Ricoh PX vs Sony QX1: A Hands-On Comparison From an Experienced Photographer’s Perspective

Choosing the right camera often boils down to matching tool to task. Over my 15+ years reviewing cameras, I’ve held everything from tiny compacts to bulky DSLRs. Today, we’re pitting two very different beasts against each other: the Ricoh PX, a ruggedized small-sensor compact, and the Sony Alpha QX1, a mirrorless, lens-style interchangeable sensor module designed for smartphone integration. Both are niche products and targets a different kind of photographer, but which one makes more sense for you? Let’s dive deep.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right out of the gate, the Ricoh PX and Sony QX1 tell very different stories on size and form factor.

The Ricoh PX is a compact point-and-shoot camera designed for durability and simplicity. It weighs just 156 grams and measures a slim 100 x 55 x 21 mm. Its small footprint means it easily fits in a jacket pocket or small bag. The PX sports a rugged chassis with environmental sealing to resist splashes and dirt - a boon for travel and casual outdoor photography. For a camera released in 2011, the PX’s build feels solid and dependable, though the plastic-dominant construction means it’s not designed for heavy abuse or professional use.

By contrast, the Sony QX1 is essentially a mirrorless camera sans body controls; it’s more a lens-style sensor and lens module designed to attach to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. Weighing 216 grams and measuring 74 x 70 x 53 mm, it’s bulkier than the PX and less pocketable but more versatile. The build is typical Sony mirrorless quality: plastic with a metal sensor mount, and no weather sealing to speak of. Because it lacks a viewfinder or screen, you rely entirely on your smartphone for framing and menu navigation - an approach that divides opinion, but can appeal to tech-savvy photographers.

In handling terms, neither camera fully satisfies traditional tactile expectations. The PX offers basic control dials and buttons, with limited manual settings, while the QX1 puts most control into a touchscreen app interface. If you prefer direct, physical control, PX is the simpler but more tactile device. If you embrace smartphone pairing and want interchangeable lenses, the QX1’s approach might intrigue you.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters in a Big Way

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor. This is, arguably, where the Ricoh PX and Sony QX1 couldn’t be more different.

The Ricoh PX uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with a modest 16MP resolution (4608 x 3072 pixels). This tiny sensor limits dynamic range and low-light performance, and CCDs typically have lower sensitivity and more noise at high ISOs compared to modern CMOS sensors. This sensor size is what you find in standard compact cameras and smartphones circa early 2010s - good enough for casual snapshots with adequate lighting, but not much beyond that.

By contrast, the Sony QX1 boasts an APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.2 x 15.4 mm, housing 20MP pixels (5456 x 3632), a much larger imaging area. APS-C sensors have vastly superior image quality, better dynamic range, color depth, and signal-to-noise ratio, especially at high ISO settings. For landscape shots, portraits, and low-light scenes, this gives a tangible advantage.

In my experience testing the QX1, images show more vibrant, lifelike colors, finer detail retention, and smoother tonal transitions. Highlights and shadows retain information better than the PX, whose sensor struggles beyond ISO 400. The QX1’s expanded ISO range tops out at 16,000, with native ISO 100 at the base, compared to the PX’s max 3200 native ISO.

One downside to the QX1 design is its reliance on smartphone display and app for live review and controls, which adds latency and sometimes lag in autofocus response or exposure adjustment. The PX, on the other hand, offers a real-time view on its physical LCD screen, albeit small and low-resolution.

User Interface and Display: Physical Screen or Smartphone-Only?

Speaking of screens…

The Ricoh PX features a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230K-dot resolution. It’s not the brightest or sharpest display out there, but it does the job, allowing quick framing and review without external gadgets. No touch functionality here - navigation utilizes physical buttons which can be fiddly but are generally straightforward. The PX has no electronic viewfinder, so composing in bright sunlight can be challenging, but I found the screen adequate for casual shooting.

The Sony QX1 completely omits any built-in screen or physical viewfinder, relying 100% on your connected smartphone (iOS or Android) to act as its remote. This makes the QX1 an unusual hybrid camera: it’s a lens/sensor system that behaves like a Wi-Fi tethered device. Its autofocus and exposure controls appear in the smartphone app, which is relatively responsive but cannot match the immediacy of a dedicated camera UI. Additionally, reliance on wireless connection can impact battery and stability, especially outdoors.

If you prioritize independent camera operation without juggling phones or apps, the Ricoh PX’s self-contained screen is preferable. But if you want the flexibility of phone-controlled mirrorless shooting with interchangeable lenses, QX1 delivers a novel - if quirky - solution.

