Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC vs Samsung WB35F

Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm vs Samsung WB35F: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Cameras for Enthusiasts

When examining the compact superzoom camera landscape of the early 2010s, two distinct beasts emerge from the foliage: the Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC and the Samsung WB35F. Both aimed at the crossover enthusiast market seeking flexibility on a budget, these cameras offer intriguing contrasts in design, image quality, and shooting experience.

Having spent years running down superzooms in backyard wildlife, city streets, and impromptu travel shoots, I’m excited to break down these two models. Let’s explore how each stands up across major photographic disciplines, sensor and lens tech, usability, and value - backed by hands-on testing as well as solid technical insight.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Tangible Feelings in Your Hands

First impressions often start with the physical presence of a camera. Neither of these contenders is bulky, but their shapes and control philosophies diverge notably.

The Ricoh GXR P10 carries a rangefinder-style mirrorless silhouette, wider and chunkier than traditional compact “point-and-shoots.” At 114 x 58 x 50 mm and 367 grams, it strikes a balance between pocketability and grip comfort. Conversely, the Samsung WB35F goes smaller and lighter at 101 x 61 x 28 mm and 194 grams, favoring true compactness over robust feel.

The GXR’s grip is sculpted with photographers in mind - a firm hold when extended to telephoto lengths is vital for stability. The Samsung's flatter body is easier to slip into jackets or a small bag but can feel less reassuring when zooming at the long end.

Beyond size, control layout shapes shooting flow. The Ricoh team provided a handful of dedicated dials and buttons accessible without menu diving, including manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority), which instantly elevate creative control. Samsung, meanwhile, sticks to basics with no tangible manual exposure options and a simpler control scheme, which might appeal to casual shooters but frustrate those wanting real-time adjustments.

In field tests, the GXR’s tactile buttons and dials proved invaluable when light conditions shifted rapidly or when framing needed quick tweaks. The WB35F leaned heavily on auto modes and menus, more suited for snapshot photography than deliberate composition.

Verdict: If you prize ergonomics and direct control, Ricoh’s design outclasses Samsung’s straightforward but pared-down approach.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras share the same sensor size - 1/2.3 inch measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm - a standard for compact superzooms, but key differences in sensor type and resolution impact image quality.

The Ricoh GXR P10 uses a 10-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, known for better noise performance and dynamic range than traditional sensors of the era. Its processing is driven by Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV.

Conversely, the Samsung WB35F shoots with a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, trading off some noise control for higher resolution, processed through Samsung’s then-standard imaging pipeline.

Testing under controlled conditions reveals the GXR’s CMOS sensor provides cleaner high-ISO performance, noticeably less grain beyond ISO 800. With limited maximum native ISO at 3200, the Ricoh manages cleaner shadows and retains better color fidelity at challenging ISOs.

Samsung’s CCD, while capable of crisply resolving detail at base ISOs, struggles more at elevated sensitivities, introducing noise and loss of shadow detail sooner. The higher pixel count pushes resolution but also exacerbates sensor noise.

In landscape and portrait shots, Ricoh’s sensor yields smoother gradients and more natural skin tones. Sharpness and detail at mid-range ISOs favor Ricoh, especially when using raw files (supported only on the GXR). Samsung WB35F’s lack of RAW support limits post-processing freedom, an important consideration for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Overall, the 10MP BSI-CMOS sensor in the Ricoh complements its longer zoom and image stabilization to produce handhold-friendly, clean images. The Samsung’s sensor leans more casual, trading image quality for megapixel bragging rights.

LCD Screens and Interface Usability: Your Window to Composition

Both cameras rely exclusively on rear LCDs without electronic viewfinders, demanding good screen quality and responsiveness for composing shots.

The Ricoh GXR P10’s 3-inch fixed LCD boasts a resolution of 920k dots, offering crisp previews and easier manual focusing. The larger screen size aids composition, especially at telephoto lengths where framing precision matters.

Samsung WB35F sports a smaller 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots - sufficient, but noticeably grainier and less vibrant. The screen struggles under bright daylight, exacerbating the challenge given the WB35F’s limited manual controls.

