Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready vs Casio Exilim EX-100: Compact Cameras Under the Microscope

Choosing the right compact camera in a world saturated with smartphones can be surprisingly tough - especially when you’re looking for specific benefits like zoom range, image quality, or user experience. Today, I’m diving deep into two distinct compacts: the 2013 Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready and the 2014 Casio Exilim EX-100. Despite both sitting under the “small sensor compact” umbrella, these cameras present profoundly different approaches to design, performance, and target use cases.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres and conditions, I aim to provide an evidence-driven, hands-on comparison that cuts through marketing jargon. We’ll inspect everything from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and usability in real-world shooting. Whether you’re looking for a social-media-friendly pocket camera or a travel companion with advanced control, this comparison offers the granular insight you need.

Let’s embark on a journey from sensor specs to shooting versatility, supported all along by tactical analyses and visual references.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Usability

Before we look under the hood, the physical feel and handling qualities of a camera are paramount - after all, the best technical specs matter little if the camera slips out of your hand or frustrates operation.

Canon’s PowerShot N Facebook Ready is a petite, quirky little shooter tailored to casual snapshots and instant sharing. Weighing only 195 grams and measuring a compact 79x60x29 mm, its charm lies in portability and selfie-oriented features - its fully tilting 2.8-inch touchscreen being a prime example.

By contrast, the Casio EX-100 is notably more substantial: 389 grams and 119x67x50 mm. While still in compact territory, it feels more like a travel zoom than a pure pocket camera. The larger 3.5-inch “Super Clear LCD” tilting screen offers higher resolution and a more immersive shooting experience.

Ergonomically, the Casio’s traditional right-hand grip and well-spaced buttons provide far better tactile feedback and shooting confidence, especially for extended sessions. The Canon’s minimalist design sacrifices handling comfort for sheer compactness - a tradeoff that casual users might accept, but enthusiasts will find lacking.

The Canon’s touchscreen interface is intuitive but can feel cramped; meanwhile, Casio’s button-driven controls, including a manual focus ring on the lens barrel, reward photographers used to granular control.

In summary: For sheer portability and selfie-friendliness, Canon wins. For a balanced, ergonomic experience geared toward creative control, Casio leads.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At camera core, sensor performance remains decisive. Both cameras sport 12MP CMOS sensors, but sensor size and related factors drive real-world quality differences.

Canon’s sensor is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) chip - a common small sensor size in compact cameras. Casio uses a larger 1/1.7-inch sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm). This 41.5 mm² sensor area in the EX-100 eclipses the Canon’s 28 mm². Larger sensors typically capture more light, offer superior dynamic range, and better high ISO performance.

In side-by-side shooting under controlled conditions, the Casio produces cleaner images with more nuanced tonal gradations and less noise beyond ISO 400. Meanwhile, the Canon’s images are serviceable for casual snapshots but reveal more aggressive noise reduction and less detail preservation at higher ISOs.

Color reproduction on both cameras is respectable, but Canon’s Digic 5 processor tends to render slightly more saturated hues - a pleasing trait for social media shots but one that can exaggerate contrast artificially. Casio’s output is more neutral, better suited for post-processing flexibility thanks to raw support (which the Canon lacks).

Dynamic range tests reveal Casio’s advantage: the EX-100 recovers better shadow and highlight detail, lending itself well to bright landscape scenes or mixed-light environments.

Both cameras have anti-alias filters, slightly blurring ultra-fine details to mitigate moiré, but Casio’s sensor coupled with a sharper lens yields crisper images overall.

In short, if image quality - especially in challenging lighting - is your priority, the Casio EX-100 holds a distinct edge.

Autofocus & Performance: Tracking Your Moment

When evaluating autofocus (AF) performance, speed, accuracy, and responsiveness to varying subjects are critical, particularly across genres like wildlife or sports.

The Canon PowerShot N features contrast-detection AF only, with no continuous or tracking AF modes. The system is basic, intentionally so given the casual snapshot focus. Autofocus speed is adequate but can hunt under low-light or low-contrast conditions. It lacks face or eye detection; focus points and area modes are not user-selectable.

