Canon PowerShot N vs Casio Exilim EX-FC150: Compact Camera Duel with a Budget Twist

When diving into the realm of small sensor compacts, it's easy to get bogged down by specs and marketing fluff. After having tested thousands of cameras over more than 15 years (yes, really), I can tell you that the devil’s in the details - and also in how a camera feels in your hands and performs in everyday shooting conditions.

Today, we're pairing two interesting players from the compact category: the Canon PowerShot N (2013) and the Casio Exilim EX-FC150 (2009). Both designed for portability, casual shooting, and a budget-conscious crowd, these cameras offer very different approaches under the hood and in user handling. I've put them side by side through rigorous, real-world testing to help you understand which suits your needs best - no cheapskate compromises here, just honest facts.

The First Impression: Size, Build, and Handling

Looking at the physical dimensions, the Canon N is smaller and a little chunkier, measuring 79x60x29mm at 195g, while the Casio is more stretched out at 99x58x28mm, yet lighter at 173g. The Canon’s near-square shape and minimal clubs-for-thumbs design aim for ultra-compactness, while the Casio adopts a traditional thin-bar shape.

The Canon N's quirky but functional design features a tilting touchscreen (2.8", 461k dots) with basic but intuitive controls, perfect for selfie enthusiasts (yep, it’s selfie-friendly). The Casio has a fixed 2.7" LCD with a much lower resolution (230k dots) and no touchscreen at all, which feels a bit dated in 2024 standards and eats modestly into ease of framing and menu navigation.

The Canon's interface is streamlined, touch-based with a minimalist button setup - great for casual shooters but limited for those who like physical dials or quick manual overrides. The Casio, in contrast, offers manual focus control, a rare gem in this class. Though its controls feel cheap plasticky, they offer some grip for users craving more control.

Both lack electronic viewfinders, which limits versatility when shooting in bright light or for precise composition - a downer for serious outdoor photographers.

Trust me, when you’re roaming the streets or traveling light, these design choices matter. If you prize pocketability and casual selfies, Canon wins here. If you want modest manual control and a slightly lighter carry, Casio might appeal.

Sensor Overview and Image Quality: Tiny but Tell-Tale

Both cameras sport the ubiquitous 1/2.3" sensor size (6.17x4.55mm). That’s on the small side and naturally limits image quality compared to larger APS-C or full-frame competitors, particularly when it comes to low-light performance and dynamic range.

The Canon packs a 12MP CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 5 processor, pushing it ahead in resolution and likely image sharpness. The Casio uses a 10MP Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. While BSI tech offers efficiency improvements, the older sensor and proprietary Motion JPEG video format restrict output quality.

In practice, the Canon produces sharper images with cleaner details in daylight thanks to its slightly higher resolution and advanced DIGIC 5 processing. Casio photos, while adequate for social media-sized prints, show more noise above ISO 400 and somewhat muddier details.

Speaking of ISO, Canon’s max native ISO is 6400, theoretically better for low light, while Casio caps out at 1600. Yet turning both knobs reveals neither shines spectacularly in dim environments; grain creeps in fast, typical of small sensors.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs Precision

Here’s where the Canon and Casio diverge vividly.

Canon’s PowerShot N uses contrast-detection autofocus only, modest continuous shooting at 2fps, no AF tracking, face detection, or eye AF tools. In short, it’s a point-and-shoot AF experience with limited sophistication, sluggish by today's standards and frustrating when trying to capture dynamic action.

Casio’s EX-FC150, while similarly lacking face detection, allows for manual focus - unique in this pair - and boasts an insane burst rate of 40fps (albeit with limited buffer depth). This high-speed shooting is a playful feature that can tempt sports or wildlife photographers on a budget, but only if you can nail focus first.

Both cameras lack complex autofocus zones or tracking systems, so nail-biting action and wildlife sessions will be a chase.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatile vs Zoom-Happy

Canon's fixed lens covers a 28-224mm equivalent zoom (8x optical) with variable aperture from f/3.0 (wide) to f/5.9 (telephoto). This range is quite versatile for travel, portraits, and casual landscape work, starting at a wide-ish focal length.

The Casio sports a shorter zoom range of 37-185mm (5x optical) starting narrower and not going as wide, which restricts versatility, especially for landscapes or architectural work. However, the Casio’s optical image stabilization (sensor-shift) offers steadier shots compared to Canon's optical image stabilization, which also helps in low-light telephoto shots.

Screen and User Interface: Touch vs Buttons

Canon's large, sharp, and touch-enabled PureColor II G touchscreen means you can quickly tap to focus, swipe menus, and check photos with ease. Plus, the tilting screen is perfect for low-angle shots or selfies.

Casio has a basic fixed screen without touch, lagging behind in user friendliness. The resolutions make a substantial difference in framing accuracy and previewing images.

Video Capabilities: Full HD vs VGA

Canon records in Full HD (1920x1080 at 24fps) with H.264 compression, a respectable level, supporting slow-motion with 120fps at 640x480 and even up to 240fps at lower resolutions.

Casio caps out at 720p HD and primarily shoots in the less efficient Motion JPEG format that eats more card space and strains edit workflows. However, its standout is a variety of frame rates for slow-motion, including absurd 1000fps at low resolution - fun but niche.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or advanced video controls, which limits serious videography efforts.

Battery Life and Storage: Moderate Endurance

Canon uses the NB-9L battery rated for around 200 shots per charge, which is modest and somewhat limiting for longer outings unless you carry spares (which you should).

Casio’s battery details are vague, but the NP-40 battery is similar in endurance - expect under 250 shots on a charge. Both cameras support single memory card slots: Canon uses microSD cards, Casio uses standard SD/SDHC cards plus a small internal memory (nice as emergency fallback).

