The Ricoh CX2 compact camera is a slightly hasty follow up to the nifty CX1, also released this year, and while it doesn’t ramp up the megapixels, it’s toting an impressive upgrade nonetheless: a 10.7x optical zoom for snaps from afar. Want to know if it’s an addition we dig? Read our full Ricoh CX2 review to find out.
We’re loving the retro styling shutterbug cobblers like Olympus and Ricoh are pushing of late, and the Ricoh CX2 takes it cue from film cameras of old: the chunky shell, solid straight edges and knobbly grip all scream vintage class, but the 3-inch LCD display and the images the Ricoh CX2 shoots bear the same quality hallmark too.
Powering on the Ricoh CX2 takes a while, but once it gets up and running, it’ll shoot at up to 5fps on the full 9.29 megapixels. That’s nothing much to shout about over the CX1, which shared the same sensor, so image quality is similar, meaning great, but same pics. The zoom certainly is impressive though, powering past most other compacts to snap at full resolution from far away, and it’s particularly handy for outdoor shots and anyone who finds themselves off the beaten track frequently.
The Ricoh CX2 isn’t without its problems, mind: zooming is anything but smooth and the rocker on the back for navigating menus requires an owner with Liliputian hands to use. It doesn’t shoot HD video either, which would have been a welcome bonus considering Panasonic is shoving it in smaller compacts than this.
Frankly, the Ricoh CX2 is too big as a compact for day to day use. It’ll bulge out of even the baggiest jeans pockets and is almost overkill for your drunken group hug Facebook shots. But if you’re off on your travels and don’t fancy getting unburdened of a DSLR , it’s ideal: it’ll handle almost every scenario, and the epic zoom means you’ll still be able to snap that lion on safari from a distance.
