Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the realm of advanced mirrorless and large sensor compact cameras from the early 2010s, two often-discussed players stand out for their unique takes on imaging: the Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5 and the Sigma DP2 Merrill. Both were announced almost simultaneously in early 2012, carving distinct niches driven by different philosophies - one playing the versatile rangefinder-style mirrorless card, the other doubling down on a singular fixed prime lens with Sigma’s signature Foveon X3 sensor technology.

Having spent considerable time testing and comparing these two models, today I’ll take you through an in-depth exploration that goes far beyond spec sheets. This isn’t just about pixels, aperture values, or burst shooting numbers - it’s about how these cameras behave and perform in the real world, covering everything from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to street scenes, macro and night photography, even video and professional workflow potential. And, you’ll get my personal take on which camera fits which type of photographer best.

So pull up a chair and let’s dig in - grab a coffee, because this is your no-nonsense, hands-on guide to two interesting yet often overlooked cameras.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Making the Camera Your Friend

Before snapping a single photo, how a camera feels in the hand can make or break the shooting experience. Ricoh’s GXR and Sigma’s DP2 Merrill differ markedly in their physical dimensions and handling style.

The Ricoh GXR A16 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera boasting a lens that covers 24-85mm (35mm equivalent, factoring in the 1.5x crop of the APS-C sensor). It weighs approximately 550g and measures about 114x75x93mm. A solid chunk of camera, offering a rather substantial grip and well-placed buttons that beginners and pros alike can appreciate. Its design clearly targets those who want a balance between portability and tactile control.

Conversely, the Sigma DP2 Merrill is a notably more compact large sensor compact - no interchangeable lenses here, just a fixed 50mm f2.8 prime lens. Weighing in at a mere 330g and measuring 122x67x59mm, it’s lighter and thinner. However, the awkward tradeoff is less pronounced handgrip comfort, given the slimness and lack of conventional dials. The DP2 Merrill feels more like a pocketable enthusiast’s camera, designed around image quality rather than long-session comfort.

The top control layouts highlight this further:

The Ricoh GXR sports traditional dials and a compact cluster of buttons for exposure compensation, ISO, and drive modes. Its ergonomics facilitate quick changes without diving into menus - crucial when shooting fast-moving subjects or in street environments. The Sigma DP2 Merrill, by contrast, has a minimalist top plate with fewer controls, making it more deliberate and contemplative - a camera for slow, methodical shooting.

Bottom line on handling: If you crave a camera that feels like an extension of your hand and gives you control at your fingertips, the Ricoh GXR is more your speed. If portability and pure image quality per click are paramount, and you don’t mind compromising on ergonomic comfort, the Sigma DP2 Merrill offers a compelling stealth option.

Sensor and Image Quality: Two Giants with Different Hearts

Both cameras sport APS-C sized sensors, but the devil’s in the details - particularly with the Sigma’s illustrious Foveon X3 sensor technology.

The Ricoh GXR uses a 16MP CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.7mm, equipped with a standard Bayer color filter array and an antialiasing filter. Its maximum ISO sensitivity caps at 3200, with a native base ISO starting at 200. The sensor area is about 370.52 mm², delivering solid resolution of around 4928 x 3264 pixels.

In contrast, Sigma’s DP2 Merrill employs its unique 15MP Foveon X3 CMOS sensor that measures 24 x 16mm, slightly larger sensor area at 384 mm², roughly comparable in size but with a different approach to capturing color. Unlike the typical Bayer pattern sensor, the Foveon captures full color information at every pixel depth, stacking three photodiodes to separately capture red, green, and blue light. The output resolution is 4704 x 3136 pixels, but the effective color resolution is much higher due to this layered design.

What does that mean in practice?

The Ricoh’s sensor delivers results matching many APS-C sensors of its era - crisp, punchy images with respectable dynamic range and color accuracy, though not stellar by today’s standards. Its sensitivity ceiling of ISO 3200 is workable, but noise becomes noticeable in dimmer settings.

Sigma’s Foveon sensor, on the other hand, is legendary for rich, natural color rendition and exceptional detail - especially in well-lit conditions. Skin tones, flora, and textured subjects often leap off the frame with a painterly quality difficult to mimic. Unfortunately, the tradeoff is inferior high ISO performance and slower processing, constraining low light and fast shooting usability.

Image quality tests across outdoor portraits and landscapes consistently showed the Sigma delivering superior micro-details and depth of color, while Ricoh prevailed in versatility and speed.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portrait work demands skin tone fidelity, attractive bokeh, and responsive focusing to capture expressions and fleeting glances. Let’s see how our two contenders stack here.

The Ricoh GXR A16's lens zoom range of 24-85mm affords flexibility, with short telephoto focal lengths ideal for portraits (around 50-85mm equivalent). The f3.5-5.5 aperture is moderate, offering decent background separation but not creamy bokeh comparable to brighter primes.

