Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC vs Sigma DP2 Quattro: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Imaging Experiences

When you dive into the world of photography gear, the choices can range from pocketable compacts to multi-thousand-dollar full-frame monsters. But occasionally, cameras come along that occupy unique niches - melding distinct technological philosophies with specific user profiles. Today, I’m taking you on a comprehensive journey comparing two cameras that epitomize intriguing contrasts: the Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC and the Sigma DP2 Quattro.

Both hail from niche corners of the market, both command passionate followers, and both offer fixed-lens designs - yet they couldn’t be more different under the hood. After clocking countless hours of hands-on testing across disciplines - from portraits in dim cafes to macro shots on dew-speckled petals, and bold landscapes under expansive skies - I’ll unpack what each camera is truly about, what they do well, and who should consider either.

Let’s start by placing these two on the tabletop.

Size, Handling, and Design: First Impressions Matter

At a glance, the Ricoh GXR S10 folds into a compact, sleek “rangefinder-style” mirrorless shape. It weighs a modest 355g with dimensions 114x70x44mm, making it quite pocketable for serious outings. Its design leans toward modesty without sacrifice - a fixed lens with a smooth zoom from 24 to 72mm (in 35mm equivalent terms), paired with a reassuringly tactile build that feels like it could weather a traveler's backpack.

On the other side, the Sigma DP2 Quattro commands a more unusual silhouette - its body is longer and chunkier (161x67x82mm), weighing slightly on the heftier side at 395g. This "large sensor compact" carves a unique identity with its proprietary Foveon X3 sensor (we’ll get to the magic of that later). That elongated front must be handled with intention, and the ergonomics channel a certain minimalism, trading adjustable dials for straightforward controls.

Are these bodies for comfortable, day-in-day-out shooting? For me, the GXR feels like an old friend you can grab on a whim for street scenes or casual travel. The Sigma demands more deliberate interaction, rewarding slow, thoughtful shooting over snap decisions.

Let’s peek at their control layouts side-by-side:

The GXR’s top deck is intuitive - mode dial, shutter, exposure compensation - everything within easy thumb roll, a boon for those who like changing settings on the fly. Sigma’s simpler top deck is more minimalist, with fewer buttons and dials, reinforcing its contemplative, single-lens fixed-focal-length approach.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Raw Performance: The Heart of Any Camera

A camera’s soul lies in its sensor. Here, the contrast is striking. The Ricoh GXR S10 employs a relatively compact 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor measuring 7.44x5.58mm (~41.5mm²), with 10MP of resolution (3648x2736 pixels). Meanwhile, the Sigma DP2 Quattro flaunts an APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor at 23.5x15.7mm (~369mm²), outputting a 20MP image (5424x3616 pixels).

While the Ricoh’s sensor was respectable in 2010 - with peak ISO 3200 and no dedicated anti-aliasing filter - the Sigma’s sensor stands apart famously. Foveon technology uses stacked photodiodes to capture RGB color information at every pixel location, promising unparalleled color fidelity and edge sharpness compared to typical Bayer sensors.

What does this mean in the real world? I tested both cameras shooting the same scenic vista, and the Sigma delivered richer colors with a unique tonality that just pop off the screen - especially noticeable in skin tones and textured landscapes. The Ricoh, while competent, shows its age with softer color gradations and more noise creeping in above ISO 800.

Resolution-wise, Sigma’s larger sensor and higher pixel count translate into more printing and cropping freedom. Meanwhile, Ricoh’s sensor delivers smaller files but with potentially quicker processing and lighter workflow demands. That said, the CCD technology is less efficient in low light and has slower readouts - limiting its burst and autofocus speed.

Viewing and Interface: How You Frame Your Shots

Viewing experience can make or break the shooting process, especially for critical focus and composition.

The Ricoh sports a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with 920k-dot resolution but, notably, lacks any built-in electronic viewfinder (though an optional EVF exists). The screen is clear and bright indoors but gets overwhelmed in strong sunlight due to its non-articulated design.

The Sigma features the same size and resolution for its fixed TFT LCD but integrates live view for framing and focus confirmation. Unfortunately, it skips a viewfinder entirely, making precise manual focusing a bit of a challenge out in bright conditions.

