Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC vs Samsung GX-1S: A Quirky Matchup of Mirrorless and DSLR Classics

When we stack the Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm against the Samsung GX-1S, what we essentially have is a fascinating clash of two very different photographic philosophies and eras. The GXR P10 (announced 2010) is an advanced mirrorless system with an integrated telezoom lens module boasting a gargantuan 28-300mm range, while the GX-1S (introduced way back in 2006) is a mid-sized, more classic DSLR built around the venerable Pentax K-mount lens system.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I can tell you this - and you may guess: size, sensor, and specs alone don’t tell the whole story. Let’s unpack depths unseen in marketing blurbs and trade show hype to highlight how each camera performs in the real world across myriad photography disciplines. Along the way, you'll get plenty of practical insights and a no-nonsense verdict on which system delivers the goods depending on your style, skill, and budget.

First Impressions: The Tale of Two Bodies in Your Hands

Before firing off any images, how a camera feels is where it all starts. I grabbed both cameras side-by-side to see how they stack in terms of physical presence, weight, and handling experience. The results might surprise you if you’re used to modern mirrorless or DSLR trends.

The Ricoh GXR P10 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body that's surprisingly compact and light - 367 grams and measuring just 114 x 58 x 50 mm. It’s slim, easy to slip in a jacket pocket or a small bag, and surprisingly comfortable for extended handheld shooting, thanks to a thoughtful grip extension from its unique modular design. I’m not going to lie, it feels modern despite its vintage-cool angle.

The Samsung GX-1S is more traditional DSLR heft - 605 grams and chunkier at 125 x 93 x 66 mm. The pentaprism hump and mid-size grip build a sensation of solid reliability but at the cost of bulk. When I went out street shooting with it, the GX-1S demanded a bit more respect (and room) in my bag but lent me a robust grip and direct access to controls without hunting through menus.

In practical travel or street photography scenarios, GXR wins points for portability and discretion. Meanwhile, the GX-1S offers the reassuring heft many DSLR fans crave. But ergonomics isn’t just about size - handling and control layout are crucial.

The Ricoh omits an electronic viewfinder (EVF is optional and unavailable by default), relying mostly on its 3-inch fixed LCD. Controls are compact yet intuitive, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority mode, and exposure compensation. The shooter workflow feels straightforward once you acclimate but lacks touchscreen or fancy magic - no complaints there: it’s classic and durable.

Samsung’s DSLR config boasts a conventional pentaprism optical viewfinder (95% coverage, 0.64x magnification) and an array of buttons and dials typical of classic SLRs. With an 11-point phase-detect autofocus system (more on that below), the GX-1S screams “serious shooter” in a way Ricoh’s simpler interface does not. For users who value tactile input over electronic wizardry, Samsung holds the edge here.

Sensor Secrets: Small vs Large - Image Quality and Resolution Debate

After that physical intro, peeking under the hood - or rather, sensor chamber - provides a crucial window on ultimate image quality. Sensor size, resolution, and technology still matter tremendously when you’re chasing perfect portraits or breathtaking landscapes.

The Ricoh GXR P10 opts for a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (very small by modern standards) with 10 megapixels max resolution (3648 x 2736). Sensor area is a modest 28.07 mm², and the maximum ISO tops out at 3200 native, which is ambitious given the sensor size. The sensor is paired with Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor.

The Samsung GX-1S rocks an APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm - a whopping 368.95 mm² area and 6 megapixels (3008 x 2008 resolution). The APS-C sensor's physical dimensions vastly eclipse the tiny Ricoh sensor, enabling fundamentally better control of noise at higher ISO and superior dynamic range and color fidelity - at least in theory.

Practically, this difference plays out tangibly in low-light scenarios and depth of field control. The Ricoh’s sensor struggles a bit with noise starting around ISO 800, but its sensor-shift image stabilization helps hand-held shooting up to moderate telephoto reach. The Samsung, although with fewer megapixels, captures cleaner images up to ISO 800 and retains decent detail in shadows due to CCD characteristics and larger sensor size.

But let’s not dismiss Ricoh’s sensor - its BSI architecture does boost light-gathering efficiency, helping a bit with noise, and the higher resolution means you get more flexibility cropping. Yet, the APS-C sensor on the GX-1S offers inherently superior base image quality, especially for printing or heavy editing.

Screen and Viewfinders: To See Clearly or Not

How you frame and review your shots makes all the difference on the street, in the studio, or wilderness. LCD and viewfinder quality influence usability and shooting confidence greatly.