Casio EX-100 significantly upgrades the autofocus game: it employs contrast-detection AF but supplements it with face detection, AF tracking, continuous AF, and manual focus. 25 focus points offer far more control, and eye detection further refines portrait focus accuracy.

Practical shooting confirms Casio’s faster lock-on and more confident focus tracking with moving subjects. Canon’s limited 2 fps continuous shooting speed is best for static subjects or very casual bursts. Casio’s 30 fps burst mode excels dramatically here, catering to wildlife and sports enthusiasts.

A final note on stabilization: Canon employs optical image stabilization, while Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization. Both are effective, but Casio’s sensor-shift system provides steadier results at longer focal lengths (up to 300mm), a boon for telephoto work.

Control Layout and Handling in Action

Controls directly impact shooting versatility and speed - vital for professionals and enthusiasts who demand fast, precise adjustments.

Looking down on the top plates, the Canon N has a simple dialless design. It lacks manual exposure modes or customizable buttons. Your exposure creativity is limited to fully automatic modes; sadly, no aperture or shutter priority.

Conversely, the Casio EX-100 boasts traditional PASM modes - shutter and aperture priority plus manual exposure. Exposure compensation and custom white balance settings are available, providing photographers familiar with DSLR workflows greater creative latitude.

I found Casio’s intuitive layout - mode dial, dedicated ISO button, and an external zoom ring - far better for deliberate control. The Canon relies heavily on touchscreen menus, which limits tactile speed and can be unwieldy one-handed.

In terms of LCDs, Canon’s smaller 2.8-inch PureColor II G touchscreen is responsive but limited to 461k-dot resolution. Casio’s 3.5-inch Super Clear LCD packs nearly double the resolution at 922k dots, making it more pleasant and usable in bright outdoor light.

Lens Excellence: Reach, Speed, and Versatility

A camera is only as good as the glass it carries, and in fixed-lens compacts, this becomes a critical distinction.

Canon’s N Facebook Ready sports an 8x zoom from 28-224 mm equivalent, with an aperture varying from f/3.0-5.9. The fast wide-angle end is welcome for snapshots, but the telephoto maximum aperture narrows considerably, limiting low-light reach and bokeh potential.

Casio’s EX-100 outperforms here with a 10.7x zoom range from 28-300 mm at a constant f/2.8 at the wide end, tapering toward longer focal lengths. The brighter aperture advantage yields cleaner images in dimmer settings, plus more depth-of-field control for portraits or close-ups.

Macro focus distance is tighter on the Canon (1 cm, nearly contact), while Casio’s 5 cm minimum focusing distance balances convenience with usable working space and superior focusing precision due to manual focus and focus peaking.

Overall, Casio’s lens versatility enhances its appeal for travel, wildlife, and portraiture, while Canon’s lens is better suited to casual snapshots.

Versatility Across Photography Styles

Let’s break down the cameras’ aptitudes through popular photography types, drawing on hours of testing in each domain.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s touchscreen allows easy selfies, boosted by a dedicated self-timer. However, limited autofocus and no eye or face detection impede portrait precision. Shallow depth of field is limited due to narrow maximum aperture at telephoto. Skin tones render warm but occasionally oversaturated.

Casio’s faster aperture combined with face and eye detection offers markedly superior portrait results, plus manual exposure aids creative lighting control. Manual focus ring enables perfect focus on eyes in close portraits.

Landscape Photography

Casio’s larger sensor and better dynamic range perform well here, capturing detailed scenes with nuanced shadows and highlights. The generous resolution (4000x3000 pixels) aids cropping. The EX-100’s better weather-sealing is minimal, but at least the ergonomics and lens deliver.

Canon’s 12MP sensor and more aggressive noise reduction can smear fine details in shadows. No RAW support hinders post-processing flexibility, a considerable drawback given the scene complexity.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

The Casio’s 30 fps continuous shooting and AF tracking seal the deal for wildlife and sports - rapid responsiveness critical to seizing fleeting action. The 300 mm max focal length plus sensor-shift IS helps stabilize long shots handheld.

Canon’s 2 fps burst rate and simple AF are better suited to static subjects. Limited telephoto reach and slower AF make it unfit for action.

