Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera involves more than just scanning spec sheets - it’s about matching technology to your creative vision and shooting style. Today, we pit two unique cameras against each other: the Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC (announced in 2010) and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 (early 2014). They differ significantly in design philosophy, sensor technology, and features, yet both seek to empower photographers with advanced tools in a compact body.

We’ve spent countless hours shooting with both cameras across genres to deliver a nuanced comparison covering the technical core, handling experience, image quality, autofocus, video, and more. Whether you’re into landscapes, portraits, or travel photography, this guide will help you weigh what fits your style, skill level, and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

Before diving into specs, it’s important to understand how a camera feels in your hands - comfort, button layout, and weight make or break long shooting sessions.

The Ricoh GXR S10 is chunkier and more upright, mirroring classic rangefinder ergonomics with well-placed dials and buttons that deliver tactile feedback. It excels in stability, which photographers appreciate for precise framing and manual focusing.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is slim and wide, prioritizing a large touchscreen over physical controls. This gives it smartphone-like appeal - a boon for casual users and those accustomed to touch interfaces but may hinder quick manual adjustments during active shooting.

Display and Interface: Navigating Your Camera World

A camera's screen is your immediate window into composition, settings, and reviewing shots.

Our hands-on experience shows the Galaxy Camera 2's large 4.8-inch touchscreen offers immediate responsiveness and intuitive navigation - ideal for newer photographers or those transitioning from smartphones. However, the non-touch Ricoh screen sacrifices some ease of use but rewards you with a more distraction-free, classic shooting experience.

Ricoh’s lack of a standard electronic viewfinder may deter some; the optional EVF is a must-have for challenging light and precise manual focusing. The Samsung foregoes an EVF entirely, leaning heavily on the large rear screen, which can be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality – The Heart of the Camera

The sensor defines the ultimate image quality you can achieve. Both cameras use smaller sensors but differ significantly in technology, resolution, and performance.

The Ricoh’s sensor is larger and based on CCD technology, long esteemed for delivering pleasing color rendition and low noise in controlled ISO ranges. While CCDs can lag in high-speed performance, they often yield smooth tonal transitions - advantageous in portrait and landscape work.

The Samsung uses a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor, enabling better light gathering capabilities. Despite a smaller sensor area, the 16-megapixel resolution lets you crop more aggressively while preserving detail. However, the lack of RAW output restricts post-processing flexibility.

In real-world testing, the Ricoh produced images with richer color depth and less digital noise at base ISO, ideal for shooters who prefer manual post-editing. Meanwhile, Samsung’s images, while sharper at high resolution, suffered slightly from noise at elevated ISOs and had less dynamic range.

Lenses and Zoom: Fixed Focal Range vs Superzoomism

Lens characteristics define your framing options and optical quality.

The Ricoh’s 3x zoom lens covers classic wide to short telephoto, optimal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography. With a bright max aperture of f/2.5 at wide and a macro focus down to 1cm, it’s a creative tool for depth-of-field work and tight close-ups.

The Galaxy Camera 2’s monster 21x zoom lens pushes from wide angle to extreme telephoto, suiting wildlife, sports, and travel photographers who require reach without changing lenses. However, the maximum aperture narrows significantly at the tele end, which may challenge low-light conditions.

You’ll find Ricoh’s lens optics deliver better sharpness and less distortion, while Samsung’s zoom versatility compensates optical compromises typical of superzoom lenses.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Real Shooting

Autofocus (AF) experience can be make-or-break for many photographers, especially in action or wildlife work.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, which tends to be slower than phase-detection but very accurate in good light.

The Ricoh’s autofocus can feel sluggish - particularly when zoomed in or under low ambient light. It lacks face and eye detection, which limits its effectiveness for spontaneous portraits or fast subjects. Continuous shooting at 2 frames per second is modest, making it less suitable for fast sports or wildlife.