In practice, the Ricoh’s interface feels more responsive, with clearer menu hierarchies and quick access to exposure compensation, white balance, and manual focus modes. Samsung’s more basic interface and lower-res screen render the WB35F more “point-and-shoot” focused.

This difference impacts certain styles: street photographers and macro shooters benefit from Ricoh’s screen fidelity when checking fine focus and framing details, while casual users might find Samsung’s setup acceptable for quick snaps.

Optical Versatility and Lens Performance: Zoom Range Thinking

Superzooms hinge on lens capabilities, and here’s the crux of the comparison.

Ricoh’s fixed 28-300mm equivalent zoom spans 10.7x, providing impressive reach from moderate wide angle to serious telephoto. This makes it ideal for wildlife on the move and sports at moderate distances, without hauling multiple lenses.

Samsung’s 24-288mm (12x zoom) edges the wide end slightly wider for landscapes and interiors but falls a bit short telephoto-wise compared to the Ricoh. The maximum aperture varies from F3.1 up to F6.3, slightly slower than Ricoh’s F3.5-5.6 range, affecting low-light telephoto usability.

Both lenses feature image stabilization, critical at these focal lengths. Ricoh employs sensor-shift stabilization, effective across the range and noticeable in reducing shake blur. Samsung uses optical stabilization but does not specify its effectiveness as clearly.

Image tests from both cameras reveal the Ricoh maintains sharper edges at telephoto, whereas the Samsung suffers from more noticeable softness and chromatic aberrations at zoom extremes.

Ricoh GXR P10 28 300mm F3.5 5.6 VC front Ricoh GXR P10 28 300mm F3.5 5.6 VC screen back Samsung WB35F front Samsung WB35F screen back

For portrait photographers wanting a shallow depth of field and pleasing background blur (bokeh), neither lens excels given small sensors and moderate apertures - but the Ricoh’s longer reach allows tighter framing, improving subject isolation marginally.

Landscape shooters will appreciate the Samsung’s slightly wider angle for expansive vistas, but image clarity and noise at higher ISOs favor the Ricoh’s sensor-lens combination.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy on the Fly

Here, the Ricoh and Samsung both employ contrast-detection autofocus, but Ricoh’s implementation feels more deliberate.

The GXR P10 supports single autofocus only, with no tracking or multi-area detection. While somewhat limited, this system is accurate and consistent in good light, making it serviceable for portraits and landscapes. It struggles for speed in low light or fast-moving subjects, and there’s no continuous autofocus for video.

Samsung WB35F’s autofocus is rudimentary, lacking continuous or face detection capabilities. Focus acquisition can be sluggish, especially indoors or at telephoto extremes – crucial for wildlife or sports photography where subjects rarely wait.

The absence of face or eye detection autofocus on both models limits usability in portraits and casual group shots by today’s standards, though Ricoh attempts to encourage manual focusing with more tactile controls.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting: Capturing Action Moments

Neither camera is built for high-speed shooting.

Ricoh offers a modest 5 frames per second burst at full resolution, respectable for a compact superzoom. Yet, the lack of continuous autofocus and limited buffer depth mean tracking moving subjects is an exercise in patience.

Samsung does not specify its continuous shooting capability clearly (“n/a”), suggesting it lacks meaningful burst mode. This de facto limits it for sports and wildlife where moments unfold swiftly.

Low Light and High ISO Usability: Night Shoots’ Demands

Shooting after dark is often where small-sensor superzooms reveal their limitations.

Ricoh’s BSI-CMOS sensor handles ISO 800-3200 acceptable well, with images retaining decent detail and flatter noise profiles under post-processing. Combined with sensor-shift stabilization, handholding in dim light is less risky.

Samsung’s CCD jumps into visible noise starting around ISO 400. This severely curtails shooting flexibility under street lamps or interior illumination. Paired with slower lens apertures at telephoto, nighttime photography challenges become apparent.

Video Functionality: Basics but Not Cinema

Both cameras offer 720p HD video capture.

Ricoh records 1280 x 720 at 30 fps using Motion JPEG. The presence of sensor-shift stabilization aids smoother handheld video, but lack of microphone or headphone ports limits audio control. No manual exposure adjustments during video mean surprise exposures in tricky lighting.

Samsung also shoots 720p at 30 fps but does not detail codec specifics or stabilization performance. Missing USB and HDMI ports limit easy video offloading and external display.

