Canon PowerShot A1300 vs Casio Exilim EX-FC150: A Detailed Comparison to Help You Choose Your Next Compact

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras, choices can be surprisingly varied despite their seemingly simple forms. I’ve spent years testing a wide range of compacts, and today I’m delving into two intriguing options: the Canon PowerShot A1300 and the Casio Exilim EX-FC150. Each carries its own unique strengths and quirks, shaping who it might ultimately serve best.

Both models hail from a now somewhat bygone era of compacts, but they still offer practical features relevant to casual photographers and enthusiasts seeking a pocketable, straightforward camera. Let’s break down their technical bones and real-world behavior to see how they compare across genres and use cases.

Compact Designs for Everyday Carry: Size, Feel, and Handling

Right out of the gate, size and ergonomics matter most - after all, these cameras boast no interchangeable lenses, so the body and lens combo is your whole shooting platform.

Physically, the Canon A1300 measures about 95 x 62 x 30 mm and weighs approximately 174 grams, running on 2 x AA batteries. The Casio EX-FC150 is slightly wider but slimmer at 99 x 58 x 28 mm, tipping the scales just a gram lighter at 173 g, powered by a proprietary NP-40 battery.

Handling wise, both cameras are pocketable and fairly lightweight, though the Canon’s rounded edges lend a bit more natural grip comfort, while the Casio’s more angular facade feels a touch modern but less contoured to the hand. The AA battery support in the A1300 can be a blessing or a curse: convenient for replacement anywhere but often heavier and less energy-dense than dedicated lithium-ion cells like Casio’s NP-40.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized features, not unexpected in this category, though you’ll want to be cautious around rain or dust.

Controls on both models are minimal and rooted in simplicity. The Canon’s physical buttons and dials feel more classic point-and-shoot, with a simple optical tunnel viewfinder for quick framing, while the Casio forgoes any viewfinder and relies solely on its rear screen - more on that next.

Peering at the Sensor: How Image Hardware Shapes Your Photos

The sensor is the beating heart of any camera’s image quality, so let’s focus here.

Both cameras use the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm) familiar in many compacts, meaning the sensor area is roughly 28.07 mm² in both. Where they diverge is sensor type and resolution.

• Canon A1300: 16MP CCD sensor with anti-aliasing filter; ISO 100-1600.
• Casio EX-FC150: 10MP BSI-CMOS sensor with anti-aliasing filter; ISO 64-1600.

CCD sensors, like the Canon’s here, traditionally excel in color fidelity and noise control at base ISOs but can struggle in speed and high ISO. CMOS sensors, particularly back-illuminated (BSI) like Casio’s, generally handle low light and speed better due to more efficient light capture.

The higher 16MP resolution on the Canon can promise more detail, but the Casio’s BSI sensor often produces cleaner images in dimmer conditions and faster readout, aiding its unusually fast continuous shooting (more on speed later).

From my lab testing over years, 1/2.3” sensors are inherently limited in dynamic range and noise control when compared to larger sensors, so while minor differences exist, both cameras ultimately suit casual use rather than demanding professional quality.

Live Preview and Interface: How You See and Control Your Shots

Both cameras feature 2.7-inch fixed, non-touch LCDs at 230k dot resolution - relatively modest by today's standards but standard for their launch era.

The Canon benefits from its optical viewfinder tunnel, which is useful in bright outdoor environments where LCD glare can be problematic, but unfortunately, it lacks any resolution or real coverage information, making eye-level composition only a rough approximation.

Casio relies fully on its LCD, which can be limiting in harsh sun, but offers live view with manual focusing option, a curious feature for a compact mainly designed for auto shooting.

Neither camera boasts customizable interface options or illuminated buttons, so controlling menus and settings can feel clunky. You’ll mainly depend on automatic modes supplemented by minimal manual touches like white balance adjustment and in the Canon’s case, face detection autofocus.

Lens Performance and Versatility: Zoom Range and Aperture

The fixed lenses on these compacts determine much of their personality and use cases.

• Canon A1300: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture range F2.8 to F6.9.
• Casio EX-FC150: 37-185mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture range F3.6 to F4.5.

Both zoom ranges cover typical wide to telephoto shooting needs for casual photography. Canon’s wider 28mm equivalent starting point makes it better suited for landscapes and architectural shots, offering a broader field of view without stepping back. Casio’s lens starts more telephoto, emphasizing tighter framing from the get-go, likely favoring portraits or distant subjects.

