Ricoh CX2 Review

The Ricoh CX2 boasts a large, 3-inch VGA-quality (920,000 dots) LCD monitor. The camera offers a larger 10.7x zoom range at 28-300mm equivalent.

Our Rating (4/5)

Good: 10.7x optical zoom • Dynamic range mode • Fast burst performance

Bad: No HD video • Fairly slow lens • Terrible noise issues

The Ricoh CX2 comes with the easy-to-use Pre-AF and Continuous AF auto focusing functions.The CX2 boasts a large, 3-inch VGA-quality (920,000 dots) LCD monitor.

Cnet writes:
“Like its predecessor, the CX2 isn’t the fastest compact off the block in general performance times: it takes 2.6 seconds from power on to first shot, whereas shutter lag measures 0.5 second without pre-focusing, and 0.1 second with pre-focusing.”

photoreview writes:
“Developed to provide 10.7x optical zoom and wide-angle coverage in a camera body that is only 29.4 mm thick, the lens in the CX2 covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-300mm in 35mm format and has maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.6. “

PhotographyBlog writes:
“In essence the Ricoh CX2 remains a great pocket camera for the keen photographer, despite the continued lack of manual controls, and is still worthy of our coveted Highly Recommended award.”

gizmodo writes:
“The CX2 has the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-speed image processing CMOS sensor. Together they can shoot high-quality images with high resolution and low noise.”

pcworld writes:
“The CX2’s 10.7x (28-300mm equivalent) optical wide-angle zoom lens offers the longest range of any Ricoh camera to date. Using Ricoh’s original double retracting lens system, it fits neatly inside the camera’s slim 29.4mm body and is suitable for powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and close-up scenes.”

Features:

- With a 10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300 mm) in a compact body only 29.4 mm thick, the CX2 shoots freely all the way from wide-angle to telephoto.
- More advanced high-speed continuous shooting functions enable you to get the shot you want.High image quality from Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-resolution CMOS sensor.
- New modes to stimulate creative photography.
- Easy shooting mode which can be enjoyed by a simple operation now has a function for automatic face recognition.
- Pre-AF and Continuous AF functions quickly and accurately focus on the subject.
- High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor.
- A wide range of functions inspired by the “A tool you will want to use every day” concept.

Pocket-Lint writes:
“The camera is undoubtedly a machine for the more advanced user, but offers image quality to match for those that know what they’re doing and is easy enough to use”
Rating: ★★★★½

PCAdvisor writes:
“For those of you looking for a compact camera with a big zoom that’s capable of producing vibrant images, this camera is ideal. Its images are definitely sharp and their colours are accurate, and there are no problems with chromatic aberration.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

GoodGearGudie writes:
“Despite some issues with noise, the CX2 is an admirable compact camera. It has a huge 300mm lens, captures vibrant and sharp images, has useful scene modes, and is reasonably priced. Put it on your shopping list if you want a point-and-shoot camera with a versatile lens..”
Rating: ★★★★☆

PCW.uk writes:
“Verdict: An excellent point-and-shoot camera with some unique features. Good points: Long zoom lens; good focusing; large 3in screen. Bad points: Some features didn’t work as described”
Rating: ★★★★★

RegHardware writes:
“In terms of performance, the CX2 wasn’t bad. Noise isn’t an issue until you crank up the ISO speed to 400 and beyond. Colour and sharpness are impressive, although like the CX1, there is a tendency to overexpose.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

Ricoh has launched the CX2. Featuring a new high magnification 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens, new scene modes and a range of enhanced features, the Ricoh CX2 provides point and shoot photographers with the effortless ability to produce images with the creative flair of a pro.The Ricoh CX2 inherits the acclaimed high-speed CMOS sensor of its predecessor, the CX1. Making the trend to increase pixel count redundant, the 9 megapixel CMOS sensor delivers better image quality and faster operational speeds than previously possible with a traditional CCD sensor.

While super-fast continuous shooting speeds of 5 frames per second are a key benefit, it also enables the Ricoh CX2 to offer technologically advanced functions such as dynamic range double shot and multi-pattern auto white balance.

Working in conjunction with the Smooth Image Engine IV, these features ensure images captured in challenging light conditions are accurately exposed.Developed to provide 10.7x optical zoom and wide-angle coverage in a camera body that is only 29.4 mm thick, the lens in the Ricoh CX2 covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-300mm in 35mm format and has maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.6. The zoom lever is pressure sensitive and can be switched from normal to high-speed at a touch. The Ricoh CX2′s sensor is a 6.16 x 4.62 mm CMOS chip with 9.3-megapixel (effective) resolution. The Ricoh CX2 measures 101.5 (W) x 58.3 (H) x 29.4 mm (D) and weighs only 208 grams with battery and strap.
The 10.7x optical zoom is covered with a folding lens cover, a significant increase from the 7.1x version that appeared on the CX1. Those bragging rights inscribed on the top of the camera won’t go unnoticed either find the phrase “10.7x optical wide zoom lens” etched into the top of the camera.

Seeing as the sensor on the Ricoh CX2 hasn’t changed from the CX1, the image quality theoretically should be the same on both cameras. For the most part this was true when comparing images taken on both cameras, though there were a couple of differences in terms of the additional scene modes on the CX2.

The Ricoh CX2 also has auto bracketing settings, taking one shot at half a stop either side of the calculated exposure.

Specifications: