• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Ricoh CX5 advantages over Nikon S9100

  • 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 S9100 advantages over Ricoh CX5

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $399 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    450 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

  • Backside-illuminated sensor for good low-light performance; Very long zoom; Good printed performance; Very fast autofocus.

  • Autofocus is not always reliable; Auto white balance renders skin tones a little red; Slow digital zoom.

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 S9100
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer exposure

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 S9100
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video

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 S9100
Nikon S8100
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Pentax RZ18

Ricoh CX5
Pentax RZ18
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon S9100
Pentax RZ18
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Ricoh CX5
Canon SX280 HS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S9100
Canon SX280 HS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
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