Samsung’s camera benefits from face detection and a faster 5 fps burst rate, improving your chance to capture fleeting moments, although AF can hunt if contrast is poor. The touchscreen focusing in the Galaxy camera aids quick AF point selection.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged durability. Both are designed primarily as lifestyle and travel companions rather than professional all-weather tools.

• Ricoh GXR S10: Solid metal and plastic body that feels substantial and durable but vulnerable to dust and moisture.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Lightweight plastic construction emphasizing portability, lacking environmental ratings.

For extended outdoor excursions in tough conditions, neither is optimal. Carry protective cases or backups if you venture into inclement weather.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Shoots

Battery efficiency combined with convenient storage is critical in the field.

Both cameras offer roughly equivalent battery endurance realistically supporting half-day shoots without a spare.

Ricoh’s removable battery is a clear advantage if you need to swap on the go. Samsung’s integrated battery requires charging breaks or external power banks.

Storage on Ricoh includes internal memory and standard SD card size, which benefits photographers used to switching cards rapidly. Samsung uses microSD cards - more compact but easier to misplace.

Video Capabilities and Extras

If you’re into video, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 offers solid HD recording with modern codecs and microphone input; the Ricoh’s video capacity is decidedly basic.

Samsung’s video capability is demonstrably superior and suitable for social media content creators, vloggers, and casual videographers.

Image Samples: Seeing the Results

Nothing beats comparing actual photos to judge a camera's character and technical strengths.

Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC front Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

• Ricoh’s images stand out with smooth gradations, pleasing color tones, and respectable sharpness at base ISO.
• Samsung’s files show more detail in daylight and excel in telephoto reach but suffer in shadow recovery and show more noise upward of ISO 800.

Overall Performance Ratings and Summary

After extensive testing across multiple photography styles, here’s how these cameras stack up:

Suitability for Photography Genres

How do these cameras fare for different use cases? Here is a breakdown:

• Portraits: Ricoh wins with better color reproduction and macro close-up ability.
• Landscape: Ricoh’s sensor size assists dynamic range; lens quality gives an edge.
• Wildlife: Samsung due to extensive zoom and faster burst modes.
• Sports: Samsung’s faster shooting and face detection help but still limited for serious sports.
• Street: Ricoh’s discreet rangefinder style and image quality favored.
• Macro: Ricoh’s 1 cm focusing distance allows detailed shoots.
• Night/Astro: Neither high-performing - Ricoh slightly better noise control.
• Video: Samsung takes the lead, usable 1080p and mic input.
• Travel: Samsung’s slim body and zoom range suit travel, but Ricoh’s manual controls reward thoughtful shooting.
• Professional Use: Neither replaces pro cameras due to sensor size and features, but Ricoh’s RAW and manual focus appeal to enthusiasts.

Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Both cameras serve specific niches with differing strengths.

Choose the Ricoh GXR S10 if you:

• Desire classic rangefinder style, tactile manual controls.
• Prioritize image quality, color depth, and RAW shooting.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro with creative control.
• Value optical image stabilization and close focusing.
• Appreciate thoughtful ergonomics and manual exposure options.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 if you:

• Seek an all-in-one compact travel companion with massive zoom.
• Want video recording in Full HD with mic input.
• Prefer touchscreen controls and smart device connectivity.
• Need face detection autofocus for casual portraits.
• Enjoy fast burst shooting and flexible shooting modes.

Final Thoughts and Getting Started

Each camera reflects its era and the philosophy of its maker. The Ricoh GXR S10 harks back to a thoughtfully engineered photographic tool, rewarding those who enjoy deliberate shooting and manual finesse. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 anticipates a post-smartphone world, blending point-and-shoot ease with connectivity and video features.

For those ready to try either camera, I recommend hands-on trials if possible. Look for bundle deals with memory cards, extra batteries, or essential accessories like external flashes or carrying cases to enhance your experience.

Photography is a journey - let your gear open doors without limiting creativity. Both these cameras offer opportunities to grow your skills and capture meaningful moments. Explore, experiment, and allow your vision to lead the way.

We hope this detailed comparison helps you make a clear, confident decision tailored precisely to your photographic ambitions.