Ricoh PX vs Sony Cyber-shot WX80: A Practical Deep Dive into Small Sensor Compact Cameras

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras, the market is saturated with options that look deceptively similar on paper but often diverge intriguingly in hands-on use. The Ricoh PX and Sony Cyber-shot WX80 are two cameras aiming at casual photographers who want decent zoom, portability, and flexible shooting modes without breaking the bank. But which one offers better real-world performance, and for whom? Having tested both extensively over the years, I’ll guide you through their nuances - beyond spec sheets - to help you decide which fits your needs best.

Let’s begin by sizing them up, literally.

Feeling Them in Your Hands: Size and Ergonomics Matter

Photography is tactile. A camera’s physical feel often influences how confidently you shoot. The Ricoh PX and Sony WX80 both classify as ultra-compact compacts, but their dimensions and design subtly affect handling.

The Ricoh PX measures 100x55x21mm, weighing about 156 grams, while the Sony WX80 comes in smaller and lighter at 92x52x22mm and 124 grams. The PX’s slightly larger footprint gives it a little more to grip, which I personally find helpful for stability during those longer focal length shots at 140mm equivalent. The PX’s boxy design and textured grip offer a reassuring hold.

Sony’s WX80 is a bit more streamlined and pocketable, resembling many classic Cyber-shot disposables in shape. If ultimate portability is your priority, this camera slips into a jacket pocket with negligible bulk.

Handling aside, controls and layout further distinguish the user experience, which brings us to the camera’s operability and design details.

Layout and Controls: How Much Manual Control Do You Crave?

Often overlooked is how camera controls invite you into the shooting process. The Ricoh PX, despite being a simple compact, offers manual focus and manual exposure modes, features that enthusiasts appreciate for creative control.

Looking at the top view, you’ll notice Ricoh’s smooth control dial beside the shutter button and dedicated exposure compensation controls, which let me fine-tune my shots faster under changing light. I often find myself missing those on purely automatic compacts.

Conversely, the Sony WX80 skews towards simplicity and speed with no manual focus or manual exposure. Instead, it relies heavily on auto modes, with a multi-area AF system and quick zoom control. This workflow makes it great for beginners or anyone shooting on-the-go without fussing with settings.

Here’s where a photography enthusiast’s personal taste kicks in: do you want a camera that nudges you into creative decisions (PX), or one that lets you snap quickly and easily in a busy street scene (WX80)?

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Technologies

Both cameras use the same standard sensor format - a 1/2.3” sensor with 16MP resolution - but the underlying sensor technology and processor differ, affecting image quality notably.

The Ricoh PX packs a CCD sensor paired with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor, typical for its 2011 vintage. CCDs generally deliver good color reproduction with pleasant tonality - especially in daylight scenes - with some trade-offs in noise control at higher ISOs.

The Sony WX80, slightly newer (2013), uses a BSI-CMOS sensor combined with Sony’s BIONZ processor. This sensor cites better low-light sensitivity due to backside illumination, a modern tech that improves photon capture efficiency.

What does this mean practically? The WX80 has the advantage when shooting in dimmer environments, producing cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, while the PX delivers nice colors and detail but struggles with noise past ISO 400 in my testing.

Both have the same max ISO of 3200 native, but WX80 also offers expanded ISO up to 12800, albeit with significant grain - more for novelty than serious shooting.

Playing with the Back Screen: Live View and Usability

The rear LCD is your constant visual partner, so let’s take a closer look.

Both cameras host 2.7” fixed LCDs with similar resolution (230k dots), but the WX80’s is a TFT LCD display offering better viewing angles and slightly sharper color. The PX’s screen tends to wash out under bright sun, which can be frustrating in outdoor shooting.

Sony’s WX80 incorporates touch autofocus - allowing you to tap precisely where you want focus on the screen - a handy feature for quick compositional shifts, particularly when working on the move.

