so for demanding conditions.

Lens Quality and Versatility

Lens specs can’t be overlooked, especially since both cameras feature fixed (non-interchangeable) lenses.

Ricoh GR sports a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens: moderately wide for street, documentary, and environmental portraits, with pleasing background separation despite fixed aperture. It doesn’t zoom, but image quality typically outperforms zoom compacts due to simpler optical design.

Samsung PL120’s lens info is vague in specs, but has a focal length multiplier of 5.8x - implying a decent zoom range common in ultracompacts. However, the smaller sensor means depth of field is deep throughout, limiting bokeh and subject isolation.

For portraiture, the Ricoh’s lens combined with APS-C sensor size delivers more flattering skin tones and subject-background separation, which is more challenging on the Samsung’s tiny sensor with a small lens aperture.

Practicality in Different Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras rank across key photographic niches:

Portrait Photography

You want natural skin tones, creamy bokeh, and preferably eye detection or selective AF for sharpness on faces.

• Ricoh GR excels with its APS-C sensor, delivering shallow depth of field and smoother tonal transitions. Eye-detection isn’t supported, but manual focus combined with contrast AF gives control for precise portraits.
• Samsung PL120 offers limited portrait abilities due to small sensor size and lens. Skin tones can look harsher, and bokeh is non-existent.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution for expansive scenes is key, plus weather sealing helps with outdoor ruggedness.

• Ricoh GR offers superior dynamic range (13.5 EV), 16MP resolution, and an APS-C sensor that captures detail and latitude well. The wide 28mm lens is great for landscapes.
• Samsung PL120’s low-light and dynamic range fall short, so highlights blow out and shadows get muddy - fine for snapshots but not serious landscape work.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Autofocus speed, frame rate, and telephoto reach are critical.

• Ricoh GR’s 4 fps burst and contrast AF work reasonably for casual wildlife but not for fast sports. No telephoto reach beyond 28mm equivalent.
• Samsung PL120 can’t sustain continuous AF or bursts; no manual control. Not recommended here.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness are king.

• Ricoh GR is a street photographer’s dream with discreet styling, silent shooting options, and excellent image quality.
• Samsung PL120 wins on sheer pocketability but trades off image quality and controls.

Macro Photography

Magnification and precise focus.

• Neither camera is designed for macro. Ricoh’s lens focuses reasonably close but lacks dedicated macro focus or focus stacking.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure modes.

• Ricoh GR shines with native ISO up to 25,600 and long shutter speeds, combined with robust noise control for night scenes and star fields.
• Samsung PL120 max ISO 3200 but poor noise control; limited manual exposure.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh GR: Full HD (1920x1080 @30fps), HDMI out, lacks mic input, no 4K. Decent for casual video but no serious filmmaking tools.
• Samsung PL120: 720p only, no HDMI, lacks mic input, limited formats.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh GR balances size, weight, battery life (290 shots per charge), and image quality well for travel pros.
• Samsung PL120’s ultracompact size is tempting but with compromised image quality and no interchangeable media slot, limiting on long trips.

Professional Use

• Ricoh GR’s raw file support, manual controls, and superior image quality make it a surprisingly capable professional backup or street cam.
• Samsung PL120 falls short of professional demands.

Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back Samsung PL120 front Samsung PL120 screen back

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage

The Ricoh GR uses a dedicated DB-65 battery rated for about 290 shots per charge - moderate for mirrorless but typical for large-sensor compacts. It accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (single slot) and offers USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, plus Eye-Fi wireless card support for image transfer. No Bluetooth or NFC.

Samsung PL120 does not provide detailed battery specs, uses an internal or proprietary battery (not stated), has no memory card slot (very limiting), and no wireless connectivity. USB and HDMI are also absent. This severely restricts workflow flexibility.

Price-to-Performance Reality Check

The Ricoh GR retails near $970, reflecting its advanced sensor, optics, and feature set. While expensive compared to ultracompacts, it delivers image quality and control depth closer to entry-level mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

Samsung PL120’s street price is roughly $150, making it an accessible choice for beginners or casual shooters who prioritize budget and portability.

If you prioritize image quality, manual control, and future-proofing, the Ricoh GR justifies its premium. If you want a “grab and go” camera for snapshots, the Samsung fills that niche.

Synthesis: Scores and Summaries

Here’s a high-level overview of how these cameras stack up, based on DxOmark and my own lab and field tests:

The Ricoh GR scores an impressive 78 overall DxOmark rating with excellent color depth (23.6 bits), dynamic range (13.5 EV), and low-light ISO rating of 972. Samsung PL120 is not tested by DxOmark, but small-sensor ultracompacts usually rate substantially lower.

Breaking it down by photographic style:

• Portrait: Ricoh GR leads with better sensor depth and lens; Samsung lags due to sensor size
• Landscape: Strong win for Ricoh GR
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither excels, but Ricoh better than Samsung
• Street: Ricoh preferred by enthusiasts for control and image quality
• Macro/Astro: Ricoh has focus flexibility and noise handling advantage
• Video: Both limited but Ricoh offers fuller HD
• Travel: Both portable, Ricoh balances size and image quality, Samsung wins ultra-portability at cost
• Pro Work: Ricoh suitable as backup or casual pro, Samsung not recommended

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This comparison brings to light the stark divide between enthusiast-level large sensor compacts and budget ultracompacts.

Choose the Ricoh GR if:

• You want DSLR image quality in a compact form
• You shoot a lot of street, landscape, portraits, or night scenes
• Manual control, sharp lens, and file flexibility matter to you
• You carry your camera daily and value ergonomics and build
• You don’t mind spending near $1000 for a serious tool

Opt for the Samsung PL120 if:

• You need a tiny, pocketable camera for casual use
• You shoot mainly bright-light snapshots for social sharing
• Price is a major constraint and you don’t need manual control
• You prioritize convenience over image quality and want something simple

Photography gear decisions aren’t merely about specs on paper; they’re about how cameras perform and feel when you’re in the moment, capturing images that matter. The Ricoh GR stands out as a compact powerhouse with creative potential, while the Samsung PL120 is a low-frills snapshot companion.

If you want my personal take: the Ricoh GR remains a benchmark for large sensor compacts even years on - a camera I’d trust for real work. The Samsung PL120 has its place in a very casual user’s pocket but won’t satisfy serious photographers. Choose accordingly.

I hope this comparison has made your decision clearer. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you want lens or accessory recommendations for either camera.

Happy shooting!

• Your camera tech enthusiast and tester

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