The GXR’s fixed 3-inch LCD screen sports a 920k-dot resolution - pretty decent for the era and pixel packed enough to review images with clarity. Its LCD technology is non-touch, which for me doesn’t feel limiting given the physical controls, but in this day and age, it feels a little old-school.

Samsung’s GX-1S comes with a smaller 2.5-inch LCD at only 210k-dot resolution, which feels quite dated and comparatively grainy for assessing critical focus, but it does sport a top status LCD panel for quick exposure info. The key advantage is Samsung’s optical pentaprism viewfinder, which remains a favorite for many of us for natural clarity and zero lag in framing.

If you highly value live view and focusing assistance through electronic means, the Ricoh’s lack of EVF (unless you add one separately) is a caveat - but its LCD is a solid compromise. For traditionalists reliant on optical viewfinders, the Samsung remains appealing.

Autofocus and Burst: Catching the Decisive Moment

How fast and reliably a camera focuses can make or break wildlife, sports, or street photography gigs.

The Ricoh is admittedly basic here - contrast detection AF only, no face or eye detection, no tracking, no continuous AF. It tops out at 5 fps continuous shooting, which is pretty sprightly for its class but hampered by the focusing lag. Fine for leisurely landscapes and portraits where speed is less critical, but you definitely feel the limits hot on a bird’s wing or midfield action.

Samsung’s GX-1S, fortunate to have an 11-point phase-detection AF system, puts it in a different league for autofocus performance. Though rated at a modest 3 fps burst, the GX-1S’s AF consistently nails focus on moving subjects in reasonable light. It also affords selective AF-area filling, meaning you can direct focus where you want - a key feature missing in the Ricoh.

For capturing sports, wildlife, or kids’ chaotic antics, the Samsung wins the autofocus battle hands down.

Lens Situation: Fixed Zoom vs. Pentax’s Legendary Ecosystem

No camera exists in isolation - its lens lineup arguably defines how far you can push creativity.

Ricoh’s GXR P10 uses a fixed 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC zoom lens integrated into its camera module - meaning you can’t swap lenses, but the zoom range is highly versatile for travel or telephoto reach. The optical stabilization (VC) compensates for the small sensor’s limitations.

The Samsung GX-1S leverages Pentax KAF lenses, with over 150 lenses compatible ranging from ultra-wide primes to monstrous telephotos and quality macro optics. That openness means you can tailor the system precisely to your genre - portrait, landscape, macro, or sports - something Ricoh’s fixed lens can't match.

This ecosystem versatility places Samsung’s system in a much higher value tier for pros and ambitious hobbyists who want to invest in glass.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Indian Summer or Rainstorm Ready?

You might be an outdoor shooter, so durability matters.

Both cameras miss out on weather sealing or rugged protection such as dust or freeze-proofing. However, the Ricoh’s smaller, more minimalist design means fewer mechanical parts are exposed; the Samsung is a more classic SLR chassis prone to exposure at lens mounts.

Neither is ideal for punishing elements, so if you shoot in rain or snow, be prepared for precautions or aftermarket protection on both.

Battery Life and Storage: The Nuts and Bolts of Extended Shooting

Shooting lots of frames demands stamina.

Ricoh offers approximately 440 shots per battery charge - respectable considering its compact design and sensor type. The GXR uses a proprietary battery pack, so bringing spares means finding exact models (possibly tricky now).

Samsung runs on 4 AA batteries, which is both a blessing and curse: you can find replacements anywhere, but battery life is inconsistent, and alkaline cells aren’t ideal for extended shooting. Modern NiMH rechargeables are recommended.

Storage-wise, Ricoh accepts SD/SDHC cards and offers some internal storage (just in case), while the Samsung relies on SD or MMC cards in a single slot. Both are standard fare but keep an eye on your card specs to keep up with write speeds.

Video Capabilities: A Look Back and Forward

Looking for hybrid shooters? Here’s the deal:

Ricoh shoots video at 1280 x 720 resolution (720p) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG compression - decent enough for casual clips but no 4K or high framerate options. No microphone or headphone ports mean audio control is minimal.

The Samsung GX-1S does not support video recording at all - it’s a pure stills camera from the pre-video DSLR era.

So, for videographers or vloggers, the GXR edges ahead despite its modest specs - but neither would stand out today against smartphones or modern hybrids.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Strengths

Numbers paint a cold but useful picture. While neither camera has DxOmark scores, based on my hands-on testing and aggregate experience, here’s a snapshot.

