Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Samsung NX5

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Samsung NX5: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Mirrorless Contenders

In the early 2010s, the mirrorless camera segment was burgeoning, with many manufacturers experimenting with diverse form factors, sensor-lens configurations, and user interfaces. The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 and Samsung NX5 represent two distinct approaches to compact APS-C mirrorless design, both announced in 2010. While these cameras are now legacy models, their architectural and ergonomic philosophies provide valuable insights for photography enthusiasts and professionals evaluating the evolution of mirrorless technology or seeking a cost-sensitive secondary body steeped in classic design.

This comprehensive comparison draws on extensive hands-on experience with mirrorless cameras, leveraging detailed analysis methods such as sensor performance assessment, autofocus benchmarking, and ergonomic evaluation. We systematically investigate key facets including image quality, autofocus capabilities, physical handling, video features, and suitability across photographic genres.

First Impressions and Ergonomic Design

The Ricoh GXR module-based system diverges notably from traditional mirrorless cameras - it fixes a single lens and sensor unit together, effectively creating a compact, rangefinder-style camera with a 28mm equivalent lens. The body footprint is exceptionally compact at 113x70x56 mm and an ultralight 140 g without battery, emphasizing pocketability and simplicity.

Conversely, the Samsung NX5 embodies a more conventional DSLR-shaped mirrorless design, measuring 123x87x40 mm and weighing a substantial 499 g. Its SLR-style grip, larger body, and interchangeable lens system reflect a commitment to versatile photographic control and ergonomics aimed at enthusiasts transitioning from DSLRs.

The Ricoh’s rangefinder-style ergonomics favor minimalism but compromise some modern interface conveniences, featuring no touchscreen or live view focusing aids on-screen. The NX5 offers a 3” Active Matrix OLED and an electronic viewfinder with full coverage and 0.57x magnification, supporting more confident composition under varied lighting conditions.

TOP VIEW: The Ricoh GXR offers dial-based exposure control and a modest set of buttons preserving a clean top deck. The Samsung NX5, with its larger body, includes an integrated mode dial, dedicated AF button, and more comprehensive shutter speed and ISO controls, enabling faster adjustments in the field.

Sensor Architecture and Imaging Capabilities

Both cameras utilize APS-C sensors with a 1.5x crop factor, typical of enthusiast-level mirrorless. The Ricoh GXR features a 12MP CMOS sensor measuring 23.6x15.7 mm, paired with the GR Engine III processor. The Samsung NX5 houses a slightly higher resolution 15MP CMOS sensor sized 23.4x15.6 mm, processed via Samsung’s DRIM Engine.

While megapixels are close, the Samsung’s 15MP resolution provides a modest edge in output size and detail retention for large prints or extensive cropping. However, Ricoh’s GR series sensors have been well-regarded historically for producing natural color rendition and excellent JPEG quality, albeit sacrificing some resolution for pixel performance and noise control.

Initial testing indicates that both cameras exhibit similar ISO ranges from ISO 100/200 up to 3200, with Ricoh’s native base ISO starting at 200 and Samsung at 100. This difference influences low ISO noise floors and highlight tone preservation subtly; the Samsung NX5’s broader ISO excursion to 100 enables less aggressive base sensitivity noise reduction.

Neither camera benefits from image stabilization (IBIS), putting greater emphasis on lens selection and handholding technique for low-light or telephoto shooting.

Autofocus System and Performance

Autofocus remains a critical differentiator in practical photography, especially across diverse genres such as wildlife and sports.

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12: Employs contrast-detection AF exclusively, featuring face detection but no phase-detection hybrid points. It offers single, continuous, and selective AF modes; however, tracking and multi-point autofocus capabilities are relatively basic. Its 5 frames per second (fps) burst shooting is adequate but constrained by focus acquisition speed.

• Samsung NX5: Also fully contrast-detection based, but incorporates 15 autofocus points, which enhances compositional flexibility. Like Ricoh, it supports face detection and single/continuous focusing. Burst speed caps at 3 fps, slightly slower than the Ricoh model.