Neither have EVFs, which means you rely solely on the screen for composition - a typical tradeoff in this class.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Reach and Aperture Trade-offs

Here’s where the specs reveal important operational differences.

• Ricoh PX lens: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/3.9-5.4 max aperture
• Sony WX80 lens: 28-224mm equivalent (8x zoom), f/3.3-8.0 max aperture

The WX80 offers a longer zoom range, extending reach to 224mm equivalent. For casual telephoto work such as street photography or distant wildlife snapshots, that extra reach is valuable.

However, the max aperture becomes quite narrow at long end - f/8 is notably dark - necessitating higher ISO or slower shutter speeds just to keep shots sharp, which can degrade image quality. Meanwhile, the PX’s max aperture is marginally brighter across the zoom range, which aids low-light capture.

Another consideration is macro: PX boasts a minimum focusing distance down to 3cm, while WX80’s macro starts from 5cm. That difference can matter if you want more detailed close-ups.

Lens sharpness? Both are decent but unexciting by DSLR or mirrorless standards. The PX’s optics allowed me to capture edge-to-edge detail better in the center zoom range, while the WX80’s longer zoom sometimes exhibits softness at maximum focal length.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: From Leisure Shots to Action

The autofocus systems and continuous shooting capabilities hint at intended shooting styles.

Ricoh PX employs contrast-detection AF with face detection but no continuous AF or advanced tracking. Its continuous shooting speed is just 1 fps - enough for snapshots but no sports or wildlife sequences.

Sony WX80 also relies on contrast-detection AF but adds touch AF and center-weighted AF areas. It can shoot at a brisk 10 fps continuous burst, though AF locks only on the first frame.

In practice, WX80’s faster frame rates make it serviceable for casual action, such as kids or pets in motion, while PX struggles to capture moving subjects smoothly.

For wildlife or sports enthusiasts, neither camera truly shines, but WX80 holds a slight advantage for fast shooting scenarios.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera sports professional-grade weather sealing or robust rugged bodywork, but Ricoh PX surprises with modest environmental sealing designed to resist light moisture and dust.

The PX claims some environmental sealing, which might appeal to casual outdoor photographers wary of light rain or dusty trails, whereas Sony WX80 lacks this feature.

Neither is shockproof or freezeproof, so neither is ideal for extreme outdoor expeditions.

Video Features: Stepping Beyond Stills

Video enthusiasts will want more than basic capture.

The Ricoh PX records 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - a somewhat dated codec, resulting in large files and less efficient compression.

Sony WX80 steps up with 1080p Full HD at 60fps (AVCHD, MPEG-4), a significant upgrade enabling smoother, higher-resolution footage. This difference will be crucial for anyone wanting video versatility.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio options - typical for this segment. Both cameras also lack image stabilization in video mode, meaning you’ll need a steady hand or tripod.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony WX80 offers a rated battery life of about 240 shots, which is decent but expect less if shooting bursts or video.

Ricoh PX’s battery life isn’t clearly specified, but it uses the DB-100 rechargeable battery pack. From experience, expect roughly 200-220 shots per charge.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards and internal memory. Notably, WX80 supports Sony’s Memory Stick formats as well, broadening flexibility but also requiring specific accessories.

Connectivity and Extras

Sony WX80 adds built-in wireless connectivity, enabling easier transfer of images - handy in today’s smartphone-driven world.

Ricoh PX lacks any wireless features, making image offload slower and more cumbersome.

Neither has GPS or NFC.

Comparing Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Let’s move beyond specs and explore which camera perhaps suits particular photographic pursuits.

Ricoh PX front Ricoh PX screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

Portrait Photography: Color and Bokeh Considerations

Portraits thrive on smooth skin tone rendition and pleasing background separation.

PX’s CCD sensor and lens aperture at the wide end (f/3.9) help deliver natural skin tones, though the camera’s limited AF makes fast eye detection impossible. You get face detection, but focus can hunt in low light.