• Ricoh GXR P10: Stronger in portability, zoom versatility, decent stabilization, moderate image quality. Falls short in autofocus and video sophistication.

• Samsung GX-1S: Superior image quality on the larger sensor, stronger AF system, lens flexibility. Heavier physical footprint, no video, limited ISO flexibility.

Looking closer at specific genres:

• Portraits: GX-1S leads thanks to larger sensor and superior lens options enabling smoother bokeh and natural skin tones.

• Landscape: The GX-1S again holds advantage for dynamic range and raw file maneuverability, though Ricoh's zoom flexibility helps capture distant scenes quickly.

• Wildlife & Sports: Samsung’s better AF trumps Ricoh’s faster burst speed but sluggish focus.

• Street & Travel: Ricoh is more pocketable and quieter thanks to lack of mirror slap; ideal for casual travel snapshots.

• Macro: Pentax lens availability on Samsung is a clear plus, though Ricoh offers a close focusing distance of 1 cm on its own lens, allowing for decent macro practice.

• Night/Astro: GX-1S's larger sensor and cleaner ISO benefits astrophotographers, despite older tech.

• Video: Ricoh offers minimal HD video; Samsung none.

• Professional Workflows: Pentax system integrates better into traditional RAW pipelines; Ricoh raw files less common and sometimes quirky.

Real Shooting Scenarios: My Field Test Chronicles

I took both cameras out on consecutive days to shoot portraits, street, and wilderness.

With the Ricoh, I loved the reach of 28-300mm in one package - no lens swaps meant faster shooting and less bulky carry. But when zoomed in, focus hunting cost me some shots. Its stabilization saved me from many blurry shots handheld - a godsend for late afternoon light.

With the Samsung, I swapped between my trusty Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 and 200mm telephoto and the autofocus remained steady, even on fast-moving dogs at the park. Portraits had smoother skin tones and creamy background blur on the fast prime.

Shooting street with the Ricoh was stealthier thanks to size and quieter operation; with the GX-1S, I felt like a tourist special - less subtle but also more commanding respect on walks.

Pricing and Value: What Your Dollars Buy Today

At the time of writing, the Ricoh GXR P10 module comes in at roughly $147, whereas the GX-1S demands a princely $849 on the used market. That’s a huge cost gulf, explained partly by Samsung’s professional gear stature, interchangeable lens flexibility, and build quality.

Yet, if you need a very affordable, ultra-compact telephoto zoom, the Ricoh is a steal. But for those seeking investable main systems with room to grow, Samsung/Pentax might be smarter despite the premium.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which and Why?

Grab the Ricoh GXR P10 if:

• You crave huge zoom range in a tiny package.
• Portability and quick grab-and-shoot convenience matter most.
• You shoot mostly in good light or for casual travel and street photography.
• Video capability, even rudimentary, is a plus.
• Your budget is tight and you value simplicity.

Choose the Samsung GX-1S if:

• You want better image quality from a larger sensor.
• Lens versatility and expandability top your wishlist.
• You shoot sports, wildlife, or portraits requiring faster autofocus.
• You are comfortable with a bulkier, more traditional DSLR handling.
• You plan to integrate with established RAW editing workflows.
• Long-term system growth intrigues you more than compactness.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Matching Tools to Taste

The Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm and Samsung GX-1S tell a story of trade-offs etched in stone: convenience vs. quality, compactness vs. flexibility, simplicity vs. control. Neither is perfect (no camera ever is), and both have charm.

As someone who’s spent years behind the glass, I encourage you to weigh what you photograph, how you shoot, and how gritty or graceful your gear needs to be. Neither camera is a current market masterpiece, but both have eccentric strengths and nostalgic value.

If I’m trekking remote landscapes or urban streets with light luggage, pocketing the Ricoh intrigues me. When the assignment demands precision portraits or chasing wildlife action, I trust the Samsung’s solid foundations to deliver.

Let technology and your creative vision intersect where they may - but do test each one yourself if possible. Sometimes the magic is just a feeling in your hands.

Sample Images Comparison from Both Cameras

Ricoh GXR P10 28 300mm F3.5 5.6 VC front Ricoh GXR P10 28 300mm F3.5 5.6 VC screen back Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back

With these insights, I hope your camera quest feels a bit less mysterious and a lot more exciting. Happy shooting!