Canon PowerShot S120 vs Casio Exilim EX-Z450: An Exhaustive Comparative Review for Discerning Photographers

In the compact camera arena, selecting the ideal model requires a nuanced understanding of both technical specifications and practical real-world capabilities. Here, we undertake a detailed comparative analysis of the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Casio Exilim EX-Z450, two compact fixed-lens cameras separated by several years of technological advancement, designed to appeal to entry-level enthusiasts and casual users seeking portability without sacrificing image quality.

Both models belong to the "Small Sensor Compact" category but differ substantially in sensor technology, feature set, and ergonomics. This comprehensive guide relies on extensive hands-on testing, sensor benchmarking, and field use cases to provide an authoritative assessment - helping photographers ranging from beginners to professionals make informed decisions aligned with their photographic priorities and budgets.

First Impressions: Handling, Size, and Design

Assessing a camera’s physical footprint, weight, and ergonomics provides immediate insight into portability and handling comfort - critical factors for travel and street photographers who value discretion and ease of use.

The Canon S120, announced in late 2013, measures 100 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs 217 g with battery, situating it comfortably in the premium compact category with a sturdy metal chassis evident upon first touch, conveying durability and confidence. The Casio EX-Z450, released four years earlier, is smaller and lighter at 81 x 56 x 21 mm and 128 g, constructed primarily of plastic which while lighter may feel less reliable during extended professional use.

The modest size difference becomes apparent in hand, with the S120 offering a firmer grip area despite both cameras lacking a dedicated grip protuberance. However, the S120’s slightly larger proportions allow for better button placement aiding in intuitive control accessibility without fumbling - especially useful for photographers shooting extended sessions or in dynamic environments such as street or event photography.

Control Layout: User Interface and Operation

Beyond size, control ergonomics significantly impact user experience, especially for enthusiasts accustomed to adjusting settings manually or rapidly accessing camera functions.

The Canon S120 stands out with a thoughtfully laid out control interface featuring a control dial, function buttons, and mode dial that accommodate manual exposure modes (Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, full Manual), offering creative photographers direct tactile control. The inclusion of an iso button and dedicated playback and menu keys enhance efficiency during shoots.

Conversely, the Casio EX-Z450 reveals a streamlined but less comprehensive control set lacking manual modes, with operation relying heavily on fully automatic presets and limited menu navigation via a basic control wheel and buttons. Its smaller screen resolution and lack of a touch interface add friction to changing settings on the fly.

If rapid manual adjustments and usability without menu deep-dives are priorities, the S120’s tactile button array and logical control mapping provide substantive ergonomic advantages.

Sensor Technology: Core Image Quality and Performance

Arguably the most significant factor determining photographic output is the image sensor, affecting resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image fidelity.

The Canon S120 utilizes a 1/1.7-inch 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm sensor size with 41.52 mm² active area) paired with a powerful Digic 6 processor. The Backside Illuminated (BSI) design improves light gathering efficiency, crucial for low-light shooting and dynamic range. This sensor yields an effective native ISO range of 80 to 12,800 with RAW capture support - enabling nuanced post-processing.

The Casio EX-Z450 features an older 1/2.3-inch 12MP CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² active area) offering a native ISO range of 64–1600 but no RAW support, constraining flexibility in image editing. CCD sensors traditionally perform well in base ISO conditions but lag behind modern BSI CMOS sensors regarding noise performance and dynamic range in elevated ISOs.

Benchmarking results (via DxOMark and real-world testing) confirm the S120’s sensor superiority, with a DxO Overall score of 56 - signifying good color depth (21.3 bits), dynamic range (11.9 EV), and low-light sensitivity (ISO 246 at DxO low-light score) - versus the EX-Z450’s untested but predictably lower output given older sensor technology.

The S120’s sensor and processor combo translate to enhanced image detail retention, gradation, and noise control, granting photographers more latitude in challenging lighting scenarios.

Display and Interface: Viewing and Navigation

Image composition and review depend heavily on the quality and functionality of a camera’s LCD screen.

The Canon S120 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT PureColor II G touchscreen with 922k-dot resolution, offering bright, high-contrast viewing and touch-based focus point selection - significant usability enhancements for both novices and seasoned users seeking quick focus changes during continuous shooting. Touch focus also accelerates operation in manual shooting modes and video filming.

The Casio EX-Z450 also features a 3-inch fixed LCD, yet with substantially lower resolution around 230k dots, resulting in a less crisp live view and image review experience. Non-touch functionality means reliance on physical buttons, which can slow composition and focus adjustments.

While neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder - limiting use in strong sunlight - the Canon’s high-res, capacitive touchscreen LCD facilitates superior usability, especially in bright or fast-paced settings.

Lens and Optics: Versatility and Image Rendering

In compact cameras with fixed lenses, focal length range and maximum aperture directly impact the creative possibilities, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up macro shots.

The Canon S120 offers a versatile 24-120mm equivalent zoom range (5x optical zoom) with a notably bright maximum aperture of f/1.8 at wide angle tapering to f/5.7 at telephoto. This relatively fast wide aperture enables subject isolation with pleasing background blur (bokeh) - an asset in portrait and low-light photography. Close macro focusing down to 3 cm further expands creative control.

The Casio EX-Z450, by comparison, provides a 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom) lens opening at f/2.6 - 5.8 with a macro focus starting at 10 cm, making it less adept for extreme close-ups and lower-light scenarios demanding shallow depth of field.

The Canon lens’ broader zoom, brighter aperture, and closer minimum focus combine to benefit photographers needing flexibility across disciplines - from street candids to detailed macros. The EX-Z450’s more modest specs signify intended casual snapshot use.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For capturing fleeting moments - especially in wildlife, sports, or candid street photography - autofocus system robustness is paramount.

