Ricoh PX vs. Sony RX100 VA: A Hands-On Deep Dive Into Two Worlds of Compact Cameras

When it comes to compact cameras, the spectrum is wide - ranging from simple point-and-shoot models for casual snapshots to pocket-sized powerhouses designed to rival DSLRs in image quality and versatility. Today, we’re putting under the microscope two distinct cameras that serve wildly different users: the Ricoh PX, a modest small-sensor compact aimed primarily at rugged convenience and ease of use, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA (hereafter, RX100 VA), a sophisticated large-sensor compact revered among enthusiasts and even pros as a true pocketable option with exceptional image quality.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I promise this is no marketing fluff fest. Instead, we’ll walk through everything - from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus chops, and real-world field performance - while answering the all-important question: Which compact deserves your hard-earned cash and photographic dreams?

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Differences

At a glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in size and feel. The Ricoh PX is feather-light at just 156 grams and adopts a svelte, slim body measuring 100 x 55 x 21 mm, decidedly minimalist with a fixed 2.7-inch low-res LCD and no viewfinder. The RX100 VA, meanwhile, tips the scales at roughly double that weight at 299 grams with a chunkier 102 x 58 x 41 mm frame.

In practical terms, the Ricoh PX fits any pocket - even slimmer ones - making it a no-brainer to toss into your bag for an impromptu photo-op. This is a safe choice if you prioritize ultra-portability and low maintenance. Conversely, the RX100 VA is unmistakably heftier, but you immediately notice its more substantial build quality, better grip, and generally more “camera-like” handling that invites an engaged shooting experience.

Looking at the control layout, Ricoh has kept things simple - no shutter priority or aperture priority modes here, and a limited manual exposure. The RX100 VA sports a thoughtfully organized top deck with dials, a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF), a tilting 3-inch 1229k-dot LCD, and a generous burst shooting feature. These are hallmarks of a camera built for more deliberate photography rather than casual snapshots.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Where the Heart of a Camera Truly Beats

It’s impossible to discuss camera performance without delving into sensor technology - the vital organ determining image quality, dynamic range, and low light capabilities.

The Ricoh PX sports a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (approx 28.07 mm²), capable of resolving 16MP images. In comparison, the RX100 VA boasts a far larger 1" BSI-CMOS sensor at 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm²) with a 20MP resolution.

What does this mean in practice? A sensor nearly four times larger in area translates to substantially better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting. Larger pixels capture more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise at higher ISOs, greater dynamic range to preserve highlights and shadows, and more flexibility in post-processing.

My side-by-side tests clearly showed the RX100 VA producing cleaner, richer images under indoor lighting and dusk conditions where the PX’s noisier JPEGs and limited ISO ceiling of 3200 struggled to hold up.

The Ricoh’s CCD sensor and outdated Smooth Imaging Engine IV processing give acceptable results for snapshots but pale in comparison to the modern back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor combo in the Sony. The RX100 VA also supports RAW capture, affording professional-grade control during post-production, whereas the PX offers only JPEGs.

When it comes to lens sharpness, we see the PX offering a 28-140 mm equivalent (5x zoom, F3.9-5.4 max aperture) fixed lens - fine for general use but relatively slow and less versatile in framing compared to RX100 VA’s 24-70 mm equivalent (2.9x zoom, F1.8-2.8 max aperture). The latter’s brighter lens enables selective depth of field (love that buttery bokeh!) and excels in dim environments.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Navigating Your Creative Canvas

A camera’s screen isn’t just for reviewing photos; it’s your critical interface during composing, focusing, and setting adjustments.

Ricoh PX’s fixed 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD feels… well, basic. It’s enough to frame shots and check compositions in daylight but displays limited detail in shadows and is less responsive. No touchscreen, no tilt, no fancy live-view aids.

The RX100 VA counters with a 3-inch 1229k-dot tilting LCD, significantly crisper and capable of folding upwards - a boon for low-angle shots or selfies (which the PX notably misses out on, with no selfie-friendly features). While it lacks touchscreen input, the RX100 VA’s interface remains highly customizable and responsive, bolstered by an EVF that helps in bright daylight shooting where LCDs fail.

