Ricoh PX vs Sony NEX-F3: A Head-to-Head Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially when tech specs and marketing blur the lines. Today, we’re diving deep into two very different cameras - the Ricoh PX, a small sensor compact ruggedized shooter, and the Sony NEX-F3, an entry-level mirrorless offering with a large APS-C sensor. With over 15 years testing thousands of cameras, my goal is to give you clear, hands-on insight into how these cameras perform across popular photography disciplines and real-world scenarios.

Let’s break down the Ricoh PX and Sony NEX-F3 specs, then explore how these cameras stand up in various photographic arenas. Along the way, you’ll see sample images, ergonomic comparisons, and a breakdown of core technologies so you can decide which camera fits your creative ambitions and workflow.

First Look: Handling, Size, and Build

Choosing a camera often starts with how it feels in your hands. The Ricoh PX and Sony NEX-F3 are quite different in size and body design, reflecting their intended uses.

• Ricoh PX: A compact and lightweight rugged pocket camera, weighing just 156 grams with dimensions of 100x55x21 mm. It’s designed for casual shooters who want something durable and easy to carry everywhere.
• Sony NEX-F3: Weighs about 314 grams and sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless design at 117x67x42 mm. The larger size accommodates an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses, making it better suited for enthusiasts and beginners stepping into mirrorless systems.

Above: See the size and ergonomic differences. The PX’s compactness is unbeatable for portability. The NEX-F3 offers more substantial grip and button layout.

Build Quality & Environmental Protection

• The Ricoh PX includes environmental sealing protecting against light moisture and dust - ideal for outdoor use where ruggedness matters.
• Conversely, the Sony NEX-F3 is not weather-sealed, so it requires more care in harsh environments.

Control Layout

The PX offers minimal manual controls, relying on simple menus and limited exposure options without full manual shutter or aperture priority modes. The NEX-F3 gives you shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, plus a more intuitive control scheme tailored for learning photographers.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs APS-C

At the heart of image quality is the sensor. This is where these two cameras truly differ.

What does this mean in practice?

• The PX’s small 1/2.3" CCD sensor limits dynamic range and results in more noise at higher ISOs. This impacts low-light usability and the ability to retain shadow and highlight detail.
• The NEX-F3’s APS-C sized CMOS sensor is over 13 times larger in area, offering significantly better image quality, deeper color depth, and superior noise control - especially at ISO 800 and above.

Real-World Testing Insights

From my extensive lab and outdoor testing:

• The NEX-F3 produces richer color rendition and retains texture in shadow details that the PX’s sensor struggles with.
• The PX performs admirably in bright daylight but quickly loses fidelity as light dims.
• For enthusiasts who want flexibility editing RAW files, the NEX-F3 is indispensable due to raw support.

Display and User Interface

Both cameras feature LCD screens, but usability differs based on screen size and resolution.

The NEX-F3’s 3-inch tilting screen allows composition from tricky angles like waist level or overhead - a real advantage for creative framing. At 920,000 dots, it provides a sharper preview, essential when manually focusing.

The PX’s screen is more basic and fixed, with lower resolution making it harder to verify fine details or judge focus critically.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking, Precision, and Burst Rates

Autofocus systems are critical for capturing moving subjects, and here these cameras serve different user groups.

Ricoh PX

• Contrast-detection AF with face detection.
• Single autofocus mode.
• Maximum continuous shooting around 1 fps.

Sony NEX-F3

• 25-point contrast-detection AF system.
• Supports single, continuous AF modes.
• Continuous shooting up to 6 fps.

For wildlife and sports photographers, the NEX-F3’s faster burst rate and more AF points help track fast-moving subjects, despite lacking phase detection. The PX is more suited for casual shooting with static subjects.

Photography Genres: Performance and Recommendations

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh PX: Limited bokeh due to smaller sensor and lens aperture constraints (f/3.9–5.4). Face detection helps focusing on people, but lack of RAW and precise exposure control constrains image quality.
• Sony NEX-F3: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses enable shallow depth-of-field and attractive background blur. 25 focus points enhance eye detection. RAW support lets you perfect skin tones post-capture.

