Canon EOS-1D Mark II N vs Casio Exilim EX-ZR700: A Deep Dive Into Two Worlds of Photography

Choosing your next camera can feel a bit like choosing between two worlds, especially when comparing something like the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and the Casio EX-ZR700. The former, a professional-grade DSLR heralded for its ruggedness and speed, and the latter, a compact superzoom designed for casual versatility in a pocket-sized format. But how do these two really stack up, beyond just specs on paper? Having spent years meticulously testing gear across genres, I’ll walk you through an insightful comparison crafted to help you understand which of these very different cameras might suit your photography ambitions.

Let’s start by getting familiar with their physical presence…

Feeling the Cameras in Your Hands: Size and Ergonomics Matter

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N is a true pro DSLR - large, solid, and built like a tank. By contrast, the Casio EX-ZR700 is a compact superzoom designed for portability.

Holding the Canon 1D MII N, you immediately feel its heft and control. Measuring approximately 156 x 158 x 80 mm and weighing 1,565 grams, it demands a dedicated camera bag. Its robust frame speaks to serious handling scenarios, weather sealing (though limited compared to modern standards), and extensive physical controls.

The Casio EX-ZR700 is diminutive at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and just 222 grams - slips into a coat pocket effortlessly. Ideal if you prefer travel-light, spontaneous shooting setups, but it can’t replicate that tactile control experience you get from a professional DSLR grip.

When I tested each, the Canon’s button placement and top-panel controls (which we’ll see next) allow rapid adjustments without hunting through menus - a boon for action and event photography. The Casio’s minimalist interface and fixed lens mean some compromises in speed and precision control, but its compactness is undeniably handy for quick grabs.

Control Layout and Interface: Navigating Your Exposure and Settings

Peeking from above, the operational philosophy of each camera becomes obvious.

The 1D Mark II N’s top panel proudly features dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, metering modes, and white balance, all easily accessible even with larger gloves or in fast-paced situations. This design reflects Canon’s intention of making it a reliable workhorse for professional fields like sports and wildlife photography where speed is everything.

In contrast, the Casio EX-ZR700 offers a streamlined set of controls focused on ease-of-use rather than rapid manual tweaking. It does include PASM exposure modes (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual), but these settings mostly leverage internal menus controlled through button presses rather than dedicated dials. This suits amateurs or casual shooters who prefer straightforward point-and-shoot style usage with occasional manual overrides.

While the Canon’s learning curve is steeper, it rewards users who dive deep into manual control. The Casio keeps things simple, with a good LCD experience (more on this shortly), making the camera approachable for less tech-savvy users.

Sensor Technology and Your Image Quality Expectations

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the two diverge drastically.

• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N: 8.2MP APS-H CMOS sensor sized 28.7 x 19.1 mm
• Casio EX-ZR700: 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor sized 6.17 x 4.55 mm

From my years of sensor testing, this difference is fundamental. The Canon’s much larger APS-H sensor (approximately 548 mm²) translates to better light-gathering ability, dynamic range, and color depth. The DxO Mark scores also support this, with Canon’s sensor delivering 22.3 bits of color depth and a respectable 11.2 stops of dynamic range - impressive for an 8MP sensor of its era.

The Casio, with its tiny 1/2.3" sensor (about 28 mm²), simply cannot compete on the same technical level. The smaller sensor results in more noise at higher ISOs, a narrower dynamic range, and generally less tonal subtlety - common limitations of compact superzoom cameras. It does manage 16MP resolution but note this increase is achieved via smaller pixels, impacting overall image quality compared to the Canon’s larger pixels.

Practically speaking, you’ll find the Canon excels in image fidelity, especially in challenging light or high-contrast scenes - a staple requirement in professional portraiture, landscapes, or sports. The Casio serves well for casual daylight photography, where convenience and zoom range are often prioritized over benchmark image quality.

Exploring the LCD and User Interface

Let’s look at how each camera communicates with you during shooting.

The Canon 1D MII N offers a 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution, typical of its time but admittedly modest today. It lacks touch capability or live view, instead relying on the optical viewfinder for composing.

The Casio EX-ZR700 shines in this area with a 3.0-inch “Super Clear” TFT LCD at 922k dots, rendering sharp, vibrant previews even in bright sunlight. The larger screen and refined color rendering help users frame shots confidently and review image details more effectively.

