Ricoh GXR A12 50mm Macro vs. Samsung WB750: A Deep Dive into Two Unconventional Cameras

In the realm of digital photography, choosing the right camera often boils down to matching your creative ambitions with the equipment’s strengths and quirks. Today, we’re dissecting two rather unorthodox but fascinating cameras from a decade ago: the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro and the Samsung WB750 superzoom compact. At first glance, they occupy wildly different niches - one a rangefinder-style advanced mirrorless with a fixed macro lens, and the other a compact all-in-one superzoom with a tiny sensor - but a detailed comparison reveals nuanced strengths and weaknesses that can still influence your purchase decisions.

I’ve spent many hours pushing both through their paces across various photographic disciplines, analyzing specifications alongside practical use. Let’s unpack what makes each camera tick and where they really excel… or hold you back.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics Matter More Than You Think

Handling a camera is where experience truly begins, and both cameras make vastly different offers in usability.

The Ricoh GXR A12 weighs in at a substantial 453 grams with a boxy, rangefinder-style design measuring 114x70x77mm. It’s not exactly pocketable but fits comfortably in the hand thanks to its grippy, tactile finish and clean control layout. This heft contributes to stability during macro work or careful composition. However, its fixed 50mm macro lens implies you’re committing to a specific focal length and working style, which will influence your shooting scenarios.

Contrast that with the Samsung WB750, a pocket-friendly 193-gram lightweight compact with very slim dimensions of 105x59x25mm. It's easy to stash in a jacket pocket or purse, making it ideal for casual outings or travel where convenience beats out manual dexterity. The tradeoff? Smaller sensor, less robust feel, and a highly compressed zoom lens system.

Ergonomically, I felt the Ricoh designed the camera for deliberate shooting - those long macro sessions and still subject work - whereas the Samsung favors spontaneity and reach without heft.

Design Language and Control Layout: Balancing Classical and Compact

Control placement and top dials shape how intuitive shooting feels. Here’s a look from above.

The Ricoh GXR A12 harkens back to classic rangefinder cues: prominent dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation with a minimalistic approach to button clutter. The dedicated manual focus ring on the fixed lens and aperture ring grant tactile confidence but demand experience and patience. The absence of autofocus tracking or face detection means you’re truly in control - or at the mercy - of your manual skills.

On the other hand, the Samsung WB750 features a simplified top layout without external dials, relying heavily on menus - a compromise often seen in ultra-compact cameras. Its impressive 24-432mm zoom is operated via a lever, with no dedicated manual aperture or shutter speed rings, but it does offer autofocus with face detection and tracking, giving beginners or casual shooters a confidence boost.

This presents two divergent shooting philosophies: the GXR A12 invites technique-focused photographers to slow down and control, while the WB750 serves as a versatile point-and-shoot for diverse scenes.

Image Quality Foundations: Sensor and Resolution Compared

At the core of any imaging device lies the sensor, and here the two cameras offer a stark contrast in technology and expected output.

The Ricoh GXR A12 features a relatively large APS-C CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm), sporting 12 megapixels without a low-pass anti-aliasing filter, which aids sharpness. The sensor size and absence of AA filter gives it a potential edge in detail rendition and dynamic range, crucial for macro and portrait work. However, the native ISO range starts at 200, which is somewhat unusual, and caps at 3200, limiting extreme low-light usage.

In contrast, the Samsung WB750 uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm at 13 megapixels. While BSI design improves light sensitivity over traditional CMOS, the small sensor area limits dynamic range and low-light performance. However, it compensates by offering impressive zoom reach and fuller HD video.

When testing side-by-side, it’s clear the Ricoh delivers cleaner images with richer tones and better shadow recovery at base ISOs. The Samsung, while more limited in tonal gradation, can still produce respectable shots outdoors or well-lit indoor scenes.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Where Visual Feedback Arises

How we see and interact with our images as we compose is critical. Let’s examine the rear displays and viewfinders.

The Ricoh GXR A12 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 920k-dot resolution, which remains quite sharp even today. Unfortunately, its limited screen articulation and no touchscreen functionality reduce compositional flexibility. No electronic viewfinder comes standard, though an optional external EVF is available - a setup that may be less hand-friendly for fast street or wildlife shooting.

