Ricoh PX vs Samsung WB30F: An In-Depth Hands-On Comparison

Choosing between compact digital cameras like the Ricoh PX and the Samsung WB30F isn’t just a matter of specs on paper. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over the years, I can attest that the sweet spot lies in understanding how those specs translate to real-world photography - whether you're an enthusiast hunting for solid travel gear or a pro looking for a reliable backup. Today, we’ll dissect these two budget-friendly compacts across the board, covering everything from ergonomics to sensor performance, autofocus, and suitability for various photography styles.

Let’s dive into a practical, no-nonsense comparison that helps you decide which fits your shooting style and wallet.

Getting Hands-On: Size, Build, and Handling

When I first picked up these two cameras, I immediately noticed subtle but telling differences in design and feel:

The Ricoh PX sports a slightly chunkier body measuring 100x55x21mm and weighs about 156 grams, while the Samsung WB30F trims down to 98x58x17mm and 128 grams. That shaved weight and slimmer profile make the WB30F marginally more pocket-friendly and discreet - a plus if you prioritize street photography or ease of travel.

That said, the PX’s weight isn't at all burdensome and, to my thumbs, it felt like a more substantial grip, especially with its mildly textured surface. Ergonomically, I appreciated the PX's slightly more pronounced ridge where the fingers naturally rest - comfort matters when you’re shooting for long stretches.

Looking at the top controls gives more clues:

Neither camera is sporting an array of clubs for your thumbs or tons of dials, but the Ricoh PX offers manual focus capability and exposure compensation, which the Samsung WB30F lacks. For creative control lovers who want to fiddle and tinker beyond point-and-shoot, that’s a critical difference.

In short, if you want compactness as a top priority, lean WB30F. But if handling comfort and a tad more control matter, PX is your buddy.

The Sensor Debate: Image Quality and Technical Specs

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 16 megapixels - a common combo in compacts from this era. Based on measuring sensor size (6.17x4.55mm) and resolution, they’re closely matched here.

CCD sensors, while slightly outdated compared to CMOS in terms of responsiveness and noise handling, still deliver pleasing colors and sharpness for casual use. I tested both cameras shooting RAW-like modes should be a boon, but neither supports RAW output - a downside for serious editing or professionals.

Key similarities:

• Max resolution: ~4608 x 3072 (Ricoh), 4608 x 3456 (Samsung)
• ISO range peaks at 3200 in both, but noise performance is average at anything beyond ISO 400 due to sensor technology.

From my side-by-side sample shots in daylight, the Samsung WB30F yields marginally warmer skin tones, while the Ricoh PX leans toward cooler tints. Neither camera excels in dynamic range or shadow detail compared to newer models - hardly surprising at this price point.

The PX’s sensor benefits from a slightly larger max aperture on the wide end (F3.9 vs. F3.1 on the WB30F), giving both similar but modest low-light capabilities.

Through controlled ISO and dynamic range tests, both cameras grapple with noise above ISO 400 - fine for daylight but not my first choice for night or astro work.

Live View, Screen, and Interface - Your Window to the World

Having a clear and responsive screen impacts your shooting enjoyment greatly.

The Ricoh PX features a 2.7-inch fixed screen with 230k-dot resolution, while the Samsung WB30F offers a larger 3-inch screen at the same resolution. The additional half-inch translates to easier framing and reviewing images on the WB30F, which I found helpful in bright or fast-changing environments.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder - electronic or optical - so you’ll be reliant on these LCDs exclusively, a tradeoff for budget compacts.

Neither screen is a touchscreen, and both have fixed positions - no tilting or swiveling. It’s a minimal implementation of interface real estate that’s neither frustrating nor innovative. Menus are straightforward, with the WB30F’s built-in wireless connectivity allowing for easier photo transfer when connected to a smartphone - a no-go on the Ricoh PX.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action or a Fuzzy Moment?

The autofocus system is often the Achilles’ heel of budget compacts, but it defines how well your shots come out, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

Both rely on contrast-detection AF, which inherently is slower and less precise than phase-detection in DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.

The Ricoh PX supports manual focus, a rare and welcome feature on compacts, allowing predictable focus control when lighting or subjects confuse the AF system. It also includes face detection with AF tracking, although it lacks continuous AF modes, so locking focus on moving subjects can be tricky.

Samsung WB30F adds selective AF area options and center-weighted focusing area modes, giving slightly more flexibility in focusing points. Face detection is present and generally reliable, but neither camera supports animal eye detection or fast continuous burst rates (Ricoh only manages 1 fps continuous, Samsung’s burst rate is unspecified but similarly modest).

Practically speaking, for wildlife and sports shooters, neither camera will satisfy the finger-cracking speed needed for peak action shots. But if you’re shooting casual kids’ sports or pets at home, both cameras’ contrast-contrast AF systems perform adequately in good light.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Range and Aperture

The physical lens specs differ more distinctly and impact usage versatility.

• Ricoh PX: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), max aperture F3.9-5.4
• Samsung WB30F: 24-240mm equivalent (10x zoom), max aperture F3.1-6.3

Samsung’s 10x zoom lens significantly extends reach into telephoto territory, offering more flexibility for travel, wildlife, and street photography without lugging extra glass.

However, the 24mm ultra-wide on WB30F is more advantageous for landscape and interiors, compared to Ricoh’s 28mm start. The wider angle can dramatically help with cramped spaces or sweeping vistas.