This makes the RX100 VA a more versatile tool across diverse lighting and shooting angles - not to mention during long shoots when eye relief and stable framing matter.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment or Missing the Shot

Autofocus performance is often the make-or-break feature in any camera, especially compacts where hardware limitations can drag behind.

The Ricoh PX has a modest contrast-detect AF system with face detection support but no continuous AF or reliable tracking for moving subjects - burst rate sits at a leisurely 1 frame per second, hardly champion material for anything action-related.

By contrast, the RX100 VA boasts an impressive 315-point hybrid phase and contrast-detection AF system including face detection and tracking, capable of speedy and accurate focus even in low light. Continuous AF is smooth and dependable, scaling effortlessly with fast-moving subjects.

Add to that a staggering 24 fps continuous burst shooting capability, and the RX100 VA stands tall among compact cameras when it comes to sports, wildlife, or street photography capturing split-second moments.

Durability and Environmental Protection: Weathering the Elements

Both cameras have their limitations here.

The Ricoh PX, while packing some environmental sealing, does not claim weatherproof or shockproof ruggedness, leaving it vulnerable to dust, heavy rain, or drops. The Sony RX100 VA comes with no weather sealing but offers durable construction.

If you anticipate shooting outdoors extensively, especially in unpredictable weather or rugged zones, neither is truly built for pro-level durability, but the PX’s sealed body might better resist casual splashes and dirt.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Who Shines Where?

Let’s break down how these players hold up in the key photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraits thrive on skin tone fidelity, focus accuracy on eyes, and subtle background separation (bokeh). The RX100 VA’s larger sensor and fast F1.8 lens deliver creamy, softly blurred backgrounds and excellent color rendition - ideal for flattering skin tones and selective focus.

Ricoh PX’s smaller sensor and slower lens struggle with shallow depth of field effects and provide noticeably flatter images. Eye detection focusing is a plus but less reliable.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes demand wide dynamic range and crispness across the frame. The RX100 VA’s sensor excels here, revealing nuanced shadow detail and highlight retention. Although its zoom tops out at 70mm, it covers wide-angle terrain at 24mm equivalence well.

The Ricoh PX’s greater telephoto reach (up to 140mm) is tempting for distant landscape features but at the cost of image clarity and dynamic range. Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing required for severe outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

While neither is a professional wildlife rig, the RX100 VA’s blazing autofocus and rapid burst capability give it an edge when snapping quick animal movements or bird action.

The PX’s single FPS burst and slower AF make wildlife shooting a frustrating game of patience.

Sports Photography

Similar story: RX100 VA’s 24 fps with continuous tracking AF handles fast-moving subjects up to moderately distant action effectively. It’s not a DSLR or mirrorless pro, but for casual sports, it’s a champ.

The PX’s limitations here make it unsuitable for anything beyond static portraits or still scenes.

Street Photography

The PX’s slim profile makes it extremely discreet - ideal when you want to blend in. However, its slow AF and poorer low-light ability reduce usefulness in dim urban environments.

The RX100 VA is larger and more noticeable but offers better image quality under streetlights and a quick-firing shutter. The pop-up EVF also helps in candid shooting by enabling eye-level framing.

Macro Photography

Both cameras are respectable macro shooters - Ricoh PX reaches 3cm, while RX100 VA has a 5cm minimum. RX100’s sharper optics and better stabilization favor higher detail capture. The PX includes sensor-shift image stabilization but not optical; the RX100 VA uses optical IS for steadier close-up images.

Night and Astro Photography

Here size and sensor quality reign. The RX100 VA’s ability to shoot up to ISO 12800 (expandable to 25600) with manageable noise is a blessing for night sky shooting or low light environments - not matched by PX's max ISO 3200 and noisier CCD.

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Seeing these cameras in action side by side (above), the Sony consistently produces crisper, cleaner images with richer color and better highlight control across varying conditions.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Frames

The PX offers modest HD video at 1280x720p (30 fps) with Motion JPEG compression and no external mic input. On the other end of the spectrum, the RX100 VA delivers impressive 4K video at 30fps (100 Mbps) with multiple codec options (XAVC S, AVCHD) and clean audio via internal mics - though no mic or headphone ports for advanced sound recording.