Notably, Canon’s maximum aperture at wide end is brighter (F2.8 vs F3.6), enabling better low-light shooting or shallower depth of field for casual subject separation. However, Casio delivers steadier apertures across the zoom range and couples this with sensor-shift image stabilization, which the Canon lacks entirely.

The presence of image stabilization on Casio’s sensor is a definite world when shooting handheld at telephoto ends or in low light, reducing blur and facilitating slightly longer shutter speeds.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Modes

AF performance is critical – even small sensor compacts can yield frustrating shots if autofocus is slow or inaccurate.

• Canon A1300 employs contrast detection autofocus with 9 focus points, face detection supported.
• Casio EX-FC150 uses contrast detection autofocus with no dedicated focus points or face detection but allows manual focus.

Interestingly, Canon’s inclusion of face detection and multiple AF points gives it an edge for portraits and casual snapshots with humans or pets - you can trust it to find eyes reasonably well in typical lighting.

Casio’s lack of face detection and no multi-area AF means it’s less robust for moving subjects or nuanced focusing but the ability to manually focus offers a fallback for creative control, unusual in a compact of this class.

Testing confirms Canon’s AF as moderately quick and reliable in daylight, lagging somewhat in low light, while Casio’s autofocus tends to be slower, relying on center weighting and contrast detection alone.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speed: Shooting Fast Moments

For sports, wildlife, or any fast action, continuous shooting speed and shutter capabilities are important.

• Canon A1300 max continuous rate: 1 fps (single continuous shooting mode).
• Casio EX-FC150 can shoot up to 40 fps burst, an exceptional rate in this category.

Regarding shutter speed ranges:

• Canon: 15s to 1/2000s.
• Casio: 30s to 1/1000s.

Casio’s 40 fps burst mode is remarkable, suitable for capturing fleeting expressions or fast moments, albeit at lower resolution and potential buffer constraints. The Canon’s 1 fps speed feels more aligned with casual snapshot use.

Shutter speed maxes favor Canon for faster top-end shoots, providing better opportunities in bright daylight or freezing motion sharply.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Both cameras support HD video recording, but their implementations differ markedly.

• Canon A1300 records 1280x720p at 25 fps in H.264 format.
• Casio EX-FC150 offers 1280x720p at 30 fps and multiple slower resolutions at up to 1000 fps (super slow motion) in Motion JPEG.

Sadly, neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, limiting sound control. Casio’s high frame rate video modes (up to 1000 fps) open creative slow-motion possibilities, otherwise not supported on the Canon.

Both lack 4K or advanced video features, which is expected for their generation and category.

Battery and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Canon’s use of ubiquitous AA batteries (2x) means you can easily find replacements globally – perfect for travel without chargers. Battery life rates around 220 shots per charge.

Casio uses a proprietary NP-40 lithium-ion battery with unspecified life but likely similar performance. Reliance on proprietary cells is less convenient but tends to offer better capacity in a smaller package.

Both support standard SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards for storage, with a single slot.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. In this arena, both are lightweight, stylish compacts aimed at casual users who will mostly shoot in controlled environments.

The Canon’s plastic body feels a bit looser but well-built enough for normal travel and walkaround use. Similarly, the Casio offers standard plastic shell quality, nothing rugged but nothing fragile either.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

You’ll want a camera that fits how you shoot. Here’s how these two stack up across different photographic styles:

Portrait Photography: Capturing Skin Tones and Expressions

The Canon A1300’s face detection autofocus and wider lens at 28mm makes framing portraits easier and more natural, especially with its relatively bright aperture at wide end. Skin tones appear warm and pleasing given its CCD sensor tendencies. However, limited depth of field means background separation isn’t dramatic.

Casio’s more telephoto starting zoom can produce nice headshots, but absence of face detect AF and a dimmer F3.6 aperture limit its portrait friendliness. Manual focus helps in controlled environments but is trickier for casual users.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Composition

Landscape shots benefit from wide angles, sharpness, and high dynamic range.

Canon’s 28mm equivalent wide end beats Casio’s 37mm, letting you capture broader vistas. Its 16MP sensor offers higher resolution, revealing more detail up close and for cropping. However, neither camera has standout dynamic range given sensor size and age.

Casio’s advantage lies in steadier hands with built-in image stabilization beneficial for handheld shots, but Canon edges the landscape category.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Action and Telephoto Needs

Both cameras offer a 5x zoom, but Casio’s telephoto reach at 185mm equivalent overshadows Canon’s 140mm for distant subjects.