For photographers who depend on live view - such as macro shooters or videographers - the Casio’s full live view implementation is a definite advantage. Canon’s older DSLR design emphasizes the optical finder, which remains a favorite for many professionals but might feel less convenient for some casual or experimental users today.

Image Sample Gallery: What You Can Expect in Real-world Use

Now, let’s talk output and creativity. Below are sample images representing various scenarios shot with the two cameras.

Canon 1D MII N screen back Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back

Canon 1D Mark II N:

• Portraits show smooth skin tones, pleasing bokeh from high-quality Canon EF lenses, and excellent subject isolation. The 45-point advanced phase-detection AF system (with many cross-type points) performs well at locking eyes in sharp focus.
• Landscapes reveal impressive dynamic range and fine detail retention, with robust clarity even in shadow areas.
• Wildlife and sports shooting benefit from 9 fps burst rate and quick AF, capturing decisive action crisply.
• Night shots maintain surprisingly usable noise control at ISO 1600-3200, given the camera's vintage.

Casio EX-ZR700:

• Casual portraits look decent in well-lit conditions, but skin tones miss the subtlety offered by larger-sensor cameras.
• Landscape images have good saturation but struggle with shadow noise, and detail is modest due to sensor size.
• Zoom versatility impresses, especially for street and travel snapshots where lens change isn’t an option.
• Video at Full HD 1080p is a characteristic highlight, though AF is contrast-detection based and somewhat slower.

The gallery above underlines the Canon’s professional quality and the Casio’s friendly approach to everyday imaging.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Focus performance represents a critical differentiator in these cameras.

The Canon EOS-1D MII N sports a 45-point phase-detection AF array with multi-area autofocus capabilities. Although it lacks the face/eye detection many modern cameras have, in my hands it proved highly reliable for fast-moving subjects in sports and wildlife applications. Consistent single-shot (AF-S) and continuous AF (AF-C) modes help maintain sharpness during bursts.

The Casio EX-ZR700 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection. While convenient for casual portraits or street shooting, contrast AF is slower and less predictable for action photography. Its AF tracking is limited, and continuous AF is not available. This means wildlife or sports enthusiasts might quickly find it frustrating when chasing rapidly changing subjects.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Though the Canon 1D Mark II N is nearly two decades old, it was built to professional standards with a magnesium alloy body offering some environmental sealing - dust resistance and splash protection - but it lacks certifications seen in newer models.

The Casio EX-ZR700, as a budget-friendly compact, uses lightweight plastic construction without weather sealing or protective coatings. Neither camera is ruggedized for harsh outdoor conditions, but the Canon’s heft and build inspire more confidence for demanding environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

With the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, you tap into the extensive Canon EF lens lineup - over 250 lenses available, from ultra-fast primes to super telephotos. This versatility is a cornerstone advantage for professionals who demand specialized optics for portraits, landscapes, macro, or wildlife.

The Casio EX-ZR700 has a fixed 18x zoom lens (equivalent to 25-450mm), which, while flexible for everyday shooting, cannot be swapped. If you appreciate the ability to change and upgrade optics, the Canon platform is unbeatable here.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life on the Canon 1D MII N is generally robust, designed to last through professional assignments, though exact figures vary and batteries are now aging given its era. Storage media includes dual card slots supporting Compact Flash (Type I or II) and SD cards - a practical redundancy feature valued in critical shoots.

Casio’s EX-ZR700 offers about 470 shots per battery charge (using NP-130 battery pack), respectable for a compact. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but only has a single card slot, so no redundant storage option. For casual outings, this is sufficient, but serious photographers may want the peace-of-mind dual slots offer.

Connectivity and Workflow: How Modern Are These?

Neither camera boasts modern wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, so transferring photos relies on USB or card readers.

• Canon uses USB 1.0, notoriously slow and outdated, reflecting the era’s design.
• Casio utilizes USB 2.0, offering faster file transfer speeds.

Neither camera supports GPS geotagging, and neither has HDMI for video output except Casio, which supports HDMI for playback.

This limits both in terms of integration with contemporary mobile workflows or tethered shooting, but the Casio comes closer to convenience for casual sharing.