Neither model supports 4K or advanced video features - adequate for casual clips but lacking for serious videographers.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras abstain from weather sealing or ruggedized construction.

Plastic builds keep weight down but caution users in harsh environments. Outdoor photographers especially should consider protective measures.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Convenience

Ricoh GXR P10 promises a respectable 440 shots per charge, outperforming many compacts of the era. Samsung does not specify battery life, but independent tests suggest fewer exposures from the smaller BP70A battery pack.

Storage formats differ: Ricoh uses standard SD/SDHC cards, facilitating compatibility with most readers and workflows. Samsung requires MicroSD variants, convenient for mobile transfers but sometimes slower in write speeds.

Connectivity: Sharing and Backup in the Field

Samsung edges ahead with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating wireless image transfer to compatible devices - even from 2014 onwards, a cutting-edge feature for simple backup and sharing.

Ricoh GXR P10 misses wireless options entirely but includes USB 2.0 and full-size HDMI ports for tethering and external viewing, appealing to workflow-centric photographers.

Comprehensive Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

While neither camera has DxOMark benchmarks, my field scoring - based on resolution, autofocus, ISO performance, and handling - illustrates their relative strengths.

Breaking down genre suitability:

• Portrait Photography: Ricoh’s better color rendering and manual exposure edge Samsung. However, both lack face/eye AF and shallow depth-of-field capability.
• Landscape Photography: Samsung’s slightly wider angle wins points, but Ricoh’s cleaner images and dynamic range render better results overall.
• Wildlife Photography: Ricoh’s longer zoom and faster burst rate place it ahead; autofocus slowdowns penalize both.
• Sports Photography: Neither is ideal; Ricoh's modest burst rate and manual focus aid usability.
• Street Photography: Samsung’s compactness is appealing; Ricoh’s robustness and better screen favor serious shooters.
• Macro Photography: Ricoh allows focusing to 1 cm, versatile for close-ups; Samsung lacks macro specs, limiting this niche.
• Night/Astro Photography: Ricoh’s superior high-ISO performance and stabilization make it the better choice.
• Video: Both offer basic 720p; neither excels.
• Travel Photography: Ricoh balances zoom and control well but is chunkier; Samsung is easy to pack but sacrifices image quality.
• Professional Work: Raw support and manual controls give Ricoh a clear advantage. Samsung’s limitations make it unsuitable for professional use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

The Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm sits in an interesting niche: an advanced compact superzoom aimed at enthusiasts seeking control, manual exposure, raw file support, and respectable image quality at a bargain price. Its 10MP BSI-CMOS sensor, versatile 28-300mm zoom, and thoughtfully designed ergonomics make it a solid travel companion and an option for hobbyists dabbling in multiple genres. I found it especially capable in landscape, macro, and low-light conditions for a compact superzoom.

However, the lack of continuous autofocus, face detection, and outdated video specs hold it back from chasing action-heavy wildlife or sports applications effectively.

On the other hand, the Samsung WB35F is a lightweight, easy-to-carry pocket camera targeted at casual users prioritizing zoom range and wireless sharing. Its higher resolution sensor and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC reflect attempts to cater to snapshot photographers comfortable with automatic settings. That said, the image quality trade-offs, slower AF, limited exposure control, and no raw support make it poor for enthusiasts aiming for creative control or professional workflows.

In sum:

• Choose Ricoh GXR P10 if you need a compact camera with manual controls, raw shooting, and solid image quality, especially for landscapes, macro, or travel photography where versatility matters.
• Opt for Samsung WB35F only if portability and effortless image sharing outweigh the demand for image quality and creative flexibility - casual vacation snapshots, quick social media uploads, and less demanding use cases.

Both cameras illustrate the design challenges of compact superzooms trying to be everything for everyone in a tech era transitioning from CCD to CMOS sensors and from Hollywood-style video to everyday convenience features.

I hope this detailed comparison helps clarify where these cameras stand in an evolving field, empowering you to make a choice grounded in real-world usability and photographic intent. Remember, the best camera is the one that suits your style and inspires you to shoot - whether you’re out chasing early morning light along a ridge or delighting in street-side moments downtown.

Happy shooting!