Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS vs Casio Exilim EX-Z35: The Ultimate Ultracompact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly complex. When faced with options like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS and the Casio Exilim EX-Z35, you’re looking at two ultracompacts that promise portability and quick access to everyday shooting. But which one delivers genuinely better image quality, usability, and performance? Having tested thousands of cameras across categories, we’ll break down every key feature, real-world usage facet, and technical difference to help you pick the right tool for your creative journey.

Let’s dive in.

Hands-On Feel and Ergonomics: Size Matters in Pocketability

Ergonomics often decide whether a camera feels like a joy to carry or a burden. Both the Canon ELPH 190 IS and Casio EX-Z35 target ultracompact lifestyles, but subtle size and handling differences influence daily use comfort.

At 138g and with a thicker 24mm body, the Canon has a slightly chunkier feel, which translates to a steadier grip for most hands. Casio’s thinner, lighter EX-Z35 is super pocket-friendly but can feel a bit slippery without additional accessories. If you frequently shoot on the move or prefer unobtrusive gear for street or travel photography, the EX-Z35’s streamlined form factor edges ahead for discretion and convenience.

Still, the Canon’s modest bulk allows for easier single-handed operation with better button spacing - this can benefit users needing quick adjustments.

Control Layout and User Interface: Fast Access to Your Settings

Control ergonomics shape how quickly you can adjust settings under pressure. Both cameras omit manual exposure modes, aiming for simplicity, but the layout and ease of use differ.

The Canon ELPH 190 IS impresses with clearly labeled, comfortable buttons clustered near the right thumb - perfect for one-handed shooting. The rear houses a 2.7-inch fixed, non-touch LCD with a 230k resolution, which is bright enough outdoors, though limited in resolution.

The Casio EX-Z35 pairs a smaller 2.5-inch, 230k resolution LCD and buttons that feel a bit cramped due to the slim body. The lack of touchscreen or advanced control customization keeps interaction basic. For beginners, simplicity is welcome, but the Canon’s slightly larger screen and thoughtful button placement provide a smoother experience.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, limiting speedy focus and adjustment flexibility, but the Canon includes face detection for user-friendly portrait shots - something missing on the Casio.

Sensor and Image Quality: Why Pixel Count and Sensor Size Aren’t Everything

Delving under the hood, both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, standard in compacts but far smaller than DSLR or mirrorless options. However, resolution and processor technology vary, impacting image output.

The Canon’s 20MP sensor delivers higher pixel density, allowing for sharper images and more cropping flexibility - but smaller pixels can struggle with noise. Casio’s 12MP sensor offers slightly larger photosites, which can theoretically help in low light.

In practice, our studio and outdoor shooting tests revealed that the Canon's DIGIC 4+ processor helps optimize noise reduction and color fidelity better than the Casio. Images from the Canon showcased superior detail and punchier colors at ISO 100-400, whereas the Casio EX-Z35 photos looked softer with muted color reproduction.

However, the Canon’s CCD sensor and lack of RAW mean you’re limited by in-camera JPEG processing. Noise and compression artifacts become noticeable as you push ISO beyond 800, constraining night or indoor shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing Those Fleeting Moments

Autofocus technology is key for sharpness, especially when shooting moving subjects or in busy environments.

The Canon ELPH 190 IS features face detection autofocus, a beneficial feature for portrait lovers who want to nail skin tones and focus accuracy without fuss. Although it doesn’t offer the speed or tracking accuracy of higher-end models, it outperforms the Casio’s simpler contrast-detection AF.

The Casio EX-Z35 lacks continuous AF and face detection entirely, relying on a more basic system - and no continuous shooting mode - which hampers its ability to capture decisive moments or action sequences.

If you’re targeting casual portrait, family photography, or occasional landscape snaps, the autofocus of the Canon should suffice. For anything requiring quick response or wildlife shots, neither will impress, but the Canon pulls ahead in performance.

Lens and Focal Range: Versatility vs. Simplicity

Lens characteristics shape your photo framing and creative options.

The Canon offers a much wider zoom range, extending to 240mm equivalent telephoto in a compact body, giving you great reach for portraits or wildlife snippets. It also excels with a very close 1 cm macro focus distance, perfect for detail shots or creative close-ups.

The Casio EX-Z35, with a 3x zoom maxing out at 107mm eq., limits telephoto creativity but covers wide to short tele quite comfortably. However, its lack of image stabilization means you must be careful at longer focal lengths to avoid blur.

If versatility matters to you - whether for travel photography jumping from cityscapes to family portraits or capturing distant details - the Canon’s lens offers noticeable advantages.

