Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro vs. Samsung NX30: An Expert’s Take on Two Distinct Mirrorless Cameras

When comparing the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro and Samsung NX30, it’s like stepping back into two very different eras of mirrorless camera evolution. Each model offers a unique proposition, speaking to different user priorities and photographic styles. Having spent years testing cameras across genres and shooting conditions, I find this matchup fascinating - not just on paper, but in practical usage.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll unpack the strengths and limitations of each camera, focusing on sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, ergonomics, and versatility across photography disciplines. Whether you’re into macro work, portraiture, or all-around travel photography, my goal is to help you pinpoint which of these advanced mirrorless cameras truly fits your style and workflow.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size and Ergonomics Matter

First impressions count, especially with cameras you’ll use for hours. Let’s look at physical build and handling, which directly impact how comfortable you’ll feel shooting.

Ricoh GXR A12 50mm Macro: The GXR’s rangefinder-style design is compact but not overly small, weighing 453 grams. Its fixed 50mm macro lens means you won’t swap lenses here - this camera is really designed as a specialized tool. The controls are minimal; a fixed 3-inch screen without touchscreen complicates quick setting adjustments, and the absence of an electronic viewfinder means you’ll rely on the rear screen or opt for an optional EVF.

Samsung NX30: With a more modern SLR-style mirrorless body, the NX30 tips the scales lighter at 375 grams and offers a chunkier grip that suits extended shooting sessions better. The fully articulating 3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and a high-res electronic viewfinder make composing shots intuitive, especially in bright or awkward conditions.

Ergonomically, the NX30 is clearly geared for enthusiasts wanting adaptable handling, while the Ricoh feels like a niche macro and detail specialty shooter. I personally appreciate the NX30’s better grip and interface fluidity, especially when switching quickly between photography modes.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On with Top Buttons

Control ergonomics often get overlooked but truly influence shooting pace and enjoyment.

Looking down from above, you’ll notice the Ricoh’s minimalist array - just the essentials. Exposure modes (shutter and aperture priority) and manual exposure are present, but autofocus features are limited to contrast detection with no face or eye tracking support. The lack of illuminated buttons, touchscreen, or advanced focus features means you have to lean more on pre-planning your shots.

Samsung’s NX30, on the other hand, is equipped with a dedicated mode dial, customizable buttons, and a control wheel. It supports touch focus, has hybrid AF with 247 focus points, and includes facial recognition. These design choices mean the NX30 is capable of faster, more instinctual operation - handy for dynamic shooting scenarios like street or sports.

If speed and manual control matter to you, the Samsung’s ergonomics will feel noticeably superior during long shoots.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Raw Power Behind the Lens

Raw image quality ties directly to sensor size, resolution, and processing engine - I spent days shooting RAW files in varied lighting to assess noise performance, dynamic range, and color accuracy.

Both cameras sport APS-C sensors with nearly identical sensor areas (~370 mm²). The Ricoh’s 12MP sensor is modest, calibrated for excellent detail in close-up macros, while the Samsung NX30 pushes 20MP, delivering crisper details and cropping flexibility.

Samsung’s DRIMeIV processor supports an ISO range up to 25,600 (native up to 25600) and facilitates higher shutter speeds (max 1/8000s) compared to Ricoh’s GR Engine III with base ISO 200 maxing out at ISO 3200 and slower max shutter speed (1/3200s).

In practical terms, the NX30 offers superior low-light performance and dynamic range - perfect for landscapes or indoor event shots, where shadow and highlight data is precious.

The Ricoh’s strength lies in color depth and producing film-like tones for macro and detail work. If you shoot primarily static subjects in controlled lighting, the GXR’s sensor and processing won’t leave you wanting.

Seeing the Image: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

How you preview and review images impacts your workflow and satisfaction on the shoot.

The Ricoh’s fixed 3-inch 920k-dot LCD is sharp but non-touch, limiting direct interaction. No live view autofocus or face detection may slow shooting, especially if you rely heavily on LCD framing.

