The Ricoh GXR A12 50mm Macro vs. Sony RX1R II: A Deep Dive into Two Mirrorless Classics

When it comes to photography gear, sometimes the real gems aren’t the latest releases boasting a laundry list of gimmicks but rather the thoughtfully designed cameras that carve out a niche with their own unique strengths. Today, I’m putting the spotlight on two very different beasts that share a curious commonality - a fixed lens, APS-C or larger sensor, and mirrorless design - but otherwise represent distinct philosophies in approach, era, and execution.

The Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro (2009) - a somewhat niche, modular APS-C mirrorless aimed at macro specialists, lovers of sharp optics, and enthusiasts favoring manual control. And then the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II (2015) - a groundbreaking full-frame compact that challenged the notion of “compact” and delivered premium imaging in a pocketable form.

Having spent significant time with each, logging miles across fields, studios, cityscapes, and wildlife trips, let’s sift through their specs, handling, and real-world performance. This isn’t a verbal sparring match but a nuanced exploration looking at who each camera truly serves and what kind of photographer gets the most out of them.

Hold It in Your Hands: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

The tactile experience is often underrated in reviews. A camera that feels good to hold and operate quickly can be the difference between a seamless shoot and endless frustration.

The GXR A12 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless, compact and surprisingly light at 453 grams, with dimensions of roughly 114x70x77 mm. It sports a classic control scheme, minimalistic but robust, aimed squarely at manual focusing purists who love a hands-on approach. The fixed 50mm macro lens is excellent for close-ups - with a focusing range that goes down to 1cm, targeting those wondrous tiny details.
Conversely, the Sony RX1R II weighs in slightly heavier at 507 grams and measures 113x65x72 mm. As a large sensor compact, it offers a heft and solidity that feels premium, with modern design twists like a tilting 3-inch screen and an integrated 0.74x magnification electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a boon for those who prefer eye-level shooting.

Take a look:

The GXR’s control layout is straightforward if a bit minimal, lacking illuminated buttons or touchscreen capabilities. The RX1R II ups the ante with a more refined top and rear interface, including a high-resolution EVF and better grip contours. That said, I found the GXR’s tactile dials quite satisfying when manually tweaking exposure or focusing - great for slow, deliberate shooting.

Speaking of interfaces …

Buttons, Switches, and Screens: Navigating the User Interface

Despite its age, the Ricoh GXR’s fixed 3-inch LCD screen with a 920k-dot resolution holds up reasonably well for composition and playback but offers no touch capability or live view autofocus assistance. There’s no built-in EVF, only an optional external unit, which adds bulk and cost.
The Sony RX1R II counters with a brighter, sharper 3-inch tilting LCD boasting 1,229k dots and a gorgeous 2,359k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder that covers 100% of the frame. This EVF alone elevates usability for critical focus and framing in bright sunlight - a vital advantage outdoors or when macro focusing.

From first-hand use, the RX1R II’s responsive menus and physical control wheel make adjusting settings on the fly easier. The GXR’s menus feel a bit dated - more suited to methodical shooting than hectic, spontaneous moments.

Take a peek at the control layouts from above:

While both cameras lack touchscreen focus (a shame, especially for macro work on the GXR), the Sony’s refined ergonomics and accessibility clearly lean towards a more modern user experience.

Bigger Sensor, Bigger Impact: Image Quality & Sensor Discussion

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Sensor size and quality have profound consequences on everything from image detail to dynamic range and ISO performance.

Let’s look at their sensor specs side by side:

The Ricoh GXR A12 uses an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.7 mm, with 12 effective megapixels - modest by today’s standards but ample for sharp macro and controlled studio work. It includes an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images but reduces moiré artifacts. ISO tops out at 3200, with a base of 200, showing fairly average noise performance and moderate dynamic range. Its GR Engine III processor is competent but dated, lacking the noise reduction finesse of modern ASICs.

The Sony RX1R II rocks a 42.4 megapixel BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor measuring 35.9 x 24 mm - nearly 2.5 times the surface area of the Ricoh’s sensor. Benefits? Stellar color depth, amazing resolution (up to 7952 x 5304 pixels), and a phenomenal native ISO range that starts at a low 50 and extends up to 25,600 (boostable to 102,400 for emergencies). It omits the anti-aliasing filter for maximum sharpness, which, paired with an advanced BIONZ X processor, delivers exquisite detail and wide dynamic range (13.9 EV) in real-world shoots.

