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Ricoh CX4

 
Ricoh CX4 front
 
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-300mm (F3.5-5.6) lens
  • 205g - 102 x 59 x 29mm
  • Released August 2010
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
92
Imaging
34
Features
34
Overall
34

Ricoh CX4 summary

Ricoh CX4 is Ricoh's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially announced on August of 2010. It comes with a 10 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 3648 x 2736.

The CX4 is positioned #218 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and overall #975 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please use our Advanced camera filter to get camera ratings based on your personal requirements.

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Here is a chart of different factors used in the rating system.

Ricoh CX4 history

The Ricoh CX4 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Underneath, you can take a look at all past and newer models alongside important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Ricoh-CX6 front thumbnailRicoh CX6
CX4 vs CX6
28-300mm
F3.5-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2011
Ricoh-CX5 front thumbnailRicoh CX5
CX4 vs CX5
28-300mm
F3.5-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2011
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Ricoh-CX4 front thumbnailRicoh CX428-300mm
F3.5-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2010
Ricoh-CX3 front thumbnailRicoh CX3
CX4 vs CX3
28-300mm
F3.5-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2010
Ricoh-CX2 front thumbnailRicoh CX2
CX4 vs CX2
28-300mm
F3.5-5.6
9MP1/2.3"2009
Ricoh-CX1 front thumbnailRicoh CX1
CX4 vs CX1
28-200mm
F3.3-5.2
9MP1/2.3"2009
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Ricoh CX4 Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of pluses and minuses of the Ricoh CX4 based on things which are typically regarded as necessary in a digital camera.

built-in flash
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
built in lens has zoom (28-300mm 10.7 x zoom)
focusing manually
good minimum ISO (100)
high resolution screen (920 k dot)
lighter than competition (205 grams)
nice screen size (3")
really wide (28mm)
very long zoom (300mm)
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't have phase detect AF
doesn't have RAW files
external flash not possible
fixed screen
lack of aperture priority mode
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
manual exposure not possible
max frames per second low (5.0 frames per second)
missing HDMI support
missing headphone jack
missing microphone jack
no shutter priority mode
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish at long end (f5.6)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
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Ricoh CX4 Sensor features

The Ricoh CX4 is run by the Smooth Imaging Engine IV chip. The specification of the sensor on the Ricoh CX4 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 3648 x 2736 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter may cause cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 10 megapixels and gives a standard ISO range of 100 to 3200. Sadly, RAW photos are not saved so the user has less margin for error.

The image underneath illustrates the CX4's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The CX4 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is showcased in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Ricoh CX4 dimensions

Ricoh CX4 has a weight of 0.45 lbs (205 grams or 7.23 ounces) and features outer size of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams and the Ricoh CX4 is less heavy compared to various rivals.

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Here is a image of the Ricoh CX4 beside a soda to help you have a sense of its size.

Ricoh CX4 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button design on the CX4.

Ricoh CX4 topview buttons dials

Ricoh CX4 Lens features

The CX4 has got a fixed lens giving a focal range of 28-300mm giving it a 10.7 x zoom which might not be perfect however it can be invaluable in some scenarios.

At it's widest 28mm, it will have an aperture of f3.5 which will be really sluggish and not good in low light events and you will likely find it difficult to capture good bokeh. You could also need to raise your ISO leading to noisy photos. With the long end, 300mm is superb zoom and comes with f5.6 which is really slow and you will have to apply slower shutter speeds.

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Ricoh CX4 Connectivity

The CX4 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras with NFC and / or Bluetooth connectivity can easily be used wirelessly with smartphones. You will be able to send files and oftentimes alter settings without the hassle of connecting straight with the camera.

A few apps also provide a Liveview and release the shutter if you are not near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external display. A lot of cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack with the USB port.

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Ricoh CX4 Video features

The highest possible video resolution on the Ricoh CX4 is 1280 x 720 and it can save in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible by today's requirements. You really should aim for at least 1080p resolution for decent video. The body does not offer a mic and / or headphone port so you have zero control over your audio. It is perhaps a better idea to buy a different model if you require decent audio in your videos.