Contrast-detection systems inherently lag behind phase-detection counterparts for speed and tracking accuracy, particularly in fast-action scenarios. Testing reveals both models struggle with rapid subject tracking and low-light AF, a caveat for sports and wildlife photographers requiring precision and repeatability.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedization. The Ricoh’s compact, rangefinder style delivers a sturdy feel, mostly in plastic but with metal components ensuring solid assembly. The built-in pop-up flash and fixed lens unit minimize points of mechanical failure.

The Samsung NX5's larger body feels plasticky but with comfortable grip contours supporting prolonged handheld use. Built-in flash range is longer at 11 m, and external flash support is robust in both models.

LCD and Viewfinder Analysis

Both cameras sport a fixed 3” display but differ dramatically in quality and resolution:

• Ricoh GXR: TFT LCD, 920k dots resolution, crisp with decent brightness, but no touchscreen or live-view AF touch functionalities.

• Samsung NX5: OLED panel at 230k dots, which is lower resolution but benefits from better contrast ratios. The NX5 additionally integrates a proper electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, a strong usability advantage for precise framing.

In real-world shooting, the Samsung’s EVF makes composing in bright outdoor conditions more reliable, whereas the Ricoh can be challenging without an optional external EVF.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

The Ricoh GXR system’s uniqueness is its fixed, interchangeable sensor/lens modules. The reviewed unit integrates a 28mm F2.5 lens, renowned for sharpness and appealing bokeh but restricts focal length versatility. Additional modules were released but at high cost and limited focal selections.

In contrast, the Samsung NX5 utilizes the Samsung NX mount with 32 compatible lenses available at launch, covering wide to telephoto, primes, macros, and specialty optics. This flexibility suits photographers exploring various genres without upgrading body systems.

Battery Life and Storage

• Ricoh GXR: Utilizes a DB-90 battery delivering roughly 320 shots per charge; moderate for mirrorless standards of the era.

• Samsung NX5: Employs a BP1130 battery capable of approximately 400 shots - a significant usability advantage for longer shooting sessions without battery swaps.

Both cameras accept single SD/SDHC cards, with no dual slot redundancy.

Connectivity and Video Features

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or NFC connectivity, reflecting early mirrorless network limitations.

For video:

• Ricoh GXR records 720p at 24 fps in MPEG-4 format with a relatively basic codec profile.

• Samsung NX5 also supports 720p at 30 fps in the more efficient H.264 format.

Neither offers 4K recording, external microphone or headphone jacks, nor advanced video stabilization, limiting their appeal for serious video shooters.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography
The Ricoh’s prime 28mm F2.5 lens is somewhat wide for traditional headshot framing, yet produces pleasant bokeh and color rendition, excellent for environmental portraits. Autofocus face detection is functional but not lightning-fast.

The Samsung NX5, with lens interchangeability, offers access to standard portrait-length lenses (e.g., 50mm or 85mm equivalents), delivering tighter framing and shallower DoF. Its autofocus is adequate but not optimized for eye detection, which was not standard at the time.

Landscape Photography
Ricoh’s fixed lens delivers sharpness and the APS-C sensor offers a wide dynamic range despite the 12MP ceiling, suitable for large prints up to A3.

Samsung’s 15MP sensor enables higher resolution landscape captures with cropping flexibility. However, neither camera is weather sealed, limiting usage in adverse environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography
Both fall short for high-speed action: limited burst rates (5 fps Ricoh, 3 fps Samsung), contrast-detection AF only, and lack of AF tracking constrain capture success.

The NX5’s broader lens lineup allows telephoto reach essential for wildlife. The Ricoh’s fixed 28mm lens is inadequate here.

Street Photography
Ricoh’s compact form, minimal shutter noise, and straightforward controls favor unobtrusive shooting. Its fixed focal length suits decisive compositional approaches.

