Ricoh PX vs Sigma fp L: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison for Photographers

Choosing a new camera is always a bit like assembling a toolkit tailored to your creative needs - except that toolkits these days can cover wildly different levels of tech and price points. Today, I’m placing two very different cameras in the ring: the Ricoh PX, a compact from 2011 designed with rugged simplicity and casual use in mind, and the Sigma fp L, a modern, advanced full-frame mirrorless camera. At first glance, they might seem like apples and oranges - and that’s not far from the truth - but both have their place depending on your requirements and budget. Let’s dig deep into what separates these two, and perhaps more importantly, for whom each is truly suited.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

If you’re anything like me, the experience begins with heft and feel in the hand. The Ricoh PX is a petite compact camera measuring just 100×55×21 mm and weighing a mere 156g. It’s designed for effortless carry, slipping into a jacket pocket or a small purse without any fuss.

In contrast, the Sigma fp L is a full-frame mirrorless camera that feels more like serious gear, measuring 113×70×45 mm at 427g. While not bulky by professional standards, this rangefinder-style camera demands both space and a steadier grip, especially paired with full-frame lenses.

Looking close at the top layouts also tells a story about intended use:

The Ricoh PX offers minimal external controls - a nod to straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity. You won’t find clubs for your thumbs here; there is no grip to speak of, no customizable dials, just a clean top plate that suits casual snapshots. This camera is for users who want modest control with minimal fuss.

The Sigma fp L, meanwhile, is thoughtfully arranged for photographers who value manual adjustments on the fly. Dials, buttons, and customizable functions are laid out in a logical manner, despite the camera’s deceptively small size relative to many full-frame bodies. The lack of an integrated viewfinder may be a deal-breaker for some, but its optional electronic viewfinder offers impressive 4K-equivalent resolution for critical composing.

Sensor & Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs Massive Full Frame

Arguably the most significant hardware gulf lies in sensor technology and size.

Ricoh PX sports a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with a 16MP resolution. Its 28.07 mm² sensor area is tiny by modern standards, and combined with the CCD technology, it limits dynamic range and low-light capability. The pixel pitch here is very small, which generally results in more noise at higher ISOs.

Sigma fp L packs a 61MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 864 mm² - an absolutely massive leap. This sensor type brings advanced sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and exceptional detail retention. The 9520×6328 maximum resolution is excellent for serious landscape or studio use where cropping or large prints are expected.

From tests and real-world shooting, the PX delivers decent daylight images with punchy colors thanks to its Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor, but it struggles in shadows and any kind of dim conditions. Noise kicks in above ISO 800, and there’s no RAW file output to help recover details in editing.

The Sigma fp L’s images are impressively clean even up to ISO 6400 and usable beyond that. The RAW support here is important to professionals who want full post-processing control. Plus, the deeper color depth and wider gamut of the full-frame sensor give you the latitude to tweak skin tones and landscapes alike with natural accuracy.

Handling and User Interface: Simple vs Customizable

Beyond hardware specs, the user experience matters just as much as the image quality.

The Ricoh PX sports a modest 2.7" fixed LCD with 230k dots - adequate for framing but limited in brightness and viewing angle. The lack of touchscreen and fixed screen restricts flexibility somewhat when shooting at unconventional angles.

Sigma fp L features a much larger 3.2" touchscreen LCD boasting a sharp 2.1 million dots. The touch functionality mixes touch focus and menu navigation, providing a much faster workflow. The lack of an integrated viewfinder means you rely on the LCD or an optional electronic viewfinder - the latter with excellent resolution and coverage - for critical framing.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Entry-level vs Pro-grade

When it comes to autofocus (AF), the Ricoh PX keeps it simple - the camera uses contrast detection AF with single-point focusing and face detection. It does not have touch AF, phase detection, nor animal eye AF. The continuous shooting rate is a sluggish 1 frame per second (fps), limiting its use for fast action or wildlife photography.

The Sigma fp L, conversely, has a sophisticated hybrid AF system that combines phase and contrast detection with 49 AF points. It supports continuous AF modes and eye detection for humans, though not animals. Burst shooting reaches a comfortable 10 fps, enough to capture sports or wildlife sequences if your lens choice supports it.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras feature some form of weather sealing, but with different scopes.

The Ricoh PX is rated as splash-proof and dustproof. It’s not fully waterproof or shockproof but offers basic protection against rain or splashes, making it suitable for casual outdoor shooting.

The Sigma fp L is weather-sealed against dust and moisture but lacks full ruggedization. It's robust enough for most pro shoots, though you wouldn’t want to push it through heavy rain without protection.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The PX comes with a fixed 28-140mm f/3.9-5.4 zoom lens and unfortunately, no capacity for lens changes. This makes it a convenient travel companion but limits creative flexibility, particularly in portraiture or macro.

Sigma fp L uses the Leica L-mount, which grants access to a superb recent ecosystem including Sigma’s own Art lenses and offerings from Panasonic and Leica. This is a huge advantage for professionals who want to tailor optical characteristics precisely for their needs.

Battery Life and Storage

The Ricoh PX uses the DB-100 battery, which is rated for a modest number of shots (manufacturer quotes are scarce, but expect around 200 shots per charge in practical usage).

The Sigma fp L uses the BP-51 battery pack, rated for roughly 240 shots per charge. Given the advanced sensor and processing involved, and no built-in viewfinder, these numbers are in line with expectations but might require carrying spares on long shoots.

Both cameras rely on a single SD card slot, but only the Sigma fp L supports high-speed UHS-II cards - a must for high-bitrate 4K video and rapid burst photography.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities

Now, the video story is where the Sigma fp L really shines.

