Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Samsung GX-1L: A Deep Dive into Two Intriguing APS-C Contenders

When it comes to APS-C cameras that have shaped the last 15 years of photography, it’s interesting to circle back to models that dared to innovate in very different ways. The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5, announced in 2010, represents a rangefinder-style mirrorless approach with a fixed prime lens; while the Samsung GX-1L, from 2006, takes a more traditional DSLR route with a Pentax K-mount and offers versatility through a broad lens ecosystem.

Having extensively handled both, I find this comparison especially revealing - not just about specs but practical usability, image quality, and suitability for various photographic disciplines. Let’s unpack these two cameras, layer by layer, and find out which might resonate with your needs.

Size, Handling, and Physical Impressions: The Feel Factor

At first touch, the Ricoh GXR is noticeably compact and lightweight compared to the bulkier Samsung DSLR. With dimensions of just 113x70x56 mm and a featherweight 140g, the GXR almost disappears in your hands, encouraging street and travel photography through sheer portability.

Conversely, the Samsung GX-1L tips the scales at 570g and measures a much more conventional DSLR size - 125x93x66 mm. This heft contributes to a beefier, more substantial grip, which some professionals prefer when wielding heavy lenses. However, it could feel unwieldy for casual use or prolonged handheld shooting.

The top control layouts also emphasize their design philosophies. The Ricoh has a minimalist rangefinder-style top deck with simple dials keeping you in direct control without distraction. Meanwhile, the Samsung sports dedicated shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode dials typical of mid-size DSLRs - more buttons, more immediate access, but also more complexity.

In practice, I find the Ricoh's control layout intuitive for photographers who want to think about composition rather than menu diving. The Samsung GX-1L’s more extensive controls are handy once used to them but may feel overwhelming for newcomers.

Sensor and Image Quality: Old Tech, Still Relevant?

Both cameras feature APS-C sensors around 23.5 x 15.7 mm, but the Ricoh uses a 12MP CMOS sensor, while the Samsung adopts a 6MP CCD sensor. This difference not only affects resolution but also impacts noise, dynamic range, and color rendition.

The CMOS sensor in the GXR provides better high ISO performance, with a native ISO range from 200 to 3200, albeit capped there. The Samsung also reaches up to ISO 3200 but image noise becomes prominent past ISO 800 due to the older CCD tech.

Personally, when shooting in low light or high-contrast landscape scenes, the Ricoh produces cleaner files with more latitude in the shadows and highlights. The dynamic range isn’t exactly state-of-the-art, but respectable considering its vintage, whereas the Samsung struggles to hold detail in high dynamic range situations.

The raw file support on both is a must for serious photographers, yet the Ricoh’s files offer more flexibility for post-processing - especially given a higher native resolution of 4288x2848 pixels versus 3008x2008 pixels on the Samsung. However, the Samsung’s 6MP sensor images hold nostalgic charm and fine grain quality that some find artistically pleasing.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Seeing Your Image

Neither camera features an integrated electronic viewfinder, but the Ricoh offers an optional EVF accessory, while the Samsung relies on an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 96% coverage and roughly 0.57x magnification. This means framing precision is slightly compromised on the Samsung, but you get a real-time optical image with no lag.

The rear LCD screens offer differing experiences in usability. The Ricoh’s 3-inch TFT LCD provides a sharp 920k-dot resolution, bright and relatively accurate for outdoor use. The Samsung’s 2.5-inch screen is noticeably smaller with only 210k-dot resolution, making live review and menu navigation less pleasant.

Neither supports touchscreen or live view, and both shot only basic video options (Ricoh up to 720p at 24 fps; Samsung none), so these are not cameras for multimedia-first shooters.

Lens Ecosystem and Optics

This is one of the clearest divergences. The Ricoh GXR system is unique - a modular body + lens module design, although the GR Lens A12 attachment evaluated here is fixed at 28mm f/2.5 (equivalent to about 42mm on full frame due to the 1.5x crop factor).

This fixed-lens approach means you get extremely sharp, compact optics optimized for the sensor, but you sacrifice the flexibility typical mirrorless and DSLR systems offer.

Meanwhile, the Samsung GX-1L uses the Pentax KAF mount, boasting a staggering 151 compatible lenses from wide-angle to super-telephoto. This ecosystem advantage allows specialized lenses for macro, sports, and landscape photography alike.

For example, wildlife photographers will appreciate being able to pair the GX-1L with telephotos or fast primes. Portrait shooters benefit from the rich selection of portrait-friendly lenses with beautiful bokeh options on Pentax glass.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

The Ricoh relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus, with face detection capabilities but no phase detection or advanced tracking.

The Samsung has a phase-detection autofocus system with 5 focus points, which was standard fare for DSLRs at its time. This allows generally faster and more reliable auto-focus, especially for moving subjects.

When put to test in dynamic environments like sports or wildlife sessions, the Samsung’s AF system, although dated, consistently outperforms the Ricoh’s contrast-detection. The GXR’s 5 fps burst shooting aligns well for street or casual sports but isn’t ideal for tracking fast-moving subjects.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers extensive environmental sealing. No rainproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing features exist on either, so cautious handling outdoors is necessary.

Given the Ricoh’s compactness, it’s easier to shield it from harsh conditions, but don’t expect the GX-1L’s larger DSLR body to provide ruggedness beyond standard care.

Battery Life and Storage

The Ricoh uses a proprietary battery pack (DB-90), which yields around 320 shots per charge - not outstanding but adequate for casual outings.

Samsung’s GX-1L runs on 4 x AA batteries, which is great for easy replacement in the field but tends to add weight and bulk.

Both cameras store files on SD cards (SD/SDHC for Ricoh, SD/MMC for Samsung) in a single slot, so redundancy options are limited.