Samsung NX5 is bulkier and less discreet but benefits from versatile focal choices.

Macro Photography
Neither body provides in-body stabilization, but Samsung’s lens ecosystem includes macro options facilitating close focus work. Ricoh has limited macro capability tied to fixed lens and AOI.

Night and Astrophotography
Both sensors’ ISO ceilings and noise profiles constrain night work; Ricoh’s 12MP unit excels in natural noise control, while Samsung allows ISO 100 base benefiting dark frame quality. Long exposure and manual modes are supported, but stabilization lack challenges handholding at slow shutter speeds.

Video Use
Modest 720p capture with limited frame rates, no advanced codecs or audio inputs; neither suitable for professional video applications.

Travel Photography
Ricoh’s compactness and lightweight design make it ideal for travel with weight constraints. Samsung’s battery life and versatility suit the more deliberate traveler seeking a range of focal lengths.

Professional Use
Both cameras’ limited weather sealing, lower resolution, and modest autofocus systems reduce their utility as primary professional bodies but may serve as secondary, lightweight options.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

Sample image gallery illustrates Ricoh’s warmer color palette and slightly softer rendering versus Samsung’s sharper detail and cooler color tones.

User Interface and Controls

Ricoh’s interface remains minimalist, prioritizing physical dials and no touchscreen, necessitating user familiarity with manual adjustments. Samsung’s onboard menus, OLED screen, and electronic viewfinder permit easier navigation and live exposure feedback, a modern advantage.

Value Analysis and Price Comparison

At launch, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 unit was priced around $566, while the Samsung NX5 body was approximately $499. Considering the latter’s interchangeable lenses and superior battery life, many users would perceive it as better overall value.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Recommendations Tailored to User Types

• Street Photographers and Travelers: Ricoh GXR’s minimalist design and portability make it highly suitable for discrete travel and street shooting. The fixed focal length encourages thoughtful composition but limits versatility.

• Enthusiasts Needing System Flexibility: Samsung NX5’s interchangeable lenses and EVF offer a more flexible platform for those exploring diverse focal lengths and shooting scenarios.

• Portrait Photographers: Samsung’s access to classic portrait lenses and a more ergonomic interface recommend it over Ricoh’s fixed wide lens.

• Landscape Photographers: Both are competent given their APS-C sensors; Samsung’s slightly higher resolution benefits post-processing latitude.

• Wildlife / Sports Shooters: Neither camera is optimal due to slow AF and burst limitations, but Samsung supports telephoto lenses, providing a marginal edge.

• Video Content Creators: Both models provide rudimentary HD video; limited codecs and frame rates restrain serious use.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers Seeking Quality APS-C: Ricoh GXR offers unique image character and compactness. Samsung NX5 provides more bang for the buck with lens options and interface niceties.

Final Thoughts

The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 and Samsung NX5 illustrate two eras of early mirrorless experimentation: Ricoh’s modular sensor-lens innovation against Samsung’s entry-level DSLR-style mirrorless approach. Each serves distinct niches emphasizing portability versus flexibility. Neither model would meet the demands of modern professional workflows but remain relevant study points for camera system design philosophy and affordably capable APS-C imaging.

Prospective buyers should prioritize intended use cases - favoring Ricoh for ultracompact candid shooting or Samsung for versatile lens options and viewfinder utility. Both deliver APS-C sensor benefits but trade away modern conveniences such as advanced autofocus, in-body stabilization, and comprehensive connectivity. Where legacy pricing favors cost-conscious acquisition, these systems provide solid, if dated, foundations for photography exploration.

The attached images and genre ratings encapsulate our extensive testing and offer practical guidance to help enthusiasts and professionals navigate these two unique mirrorless offerings.

This analysis relied on direct testing, sensor performance charts, comparative handling trials, and real-world photographic scenarios to ensure a thorough and trustworthy evaluation aligned with industry standards and user expectations.