Both displays have no touchscreen functionality, so navigating menus and focusing require button presses - a minor quibble but a sign of their era. Personally, I found the Ricoh’s user interface a touch friendlier; its physical controls and dials more intuitive for quick adjustments, whereas Sigma’s minimalist approach sometimes forced menu-diving for basic settings.

Performance Under the Hood: Autofocus, Burst, and Responsiveness

Here, the cameras reveal their age and design philosophies clearly.

The Ricoh GXR uses contrast-detection autofocus with multi-area selection - no phase-detect pixels here - and provides basic single and continuous AF modes. The continuous shooting tops out around 2fps, which by today’s standards is slow but adequate for casual shutterbugs.

The Sigma DP2 Quattro also uses contrast-detection AF but with only 9 selectable points, no continuous AF, and a modest 3fps burst that more serves as a convenience than a sports shooter’s dream.

Neither camera shines for wildlife or fast-action sports, but in deliberate genres like landscape or portraiture, their focusing precision is adequate.

For portrait photographers, the Ricoh disappoints without face or eye detection; Sigma offers rudimentary face detection but no eye detection, which can cost you sharp eyes in busy scenes.

Lens and Optics: Fixed Focal Length vs. Versatile Zoom

Fixed lens cameras often raise eyebrows: “Why commit to one focal length?” Yet, both GXR S10 and DP2 Quattro come with carefully crafted optics.

The Ricoh’s zoom range of 24-72mm (in 35mm terms) with variable aperture F2.5-4.4 offers flexibility from wide-angle to short telephoto - great for travel and street shooting when you want to cover various framing options without swapping lenses.

Conversely, the Sigma sports a fixed 45mm equivalent lens at a bright F2.8 - ideal for portraits, street, and general mid-telephoto uses. Its optics are superbly sharp and contrasty, a hallmark of Sigma’s photo-optimized glass.

If you’re after convenience and variety in framing, Ricoh’s zoom wins. For ultimate optical purity, the Sigma and its prime optic deliver crystal-clear images with gorgeous bokeh.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedized bodies - a concern if you shoot in harsh or unpredictable environments.

The GXR S10’s compact body feels solid but light; its plastic and metal mix is typical for advanced point-and-shoots of its generation. The Sigma’s unusual shape lends some heft, suggesting durability, but lacks reinforced seals or shockproofing.

For demanding outdoor photography - landscapes, wildlife, travel - you’ll want to consider protective measures or alternate bodies with more robust weather resistance.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance for a Shooting Day

Ricoh promises about 410 shots per charge on its proprietary battery. In my field use, this aligns closely, with moderate use and no excessive playback. It accepts SD and SDHC cards, which are widely available.

Sigma’s battery stamina is less documented, but given its low-power Foveon sensor and no electronic viewfinder, I saw results roughly similar, bearing in mind the smaller battery capacity (BP-51). Storage details suggest SD cards but no internal memory.

Neither camera will win endurance contests, but both are acceptable for typical DSLR-toting day trips or dedicated carry.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s on Offer?

In 2024, connectivity can be king, but both cameras are unapologetically old-school.

Ricoh’s GXR has no wireless features - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC - and USB 2.0 for data transfer. It includes an HDMI port for outputting images to external displays. A built-in flash with a 4.5m range and external flash support adds some flexibility.

Sigma move even more spartan - no flash, no HDMI, no wireless. USB 2.0 is the sole connection, reminding us this is a camera for deliberate image-making, not Insta stories.

Both support raw shooting, a necessity for serious post-processing workflows. They lack microphone or headphone jacks, so videographers may want to look elsewhere.

Video Capabilities: A Quiet Footnote

If you’re a videographer, prepare to twitch.

The Ricoh GXR S10 shoots low-res video at 640x480 pixels at 30fps in Motion JPEG - essentially a novelty for times you just have to record movement. Sigma DP2 Quattro offers no video capability at all, reinforcing its stills-only heritage.

So, if video is on your radar - wedding, events, vlogging - these cameras will frustrate sooner than satisfy.

Shooting Across Genres: Practical Use Cases Tested

Photography is varied, and your purchase choice often hinges on your shooting interests.

Portrait Photography

The Sigma DP2 Quattro shines here - not just for its sharp 45mm lens, but due to its unique color rendering from the Foveon sensor. Skin tones appear natural with a fine painterly quality. Its slight bokeh softness creates flattering separation from backgrounds.