Street Photography

Canon’s pocketability and lightweight frame shine here - discrete and quick for casual urban walks. Touchscreen controls allow rapid shot setup, though the modest zoom limits framing options.

Casio, larger and heavier, is less discreet but delivers more control and image quality. A street shooter focusing on quality and creative control may prefer it despite size.

Macro Photography

Canon’s extremely close focusing distance (1 cm) combined with stabilized zoom lens allows extreme close-ups, great for creative macro work. Lack of manual focus is limiting but the fixed focal length zoom compensates for composition.

Casio offers manual focus, improved magnification due to a longer zoom, and stabilizer support, but minimum macro distance is longer (5 cm), requiring careful approach.

Night & Astro Photography

In low light, Casio’s larger sensor, higher max ISO (12800 native, 25600 boosted), and RAW support allow more versatile astro and night photography. Sensor-shift stabilization provides steadier long exposures, and shutter priority or manual modes enable exposure flexibility.

Canon’s max ISO 6400 and absence of RAW, combined with slow max shutter speed (1/2000s), limit night scene potential. No manual exposure modes restrict creative control.

Video Capabilities

Both record full HD video (1920x1080). Canon offers various frame rates including 24fps, 30fps, and slow-motion at 120fps for 640x480 VGA. Casio supports 1080p but no specialized slow-motion modes.

Neither camera supports external microphones, impacting sound quality. Casio’s HDMI output is a plus for tethered shooting or playback on external devices.

Video stabilization is optical in Canon, sensor-shift in Casio - both reduce shake but Casio’s system has an edge during telephoto recording.

Travel Photography

Casio’s larger zoom, better controls, and longer battery life (390 vs 200 shots) suit travel needs where flexibility matters. The EX-100 is heavier but still portable in a jacket pocket or small bag.

Canon excels for ultra-compact everyday carry, casual snapshots, or social media focused travel setups.

Professional Workflows

Without RAW support or manual controls, Canon N is not designed for professional use. Casio’s RAW files, manual modes, and relatively advanced controls make it a viable "prosumer" option.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera features substantial weather sealing or ruggedness - neither shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, nor dustproof. Casio’s more robust chassis suggests better endurance for travel and active use. Canon clearly targets casual indoor and urban users.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Both incorporate built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing - Canon’s Facebook Ready moniker hints at its social media focus. However, Canon lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

Casio complements Wi-Fi with HDMI output for external displays. Both use USB 2.0, which is a bit dated but adequate for transfers.

Canonical uses microSD cards, while Casio prefers full-sized SD cards. Casio’s battery life is almost double Canon’s (390 vs 200 frames), making it more practical for excursions without frequent recharging.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, Canon’s PowerShot N Facebook Ready was much more affordable (~$299) against Casio EX-100’s ~$572 pricing. This gulf reflects their market positioning: casual users versus advanced enthusiasts.

The Canon offers convenience and compactness at a low cost but sacrifices technical depth and image fidelity. Casio demands a bigger investment but returns serious capabilities suitable for diverse photography needs.

Summing It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having dissected these cameras extensively, here’s my distilled verdict based on hands-on tests and practical experience:

• Buy the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready if: You want a compact camera that is pocket-friendly with selfie options and time-saving social sharing built-in. This is a casual snapshot tool with modest zoom and simple operation designed for casual users and social media novices. Ideal for family photos, vacation snaps, and impromptu moments.

• Buy the Casio Exilim EX-100 if: You seek a more serious compact camera capable of manual controls, superior autofocus, better image quality, and extended zoom reach. If you shoot landscapes, portraits, macro, or even wildlife and need RAW files with high image fidelity, this is a powerful all-around compact. Perfect for enthusiasts and travelers who prize flexibility.

In my professional view, while the Canon N Facebook Ready fits niche casual use well, the Casio EX-100 offers far greater value and creative scope for enthusiasts willing to carry a slightly larger camera. Both choices remain valid depending on your priorities - compactness and ease versus advanced features and image quality.

Canon N Facebook ready screen back Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back

Thank you for joining me in this thorough exploration. Choosing gear can be daunting, but informed decisions pave the way for photography joy and success. I hope this comparison has clarified the strengths and compromises of these two unique compacts. Happy shooting!