Ricoh PX vs Sony A700: A Complete Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing your next camera involves more than specs on paper. It’s about how the gear performs in the real world, how it matches your shooting style, and whether it supports your creative journey. Today, we explore two very different cameras: the compact Ricoh PX and the mid-size advanced Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. By diving deep into their design, technology, and capabilities, we’ll help you see which one suits your needs best.

Let’s start by setting the stage with an overview of their physical profiles and user experience.

Where Size and Handling Matter: Body Design and Ergonomics

Design and handling critically impact how comfortable you feel behind the camera during long sessions or fast-paced shooting. The Ricoh PX is a slender, pocketable compact, while the Sony A700 is a traditional DSLR with heft and substance.

The PX’s slim design means it’s ultra-portable and easy to slip into a jacket or purse, making it ideal for travel or candid snapshots. However, its compact size restricts manual control placement and reduces grip comfort for some users.

Conversely, the Sony A700’s larger body offers solid grip, full manual control dials, and physical feedback on every dial/knob, which is essential when shooting fast-moving subjects or adjusting settings on the fly. It also benefits from professional-level weather sealing for durability in harsher conditions.

From this top-down view, you can see the PX opts for a minimalist approach with few buttons, while the A700 is rich with dedicated controls, including exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture dials. These ergonomic differences shape the shooting experience - the PX is more point-and-shoot oriented but with some manual features, and the A700 is built for precision and speed.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The sensor is arguably the most critical component impacting image quality. Here, the differences between these cameras are stark.

The Sony A700’s APS-C CMOS sensor is over 13 times larger in surface area than the Ricoh PX’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor. Larger sensors capture more light per pixel, allowing for richer tonal gradations, less noise at high ISO, and better dynamic range - crucial for landscape, portrait, and low-light photography.

Raw file support on the A700 empowers you to push exposure and color adjustments in post-production with minimal quality loss. The PX’s limited JPG-only output confines you to in-camera processing, which restricts creative flexibility.

In our lab and field tests:

• The PX’s images are sharp and well-saturated under bright daylight but reveal more noise and loss of detail in shadows or high ISO settings.
• The A700 maintains cleaner images at ISO 3200 and beyond with superior dynamic range to recover highlights and shadows.

Viewing and Interface: How You Frame Your Shot

When composing an image, the quality of your viewfinder and LCD screen impact how confidently you frame and focus.

The PX includes a basic LCD but no dedicated viewfinder, which can be limiting outdoors in bright conditions - a frustration we often encounter when squinting to compose shots. It does offer live view, which at least enables framing on the screen.

The Sony A700 has no live view (which is unsurprising for a 2007 DSLR), but its optical pentaprism viewfinder provides a bright, clear, and real-time image with approximately 95% frame coverage - better for precise manual focusing and composition. Its higher-resolution screen aids image review in the field.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

AF system performance dictates how well a camera tracks moving subjects and nails focus quickly. We look at key autofocus and burst shooting specs relevant for action and wildlife photographers.

Ricoh’s PX uses contrast detection AF, which is typical in compact cameras and generally slower and less reliable for tracking fast subjects. However, it includes face detection, which helps with casual portraits. The fixed 5x zoom lens and limited aperture range also constrain action shooting capability.

The Sony A700 features an 11-point phase detection AF system, well ahead of its time in 2007 DSLRs, delivering quick and accurate focus acquisition. Although it lacks continuous AF tracking, its fast burst shooting (5 fps) is valuable for wildlife and sports photography - capturing sequences with minimal lag.

Its faster shutter speeds and flexible exposure controls let you freeze motion or creatively blur backgrounds when desired.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

No matter how good the camera body is, lenses largely define creative potential.

• Ricoh PX: Fixed 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with f/3.9-5.4 aperture.
• Sony A700: Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supports over 140 lenses, including primes, zooms, fast apertures, and specialty optics.

The PX’s fixed lens means you carry one versatile zoom, great for snapshots and travel convenience but limited for specialized work like macro, ultra-wide landscapes, or telephoto wildlife photography.

The Sony system’s vast lens ecosystem allows you to select fast primes (e.g., f/1.4 portrait lenses), macro lenses, super telephoto zooms for sports, and tilt-shift or wide-angle lenses for architecture and landscape.

This flexibility has major implications for your creative growth.

Specialized Photography: How Each Camera Fits Your Genre

Let’s explore how these two distinct cameras perform across specific photography genres and shooting conditions.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Uses 5x zoom covering short telephoto equivalent (up to 140mm).
  • Face detection aids focus on subjects.
  • Limited max aperture and small sensor reduce creamy bokeh effects.
  • No raw support means limited ability to fine-tune skin tones.

• Sony A700:

  • Large APS-C sensor with shallow depth of field potential.
  • Compatibility with fast prime lenses (e.g., 85mm f/1.4) grants creamy backgrounds.
  • Raw files allow precise color grading and skin tone corrections.
  • Fast AF for locking on eyes is possible but lacks the latest eye-detection autofocus technologies.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Small sensor limits detail and dynamic range.
  • Useful for casual scenic shots but less suited for cropping or big prints.
  • No weather sealing beyond basic protection.

• Sony A700:

  • Larger sensor delivers superior resolution and dynamic range.
  • Weather-sealed body enabling shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
  • APS-C wide-angle lenses available for expansive vistas.

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • 140mm max zoom with 5.8x crop factor (effectively ~812mm equivalent in 35mm), but slow aperture and contrast-detect AF limit utility.
  • Burst rate and AF speed too slow for active subjects.