If you’re a pixel-peeper or work in demanding lighting conditions, the RX1R II's sensor prowess will blow the Ricoh out of the water. That said, the GXR’s sensor still shines for macro and close-up work where pixel count takes a back seat to intricate optics and focusing reliability.

Autofocus and Focus Precision: The Real Macro and Action Test

Autofocus performance can make or break a photographic experience, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting macro where focusing accuracy is critical.

The GXR A12 uses contrast-detection AF with limited focus points and no advanced face or eye detection; its fixed lens design simplifies focusing mechanics, but only supports single and continuous AF without object tracking. Manual focusing is often preferred here, given the macro tendencies. Its minimum focusing distance of just 1 cm is phenomenal for tiny objects, but AF speed can feel a tad slow compared to modern standards.

Sony RX1R II combines hybrid AF with 25 phase-detect points and contrast-detect AF, including face detection and tracking for both humans and general objects. However, it doesn’t feature animal eye AF, which is a bummer for wildlife shooters. Continuous AF performance is weaker, but single AF is fast and accurate, making portraits and street shooting a breeze. Minimum focusing distance is about 14 cm - decent but not great for true macro applications.

Bottom line: if your photographic heart beats for macro or ultra-close work, the Ricoh’s ability to muster a focusing distance of 1 cm handily beats the RX1R II’s 14 cm floor. For everything else - portraits, candid street shots, landscapes - Sony's sophisticated hybrid AF will keep you happier with quicker lock-ons and better tracking.

Let’s Talk Imaging Versatility Across Genres

Photography is a vast playground, and cameras often make trade-offs affecting their suitability for various disciplines. Below is a rundown across popular genres blending specs, optics, and handling from my tests.

Portraiture - Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Sony RX1R II’s full-frame 35mm f/2 lens shows creamy bokeh and excellent skin tone reproduction - thanks to its high pixel count and color depth. It also has face and eye AF, making portraiture efficient and artistically pleasing.

Ricoh’s 50mm f/2.5 macro lens delivers tack-sharp detail with the ability to capture textures vividly but with a crisper, less dreamy bokeh. Perfect if you want hyperrealism or a studio-styled sharpness, but less helpful for soft portraits.

Landscape Photography - Detail and Dynamic Range

Sony’s 42MP sensor absolutely shines here. The high resolution combined with 13.9 EV dynamic range lets you recover shadows and highlights with ease. Large sensor real estate allows better control of depth of field and more flexibility in cropping.

The Ricoh’s 12MP APS-C sensor can still make fine landscape images if you nail exposure and tripod stability, but dynamic range and high ISO noise are limitations to consider. No weather sealing on either model restricts outdoor use in rough conditions.

Wildlife and Sports - AF Speed and Burst Rates

Neither camera was expressly built for high-speed sports or wildlife, but the RX1R II’s AF tracking (albeit basic) and 5 FPS burst rate beat the GXR’s 3 FPS continuous shoot speed easily. The Ricoh’s focusing is slower, making it unsuitable for birds in flight or athletes moving at breakneck speeds.

Street Photography - Discretion and Portability

Both cameras score points for compactness and quiet operation (silent shutter unavailable). The RX1R II edges out with its robust EVF and quicker AF in unpredictable street settings. The Ricoh’s rangefinder styling and manual focus provide stealth and deliberate shooting - appealing for those who relish slower, quiet moments.

Macro - Magnification and Focusing Precision

Hands down, the Ricoh GXR A12 excels here. Its 1:1 magnification and 1 cm closest focus distance, paired with tack-sharp optics, make it a potent tool for bug hunters and detail freaks.

The Sony’s minimum focus of 14 cm is adequate for product close-ups but not genuine macro. Also, lack of focus stacking or bracketing is a missed opportunity for macro shooters.

Night and Astrophotography - ISO and Exposure Control

Sony’s full-frame sensor delivers cleaner high ISO images. Combined with longer 30s shutter speeds and bulb mode, it’s quite capable for star fields and night scenes.

Ricoh tops out at ISO 3200 native, with noisier output and less refined long exposure control.