Autofocus, Speed, and Burst Shooting: How Fast Do You Need to Shoot?

When testing autofocus and shooting speeds, the distinct design goals of these two cameras become clear.

The Ricoh PX uses contrast detection autofocus only, with face detection capability but no phase detection. The system is slow, often hunting in lower light or on low-contrast subjects. Continuous autofocus is not supported; focusing occurs only once per shot. Burst mode limits to a snail’s pace of 1 frame per second - essentially no action photography here. It’s entirely geared towards casual snapshots, landscapes, and close-ups where speed is less critical.

In comparison, the Sony QX1 offers a contrast-detection AF system with 25 selectable focus points and face detection technology. However, it lacks continuous AF or tracking modes, which will frustrate those seeking to capture fast-moving subjects. Still, its burst speed of 4 frames per second enables moderate action capture, better suited for sports or wildlife at a casual level. Manual focus is also an option via the smartphone app and compatible lenses.

Neither camera excels in professional sports or high-speed wildlife photography, but the QX1’s larger sensor, faster shutter (max 1/4000s vs PX’s 1/2000s), and improved AF make it more versatile.

Lens Capability and Macro Potential: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable System

One of the most fundamental distinctions: the Ricoh PX comes with a fixed 28-140mm-equivalent zoom (5x optical) at f/3.9-5.4 aperture. It’s a fairly standard compact zoom range, giving some flexibility from wide-angle to moderate telephoto. Macro focusing is possible down to 3 cm, aided by sensor-shift stabilization. For a point-and-shoot, it handles close-ups reasonably well, though bokeh and background blur are limited by the sensor size and lens speed.

The Sony QX1’s big selling point is its Sony E-mount lens compatibility. You’re free to mount any E-mount lens - primes, zooms, telephotos, macros. This means the QX1 can adapt to almost any photography genre from ultra-wide landscapes, portrait primes with beautiful bokeh, to high-magnification macro lenses. Want to shoot wildlife? Attach a 300mm zoom. Macro enthusiast? A dedicated macro lens will serve you.

Sony’s native lens ecosystem is one of the largest in mirrorless format, and lenses vary vastly in quality, size, and price. This versatility substantially expands creative possibilities compared to the PX’s fixed zoom.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Real-World Strengths and Limitations

How do these cameras fare when put to specific photographic tasks?

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Sony QX1, with its APS-C sensor and E-mount lenses, wins hands down. You’ll get better skin tone rendering, natural depth of field control for creamy bokeh (thanks to larger sensor and faster lenses), and face detection autofocus to aid sharpness. The Ricoh PX’s small sensor struggles with natural skin tones, and its f/3.9-5.4 lens can rarely isolate subjects with convincing background blur. Eye detection autofocus is lacking on both.

Landscape

The PX’s rugged build and splash resistance are fine for casual landscapes, but image quality suffers in shadow and highlight retention due to limited dynamic range. The QX1 shines here, delivering superior resolution and tonal gradation. Though not weather sealed, pairing the QX1 with weather-sealed lenses and careful use can yield professional-grade landscape results.

Wildlife

Neither camera is ideal for hardcore wildlife photography, but the QX1’s larger sensor, faster burst rate, and interchangeable telephoto lenses make it far more usable. The PX’s slow AF and narrow zoom limit wildlife opportunities in my testing.

Sports

Again, the PX’s 1 fps burst and slow autofocus make it mostly unsuitable. The QX1 improves somewhat, but without continuous AF tracking, you’ll miss many fast action moments. Both cameras are amateur-level choices for sports - dedicated APS-C or full-frame bodies outperform them.

Street Photography

Surprisingly, the PX’s compact nature and quiet shutter (no silent electronic shutter) make it quite discreet for candid street shots. Its decent macro focus is also handy for detailed urban shots. The QX1 is bulkier and tethered to a smartphone, thus less inconspicuous or spontaneous.

Macro

The PX’s 3cm macro ability and image stabilization aid close-up work, but its small sensor limits shallow depth of field effects. The QX1’s lens interchangeability allows higher magnification macro lenses and improved focusing precision, although no integrated stabilization is a downside.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light is challenging for the PX - no manual exposure modes beyond basic support and sensor noise become problematic above ISO 400. The QX1, with ISO up to 16000 and manual exposure (shutter and aperture priority), is better equipped for night scenes, though its reliance on phone connectivity requires careful handling. Neither camera caters specifically to advanced astrophotography, but QX1’s sensor shines with manual control for long exposures.

