Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC vs Sony NEX-C3: A Thorough Crossroad Between Two Mirrorless Cameras

In the golden era of early mirrorless cameras, the Ricoh GXR S10 and Sony NEX-C3 stand as intriguing choices - each representing a distinct approach to compact interchangeable lens and modular systems designed for enthusiasts eager to leave DSLRs behind. Having spent months testing, shooting, and breaking down both cameras, I’ve navigated the nooks and crannies of their technology, handling quirks and surprises alike. Whether you’re capturing portraits on a city street or chasing wildlife in the wild, how do these cameras stack up in 2024? Let’s dive in.

Getting to Know the Players: Design and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and how a camera feels in your hands can make or break your shooting experience - a truth as persistent as the “golden hour” light photographers cherish.

The Ricoh GXR S10 is a charming, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a built-in 24-72mm (equivalent) zoom lens. Its compactness is notable - measuring 114x70x44mm and tipping the scales at 355 grams, it offers a solid grip with a slightly chunkier feel owing to its sensor-shift image stabilization mechanism housed within the unit. The build is reminiscent of classic fixed-lens compacts but with a hint of heft that reassures without weighing you down.

Contrast this with Sony’s NEX-C3, released a year after the GXR S10, designed to attract entry-level mirrorless users with its ultra-compact, minimalist look. Measuring 110x60x33mm and weighing an impressively light 225 grams (body only), it’s more pocketable and less conspicuous - a quality street photographers will appreciate. The tilting 3-inch screen adds to its versatility but ergonomics-wise, it skews smaller and somewhat delicate compared to the Ricoh’s more substantial solidity.

Controls on the Ricoh are minimalist but a bit dated - no touchscreen, no live view autofocus eye candy - but it sticks to essentials like shutter/aperture priority modes and manual exposure, which I found pleasing for a purist. Sony’s NEX-C3 ups the ante with a more modern processor (Bionz) and sophisticated internal menus, although its control dials are reduced, sometimes requiring backyard menu digging to shift important settings. In the hand, the NEX feels nimbler; however, those with larger hands might find its petite buttons less tactile during extended shoots.

Sensor Wars: Image Quality Clashes

At the heart of any camera is the sensor - and here’s where the divide becomes stark.

Ricoh’s GXR S10 houses a 1/1.7" CCD sensor, delivering a 10MP resolution capped at 3648x2736 pixels. CCDs, while lauded for color neutrality and organic tones, have largely been overshadowed by CMOS sensors for speed and dynamic range. The GXR's sensor area clocks in at roughly 41.5 mm² - modest by today’s standards.

Sony’s NEX-C3 boasts an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6mm) with a resolution of 16MP (4912x3264 pixels) - roughly 8.8 times larger in sensor area than the Ricoh. This sensor size difference is a game-changer when comparing image quality potential in real-world shooting situations, from noise control to dynamic range and detail rendering.

During side-by-side testing, the Sony’s images delivered visibly higher resolution and cleaner high-ISO performance, a natural advantage enabled by its more modern CMOS architecture and larger sensor footprint. Colors in portraits rendered by the Ricoh exhibit warmth and charm but come at the cost of reduced sharpness and more pronounced noise past ISO 800.

File flexibility also tips in Sony’s favor: the NEX-C3 supports 14-bit RAW files with improved post-processing latitude crucial for landscape and professional editing workflows, while Ricoh supports RAW but from a less versatile 10MP CCD sensor.

The Autofocus Factor and Speed: How Fast Do They Lock and Shoot?

Nothing kills a candid moment faster than a camera hunting for focus - so how do these mirrorless models fare in autofocus?

The Ricoh GXR S10 relies on contrast-detection autofocus, but - as is typical for 2010-era CCD setups - its focus speed is relatively slow and laborious. Its AF system is limited with single and continuous modes but no face, eye, or animal detection. This makes tracking challenging for moving subjects like kids or pets.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-C3 employs a more advanced contrast detection autofocus system with 25 focus points, allowing more selective focus and generally quicker lock-on. I found that autofocus acquisition was noticeably faster on the NEX-C3, especially in good light - though still not at the pace of modern phase detection or hybrid AF systems. Unfortunately, neither camera supports continuous focus tracking, which limits their utility for sports or fast wildlife photography.

