Ricoh CX3 Review | 108 Data compared

The Ricoh CX3 is a pocketable compact camera featuring a 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a versatile 10.7x optical zoom (28-300mm equivalent), producing sharp imagery and high-quality results. Notable features include a 3-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen, 720p HD video recording, and a useful HDR blending mode for improved exposure control. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks for advanced users, specifically the lack of RAW image capture and full manual exposure controls. While offering superior noise handling to its predecessor, the camera's metering can occasionally underexpose, and the premium price point may not fully align with the features offered.

The ePHOTOzine comparison of the Ricoh CX2 and CX3 cameras highlights that while both share an identical 10.7x wide-angle (28-300mm) zoom lens and 29.4mm chassis, the CX3 introduces a 10-megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and ISO 3200 capability. The CX3 upgrades also include enhanced noise reduction, HD video recording, and new shooting modes like Pet and Face-priority AF. The CX3's key advantages, or pros, stem from improved image quality and expanded aspect ratios, whereas its downsides, or cons, are centered on the identical exterior design, handling, and top-plate layout compared to its predecessor. Ultimately, the review identifies the CX3 as an internal-only upgrade over the CX2.

summary of the Ricoh CX3 review: Review Summary However, the camera is not without its flaws, starting with a utilitarian, drab, and somewhat boring exterior design that lacks visual appeal compared to sleeker point-and-shoot competitors. In terms of image defects, users will notice distinct purple fringing in high-contrast areas and a loss of focus towards the edges of the frame when shooting at the maximum wide-angle setting. Additionally, failing to hold the camera perfectly steady during the dynamic double shot mode results in an eerie ghosting artifact. On the connectivity front, despite the new HD video capabilities, Ricoh omitted an HDMI port, restricting users to basic USB and AV outputs. Finally, the camera carries a slight price premium for a point-and-shoot and was launched very quickly after its nearly identical predecessor, the CX2.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the 10-megapixel Ricoh CX3 highlights the travel compact as a versatile, well-made device featuring a 10.7x (28-300mm) optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capabilities. Pros include exceptional build quality, excellent physical handling, precise zoom control, and an impressive 1cm macro mode. The review praises the camera’s superb detail and effective HDR mode, which excels at balancing tricky lighting situations. However, the analysis notes cons such as its relatively large size, lack of significant improvements over the previous model, and a tendency to overexpose at wide-angle settings.

The Ricoh CX3 is a 10-megapixel compact superzoom camera designed specifically for photo enthusiasts rather than casual snapshot shooters. The camera sets itself apart with high-end features, including a versatile 10.7x zoom range, a fantastic 10mm macro mode, and a highly impressive 3-inch LCD display that rivals the screens found on semi-professional DSLRs. It focuses heavily on functional performance over megapixel count, delivering a snappy autofocus, 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting at full resolution, and a high-speed mode capable of reaching up to 120fps at a lower resolution. Additionally, features like "snap" focus, a multi-point white-balance system for mixed lighting, and a dynamic range double shot mode provide enthusiast-level creative control. Despite these advanced features, the CX3 is heavily bottlenecked by its small 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, resulting in average image quality. While definition is adequate at low ISO settings, it deteriorates quickly into noise and mush at higher sensitivities. The lens also loses edge definition and softens when pushed to its full zoom capacity. Furthermore, the video capability is weak; its 720p footage lacks sharpness, and the camera disables both autofocus...