Ricoh’s zoom endpoint at 72mm is serviceable but falls short in optical crispness and depth when shooting wide open. Lack of face/eye AF means you’ll need patience and good technique.

Landscape Photography

Large APS-C sensor, high resolution, and exceptional dynamic range position Sigma as superior for landscapes. Vibrant colors, excellent detail hold in shadows, and strong sharpness across the frame.

Ricoh’s smaller sensor and lower resolution impact image quality for huge prints or significant cropping, but the 24mm wide option and image stabilization adapt well for handheld landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is ideal here, but if forced:

Ricoh’s zoom offers flexibility for some distance, though slow AF and low burst rate hinder catching fast subjects. Sigma’s prime 45mm lens and slow AF make it a no-go.

Sports Photography

Again, slow autofocus and low frame rates from both models limit utility. Ricoh’s 2fps and Sigma’s 3fps can’t keep pace with dynamic action.

Street Photography

Ricoh’s compact size and zoom versatility make it a fine street camera - fast enough to react with decent capture quality.

Sigma’s unique shape and fixed focal length will appeal to photographers who prefer a slower, more contemplative approach to street shooting.

Macro Photography

Ricoh edges ahead with its 1cm macro focus range combined with lens stabilization and flexible zoom.

Sigma lacks macro focus range, holding it back for close-up enthusiasts.

Night/Astro Photography

Ricoh’s CCD sensor noise above ISO 800 and modest top ISO of 3200+ limits low light prowess.

Sigma’s Foveon sensor, while rich in detail, noisier at high ISOs around 6400, is better with longer exposures but requires a tripod.

Video

As mentioned, Ricoh offers low-res clips, Sigma none.

Travel Photography

Ricoh’s small size, zoom, and stabilization give it versatility. Sigma’s exceptional IQ and build encourage slower travel photography experiences - almost like carrying a high-end rangefinder.

Professional Work

Sigma’s raw files deliver excellent latitude for editing but cumbersome file sizes; Ricoh’s simpler files are easier to manage but less flexible.

Neither is a professional studio or fast event option.

Objective Ratings and Genre Analysis: Synthesizing the Scores

To quantify the above observations, let’s glance at overall scores and genre-specific ratings gathered from hands-on tests and industry benchmarks.

Here, Sigma’s DP2 Quattro dominates in static image quality, color depth, and landscape performance. Ricoh’s GXR S10 gains points in versatility, portability, and user-friendliness for casual shooters.

Value Assessment: Where Does Your Dollar Stretch Furthest?

The Ricoh GXR S10 clocks in around $350 (street), while the Sigma DP2 Quattro commands nearly triple that, about $930.

For budget-minded enthusiasts craving a flexible walk-around camera with coverage from wide to short telephoto, Ricoh is compelling.

If you prioritize image quality, color fidelity, and are willing to embrace a fixed prime with deliberate shooting style - especially for portraits and landscapes - the Sigma justifies its premium.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Ricoh GXR S10 if:

  • You want an all-in-one zoom camera that’s compact, stabilized, and adept for travel photography.
  • Video clips or built-in flash are important.
  • You prefer user-friendly controls and faster responsiveness over absolute image quality.
  • You’re on a tighter budget but still want RAW support.

• Buy the Sigma DP2 Quattro if:

  • You seek the highest possible image quality in a compact form, especially for portraits, landscapes, and studio use.
  • You don’t need video or fast autofocus but want unique color rendition.
  • You’re comfortable working with a fixed 45mm prime and slower shooting pace.
  • You have a tolerant wallet and patience to master Foveon quirks.

Wrapping It Up: Polar Opposites in Harmony

Ricoh’s GXR S10 and Sigma’s DP2 Quattro share the uncommon trait of fixed lenses and singular visions, yet they cater to wholly different photographers.

The GXR is a versatile, approachable camera for photographers who want one device to cover many bases with a forgiving learning curve. The Sigma is a purist’s camera - an image quality fanatic’s dream wrapped in a distinctive, unconventional body.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed shooting daily life and travel with the Ricoh, appreciating its practical advantages. The Sigma forced me to slow down, deliberate, and marvel at colors and details often missed by standard Bayer sensors.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you want to capture moments on the fly or craft images with intricate attention to detail. Both will reward your passion but speak to different souls.

Here’s wishing you joyful shooting, whichever path you take!

Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC front Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC screen back Sigma DP2 Quattro front Sigma DP2 Quattro screen back