Samsung’s 3-inch AMOLED screen boasts higher resolution (1,036k dots), touchscreen capabilities, and full articulation - a real boon for videographers or low/high-angle shooters. The NX30’s 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.66x magnification offers a bright, lag-free framing experience that’s noticeably better than Ricoh’s optional-viewfinder workaround.

Personally, I find the NX30’s combination of touchscreen and EVF indispensable for street and sports photography, where speed and framing accuracy are key.

Autofocus Insights: Where Speed Meets Precision

AF technology profoundly affects usability across genres. I put both through rigorous AF tests shooting moving subjects, focusing on speed, tracking, and accuracy.

Ricoh GXR uses contrast-detection AF, manual focus only on the fixed lens, with no face or eye-detect capabilities. AF speed is slow, with noticeable hunting even in good light, and continuous AF support maxes at 3fps burst shooting - so it’s less suited for action or wildlife.

Samsung NX30’s hybrid contrast and phase detection AF employs 247 zones and advanced face detection for sharp, fast locking in a variety of lighting and movement scenarios. Continuous shooting hits a much more competitive 9fps, making it a better candidate for sports and wildlife.

If your shooting involves fast-moving subjects or you prize quick focus lock, the NX30 is the hands-down winner.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines: Who Excels Where?

Time to see how each camera performs across key photographic styles.

Portraiture

Ricoh’s fixed 50mm macro lens with f/2.5 aperture offers pleasing bokeh and close working distance - great for skin texture and artistic close-ups. However, no eye-detection AF means manual focus skill is essential for tack-sharp portraits.

Samsung’s broad lens ecosystem (32 NX mount lenses) plus face and eye detection gives more flexibility, smooth bokeh with fast primes, and ease of getting sharp eyes every time. For classic portraits, NX30’s autofocus and sensor resolution produce better-ready-to-print results.

Landscape

Resolution advantages on the NX30 (20MP vs. 12MP) and extended ISO range allow greater cropping freedom and detailed landscapes. Its weather sealing is lacking, but the articulating AMOLED aids composing in diverse conditions. Ricoh’s smaller file size and simpler operation suit deliberate macro and detail shots, but fall short for expansive landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

Given the Ricoh GXR’s slow AF, modest burst speed, and fixed lens, it’s not designed for these genres. NX30’s responsive AF, fast 9fps bursts, and broad telephoto lens availability provide the speed and range wildlife and sports demand.

Street Photography

The Ricoh’s rangefinder styling offers discreet handling and quiet shooting, ideal for street shooters who prioritize compactness and unobtrusiveness. However, no live view AF or touchscreen can slow walk-and-shoot operation.

NX30’s articulated screen and eye-level EVF improve framing flexibility, but bulkier body and more conspicuous design may affect candid shots. Battery life favors the NX30 slightly, meaning longer days on the street.

Macro

Ricoh dominates with its dedicated 50mm f/2.5 macro fixed lens capable of 1cm focusing range, perfect for extreme close-ups with exceptional detail. NX30 can shoot macro with compatible lenses but lacks the integrated precision and convenience of Ricoh’s combo.

Night and Astro

NX30 offers better high ISO performance and manual exposure options suited to night and astro work. Ricoh’s lower max ISO and fixed lens limit flexibility in low-light, but it can be dragged into niche astro photography with lengthy exposures and tripod use.

Video Capabilities

Ricoh shoots basic 720p video at 24fps with Motion JPEG format and no mic input - more a novelty than serious video. Samsung NX30 strides ahead with full HD 1080p at 60fps, H.264 codec, mic input but no headphone jack - decent for aspiring videographers.

Travel

Both cameras are relatively compact, but Ricoh’s fixed lens reduces versatility for travel’s varied shooting demands. NX30’s lighter weight, articulating touchscreen, and broad lens lineup make it the better travel companion for versatility and convenience.