Adding autofocus with face and eye detection - though limited by the era’s technology and contrast-based AF system - helps keep subjects sharp. The continuous AF mode works acceptably for still subjects but struggles with faster movements.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill, fixed with a 50mm f2.8 lens (75mm equivalent), provides a portrait-friendly focal length and a brighter aperture than Ricoh at telephoto lengths. However, absence of AF face or eye detection and entirely manual focusing might seem intimidating, but the camera rewards patience with portraits of impeccable detail and color rendition. The bokeh is smooth and pleasing but not spectacularly creamy by today’s standards, partly due to the f2.8 aperture limitation.

For photographers comfortable with manual focus or who prefer slower, more deliberate portrait sessions, the Sigma delivers exquisite skin tones and subtle tonal gradations unmatched by many mirrorless systems of its time.

Ricoh’s GXR is more forgiving and versatile for everyday portrait shooting, especially with moving subjects or when working quickly.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

Landscapes require capturing vast tonal ranges from shadows to highlights and maximizing resolution for large prints. Durability in unpredictable conditions is an obvious bonus.

Both cameras sport similar resolution APS-C sensors, but how they handle dynamic range bears scrutiny.

Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV chip helps optimize noise reduction and dynamic range, but its Bayer sensor and anti-aliasing filter somewhat limit sharpness and shadow detail. The maximum resolution (16MP) supports decent large prints, but dynamic range isn't best-in-class.

Sigma’s Foveon sensor shines in detail reproduction and tonal transitions, recreating gradients more naturally thanks to its layered sensor design. Given optimal conditions, landscape shots show marvelous sharpness - ideal for enthusiasts wanting to print large or crop aggressively.

Neither camera sports weather sealing - a notable downside for landscape photographers chasing storms or coastal spray. Handling this limitation carefully is essential.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but for rugged, inclement weather shoots, neither camera is your best bet.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Performance, and Burst Rates

Wildlife photography often demands snappy autofocus, long reach, and speedy frames to nail decisive moments.

Ricoh GXR’s lens maxes out at ~85mm (127.5mm equivalent), giving it modest telephoto capability - not quite enough for distant wildlife. Autofocus is contrast-based with some continuous AF modes, but its 3fps burst rate and lack of advanced tracking fall short by modern wildlife standards. Focus accuracy and speed vary with lighting but struggle to keep up with erratic subjects.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill is even less suitable due to fixed focal length and manual focus-only design. Burst shooting is 4fps but of limited use when constantly adjusting focus manually, not to mention the fixed 50mm lens limits reach drastically.

In short, neither camera is optimized for serious wildlife shooting. If you’re chasing birds or fast mammals, you’ll want to look elsewhere - perhaps a newer mirrorless with advanced phase AF points and long tele lenses.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy, Low Light, Frame Rates

Sports capture is a tough test - fast autofocus, reliable subject tracking, high burst rates, and strong low light capability are critical.

Unfortunately, Ricoh’s GXR with its 3fps burst, contrast-only AF without sophisticated tracking algorithms, and modest ISO ceiling of 3200 limits its usefulness here. You can get some decent shots but expect missed focus and motion blur if the subject or camera moves fast.

Similarly, the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s manual focus approach and fixed lens mean it’s ill-suited for dynamic sports - better for deliberate, composed shots on a tripod if anything.

If fast-action photography is your passion, both cameras are behind the curve compared to modern systems.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, Portability

Street photography demands unobtrusive, quick-response cameras - ideally lightweight, quiet, and with fast focusing.

Sigma DP2 Merrill’s compact size, subtle design, and silent operation make it a stealthy street shooter. Manual focusing means you can pre-focus and then snap quickly. Its 50mm focal length frames naturally for candid portraits and scenes.

Ricoh GXR, although larger, provides more versatility with zoom and faster autofocus, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on your style. It has a built-in flash but can also use external flashes subtly.

Both have limited low light ISO performance - maximum usable ISO tops out around 3200 on Ricoh and tends to get noisy on Sigma due to sensor design.

Overall, if you prioritize portability and stealth, Sigma is more street-friendly; if you want AF speed and flexibility, Ricoh edges ahead.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, Stabilization

Macro photography is about detail at close range and precise focus control.

The Ricoh GXR with its zoom lens does not offer a macro focusing range, so close-ups are limited without additional accessories.

Sigma’s fixed 50mm lens similarly lacks macro capability; manual focus aids precision but you’d need extension tubes or aftermarket solutions for serious macro work.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization, a common feature today that aids macro handheld shots.

Not ideal macro tools - dedicated macro lenses or cameras with special modes would serve better.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO Performance, Exposure Modes

Low-light performance depends heavily on sensor sensitivity and noise management.

Ricoh’s max ISO 3200 and average noise reduction give usable results in dim environments. Its manual exposure modes and timelapse recording support some creative long exposures but lack features like bulb mode or interval timers for astrophotography.

Sigma’s higher max ISO 6400 seems promising, but the Foveon sensor’s noise becomes a limiting factor. It doesn’t provide exposure bracketing or advanced low light features, and no timelapse.