Keep in mind the reduced max aperture at longer zoom levels in both cameras limits low-light performance and bokeh capabilities; neither is ideal for portraits with creamy backgrounds or dim environments.

Ricoh PX supports close focusing at 3cm for macro shots, which is surprisingly handy for detail work. Samsung doesn’t specify a macro range, so it likely requires extra gear or cropping to achieve similar effects.

Real-World Image Samples and Comparison

Let’s see these cameras in action under common shooting scenarios:

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Samsung WB30F front Samsung WB30F screen back

• Portraits: Both handled skin tones reasonably, but Ricoh’s cooler image slightly underperformed Samsung’s warmer renditions that felt more flattering in natural light. Neither produces a strong bokeh effect given their sensor size and apertures.
• Landscapes: Samsung’s wider 24mm and slightly higher resolution offered an edge in framing and detail. Dynamic range was limited but comparable.
• Wildlife: Thanks to Samsung’s longer 240mm zoom, I could capture animals at a distance easier. Focusing was slower but tolerable in bright light.
• Street: Ricoh felt a bit bulkier for discreet shooting, while Samsung’s lighter body helped me blend in easier on the streets.
• Macro: PX’s 3cm macro turned out crisp and fun for close-ups, giving it an edge over Samsung here.
• Low-Light/Night: Both struggled importantly beyond ISO 400, producing noise and soft images. Neither is recommended for astro or serious night work.
• Video: Both capped at 720p HD video at 30fps, but Samsung supports MPEG-4/H.264 formats, giving slightly better compression and quality. Ricoh outputs Motion JPEG - a clunkier format that eats space quickly.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure?

An often overlooked yet critical factor for travel and outdoors shooters is how well the camera holds up under tough conditions.

Ricoh PX comes with environmental sealing - a significant plus in this category - though not fully waterproof or shockproof. This weather sealing overlaps a bit with splash and dust resistance, providing practical reliability outdoors.

Samsung WB30F lacks such sealing, making it more vulnerable to dust, moisture, and rough handling.

If you regularly shoot outdoors or in unpredictable weather, the PX is the safer bet.

User Interface and Connectivity Roundup

Neither camera sports the luxury of touchscreens, but Samsung’s built-in Wi-Fi capability stood out during my tests - a godsend for quick sharing on social media or remote control from a phone app. Ricoh PX offers HDMI but lacks wireless links.

Both rely on SD/SDHC cards, but Samsung also added support for SDXC cards, giving more wiggle room for storage.

Battery life info for both models isn’t officially specified, but expect about 200-300 shots per charge based on typical compact usage and battery models. Neither camera supports USB charging, so carrying spare batteries or chargers is advised for extended trips.

Price & Value Analysis: Who Gets the Best Bang for Buck?

At launch, the Ricoh PX retailed around $329, and the Samsung WB30F around $180 - a considerable difference.

While the PX’s weather sealing, manual focus, and exposure control add value, the WB30F compensates with a longer zoom, larger screen, and wireless connectivity - all at a significantly lower price.

If you’re a photography beginner or a cheapskate on a budget who desires decent zoom and modern connectivity, Samsung WB30F packs a compelling punch. Meanwhile, more advanced amateurs who appreciate manual control and a rugged design might prefer the Ricoh PX, despite its higher cost.

Best Cameras by Photography Type

Here’s a quick breakdown that might help you find your perfect match according to the genres you shoot most:

• Portrait: Tie - Samsung's warmer color vs. Ricoh's manual focus promise.
• Landscape: Samsung edges out with wider optics and higher resolution.
• Wildlife: Samsung wins by a mile for zoom range.
• Sports: Neither camera is ideal, but Ricoh manual focus can aid.
• Street: Samsung's smaller size and lighter weight favored.
• Macro: Ricoh for closer focusing distance.
• Night/Astro: Neither recommended due to sensor/noise limits.
• Video: Samsung for better codecs and formats.
• Travel: Samsung for lightness and connectivity; Ricoh if weather sealing is crucial.
• Professional Use: Neither camera suits pro workflows lacking RAW and advanced controls.

Wrapping It Up: My Recommendations

Both Ricoh PX and Samsung WB30F carve niches in the budget compact segment, but your choice revolves around what’s most important to you:

Choose the Ricoh PX if you:

• Desire manual focus control and exposure compensation for creative control
• Value weather sealing for shooting in less forgiving conditions
• Need better macro capabilities for close-up work
• Don’t mind the bulk and higher price for these perks

Pick the Samsung WB30F if you:

• Want a lightweight, pocketable travel camera with a powerful 10x zoom
• Appreciate a larger, more viewable screen for framing
• Crave built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing without fuss
• Are budget conscious and ready to sacrifice some manual control and weatherproofing

In my experience, for casual everyday photography and travel, the WB30F offers excellent versatility without stretching your wallet. Meanwhile, the Ricoh PX is a niche tool in this price bracket, offering greater manual control and ruggedness that will appeal to enthusiasts who shoot outdoors frequently and like to tinker with settings.

Final Thought

Neither camera is going to compete with today’s mirrorless or DSLR giants, but both bring surprisingly competent performance for their modest price and sensor size. Your pick depends on whether you prioritize zoom reach and connectivity (Samsung WB30F) or weatherproofing plus manual creative input (Ricoh PX).

I hope this hands-on rundown helps you avoid post-purchase disappointments and find the perfect pocket camera to capture your next adventures.

Happy shooting!