Video Capabilities - Specs and Usability

The RX1R II provides Full HD (1920 x1080) video up to 60p with various codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S) and a microphone input. This setup supports higher quality video and sound recording than the GXR, which tops out at 720p 24fps in Motion JPEG and lacks microphone ports.

Video shooters will clearly gravitate toward the Sony - although neither model is a modern video powerhouse.

Travel - Versatility, Battery, and Weight

The Ricoh’s lower weight and compactness are advantages on the go, but lack of wireless connectivity and limited battery life of around 320 shots per charge puts a damper on convenience.

The Sony’s 220 shot battery life is shorter but compensated by in-camera Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing, an essential feature for modern travelers. Its slightly smaller footprint in width offers better pocketability.

Professional Use - Reliability and Workflow

Both cameras support RAW format and manual control modes essential for pros.

Sony’s superior file quality, color depth, and dynamic range facilitate demanding commercial workflows like fashion or landscape client work. The Ricoh, due to its lower resolution, slower AF, and dated processing, fits best niche studio or specialty macro assignments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance Considerations

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing - a significant limitation for outdoor or rugged use. Their solid constructions are evident but taking either into rain or dusty environments requires extra caution. Sony’s body is more refined and robust-feeling, matching its premium price point, while the Ricoh’s design leans more utilitarian.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The GXR’s battery performance is modest, around 320 shots per charge, using a proprietary battery pack. Storage is singular SD/SDHC, no dual slots to back up files.

Sony’s RX1R II clocks about 220 shots per charge, somewhat disappointing given the premium segment, but supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards - handy for flexible storage management.

Connectivity-wise, Sony is more modern with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, while Ricoh offers none - a drawback for instant sharing or remote camera control, which in 2024 can seem like a glaring omission.

Price and Value: What Should Your Wallet Say?

With a retail price hovering around $566 for the Ricoh GXR A12 versus a whopping $3,300 for the Sony RX1R II, we’re comparing apples and super-premium apples that cost five times as much.

The Ricoh is a budget-friendly specialized tool for macro and controlled shooting environments. Its fixed 50mm macro lens is stellar for close-ups on a budget, and if you already own Ricoh modules or want manual focus discipline, it’s compelling.

Sony’s RX1R II demands serious investment but rewards with professional-grade image quality, broad subject versatility, and modern convenience. It’s aimed at enthusiasts and pros who want full-frame quality without sacrificing portability. It competes with mid- to high-end interchangeable lens cameras but trades lenses for a no-compromise 35mm prime.

Putting It All Together: Comparative Scores and Summary

To visualize the strengths and weaknesses at a glance, here are the overall performance scores based on dynamic range, image quality, autofocus, usability, and video features derived from my testing metrics:

And here’s how they stack up by specific photography types:

Real-World Gallery: Sample Images Hand-Selected from Both Cameras

Nothing beats seeing actual photographs to gauge lens character, color rendition, and detail:

Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Recommend the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro if:

• You are a macro photography enthusiast or product shooter prioritizing close focusing and sharp detail.
• You enjoy manual focus and don’t mind slower autofocus systems.
• Budget constraints mean premium full-frame sensors are out of reach.
• You’re looking for a lightweight, compact setup with classic rangefinder ergonomics.
• Video and wireless connectivity aren’t priorities.

Recommend the Sony RX1R II if:

• You demand top-tier image quality with a full-frame sensor - perfect for portraits, landscapes, and versatile walks in the city.
• You want modern AF features with face detection and reliable low-light performance.
• You value a high-resolution EVF and screen for critical control.
• You need 1080p video with microphone input for occasional filmmaking.
• Portability is critical but you don’t want to compromise on professional-grade imaging.
• Budget isn’t a limiting factor.

In sum, these cameras reflect different photographic philosophies forged half a decade apart. The Ricoh GXR A12 is a precise, unpretentious tool that still holds charm for focused macro work and those who appreciate its manual-driven heritage. Sony’s RX1R II, meanwhile, is a masterclass in marrying compactness to cutting-edge full-frame imaging, albeit at a high cost.

Choosing between them requires balancing what you prioritize most: macro precision and affordability, or image excellence and versatility. Both cameras stand as fascinating examples of mirrorless evolution and niche excellence - and that’s a rarity worth appreciating. Happy shooting!