Additionally, the RX100 VA features better in-body image stabilization (optical), which dramatically improves handheld video smoothness. The PX’s sensor-shift stabilization helps but cannot compete.

If you’re serious about vlogging or video capture, the RX100 VA is the compelling choice here.

Ergonomics, Controls, and Battery Life: The Day-to-Day User Experience

The RX100 VA shines with its dedicated dials, customizable buttons, and tilting touchscreen, making manual controls intuitive and fast. Its pop-up EVF is a plus in bright conditions, while 220 shots per battery charge is decent for a compact enthusiast camera.

The PX’s limited manual controls and fixed LCD limit creative shooting, but its battery uses a conventional DB-100 pack. No wireless features are present on the PX, whereas RX100 VA offers built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for quick image sharing.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed but Functional

Both cameras have fixed lenses, which is a given for compacts. The RX100 VA’s zoom covers 24-70mm, which is perfect for street to portrait photography but limited for telephoto. The PX wins in reach at 28-140mm but compromises aperture speed and image quality.

No options for external flashes or lenses exist on either (though the RX100 VA supports multiple flash modes on its internal flash).

Storage and Connectivity: Modern Convenience Factor

The RX100 VA supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, while the PX uses SD/SDHC and internal storage. The Sony’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC modernize image transfer, which the PX entirely lacks.

USB and HDMI connectivity on both allow tethering or display; however, the PX’s USB 2.0 is comparatively slow.

The Scorecard: Objective Performance Ratings

Looking at composite performance assessments, the RX100 VA consistently outperforms the PX in almost every category:

• Image quality: RX100 VA leads by a large margin due to sensor size and lens optics.
• AF speed and accuracy: RX100 VA's hybrid AF with 315 points outclasses PX’s basic contrast detection.
• Build and ergonomics: The RX100 VA offers a more robust, ergonomic experience.
• Video features: Sony again dominates.
• Battery life: Moderate advantage to RX100 VA despite larger sensor.
• Portability: PX’s tiny, lightweight design wins hands down.

Which Camera for Which Photographer?

At this point, let’s zero in on real-world recommendations.

• Beginners or Casual Snappers: If you want a simple, lightweight camera to snap vacation photos or casual events with zero fuss, the Ricoh PX’s ease and tiny footprint appeal. However, be prepared for lower image quality in tricky light.

• Enthusiasts Wanting Compact Power: The Sony RX100 VA is a pocket-size powerhouse excellent for travel, street, and portrait shoots where image quality, speed, and manual control matter. It’s a solid backup to a larger system or a capable standalone.

• Travel Photographers: Considering portability and versatility, RX100 VA strikes a balance - compact yet capable enough to cover landscapes, portraits, and light wildlife action. Battery life is reasonable, and image quality strong enough to deliver pro-grade results.

• Low-Budget Buyers: The PX is an inexpensive option but expect compromises in autofocus, video, and low-light scenarios.

Closing Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

Comparing the Ricoh PX and the Sony RX100 VA is akin to comparing an economy hatchback to a premium sedan - both will get you from point A to B, but one does it with flair, finesse, and a lot more features.

The PX is a friendly, easygoing little companion perfect for impromptu holiday snaps or anyone prioritizing convenience over image performance. Its rugged, weather-sealed design goes some way to reassuring durability for casual outings, but don’t expect stellar image quality or fast responsiveness.

The RX100 VA, meanwhile, packs a large, high-performance sensor, advanced phase-detection AF, bright lens, and professional-grade controls into a compact body. It’s a favorite among enthusiasts needing serious image quality and speed without lugging bigger gear.

If your photography ambitions stretch beyond casual snapshots and you want a camera that rewards learning and creativity, investing in the RX100 VA will repay dividends.

Personally speaking? While I appreciate the Ricoh PX’s portability and simplicity, I always found myself reaching for the RX100 VA when image quality, speed, or creative control matters most - plus, those 4K videos and that neat EVF are icing on the cake!

Summary Table

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you navigate the compact camera jungle with clarity and confidence. If you have questions about particular use cases or want more hands-on tips, feel free to ask. Meanwhile, happy shooting!