Video Capabilities: When a Pocket Cam Becomes a Vlogging Partner

Neither camera aims to replace dedicated video cameras or hybrid mirrorless models, but understanding their video specs can guide you if occasional videos are on your radar.

Canon’s HD video support and optical image stabilization provide more usable footage, reducing handshake issues and improving overall quality. Casio’s VGA resolution video has a distinctly dated feel and poorer clarity, limiting usefulness beyond casual clips.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs, headphone outputs, or advanced video features like 4K or high frame rate modes - so they remain basic options best suited for casual shooters or families capturing memories.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Durability on the Go

Your shooting day depends heavily on endurance, and here, differences in battery design and storage options count.

Canon’s rated 190 shots battery life is modest but typical of ultracompacts. Casio does not specify official battery life, though anecdotal reports suggest similar or slightly less capacity. Casio includes limited internal memory as backup, a small advantage for those who forget memory cards.

If battery longevity is a concern, especially on longer trips, it’s wise to carry spares regardless.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Built for Everyday Life, Not Extremes

Neither model offers weather sealing, shockproofing, or ruggedized features. These are casual-use cameras, so expects to protect them from moisture or dust.

Price and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

As of their last known pricing, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS retailed around $159, while the Casio EX-Z35 came in closer to $99, reflecting its older, more basic feature set.

For under $200, the Canon delivers stronger optics, better sensor resolution, optical image stabilization, and video capabilities - all of which provide a more versatile camera for casual and enthusiast shooters.

The Casio EX-Z35’s lower price makes it appealing where budget is the crucial factor, but compromises on key areas like image quality, stabilization, and zoom will limit creative potential.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

To put the specs into photographic practice, we evaluated both cameras over various commonly pursued genres.

Canon ELPH 190 IS front Canon ELPH 190 IS screen back Casio EX Z35 front Casio EX Z35 screen back

Your choice depends heavily on intended use. For mixed casual shooting or some serious hobbyist portraits and landscapes, the Canon ELPH 190 IS offers meaningful benefits. For an ultra-affordable pocket shooter for snapshots, the Casio EX-Z35 remains a decent, if more limited, option.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Expert Recommendations: Which One is Right for You?

• If you want the best image quality and optical flexibility for an ultracompact:
  Choose the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS. Its higher resolution sensor, larger zoom range, optical stabilization, and face detection autofocus allow you to tackle a wide range of everyday scenes with confidence.

• If budget and portability are your primary concerns, and image quality is secondary:
  The Casio EX-Z35 delivers a lightweight, wallet-friendly compact that covers basic shooting needs well, especially for casual use, travel snapshots, and those who value minimalism.

• For portrait enthusiasts:
  Canon’s face detection and macro focus distance (down to 1cm) enable better framing and creative close-ups.

• For travel and street photographers:
  Casio offers a discrete, pocketable profile, but the Canon remains more versatile if you can accommodate the small size difference.

Final Thoughts on Ultracompact Cameras and Your Creative Path

While neither camera models approach modern mirrorless or DSLR features like RAW shooting, manual control, or advanced autofocus, they excel in simplicity and convenience. In an era flooded with smartphone photography, dedicated pocketable cameras like these carve an essential niche for users craving optical zoom, quick point-and-shoot operation, and physical handling.

With the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS, you gain modest but tangible upgrades in image quality and usability for a moderate price increase. The Casio EX-Z35 serves best as a budget fallback or lightweight secondary camera.

Regardless of your choice, embracing hands-on experience by borrowing or testing these cameras in store will illuminate how their unique characteristics align with your photographic voice. Pairing your new camera with quality accessories - extra batteries, fast SD cards, and carrying cases - maximizes your shooting opportunities.

Genre-Specific Performance Deep Dive

Looking into detailed ratings across photography genres confirms our observations.

• Canon ELPH 190 IS scores highly for portraits and travel versatility.
• Casio EX-Z35 lags behind except in portability and budget appeal.
• Both models fall short for action-heavy or professional workflows.

Your Next Steps: Explore, Shoot, and Create

To wrap up, whether you’re stepping up from smartphone snaps, acquiring a dedicated travel companion, or supplementing your camera arsenal, starting with a well-suited ultracompact can inspire creativity without overwhelming complexity.

• Check out both models in-store to feel their ergonomics firsthand.
• Try the Canon if you want more zoom, image quality, and video utility.
• Pick the Casio if you prioritize size, simplicity, and saving money.

Every photographer’s journey is unique, and the best gear is one that makes shooting seamless, fun, and fulfilling. Happy exploring!

This article is based on extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, providing you with trustworthy, experience-backed insights to choose the best ultracompact camera for your needs.