A Closer Look at Handling and Shooting Experience

The user experience is about more than guts and sensor - how you interact with the camera is vital.

Both cameras sport a 3-inch LCD with 920k dots, but the Ricoh’s is fixed, non-touch, and non-articulated - potentially limiting for low or high-angle shooting. Sony’s NEX-C3 offers a tilting TFT screen with higher brightness and better viewing angles, which is a thoughtful feature for street and travel photographers who often shoot from unconventional perspectives.

Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder, though Ricoh offered an optional EVF add-on for the GXR line. Both cameras rely on rear screen composition, which can be challenging under bright sunlight.

Notably, Ricoh's shutter speed options max out at 1/2000s with no electronic shutter mode, potentially limiting for bright daylight wide-aperture shooting. Sony stretches to 1/4000s shutter speeds, which adds creative flexibility.

Continuous burst speeds differ markedly: Ricoh's 2 fps is sluggish (it felt more like lugging around a point-and-shoot in continuous shooting scenarios), contrasting the NEX-C3's 6 fps - which makes a real difference for capturing fleeting moments in action or street photography.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Versatility

A defining feature of the Ricoh GXR S10 is its fixed zoom lens, a 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 with optical image stabilization (sensor-shift). This lens is respectable - covering classic wide to short telephoto focal lengths, but it locks you into a single optical package.

Sony’s NEX-C3, by virtue of Sony’s E-mount, supports a growing lens ecosystem (121 lenses as of its release) - ranging from inexpensive primes to high-quality pro lenses - covering ultra-wide to super-telephoto focal lengths. This lens flexibility is a huge advantage for photographers who prioritize creative control or subjects requiring specialized optics like macro or wildlife telephoto.

In practical use, the Ricoh’s stabilized fixed lens helps boost handheld sharpness at slower shutter speeds, particularly for travel and low-light casual scenarios. The GXR S10 macro focus capability down to 1cm is impressive for close-up shots, though without interchangeable lenses, enthusiasts may feel limited over time.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

To really understand where these cameras shine, let’s break down performance across ten key photography domains.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition on Ricoh’s CCD sensor renders pleasing warm, natural hues - an old-school aesthetic appealing for unretouched portraits. However, the lens’ maximum aperture F2.5–4.4 limits background defocus capabilities compared to faster primes available on Sony E-mount. Eye detection autofocus is missing on both, so manual focus precision is encouraged for sharp portraiture.

Sony’s APS-C sensor boosts dynamic range and color accuracy with better finer detail capture - important for professional portrait work. When paired with fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8), it offers superior bokeh control and subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

Large sensor area and resolution give Sony a significant edge for expansive landscapes and post-crop flexibility. With wider native dynamic range (12.2 stops vs. unknown but likely narrower for Ricoh CCD), it captures shadow and highlight details more effectively. The Ricoh’s smaller sensor limits resolution and dynamic range, making it less ideal for wide tonal range scenes.

Neither camera features weather sealing; both require protective care outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed, frame rate, and lens reach dominate this genre. Sony’s 6 fps burst and 25 AF points outperform Ricoh’s 2 fps with minimal focus tracking. Coupled with interchangeable telephoto lenses, the NEX-C3 aligns better for wildlife enthusiasts. Ricoh’s fixed zoom cannot compete here.

Sports Photography

Similar story: Sony’s faster continuous shooting and more flexible lens system make it far more suitable. Ricoh’s slow shutter max of 1/2000s and lack of AF tracking make it less viable to freeze fast action.

Street Photography

Here, Ricoh’s discreet appearance (due to fixed lens and muted shutter sound) and slightly larger size balance with image stabilization. Yet Sony’s smaller body size, lighter weight, and faster shooting make it attractive for unobtrusive street shooting. The tilting LCD on Sony is a bonus in busy environments.