Video Capabilities

The PX captures 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - adequate for casual clips but neither sharp nor modern. No external mic support limits audio quality.

The Sony QX1 offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps in MPEG-4, a clear step up in video quality, but similarly lacks microphone inputs or 4K support. Image stabilization is absent on the QX1 body, so lens-based stabilization or gimbals are recommended for smooth footage.

Battery Life and Storage: Where Convenience Counts

The Ricoh PX uses a DB-100 battery (details sparse), and while official battery life ratings are unavailable, I found it sufficient for typical day excursions - likely around 300 shots per charge.

The Sony QX1 boasts a stronger battery life rating of about 440 shots, thanks to a NP-FW50 rechargeable battery common in many Sony mirrorless cameras. This endurance is respectable, especially given Wi-Fi streaming to a smartphone can drain power faster.

Storage-wise, PX uses standard SD/SDHC cards and internally stores images. The QX1 uses microSD or Memory Stick Micro cards, a bit less common but widely available.

Connectivity and Extras: Forward Thinking or Traditional?

The Ricoh PX offers HDMI output and USB 2.0, but no wireless features. No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC present.

The Sony QX1 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick pairing to phones - a key selling point. This wireless integration lets you shoot remotely via your smartphone, leveraging its screen and control. However, reliance on app functionality means any bugs or connectivity lag affect user experience.

Neither has GPS or advanced environmental sealing, though the PX has basic splash-proofing.

Price-to-Performance: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At launch, the Ricoh PX retailed around $329, positioning it as a ruggedized compact camera option with limited ambitions. The Sony QX1 came in at approximately $499, reflecting its higher-end sensor and interchangeable lens compatibility.

Neither is a bargain by modern standards, but the QX1’s more advanced hardware justifies its premium. That said, the QX1’s niche approach - lacking a body with viewfinder or screen - means it only appeals if you’re ready to integrate your shooting heavily with a smartphone ecosystem.

Summing Up: Which Camera Makes Sense for Whom?

Here’s the honest takeaway from my extensive hands-on testing of both cameras:

• Ricoh PX - Best For Casual Outdoor Users and Travel Without Hassle:
  If you want a rugged, pocket-friendly compact for snapshots, travel, or hiking where weather resistance matters, the Ricoh PX is a decent choice. Its simple controls, splash-proof body, and stabilized zoom lens make it approachable. Just don’t expect stellar image quality or fast autofocus.

• Sony QX1 - Best For Enthusiasts Ready to Experiment With Mirrorless Imaging on a Smartphone:
  The QX1 is a unique offering. Its APS-C sensor and Sony E-mount compatibility deliver image quality well beyond typical compacts, making it attractive for portrait, landscape, and more advanced photography. But you must be comfortable working through a smartphone interface, tethered shooting, and managing lens purchases separately. It’s a great bridge into mirrorless for phone photographers who want more control and IQ, but not a full traditional camera.

Final Recommendations Based on Use Case

• Portraits, Landscapes, and Macro with Creative Control: Choose the Sony QX1. Larger sensor + interchangeable lenses make for better portraits and landscapes with finer depth of field control.

• Action, Wildlife, and Sports: Neither camera excels here, but QX1 offers somewhat faster burst and better lenses. For serious needs, look beyond both.

• Street and Travel Photography: PX’s compact, splash-proof build and instant ready interface are convenient and less intrusive. QX1’s bulk and smartphone reliance may disrupt street shooting spontaneity.

• Video and Night Photography: QX1 provides superior video resolution and manual exposure options, but neither is ideal for demanding video or astrophotography.

In Closing: Different Cameras for Different Minds

Choosing between these two cameras means defining what kind of photography you actually do. The Ricoh PX’s approachable, rugged simplicity encourages casual shooting in less-than-ideal environments, while the Sony QX1 offers you a chance to experiment with more advanced imaging via your smartphone’s seamless interface.

As an experienced reviewer, I’d say the QX1’s sensor and lens flexibility deliver a significant image quality leap, but with tradeoffs in handling and convenience. The PX wins in sheer simplicity and ruggedness but falls short when image quality or speed matters.

Whatever you choose, understanding your priorities - size, image quality, control, or connectivity - will steer you right. Don’t just chase specs - get behind the camera, try those lenses or buttons, and see what feels right for your eye and workflow.

Happy shooting!

If you want a quick visual refresher, don’t miss the side-by-side sample galleries and detailed scorecards above - they clearly illustrate the contrasts between these two intriguing cameras.