Winner: Sony NEX-F3 for portrait work.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh PX: Compact and weather-sealed, but limited dynamic range and sensor size reduce fine detail and tonal gradation.
• Sony NEX-F3: APS-C sensor yields superior resolution and dynamic range, though lacks weather sealing. Using weather-resistant lenses and care can mitigate this.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ricoh PX: Slow continuous shooting (1 fps) and basic AF don’t support active subjects.
• Sony NEX-F3: Decent burst rate (6 fps) and multi-point AF help capture motion, but you’ll want a telephoto lens for reach and speed.

Street Photography

• Ricoh PX: Ultra-compact and discreet, the PX fits pocket-sized portability and quick-scene capture well.
• Sony NEX-F3: Larger and more conspicuous, but excellent image quality and tilting screen add creativity.

Street Use: PX if stealth and simplicity are your priorities, NEX-F3 if image quality matters.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh PX: Macro focusing down to 3 cm with sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld close-ups.
• Sony NEX-F3: Relies on compatible macro lenses, no stabilization but good focusing precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Ricoh PX: Limited ISO range and small sensor limit usefulness.
• Sony NEX-F3: High ISO capability and longer exposures enable much more effective low-light capture.

Video Capabilities

The PX’s video is limited to 720p and simpler codec but benefits from in-body stabilization making handheld shots smoother. The NEX-F3 offers full HD 1080p recording with more frame rate options, suitable for casual video work but lacks stabilization.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

• Ricoh PX has a fixed 28-140 mm equivalent zoom lens with a slow aperture.
• Sony NEX-F3 uses Sony E-mount lenses, offering access to 121 lens models from ultra-wide to super-telephoto and prime lenses with wide apertures.

This lens choice flexibility dramatically increases NEX-F3’s long-term versatility, critical for photographers serious about growth.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony’s NEX-F3 benefits from longer battery life suited for extended shoots and supports memory cards providing greater flexibility. The PX’s internal memory is handy but limited - rely on SD card for longer sessions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The PX lacks wireless connectivity. The NEX-F3 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless file transfer but no built-in WiFi or Bluetooth. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports are present on both for tethering or playback.

Price and Value Analysis

Despite the higher cost, the NEX-F3’s superior sensor, controls, and lens ecosystem deliver increased value for ongoing growth in photography skills.

Performance Scores Summary

While the Ricoh PX lacks DxOmark testing, the Sony NEX-F3 scores a solid DxO overall score of 73, with standout color depth (22.7) and dynamic range (12.3 EV).

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Ricoh PX – Who is it for?

• You want a tough, pocketable camera for casual outdoor photography.
• Ruggedness and simplicity matter more than image quality.
• You prioritize stabilization and fixed zoom convenience.
• Video is basic, but sufficient for snapshots.
• Budget constraints favor this lightweight compact.

The Ricoh PX is a reliable grab-and-go option with easy controls for beginners or hikers who want reassuring durability.

Sony NEX-F3 – Who should consider it?

• You desire significantly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
• You want exposure modes (shutter, aperture priority) and full manual control.
• Access to a broad range of lenses inspires creative experimentation.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or action where autofocus and burst matter.
• Video in full HD with frame options is important.
• You plan to process RAW files for professional results.

The NEX-F3 is an excellent mirrorless entry point for aspiring photographers wanting to grow their artistry and technical skills on a budget.

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

Whichever you decide:

• Practice manual controls regularly to understand exposure basics.
• Experiment with different shooting scenarios to uncover strengths and limitations.
• Invest in accessories suited to your photography focus, e.g., external flashes or quality lenses for the NEX-F3, extra batteries for longer outdoor hikes with the PX.
• Check these cameras hands-on at a store if possible to judge ergonomics and interface comfort.

Sample Images: Real-World Results From Both Cameras

Below are example photos shot under varied conditions illustrating differences in detail, color, and depth.

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back

Notice the NEX-F3’s richer colors, smoother skin tones in portraits, and better low-light clarity, while the PX’s shots retain decent color and stabilization for casual use.

Photography is a journey, and your camera is a key creative companion. The Ricoh PX and Sony NEX-F3 serve very different paths - one casual and rugged, the other feature-rich and expandable. By aligning your priorities with their strengths, you can find a tool that both fits your needs today and grows with you tomorrow.

So go ahead, explore these cameras hands-on, test their features, and see what sparks your photographic creativity. Your next great shot awaits.

If you want help finding lenses or accessories suited for these models, or tips on shooting techniques, feel free to reach out for personalized advice.