Camera Test: Ricoh CX2 vs Kodak Z950

This week's battle of digital cameras features two compacts with powerful zooms.  In the red corner, we have the Kodak Z950, with its 10x zoom, HD video and manual modes.  In the blue corner, the Ricoh CX2 and its 10.7x, high-speed burst mode and excellent screen.  Two very different cameras, then, despite everything they have in common.

The Kodak Z950 has a 10x zoom with no wide-angle (35-350 mm) and a 12 Megapixel CCD sensor.  It shoots video in 720p HD and has an ultra-fast autofocus.  The only problem is a screen with a resolution of just 230 000 pixels.  Its retro styling and large, comfortable handling might win some people over, though.

For its part, the Ricoh CX2 does have a 28-300 mm wide-angle, but makes do with only 9 Megapixels.  A high-speed sensor is great for burst mode, and it also produces effective zoom performance.  A very nice VGA screen at the back looks great but the rest of the design is pretty uninspiring.

> Test: Kodak EasyShare Z950

> Test: Ricoh CX2

> Product Survey: Compact Digital Cameras 2009

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