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Convenience vs Basic

Canon offers built-in Wi-Fi for simple image transfers to smartphones and easy sharing - a welcome modern touch for casual shooters.

Casio supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, which is an older, proprietary wireless SD card protocol requiring extra hardware - less convenient today but better than nothing for wireless capability.

Neither has Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS built-in; Canon can add GPS via optional hardware.

Real-World Performance Across Different Photography Genres

Let's look beyond specs and talk about who should consider each camera, under various photographic umbrellas.

Portrait Photography

• Canon PowerShot N: The slightly wider lens start (28mm) helps environmental portraits, and the tilting touchscreen provides framing freedom. However, without face or eye detection AF, you rely on careful focus spotting. The Canon’s subtle background blur helps with decent bokeh at wider apertures, yet noise becomes apparent in indoor settings. Skin tones are generally nice and color-accurate because of Canon’s color science.

• Casio EX-FC150: Limited by narrower wide-angle (37mm) and smaller sensor resolution, portraits are flatter, and bokeh is minimal. Manual focus can help artistic portrait shooters but struggles with quick candid moments. Color rendition is slightly less vibrant.

Landscape Photography

Here, MAX resolution, dynamic range, and steady shooting with weather resistance count. Neither is weather sealed.

• Canon’s 12MP sensor has the edge for resolution, giving you sharper landscapes with better fine detail.
• Dynamic range is limited on both - expect compromised highlight recovery.
• The wider 28mm lens start is more useful on the Canon for sweeping vistas.
• The Casio’s sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld shots but can’t compensate for limited resolution.

Wildlife Photography

For fast action and distant wildlife, zoom and autofocus matter.

• Canon offers longer telephoto reach (224mm) but slow, contrast-detect AF and low burst rates (2fps) make HDR-worthy fps chases impractical.
• Casio’s faster burst (40fps) appears tempting, but manual focus and limited autofocus make tracking moving subjects a headache.
• Neither has face or animal eye detection.

Sports Photography

• Canon’s slow continuous shooting is inadequate.
• Casio’s burst speed is excellent but only useful if you can nail focus manually.

In practical terms, neither camera suits fast-paced sports photography.

Street Photography

Here, discretion, portability, and low-light prowess come into play.

• Canon wins for stealth with its compact size and silent design.
• Casio’s marginal weight advantage is negligible.
• The Canon’s maximum ISO of 6400 and optical stabilization help in dimmer environments.
• Tilting touchscreen allows shots from waist level, great for street candids.
• Casio’s fixed LCD and lower resolution screen hamper quick framing.

Macro Photography

• Canon offers a macro focus range down to 1cm, fantastic for close-ups.
• Casio’s macro minimum is 5cm, decent but less flexible.
• Optical stabilization on both aids handheld macro shooting.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera excels here - lack of manual exposure modes, low ISO performance, limited control.
• Canon’s ISO ceiling is higher but noisy.
• Neither supports bulb mode or long exposures essential for astrophotography.

Video Recording

• Canon leads with Full HD at 24fps, basic but acceptable video quality for casual users.
• Casio lags behind with 720p max, Motion JPEG format, and no external mic options.
• Neither offers advanced stabilization or log modes.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s compact form factor, wider zoom, and Wi-Fi make it a better travel companion.
• Casio’s battery ambiguity and lacking wireless ease reduce travel friendliness.

Professional Work

• Neither camera targets professionals or serious workflows.
• No RAW support on either, limiting post-processing power.
• File transfer speeds and interface are dated.
• Both rely on JPEGs only.

Canon N front Canon N screen back Casio EX FC150 front Casio EX FC150 screen back

Technical Revelation: Digging Deeper Into Specs

Below is a quick technical pros/cons list sharpening the edge.

Price and Value Verdict

The Canon PowerShot N still retails around $299 (used or refurbished markets dominate now), while the Casio EX-FC150 hovers near $350 or less secondhand. Given newer technology, better screen, higher resolution, and improved processing, Canon offers better bang-for-buck, particularly for casual and travel photography.

Who Should Choose What?

To wrap up:

Choose Canon PowerShot N if…

• You want a truly compact, selfie-friendly camera.
• Touchscreen convenience is important.
• You need better image resolution and wider zoom.
• WiFi connectivity matters to you.
• You do casual portrait, travel, street, macro, and occasional landscape shots.
• Video in at least Full HD is desired.
• Battery endurance and modern controls attract you.

Choose Casio EX-FC150 if…

• You want the fastest burst shooting in a cheap compact.
• Manual focus is a must for creative control.
• Battery life and weight need to be minimal (though battery specs are vague).
• You don't mind dated screen and video quality.
• Budget-driven with emphasis on sporadic action shots at low complexity.
• You value sensor-shift stabilization.

Final Thoughts: A Case of Purpose over Price

While neither camera is a powerhouse, in my experience, the Canon PowerShot N ticks more boxes for the average enthusiast or beginner, offering a smoother, user-friendly experience, better image quality, and a touch of fun with its design.

The Casio EX-FC150 is a bit of an “oddball” - appealing mainly to those who want crazy burst speeds and manual focus in a bargain package. But its weaknesses, especially the low-res screen and modest ISO ceiling, can be frustrating.

Both cameras highlight how small sensor compacts have strength limits and compromise heavily for size and price. Nowadays, even entry-level mirrorless cameras provide superior image quality and features for just a bit more investment.

If you want a camera for serious photography, consider saving for an APS-C mirrorless or advanced compact with RAW support and better autofocus - but if ultra-portability, touch controls, and decent zoom in a fun package suit you, Canon PowerShot N is my practical pick.

Thanks for reading my hands-on comparison - if you have questions about other cameras or specific shooting scenarios, drop me a note! Stay curious and keep snapping.