Critically, Casio’s 40 fps burst mode is a standout for action sequences, enabling burst shooting unheard of in this category. Its AF is slower with no face tracking, which can frustrate focusing on fast or irregular wildlife movement.

Canon’s AF with face detect helps lock on animals’ faces or humans but is limited by 1 fps continuous shooting, making it less suitable for rapid sequences.

Street Photography: Discretion and Responsiveness

Compactness and low profile matter here. Both cameras are unobtrusive, but Casio’s lack of a viewfinder means you’ll often rely on LCD preview, sometimes awkward in bright conditions.

Canon’s viewfinder delivers quick eye-level framing, aiding street candid shots, a definite bonus.

AF speed favors Canon, but Casio’s super-fast burst mode, while tempting, is less useful for subtle street moments.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Details with Precision

Canon’s macro focus range of 3cm versus Casio’s 5cm gives the A1300 a slight edge capturing finer close-ups. Lack of image stabilization in Canon is a drawback - Casio’s sensor-shift IS helps keep handheld macros sharp.

Night and Astrophotography: Low Light Capabilities

Both cameras max out at ISO 1600, but Casio’s BSI-CMOS sensor provides less noisy images at high ISOs, a tangible benefit in dim environments.

Neither offers long exposure bracketing or advanced night modes, though Canon goes longer in shutter speed at 15s versus 30s on Casio.

Video Use: Recording Quality and Features

Casio’s ability to record 720p @ 30fps and extraordinary slow-motion video at various frame rates (up to 1000fps) make it a creative tool for motion enthusiasts.

Canon’s HD video is more basic in comparison, with 25fps recording but slightly superior codec (H.264). Neither is geared for professional video workflows.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Reliability

Here, Canon’s AA battery advantage shines for long trips where charging opportunities are limited. Its wider angle is friendlier to travel landscapes, cityscapes, and snapshots.

Casio’s image stabilization and longer zoom add flexibility in subject framing, but reliance on proprietary battery and less comfortable handling may hinder long outings.

Professional Applications: File Quality and Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, a dealbreaker for professional post-processing workflows. JPEG output is standard with limited manual control.

Reliability and ruggedness are not priorities here; these models cater predominantly to casual or enthusiast users rather than professionals.

Visual Comparisons: Sample Images and Objective Scores

To further illustrate, here are side-by-side samples and scorecards derived from realistic shooting tests.

Canon A1300 front Canon A1300 screen back Casio EX FC150 front Casio EX FC150 screen back

Notice the Canon A1300 delivers higher resolution and slightly better color depth in daylight. Casio images appear cleaner in lower light but softer in fine detail.

The ratings showcase Canon’s strength in image resolution and portrait performance, while Casio excels in burst speed and stabilization.

Casio scores top in sports/action due to its fast shot capability and IS. Canon ranks better in portraits and landscapes, benefiting from lens and AF advantages.

The Verdict: Which Compact Meets Your Needs?

Having tested both cameras extensively and incorporated years of compact camera experience, here’s how I’d advise choosing between Canon PowerShot A1300 and Casio Exilim EX-FC150:

• Choose Canon A1300 if you prioritize natural color, wider angle shots, decent portrait capabilities with face detection, modest price point (around $119), and value easy AA battery swaps, plus quicker shutter speed top-end for flexible shooting.

• Choose Casio EX-FC150 if you crave ultra-fast continuous shooting (up to 40fps) for action or wildlife bursts, depend on in-camera image stabilization for sharper shots, desire slower-motion video creativity, and don’t mind a narrower starting zoom or proprietary battery, with a sturdier budget near $350.

Final Thoughts: Compact Cameras in a Smartphone World

Both these cameras represent a snapshot of compact camera evolution before smartphone cameras began dominating. While their specs and features reflect limitations by today's standards, they still provide valuable options for users desiring dedicated cameras with optical zoom, better ergonomics, and specialized shooting modes beyond phone capabilities.

If budget and simplicity dominate your priorities, Canon’s A1300 holds solid ground. If you want more technical control, blazing burst speed, and video fun, Casio's EX-FC150 stands out.

Whichever you pick, your photography journey will benefit from thoughtful lens and sensor choices, as always.

I hope this thorough comparison has helped you cut through the specs and understand what these cameras offer in real-world use. Hands-on experience remains irreplaceable, so whenever you can, hold the camera, test the controls, and see which matches your personal style best.

Happy shooting!