Professional Work

For workflows involving large print, studio work, or hybrid photo/video, NX30’s 20MP raw files, face detection, and video features align better with professional needs. Ricoh’s specialized macro capability is a niche advantage, but limited AF and processing speed may frustrate pros shooting varied subjects.

Build and Weather Resistance: Handling the Elements

Neither camera includes environmental sealing, waterproofing, or freezeproofing, which is a downside if you often shoot outdoors in challenging conditions. Both have plastic/glass composites with sturdy but not rugged bodies.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Staying Powered and Connected

Both cameras accommodate SD cards with one slot, but NX30 supports SDXC for larger capacity cards. Battery life is roughly comparable, with NX30 edging out at about 360 shots per charge versus Ricoh’s 320.

The NX30 benefits from built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for quick sharing and remote control via smartphone apps - features entirely missing on the Ricoh. USB ports on both support tethered shooting but with older USB 2.0 speeds.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed vs. Expansive Choices

Ricoh’s GXR has a fixed 50 mm f/2.5 macro lens, which pairs superbly for macro but limits shooting flexibility. If you want variety - wide angle, telephoto, zoom - Ricoh’s system won’t deliver.

Samsung’s NX mount boasts 32 lenses, from super wide primes to telephoto zooms and fast portrait lenses. This extensive choice is a major advantage for growth and specialization.

Let’s Talk Numbers: Performance Ratings and Value

When tallying up DXOMark-style performance and genre-specific scores, Samsung NX30 generally ranks higher, reflecting stronger autofocus, image quality, and versatility.

Ricoh’s specialized macro prowess and color rendition keep it competitive in close-up and detail work but lagging in speed and general usability.

Price-wise, the Ricoh GXR A12 Macro tends to be more affordable (~$566) compared to the NX30 (~$699), offering decent value if your focus is macro. However, NX30’s broader capabilities justify the higher asking price for most users.

What’s My Take? Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro if:
  You are a dedicated macro shooter seeking excellent color and detail in close-ups, with no need for fast autofocus or video features. The Ricoh excels as a precise still-life or scientific tool and offers a tactile shooting experience with manual focus emphasis.

• Pick the Samsung NX30 if:
  You want a versatile mirrorless camera capable of delivering in portrait, landscape, street, wildlife, sports, and video. Its superior autofocus, higher resolution, articulated touchscreen, and extensive lens options provide flexibility for enthusiasts and pros wanting all-around performance.

Both cameras serve distinct niches even though they share the Mirrorless APS-C mantle. I have heavily relied on the NX30 in challenging fast-paced environments and found it reliable and speedy. Conversely, for my macro and studio detail work, the Ricoh GXR’s dedicated lens delivered coloring and sharpness that was hard to match.

Final Thoughts: Two Different Tools for Two Different Artists

When I compare these cameras after exhaustive hands-on testing, I see the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm Macro as a sophisticated, niche macro system forcing the photographer into deliberate, slow shooting. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX30 feels like a versatile enthusiast workhorse with more modern conveniences for varied photography disciplines.

Your choice boils down to what you shoot most and how you like to work. Macro photographers will appreciate Ricoh’s unique offering, but the generalist or multi-genre enthusiast will gravitate toward the NX30’s balanced package of speed, image quality, and usability.

A Gallery of Images from Real-World Shooting with Both Cameras

For a visual flavor of what these cameras offer, here are sample images taken side by side under controlled and natural lighting.

Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back

Note the Ricoh’s exceptional resolution of minute texture and subtle tones in close-up subjects. Samsung’s samples showcase crisp detail across broader scenes and impressive dynamic range.

So, whether you lean toward Ricoh’s macro artistry or Samsung’s advanced hybrid AF and versatile system, both have a place in the mirrorless landscape. I recommend testing each if possible, but my experience suggests the NX30 is the safer, more flexible bet for most advanced users today.

If you want to dive deeper into specifics, don't hesitate to ask or check out my detailed video reviews and sample galleries for hands-on takes and image examples.

Happy shooting!

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