• Sony A700:

  • Compatible with telephoto lenses optimized for wildlife.
  • 5 fps high-speed shooting bursts capture action sequences.
  • 11-point AF system quickly locks focus on moving animals.

Sports Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Continuous shooting at just 1 fps not practical for sports.
  • Limited shutter speed and AF system hinder capture of fast motion.

• Sony A700:

  • Fast shutter speeds (up to 1/8000s).
  • Burst shooting and reasonably advanced AF system enable sports shooting.
  • Requires pairing with fast lenses for best results.

Street Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Compact and discreet, lightweight, perfect for candid situations.
  • Silent shutter not available; some might find controls limiting.

• Sony A700:

  • Bulkier, potentially more conspicuous.
  • Precise manual controls appeal to serious street shooters who want control over exposure and focus.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Close focus down to 3cm.
  • No lens interchangeability limits macro creativity.
  • Sensor size restricts resolution and detail clarity.

• Sony A700:

  • Accessory macro lenses available.
  • Larger sensor enhances depth and fine details.
  • Focus peaking and manual focus aids not present but precision manual focus possible.

Night and Astro Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Max ISO 3200 but with significant noise.
  • Limited exposure controls and no raw files.
  • Lack of tripod mount or long exposure modes reduces astro usefulness.

• Sony A700:

  • ISO up to 6400 with better noise control.
  • Manual shutter speeds as long as 30 seconds.
  • Raw files enable extensive post-processing.
  • Weather sealing beneficial in outdoor night shoots.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh PX:

  • Can shoot 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG.
  • No external mic or headphone ports.
  • Basic stabilization sensor-shift system helps smooth handheld shots.

• Sony A700:

  • No video recording capability; strictly a stills camera.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh PX:

  • Ultra-lightweight and compact for travel ease.
  • Built-in zoom covers a good range of situations.

• Sony A700:

  • Larger and heavier but offers more creative control and image quality.
  • Dual card slots helpful for long trips requiring large storage.

Professional Use

• Ricoh PX:

  • Limited by sensor size, lack of raw, and slow focusing.

• Sony A700:

  • Raw files, robust body, customizable controls, and broad lens support.
  • Good choice for professionals on a budget needing solid APS-C DSLR.

Build Quality and Weatherproofing

Both cameras offer some degree of environmental sealing.

• The Ricoh PX is weather resistant but not fully waterproof or shockproof.
• The Sony A700 also features weather sealing to handle dust and moisture, more suited to demanding outdoor use.

Battery and Storage

• Ricoh PX: Uses a proprietary DB-100 battery (listed life not specified), single SD/SDHC card slot, and includes minimal connectivity (USB 2.0 and HDMI out).

• Sony A700: Uses the NP-FM500H battery, known for solid battery life in DSLRs. It supports dual slots - CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, an advantage for professionals requiring backup and flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, understandable given their release dates.

Both include HDMI outputs for external monitor connection.

Real-World Field Experience and Image Samples

Throughout our testing, the Ricoh PX delivered enjoyable shooting for casual photographers or travelers prioritizing portability. Its image stabilization provides some aid in handheld low light but cannot compensate for the noisy images at higher ISOs and the inability to shoot raw limits post-processing.

The Sony A700, while older, remains a formidable entry-level DSLR with a pleasing balance of controls, image quality, and lens accessibility. Though video is absent, it excels in still-image quality with robust autofocus and exposure listings, making it relevant for many contemporary photo shooters on a budget.

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

The above gallery compares JPEG images from both cameras under controlled lighting illustrating close-up sharpness, skin tone rendition, and low-light noise levels. The Sony A700’s images show richer color depth and finer detail reproduction.

Performance Summary and Ratings

Here’s a quick snapshot of overall and genre-specific performance based on our evaluations.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Pick the Ricoh PX if:

• You want an ultra-compact, lightweight camera that easily fits in your pocket.
• You prefer an easy-to-use point-and-shoot with some manual options.
• Your budget is modest, and you prioritize convenience over image quality.
• You primarily shoot casual travel, street photography, or snapshots.

Pick the Sony A700 if:

• You want a serious still photography tool with professional-level image quality.
• You have or plan to invest in a variety of lenses.
• Your shooting includes portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports.
• Raw shooting and manual control are important.
• You do not require video in your workflow.
• You’re willing to carry more weight for better control and creative flexibility.

Getting Started and Next Steps

If you decide the Ricoh PX fits your lifestyle:

• Try to handle it in-store to assess comfort and ease of use.
• Explore accessories like protective cases and compatible SD cards.
• Experiment with manual exposure and focusing to maximize control.

If the Sony A700 appeals:

• Check for deals on used or refurbished bodies and lenses; this DSLR remains a bargain.
• Practice customizing autofocus points and exposure modes.
• Invest in fast lenses tailored to your preferred photography genres (e.g., macro, portrait).
• Learn raw processing workflows to bring out the best from your captures.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Ricoh PX and Sony A700 embody distinct philosophies: one prioritizes portability and simplicity, the other advanced imaging and creative control. Choosing depends on where you are in your photography journey and what challenges excite you.

By understanding their strengths, limits, and how they fit into different shooting scenarios, you empower yourself to make a choice that fuels your creativity. So get hands-on when possible. Test them in your preferred shooting light and subject matter. The right tool amplifies your unique vision.

Happy shooting!