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Ricoh CX4 Weather Sealing

There is no environment sealing in the Ricoh CX4 so you have to be careful in wet and dusty situations.

Ricoh CX4 Screen and Viewfinder

The Ricoh CX4 comes with a 3" fixed display screen with a resolution of 920k dots.

Please note that the display offers no touch support.

Ricoh CX4 screen and viewfinder TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

The View Finder specifications regarding Ricoh CX4 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be pretty helpful during sunny outdoor situations which might make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.

Ricoh CX4 Shutter features

Ricoh CX4 has the ability to shoot continuously at 5.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.

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Ricoh CX4 Flash and Hot shoe features

Ricoh CX4 boasts just built-in flash without external flash support.

Ricoh CX4 Autofocus features

Ricoh CX4 boasts only Contrast Detect Autofocus and does not have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is more quicker and precise compared to Contrast Detect focusing.

Ricoh CX4 comes with manual focus if needed during low light conditions or you need to have more accurate focus control.

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Ricoh CX4 Battery life

The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the best (600) battery life within this type of cameras.

Here is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that have the highest battery life:

Ricoh CX4 for different types of photography

The following illustration gives a summary of the Ricoh CX4 for different types of photography. To find out more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Ricoh CX4 Portrait photography information

The Ricoh CX4 receives a points total of 27 which is bad, and means the camera is not acceptable to use for portrait photos. Taking portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor specs, support for RAW photos together with the option to use external lighting.

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has manual focus
no manual exposure
external flash not possible
low resolution (10MP)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW format

Ricoh CX4 Street photography details

Getting a nice score of 61, the Ricoh CX4 is a respectable pick for street photography. A decent street photography camera provides a perfect balance of image quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition (205 grams)
no moving screen
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format

Ricoh CX4 as a Sports photography camera

A bad sports photography rating of 25 indicates the Ricoh CX4 is not acceptable for taking pictures of sports. A camera should have great focusing and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
painfully slow continuous shooting (5.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (10MP)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus

Ricoh CX4 Travel photography advice

Size is very critical when getting a camera for travel. Over-all, the Ricoh CX4 gets a above average 66 as a travelling camera which is a good choice to buy for your trips.

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lighter than competition (205 grams)
has built in flash
really wide (28mm)
great reach (300mm)
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)

Ricoh CX4 Landscape photography information

For anybody planning to pick a digital camera for landscape photos, the most essential factor is going to be image quality. The Ricoh CX4 and it's bad rating of 42 for a landscape camera is not acceptable amongst its rivals.

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focusing manually
reasonably wide (28mm)
screen size is good (3")
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
no manual exposure
low megapixels (10MP)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format

Vlogging with Ricoh CX4

A camera for vlogging really should posses a articulating display, microphone input and preferably image stabilization. Considering every thing, the Ricoh CX4 is not acceptable for vlogging as it delivers a bad score of 30.

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relatively wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competitors in class (205 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
does not have a selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of external microphone support

Ricoh CX4 Alternatives

If you are interested in alternatives to the CX4, below is a list of the top placed cameras that fall within the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line graph here offers you a bird's eye view of the CX4 vs it's top ranking competitors shown previously.

Following are additional cameras you may have a look at as alternative options. To read through a complete comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Ricoh
Model
Ricoh CX4
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Released
2010-08-19
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor
Smooth Imaging Engine IV
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
10MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3 and 3:2
Highest Possible resolution
3648 x 2736
RAW data
Maximum native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-300mm (10.7x)
Max aperture
f/3.5-5.6
Macro focus distance
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen diagonal
3"
Screen resolution
920k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
8 secs
Fastest shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shutter speed
5.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
4.00 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1280x720
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
205 gr (0.45 pounds)
Dimensions
102 x 59 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1")
Other
Battery model
DB-100
Self timer
Yes (2, 10 or Custom)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Storage slots
1
Pricing at release
$211