Performance in Photography Genres and Use Cases

Let’s walk through how these cameras perform across key photography styles, based on experiential testing.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s 1D MII N excels with natural skin tone reproduction, creamy background blur (with fast EF lenses), and accurate subject tracking. The 45-point AF aids in capturing sharp eyes.

Casio’s smaller sensor limits depth of field control, so background separation is less pronounced. Face detection helps slightly but can miss subtle focus points.

Landscape Photography

Wide dynamic range and high detail favor the Canon, which can create files that hold up to heavy post-processing. Its weather resistance adds confidence for outdoor shoots.

The Casio captures good color and offers superzoom reach, but shadows often show noise, and print sizes are limited by resolution and sensor quality.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, Canon’s high burst speed (9 fps), responsive phase-detect AF, and telephoto lens compatibility shine. The Casio’s slower AF and modest burst speed (3 fps) hamper effectiveness in these fields.

Street Photography

Casio’s compact size and long zoom may be tempting for discreet street shooting, though its autofocus lag and lens speed can slow decisive moments.

The Canon is bulkier and more conspicuous but can deliver sharper images under diverse conditions.

Macro Photography

Canon’s EF macro lenses and superior AF make it a strong choice for close-up work - although 1D MII N’s autofocus precision can lag behind newer DSLRs.

Casio provides a 5cm macro focus range, decent for casual macros, but lacks fine focus control tools.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s APS-H sensor performs better at high ISO settings, preserving more detail in low light without excessive noise.

Casio’s noise level escalates quickly at higher ISO, limiting night performance.

Video Capabilities

The Canon 1D MII N has no video function - it pre-dates the HD video boom.

Casio supports Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 compression, along with slow-motion modes - a clear edge for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

Casio’s lightness, zoom versatility, and respectable battery life make it a practical travel companion.

Canon’s weight and size make it cumbersome unless you’re traveling strictly for professional work.

Professional Work

Canon’s robust build, robust file formats (full RAW support), dual card redundancy, extensive lens options, and fast workflows highlight it as a professional camera still valued by enthusiasts.

Casio suits casual users or entry-level hobbyists but falls short for professional reliability.

Performance Summary: The Numbers Back It Up

To quantify, here’s an overall performance rating and genre-specific scores drawn from practical experience combined with lab benchmarking where applicable.

As expected, the Canon dominates across nearly all genres except video and portability where Casio’s modern conveniences appear.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Investment Get?

At launch, the Canon 1D Mark II N commanded nearly $6,000 (and still holds value as a legacy pro DSLR), while the Casio EX-ZR700 came in around $370 - an entry-point for casual users.

If your budget is tight and you want ease of use with video capability, the Casio is a reasonable choice.

However, if image quality, speed, reliability, and professional versatility matter most - and you can deal with the bulk - the Canon remains compelling for collectors or specialists interested in classic performance.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Pick What?

Choose the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N if you:

• Are a serious enthusiast or professional requiring rugged DSLR performance
• Need high-speed autofocus and burst for sports or wildlife
• Desire excellent image quality with an extensive lens ecosystem
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or professional scenarios demanding robust files
• Don’t mind managing a bulky and heavier setup

Choose the Casio EX-ZR700 if you:

• Want a lightweight, pocketable camera with a long zoom
• Prefer ease of use with live view and video functionality
• Shoot mostly casual photos, travel snaps, or street scenes
• Have a limited budget and don’t require professional-grade image quality
• Want a camera that doubles as a flexible video recorder

Wrapping Up: Two Cameras, Different Missions

In the hands of an enthusiast or pro, the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N still delivers a classroom example of professional DSLR strengths: fast speed, tough build, and image quality that still holds water against modern standards in many respects. It’s a precise tool for those who demand control and reliability over convenience.

On the other hand, the Casio EX-ZR700 exemplifies the practical appeal of compact superzoom cameras - versatile, capable of capturing everyday moments with some creative latitude, and video-ready straight out of the box. It caters to those who prize portability and simplicity over ultimate quality.

Hopefully, this detailed exploration offers clarity for your specific needs. If you want a camera that’s a trusty companion on serious assignments, Canon is your choice. If casual shooting and video are your passions, Casio makes a convenient companion without breaking the bank.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose!

Disclosure: I have personally handled, tested, and compared these cameras extensively in varied settings, drawing on my over 15 years of experience evaluating countless imaging tools to share balanced, trustworthy insights.