Connectivity, Video, and Additional Features

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, typical for their era.

The Ricoh provides USB 2.0 and HDMI output - nice for direct screen playback, while the Samsung sticks to USB 1.0, limiting transfer speeds and image download convenience.

Video is rudimentary: Ricoh supports 720p at 24 fps, Samsung does not offer video capture. Microphone and headphone jacks are absent on both.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Overview

Let’s bring this together and see how each camera fares in common genres, based on my hands-on experience and system testing.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Samsung GX 1L front Samsung GX 1L screen back

Portrait Photography

The Ricoh’s high-res sensor and sharp 28mm lens deliver excellent subject isolation and pretty pleasing bokeh despite its classic rangefinder design. Face detection also aids focus precision. Skin tone rendition is natural and balanced.

Samsung’s 6MP CCD sensor yields softer portraits with less detail but a certain smoothness in tones that might appeal to portraitists seeking less clinical sharpness. With the right Pentax lens, bokeh quality can be superb, though you’ll need to choose carefully.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range give the Ricoh an edge here, letting you capture fine details and a wider tonal range. The lack of weather sealing is a downside for tough conditions.

The Samsung's lower resolution limits ultimate detail, but its use with Pentax lenses designed for sharp wide-angle shots remains competitive under controlled environments.

Wildlife Photography

Samsung's faster autofocus and ability to employ telephoto glass puts it on top for wildlife shoots. The Ricoh’s fixed 28mm focal length is clearly restrictive here.

Burst rate favors the Ricoh slightly (5 fps vs 3 fps), but autofocus speed and lens versatility are more critical.

Sports Photography

Again, Samsung’s phase-detection AF system and shutter speed up to 1/4000 sec suit dynamic shooting situations better.

Ricoh’s minimalist controls and fixed lens limit its specialty; nonetheless, its 5 fps burst capability and shutter priority mode allow casual sports capture.

Street Photography

This is where Ricoh shines: compact size, quiet mechanical shutter (max 1/3200 sec), and a discreet 28mm vigor make it a natural street shooter.

Samsung is bulkier and noisier but provides greater lens flexibility.

Macro Photography

Neither excels here inherently, but Pentax’s considerable lens lineup can supply dedicated macro options for the Samsung. Ricoh’s fixed lens isn’t designed for close focusing.

Night and Astrophotography

Ricoh’s CMOS sensor outperforms the Samsung’s CCD in high ISO noise handling, making it slightly better for night scenes and astrophotography, despite both lacking real astro assist modes.

Video Capabilities: Minimal But Worth Mentioning

Ricoh edges out with basic 720p30 video, whereas Samsung offers none. Neither camera supports mic or headphone jacks, limiting control over audio quality. Video users will find these systems outdated quickly.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Both support raw image capture, crucial for professional post-processing workflows.

However, Ricoh’s sharper sensor files and better live preview options facilitate faster culling and edits.

Samsung’s compatibility with Pentax lenses allows for creative optical options, but limited screen quality and slower USB transfer can dampen workflow efficiency.

Price and Value: What Will Your Dollar Buy?

At current street prices, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 sits around $566, while the Samsung GX-1L is often found used at very low prices.

If you’re budget-constrained or collecting retro gear, Samsung offers an affordable gateway to DSLR experience and a vast lens line.

However, for serious image quality and a more enjoyable user experience, Ricoh’s GXR system justifies its premium.

Summarizing Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

If you prefer:

• Lightweight, portable, street, or travel photography where discretion and image quality are paramount, the Ricoh GXR with 28mm lens is an inspired choice. Its combination of sharp optics, compact ergonomics, and better sensor tech suiting natural light work makes it a joy to use daily.

• A traditional DSLR experience with flexibility to customize lenses, or you’re on a tight budget hunting classic glass, the Samsung GX-1L offers an entry into APS-C photography with an extensive lens lineup. Its phase-detection autofocus and more robust body suit beginner to enthusiast photographers wanting versatility.

• Portrait photographers looking for critical sharpness and neat background separation will appreciate Ricoh’s fixed prime lens, whereas those wanting creative lens experimentation and softer tonal rendering might find the Samsung ecosystem tempting.

• Wildlife and sports shooters will be better served by the Samsung’s faster AF and adaptable lenses, despite lower sensor resolution.

• Video creators should lean to neither, but Ricoh is marginally better with basic 720p capture.

Wrapping Up

Both the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 and Samsung GX-1L reveal different paths photographers took as APS-C cameras evolved. The Ricoh’s fixed-lens modular mirrorless concept is ahead of its time in portability and simplicity, while the Samsung’s DSLR heritage underscores adaptability and optical choice.

I highly recommend handling both in person, as their physical and operational differences significantly impact the photographic experience beyond specs sheets.

For a balanced mix of up-to-date sensor technology, ergonomic design, and straightforward operation - Ricoh’s GXR is the pick.

If you treasure lens variety, prefer optical viewfinders, or want robustness at a used price point, Samsung’s GX-1L is still a viable contender.

In photography, sometimes the best camera is the one you enjoy using most. Both these cameras offer unique windows into capturing the world - choose the one that makes your vision easiest to realize.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Technical Takeaways From My Testing Methodology

• Sensor performance assessed using ISO noise charts, dynamic range targets, and color charts under controlled lighting.
• Autofocus speed tested tracking moving subjects outdoors, indoors under artificial lighting, and evaluating focus lock speed.
• Ergonomics measured by prolonged handheld sessions, button feedback, and screen usability in various conditions.
• Lens sharpness evaluated using resolution charts and real-world subject detail comparisons.
• Battery tested with continuous shooting and playback mode to simulate actual field usage patterns.

These rigorous tests inform the practical recommendations here, distinguishing theoretical specs from lived photographic workflow realities.