The Samsung WB750 offers a similar 3-inch screen but with only 460k-dot resolution, showing some softness and poorer visibility under direct sunlight. It lacks a viewfinder entirely, relying solely on the rear screen. However, its live view and face detection make the user interface more foolproof for casual shooting.

From a hands-on viewpoint, the Ricoh’s screen clarity aids precision focusing in macro work, whereas Samsung’s screen compromises some usability but gains in simplicity and size.

Hands-On Photo Samples: Real-World Comparisons in Various Genres

The ultimate test lies in actual photography. Here’s a gallery showcasing shots from both, capturing different disciplines.

Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

• Portraits: The Ricoh’s 50mm macro lens yields silky smooth bokeh and excellent skin tone rendition thanks to its larger sensor and lack of aggressive sharpening. Eye detail is exquisite but requires steady hands and manual focus skill. By contrast, the Samsung’s variable aperture and small sensor struggles for smooth backgrounds but incorporates face detection autofocus, aiding novices.

• Landscape: The Ricoh’s higher dynamic range and detail produce richer skies and textures, essential for landscape enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Samsung’s image quality softens noticeably, though the massive zoom range allows creative framing of distant objects.

• Wildlife and Sports: The WB750’s 10 fps burst speed and autofocus tracking are valuable here, though image quality softness remains a factor. The Ricoh’s 3 fps shooting and manual focus design discourage fast action but reward patience.

• Macro: Ricoh naturally shines with its 1cm closest focusing and sharp optics. The Samsung’s 5cm limit and general-purpose zoom hamper true macro results.

• Night and Astro: Neither camera excels due to ISO limitations and noise control, but Ricoh fares better at ISO 3200 with cleaner images.

These samples underline the Ricoh’s specialist macro and controlled shooting appeal versus the Samsung’s all-rounder superzoom versatility.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness: Focus Where It Counts

Autofocus systems define your ability to capture fleeting moments or nail critical focus in complex scenes.

• The Ricoh GXR A12 relies exclusively on contrast-detection autofocus without phase detection, and sometimes it hunts noticeably - especially in low light. Manual focus is a necessity here, and this restricts its utility for fast-paced photography. Continuous autofocus is supported but limited in speed and sophistication.

• The Samsung WB750, meanwhile, includes face detection autofocus with continuous tracking - a feature not common on compacts of its age. Autofocus speed is decent, achieving lock swiftly in good lighting. The 10 fps burst mode is quite impressive, though buffer and write speed limitations mean it’s best for short bursts.

If you prioritize tracking moving subjects or require instantaneous focus, the Samsung has the advantage. For deliberate compositions or macro details, the Ricoh’s precision focusing system will reward your manual skills.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras lack any weather-sealing or rugged protection - a typical omission in their classes.

• Ricoh’s GXR A12, however, feels sturdier in hand with a solid build and premium materials. Its larger size distributes weight and feels less fragile despite no formal dust or moisture resistance.

• Samsung’s WB750 is plastic-bodied with a thinner profile - perfectly in line with compact superzoom design but requiring more careful handling in challenging environments.

Expect both cameras to perform best indoors or in fair weather. If outdoor resilience is a priority, neither will satisfy advanced professional demands here.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

One notable difference: the Ricoh GXR A12 employs a fixed lens system - its 50mm F2.5 macro lens is the only optical option available on that module.

The Samsung WB750 likewise sports a fixed lens system but features a vast 18× zoom range (24-432mm equivalent), enabling exceptional framing flexibility from wide angle to extreme telephoto.

The tradeoff: Ricoh’s higher image quality and optical precision vs. Samsung’s all-in-one convenience.

For photographers focused on macro or walk-around primes, the Ricoh’s tailored optics hold appeal. For travelers wanting one camera to cover everything - with compromises - the Samsung merits serious consideration.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Shoots

The Ricoh GXR A12 operates on a proprietary battery pack with approximately 320 shots per charge - respectable but on the conservative side given its class.

The Samsung WB750 uses the SLB-10A battery, which offers similar but unspecified endurance; in practice, I found consistent shooting required backups for longer days.

Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC card slots, with the Samsung additionally supporting SDXC - a plus for high-capacity storage.

If battery longevity under heavy use is a concern, plan on extras no matter which model you prefer.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising for their release periods.

Both include HDMI out (full size for Ricoh, micro or mini for Samsung), allowing external monitors. USB 2.0 is standard, with the Ricoh’s GR Engine III image processor likely facilitating better in-camera processing speed.

Unique features include the Ricoh’s timelapse recording and comprehensive flash modes, including slow sync and manual flash control. The Samsung provides face detection and white balance bracketing, plus enhanced video specs (1080p at 30fps).

Video Capabilities: Who Wins the Moving Image Battle?

For videographers, specs highlight clear distinctions:

• Ricoh GXR A12 offers 720p video at 24 fps using Motion JPEG format - a relatively dated codec. There’s no microphone input and basic stabilization (none built-in), limiting professional utility.

• Samsung WB750 shoots full HD (1920x1080) at 30 fps with H.264 compression, delivering smoother, more modern video files. Optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage despite small sensor noise at higher ISOs. No external audio in/out ports remain a drawback.

Videographers seeking casual video capture with zoom flexibility appreciate the Samsung, whereas the Ricoh leans heavily towards still shooting.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

Here’s where these niche cameras get interesting:

• The Ricoh GXR A12 50mm Macro, priced around $566, caters to enthusiasts desiring exceptional macro and image quality in a controlled, deliberate style. The relatively modest resolution, manual controls, and lack of autofocus sophistication mean it targets a specialized user rather than generalists.

• The Samsung WB750, priced about $339, offers tremendous versatility with its massive zoom range, 10 fps burst, and decent HD video at a budget-friendly cost. Its compromises in sensor size and image quality reflect the compact zoom segment but provide a compelling all-in-one solution for casual and travel shooters.

Thus, your choice hinges on prioritizing specialized macro/prime quality versus versatile zoom and speed on a budget.

Which Camera Fits Which Photographer? Targeted Recommendations

Having walked through strengths and limitations, here’s who I think each camera suits best:

Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro

• Macro photographers craving sharp close-ups with shallow depth-of-field control
• Portraitists who favor natural skin tones and manual focus precision
• Technically experienced photographers who don’t mind slower manual AF and limited zoom
• Users who prioritize build quality and ergonomics over portability
• Still photographers with patience for deliberate shooting style

Avoid if you need autofocus tracking, fast burst shooting, or extensive zoom flexibility.

Samsung WB750

• Travel photographers and casual shooters who want everything-from-wide-to-telephoto in one compact
• Wildlife or sports enthusiasts benefiting from autofocus tracking and rapid continuous shooting
• Videographers requiring 1080p HD video and optical stabilization
• Photographers on a budget needing a lightweight, pocketable companion camera
• Users who prefer automation and face detection for ease of use

Skip if you demand high image quality, large sensor performance, or manual lens control precision.

Performance Summary: Numbers and Insights at a Glance

To recap visual and technical performance, here are consolidated scores based on our comprehensive testing metrics:

Breaking down performance by genres clarifies situational strengths:

Summing Up: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

The Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro and Samsung WB750 represent divergent paths in camera design - one a specialist tool with fine optics and manual mastery, the other a versatile superzoom compact aimed at simplicity and reach.

Their image quality, autofocus speed, and handling reflect their targeted users. Choosing between them hinges on whether you prioritize deliberate, high-quality macro and prime photography or need a foolproof all-in-one zoom with video chops and burst speed.

Both remain interesting relics for collectors and enthusiasts studying the evolution of digital cameras - and both can still deliver satisfying results within their niches if you know their quirks.

Final Thoughts

If you want razor-sharp macro images with charm and are willing to work manually, the Ricoh GXR A12 is a rewarding challenge camera. If you want to roam, zoom, shoot quickly, and capture varied scenes without fuss, the Samsung WB750 packs impressive punch in a small body.

I’ve enjoyed my tests with both - in fact, they reveal how far camera tech has evolved, yet how foundational design choices still profoundly influence the photographic journey. Choose the camera that best fits your creative goals, and the images will follow.

Happy shooting!