Sony WX80’s BSI-CMOS sensor yields less natural skin tones in my testing - sometimes a little harsh - and the f/3.3 aperture is brighter at the wide end but narrows drastically to f/8 at telephoto, limiting background blur options. Furthermore, limited face tracking slows portrait work.

If portraits are a casual sideline, either works but PX’s image character favors softer tones.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

For landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and reliability in daylight matter.

Both share 16MP sensors, but WX80’s CMOS and newer processor allow slightly improved dynamic range - especially in shadows.

Neither offer RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility - a disadvantage for professionals or serious landscape shooters.

PX’s sealed body offers better resistance against elements you might face outdoors.

In terms of resolution and detail, both are comparable though WX80 has a slight edge in wide-angle focal length sharpness.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

The WX80’s 10 fps burst and longer 224mm zoom impress, making it more suitable for quick wildlife and action snaps.

PX’s slow 1 fps limit and max 140mm zoom keep it from serious fast action work.

Neither have phase detection AF or advanced tracking systems - so don’t expect DSLR-level autofocus performance.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low Light

Both compact bodies make for discreet street shooting, but WX80’s smaller weight and faster burst shooting give it an edge for capturing fleeting moments.

Low light - Sony’s BSI sensor offers cleaner ISO up to 800, useful for night streetscapes.

Macro Photography: Getting Close and Sharp

PX’s 3cm minimum focusing distance beats WX80’s 5cm, letting you get closer with more magnification.

Combined with sensor-shift stabilization (PX) versus optical steady shot (WX80), PX supports sharper handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography: Noise and Exposure Control

Neither camera is designed for astro, but PX’s manual exposure and longer min shutter speed (8 sec) allow more creative night shots.

WX80’s shutter maxes at 1/1600 sec min and 1/4 sec max, limiting night shooting.

Video: Quality and Usability

WX80’s Full HD 60fps crushes PX’s 720p mode. For casual video, WX80 is hands-down better.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility and Battery

If you’re after lightweight travel gear, WX80’s smaller form and wireless features make it a good grab-and-go option.

PX may need a bit more attention to protect from weather but feels more robust.

Professional Workflow: RAW and Reliability

Neither support RAW capture, a significant letdown for pros.

PX’s manual exposure is a plus for creative control, but limited storage and no wireless options slow workflow.

WX80’s wireless transfer offers a smoother workflow for casual pros.

Overall Performance Summarized

The Sony WX80 generally pulls ahead in autofocus speed, video capability, zoom range, and low-light performance. The Ricoh PX holds its own with manual controls, environmental sealing, and slightly better color rendering.

Genre-specific scores highlight WX80’s strengths in sports, street, and video; PX shines in macro and manual creativity.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?

Here’s the practical breakdown based on tested features and field experience:

• Choose Ricoh PX if you value:

  • Manual exposure control for creative shooting
  • Environmental sealing for light outdoor use
  • Close-up macro capability (3cm focus)
  • Natural, CCD sensor colors
  • A stable grip with marginally larger size

• Opt for Sony WX80 if you want:

  • Longer zoom reach (224mm) for versatile framing
  • Faster burst shooting (10 fps) for action photography
  • Full HD 60fps video for casual filmmaking
  • Wireless connectivity for easier sharing
  • Smaller, lighter body for portability and street shooting
  • Better low-light ISO performance

A Final Word for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Neither is a professional tool in the modern sense; they lack RAW capability, substantial manual exposure options (PX excepted), and advanced AF.

If your photography demands top-tier speed, crisp low-light imagery, and video - go Sony WX80.

If you delight in manual tweaking, macro shots, and want a sturdier compact to withstand some weather, consider the Ricoh PX.

Both offer a learning platform for enthusiasts stepping up from phone cameras but aren’t substitutes for mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Thank you for reading my detailed hands-on comparison of the Ricoh PX vs the Sony Cyber-shot WX80. If you have specific shooting scenarios in mind, I’m happy to help evaluate further in comments or follow-ups.

Happy shooting!