Macro Photography

Ricoh’s 1cm macro focus near the lens is an advantage for close-up enthusiasts, while Sony’s interchangeable lenses offer dedicated macro options with superior optical quality. Both lack focus stacking or focus bracketing features.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony excels with an expanded ISO range up to 12800 and superior noise control thanks to APS-C CMOS technology. Ricoh’s max ISO 3200 and CCD limitations reduce night shooting quality. Neither offers specialized astro modes, but Sony’s longer shutter speeds and processing options better suit.

Video Capabilities

Ricoh GXR S10 provides only 640x480 VGA video at 30 fps with Motion JPEG - better suited for casual video capture on a shoestring. Sony NEX-C3 steps up with 720p HD video at 30 fps using MPEG-4 codec for better quality and editing flexibility.

Neither supports microphone inputs, 4K recording, or advanced video stabilization - reflecting their era and target market.

Travel Photography

Battery life on both is roughly equal (~400 shots per charge), but Sony’s lighter weight and smaller footprint offer an edge for carry comfort. Ricoh’s in-body stabilization and quick fixed lens focal range simplify the kit, removing the need for lens changes on the go (a plus for minimalist travel).

Professional Work

File formats are worth attention: both offer RAW, but Sony’s 16MP APS-C files integrate better into modern editing workflows with broader software support.

Lack of weather sealing and no tethering options limit both for professional studios or rugged fieldwork.

Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC front Ricoh GXR S10 24 72mm F2.5 4.4 VC screen back Sony NEX C3 front Sony NEX C3 screen back

Here is a selection of sample shots taken in various lighting and genres. Notice the increased resolution, detail, and dynamic range in Sony NEX-C3 shots vs the Ricoh GXR S10's warmer tone but softer details.

Tech Breakdown: Build, Connectivity, and Storage

Ricoh GXR S10 lacks wireless connectivity, limiting instant image sharing or remote control. It does offer HDMI out and USB 2.0, but tethering or Wi-Fi transfer isn’t possible. Sony NEX-C3 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity - an early implementation of wireless image transfer, meeting modern expectations more closely.

Storage-wise, Ricoh uses SD/SDHC cards plus internal memory (limited), while Sony supports SD/SDHC/SDXC alongside Memory Stick Pro Duo cards - offering broader media options.

Neither is weather sealed, shockproof, or freezeproof, so extra care is mandatory for demanding environments.

The Verdict: Performance, Value, and Recommendations

Both cameras have their merits. The Sony NEX-C3 decidedly outperforms the Ricoh GXR S10 in sensor quality, autofocus speed, image resolution, video capabilities, and lens versatility. For hobbyists prioritizing image quality, speed, and creative flexibility, the Sony is a sound investment - even with its entry-level positioning.

Ricoh will appeal to buyers seeking a quirky, well-built box with built-in stabilization and a convenient fixed zoom for casual travel or macro shooters who appreciate warm CCD colors. However, its slow shoot speed and limited ISO capacity restrain prolonged use.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Ricoh GXR S10 if:

  • You want a retro-styled fixed-lens mirrorless with sensor-shift stabilization.
  • Your shooting focuses on travel, landscapes, casual portraits, and macro.
  • You prefer warm color tones and can work within slower autofocus and shooting speeds.
  • Wireless features aren’t a priority.

• Go for the Sony NEX-C3 if:

  • You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
  • You want the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system.
  • You shoot action, street, wildlife, or require fast burst modes.
  • Video capability matters for casual HD recording.
  • You want a lighter, more pocketable body.

Final Thoughts: The Mirrorless Past That Guides the Present

Having thoroughly explored both, I can say these cameras reflect two distinct philosophies in early mirrorless evolution. Ricoh’s GXR S10 caters to a niche embracing a classic compact form and built-in stabilization, while Sony’s NEX-C3 tests the waters of large sensor mirrorless with wider creative control.

While neither is a current-generation powerhouse by 2024 standards, they still offer charming insights into camera design and usability. For photographers on a tight budget or collectors curious about mirrorless history, these could still be treasures.

For practical photography needs today, I lean heavily toward Sony’s NEX-C3 - its APS-C CMOS sensor and lens flexibility translate into more satisfying outcomes across most genres I tested. Yet, for quiet, contemplative shooting with a pocket zoom, the Ricoh remains a distinctive companion.

Happy shooting - whatever path you follow!