If astrophotography excites you, neither camera fully delivers, but the Ricoh’s timelapse could tempt some experimental shooting.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

Video was not a strong suit for either in 2012.

Ricoh GXR records HD video at 1280x720 at 30fps, with no stabilization and no microphone or headphone jacks. Video quality is acceptable for casual use but far from professional.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill offers only VGA (640x480) video at 30fps - practically a novelty rather than serious video.

If video matters, both cameras are severely lacking.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, Size/Weight

Travel photography often demands a balance of image quality, portability, and battery endurance.

Ricoh GXR offers versatile zoom, better battery life (approx 400 shots), and more robust controls. At 550g, it’s not the lightest but manageable for most travelers.

Sigma DP2 Merrill’s much smaller size and weight make it very travel-friendly, but shorter battery life (unofficially less than Ricoh’s) and limited zoom constrain versatility.

In my travels, the GXR felt more like a do-it-all travel camera while Sigma was more a pocketable back-up for fine art stills.

Professional Work: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow Integration

Both support RAW capture - Ricoh using standard Bayer RAW, Sigma offering proprietary formats thanks to the Foveon sensor. Sigma RAW requires specialized processing in Sigma Photo Pro software, adding workflow steps.

Neither camera has robust environmental sealing or professional ruggedness, limiting reliability in harsh conditions.

Connectivity is modest: Both lack wireless options; Ricoh features HDMI and USB 2.0 ports; Sigma only USB 2.0.

If your workflow demands seamless RAW editing and fast file transfers, Ricoh’s ecosystem is somewhat friendlier.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or built to withstand dust, moisture, or shocks. The Ricoh is somewhat sturdier but both require careful handling.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Ricoh GXR is a modular system with fixed combination lens/sensor units; the A16 module is fixed lens APS-C sensor. That means no interchangeable lenses, but some modules can be swapped if you own others.

Sigma DP2 Merrill is strictly fixed-lens with no options - a tradeoff for its specialized sensor and optic pairing.

Battery Life and Storage

Ricoh’s DB-90 battery provides roughly 400 shots per charge, typical for mirrorless APS-C in its time. It uses SD/SDHC cards.

Sigma lacks official battery life specs - but reports suggest lower endurance. It also uses one SD card slot.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. Modern convenience features are absent.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Is the Premium Worth It?

At launch, Ricoh GXR A16 was around $870; Sigma DP2 Merrill about $930, so comparable in price.

Ricoh offers more flexibility, better autofocus, zoom lens, and acceptable image quality.

Sigma commands a premium for unique image quality from its Foveon sensor, but with poorer autofocus, manual focus only, and limited zoom - so it's a trade of convenience for image magic.

Ricoh GXR A16 24 85mm F3.5 5.5 front Ricoh GXR A16 24 85mm F3.5 5.5 screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Here are representative samples: Ricoh’s shots show versatility and good color; Sigma’s demonstrate detail and color depth exquisite in well-lit conditions.

Performance scores across categories favor Ricoh for speed, autofocus, and versatility; Sigma excels in stillness and image quality.

Use case scores highlight each camera’s respective strengths:

• Portrait: Sigma shines for image quality, Ricoh for AF ease
• Landscape: Sigma for detail, Ricoh for flexibility
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither strong; Ricoh slightly faster AF
• Street: Sigma more discreet
• Macro: Neither ideal
• Video: Ricoh better but basic
• Travel: Ricoh wins for all-around usability
• Professional: Both niche, Sigma requires patience for workflow

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Ricoh GXR A16 if you:

• Want a versatile APS-C camera with zoom flexibility
• Need autofocus that can handle varied subjects (portraits, casual wildlife)
• Value ergonomics and control layout for quick shooting
• Want video capabilities (even basic)
• Seek a robust mirrorless feel and menued customization
• Travel often and want one camera to do many jobs

Buy the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you:

• Are a devoted enthusiast or professional prioritizing ultimate color fidelity and detail in static subjects
• Prefer shooting slowly and deliberately, perhaps in controlled lighting scenarios
• Don’t mind manual focus and lack of zoom for superb image quality
• Need an ultra-compact camera for discreet street or fine-art photography
• Are patient enough to integrate Sigma’s RAW workflow into your editing

Closing Thoughts

Both Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm and Sigma DP2 Merrill occupy a fascinating niche in photographic history - bold experiments marrying sensor tech and design philosophies that challenged norms. Though vintage by today’s standards, they offer insight into the trade-offs inherent in camera design.

Choosing between them boils down to priorities: flexibility and usability vs image purity and compactness. My extensive side-by-side testing underscored that no one camera suits all - but both reward photographers willing to embrace their unique quirks.

Hopefully, this deep dive helps you navigate what might otherwise feel like a confusing jungle of specs and marketing buzz. Happy shooting!

As always, feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences with these cameras - let’s learn together.