Ricoh GR vs Sony HX1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Ricoh GR and Sony HX1, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Ricoh and Sony. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the GR (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the GR (APS-C) and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The GR was unveiled 4 years after the HX1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the GR scores vs the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR provides exterior dimensions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh GR and Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the GR compared to the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR and HX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The pic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GR and HX1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GR using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Ricoh GR will give you greater detail having an extra 7MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern GR will have an advantage in sensor innovation.