Ricoh PX offers basic HD video recording at 1280x720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG, no external mic input, limiting audio quality. There’s no wireless or Bluetooth, but you do get a USB 2.0 port and HDMI output.

Sigma fp L is a serious multimedia tool, with 4K UHD video at 30fps and Full HD at up to 120fps for slow motion. It records using H.264 codec in MOV container with Linear PCM audio. There are 3.5mm mic and headphone jacks for full audio control. Additionally, it supports USB Power Delivery for extended power, HDMI output, and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting.

Diving into Photographic Use Cases

Let’s match these cameras up against a broad spectrum of photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh PX: Limited by a fixed lens and modest sensor, it can capture decent portraits with face detection AF, but the narrow aperture range and small sensor make shallow depth-of-field rendering and creamy bokeh impossible. Skin tones are passable but lack subtlety due to JPEG-only output.

• Sigma fp L: Perfectly geared for professional portraiture with 61MP resolution, excellent dynamic range to retain highlight and shadow detail, and eye-detection AF. Paired with a fast prime, it produces gorgeous bokeh (background blur) that portrait photographers crave.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh PX: Its tiny sensor results in lower dynamic range and detail capture. While travel-friendly, the limited resolution and small sensor limit large prints or heavily cropped compositions.

• Sigma fp L: With full-frame sensor size and extremely high resolution, it’s a powerhouse for landscapes. The dynamic range excels under varying lighting, and you can exploit raw files for detailed post-processing. Weather sealing allows more confidence shooting in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ricoh PX: Continuous shooting capped at 1 fps kills any hopes of action shooting. Autofocus is contrast-only and slow. The 140mm equivalent lens reach is decent for casual wildlife shots but no match for telephotos.

• Sigma fp L: 10 fps burst plus hybrid AF system makes it a competent choice for fast subjects, especially with L-mount telephotos. Eye AF (human) helps but no dedicated animal eye AF limits some wildlife precision. Low-light ISO performance benefits indoor or twilight sports.

Street Photography

• Ricoh PX: Its compact size and quiet operation lend to unobtrusive street photography, especially in daylight. But fixed lens and lack of manual aperture and shutter priority limits creative control.

• Sigma fp L: Although mirrorless, it’s relatively compact for a full-frame camera and can be discreet if paired with modest primes. Touchscreen and silent electronic shutter modes allow quick reactions, ideal for candid moments.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh PX: Macro focusing down to 3cm allows close-ups, but sensor size and fixed lens limit image quality and magnification.

• Sigma fp L: Supports macro lenses in the L-mount lineup, providing excellent detail and focusing precision with manual or autofocus. Sensor stabilization is absent but the high resolution helps capture minute details.

Night / Astro Photography

• Ricoh PX: Limited high-ISO capability and slow shutter ceiling (max 1/8s for low speeds) restrict night shooting potential.

• Sigma fp L: High ISO ceiling (boost to 102,400), full manual controls, and long exposure capability support astro photography. RAW files capture subtle star fields and avoid noise challenges common to smaller sensors.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh PX: Basic HD video, suitable mostly for casual clips. No audio inputs or advanced codec options.

• Sigma fp L: Professional 4K video with decent codec support, audio interfaces, and frame-rate variety up to 120 fps. Great for hybrid photo/video creators.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh PX: Ultra-portable and weather-sealed, this camera is great for travelers who want light gear and simple controls.

• Sigma fp L: Slightly heavier but still highly portable given the full-frame feature set. Powerful but pricier and might require extra lenses.

Professional Work

• Ricoh PX: Lacks RAW and professional features required for commercial work.

• Sigma fp L: Designed for professionals with RAW, broad compatibility, and robust video specs to boot.

Performance Scores & Value Breakdown

While neither camera has DxO Mark data, my long-term testing experience gives broad confidence in their performance envelopes.

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sigma fp L front Sigma fp L screen back

Looking at real-world images (above), you’ll instantly notice detail retention and low noise with the Sigma fp L, versus simpler color rendering and softness with the PX.

The overall score swings heavily in Sigma’s favor, unsurprisingly given the tech leap.

This chart sums it up nicely - the Ricoh PX is a casual snapshot camera with standout portability; the Sigma fp L excels across most critical professional and enthusiast genres.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

Ricoh PX is a niche compact for enthusiasts or casual shooters wanting an easy-to-use camera with basic outdoor durability. It’s perfect as a travel backup or for users who prefer point-and-shoot fun without investing heavily. Don’t expect pro-level images or advanced controls here.

Sigma fp L is targeted squarely at serious photographers and content creators demanding the cutting edge of full-frame image quality and video capabilities in a surprisingly compact package. It’s ideal for portrait, landscape, event, and hybrid shooters who appreciate manual control, RAW editing flexibility, and a vast choice of lenses. Its steep price and learning curve make it unsuitable for beginners or those on a budget.

Closing Thoughts

Both cameras are excellent in their own right but live in different worlds. The Ricoh PX reminds me of the joy of unpretentious snapshot photography, while the Sigma fp L offers a sprawling canvas for creativity and professional-grade production.

If you’re a cheapskate or someone seeking a portable companion, the PX will do the job with charm. But if you want to future-proof your kit with exceptional image quality, deep control, and video prowess, the Sigma fp L is a wise investment - as long as you’re ready to pay up and invest the time to master it.

I hope this side-by-side comparison helps you find your perfect match in the ever-evolving camera market. Happy shooting!

Further Reading / Resources

• My comprehensive guide on selecting mirrorless cameras for hybrid shooters
• Tips for shooting landscapes with compact cameras
• How to evaluate sensor performance beyond megapixels

Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences in the comments below!