• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Ricoh CX5 advantages over Nikon AW120

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    8 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon AW120 advantages over Ricoh CX5

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 280 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Nikon AW120

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Ricoh CX5
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Wider angle lens
Nikon AW120
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Ricoh CX5
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner
Nikon AW120
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon S8100

Ricoh CX5
Nikon S8100
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
Nikon AW120
Nikon S8100
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon A1400

Ricoh CX5
Canon A1400
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon AW120
Canon A1400
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon AW130

Ricoh CX5
Nikon AW130
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon AW120
Nikon AW130
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
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