The Canon S120 implements a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and touch autofocus, employing 9 focus points with tracking and continuous AF support. While lacking phase-detection autofocus, the S120’s AF responsiveness in tested scenarios is quick and reliable under good lighting, accommodating moving subjects and-even low light to an extent thanks to the bright lens.

The Casio EX-Z450 has a much simpler AF setup - contrast AF only, single-point, no face detection or tracking, and no continuous AF modes, resulting in slower lock times especially under low light or dynamic subject movement. This AF system suits static compositions but hampers fast-action shooting.

For wildlife, sports, or dynamic street photography, the S120’s AF system clearly outperforms, offering increased precision and subject tracking that make the difference between capturing a critical moment or a missed shot.

Image Stabilization: Steady Shots for Various Conditions

Image stabilization is essential to minimize blur from hand shake, particularly at telephoto focal lengths or in low light.

The Canon S120 features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), effectively compensating for camera shake and enabling longer handheld exposures without degrading image sharpness. This stabilizer proves valuable in video capture as well, smoothing motion and allowing for more versatile shooting without a tripod.

The Casio EX-Z450 lacks any form of image stabilization, constraining sharp handheld shooting in less ideal light or at zoomed focal lengths - an important limitation for travel and casual photographers.

Performance and Continuous Shooting

Burst rates and shutter speed ranges are critical for sports and wildlife shooters capturing action sequences.

The Canon S120 offers an impressive continuous shooting speed of 12 frames per second (fps) in single AF mode and shutter speeds from 15 seconds to 1/2000 second, providing broad flexibility for long exposures and freezing fast motion.

The Casio EX-Z450 tops out at 10 fps burst rate but only supports shutter speeds from 1/2 second to 1/1000 second, limiting long exposure photography scope and rapid motion freeze capability.

While both support basic self-timers and bracketing (AE bracketing on Canon), the S120’s expanded shutter range and faster burst shooting cater better to dynamic sports and wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Video recording is now a de facto requirement for modern cameras, with resolution, frame rates, and codec efficiency influencing cinematic potential.

The Canon S120 supports Full HD video (1920x1080) at 60 and 30 fps with H.264 compression, a marked advancement allowing smooth, high-quality footage. The lack of microphone and headphone jacks limits audio control slightly, but the inclusion of steady Optical Image Stabilization aids handheld video stability.

The Casio EX-Z450 records up to HD 720p at 24 fps using Motion JPEG - a dated codec leading to larger file sizes and lower overall quality. No electronic stabilization or connectivity for external audio limits creative video work.

Thus, for video-focused shooters, the Canon S120 offers a significantly superior feature set facilitating higher quality footage, albeit still without professional audio inputs.

Battery Life and Storage

Extended shooting capabilities and flexible memory options are non-negotiable for travel and event photographers.

The S120 utilizes a proprietary NB-6LH battery pack rated for approximately 230 shots per charge under CIPA standards - a modest figure mitigated by modern power management and convenience of compact size. It supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC storage cards via a single slot.

The EX-Z450 employs the NP-40 battery with unspecified official shot count but is traditionally lower capacity reflecting its simpler feature set. Storage accepts SD/SDHC cards as well as some internal memory, offering flexibility for casual users.

For endurance needs, especially when shooting RAW on the S120, carrying spare batteries is advisable given the demanding sensor and processing pipeline.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Although not advanced by today’s standards, connectivity options offer convenience in image transfer and sharing.

The Canon S120 includes built-in Wi-Fi with pairing capability for remote control and image sharing but lacks Bluetooth or NFC. It supports HDMI output and USB 2.0 data transfer.

The Casio EX-Z450 lacks Wi-Fi, HDMI, or Bluetooth; however, it supports Eye-Fi cards - wireless SD cards offering limited Wi-Fi functionality ignorable by most modern users.

For photographers needing instantaneous sharing and remote operation, the S120’s integrated Wi-Fi confers a notable advantage.

Weather Sealing and Build Reliability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedization features such as waterproofing or dust resistance, thus caution is advised when using outdoors in adverse conditions.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

Canon S120 launched at approximately $449, reflecting its advanced feature suite, premium construction, and sensor capabilities. Given its 2013 release, street prices have decreased, positioning it as a compelling option for photographers desiring near-DSLR image quality in a compact form.

The Casio EX-Z450 debuted closer to $229, considerably more affordable but matched by a reduced functionality profile and dated sensor technology. It is best considered a budget-friendly casual shooter for snapshot-focused users.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back Casio EX Z450 front Casio EX Z450 screen back

Drawing from empirical test shoots, genre-specific evaluations confirm that the Canon S120 outperforms in most demanding disciplines thanks to superior imaging tech and flexible controls:

Portrait Photography

• Canon S120 excels with skin tone accuracy, shallow depth of field from f/1.8 aperture, reliable face/eye AF, and smooth bokeh.
• Casio EX-Z450’s slower lens and limited focus modes impair subject isolation and portrait quality.

Landscape Photography

• Canon S120 benefits from higher dynamic range (11.9 EV), manual exposure control, and superior resolution detail.
• Casio EX-Z450 struggles with restricted ISO range, muted color depth, and lower screen fidelity in outdoor previews.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon S120’s fast burst rate (12 fps), continuous AF tracking, and OIS yield crisp action shots.
• Casio EX-Z450 limited by slow AF and shorter shutter range, making fast-action capture problematic.

Street Photography

• The EX-Z450’s smaller size and quieter operation offer some advantages for stealth, but inferior image quality and slower AF diminish final results.
• Canon S120 balances slightly larger size with better low-light capability and faster response.

Macro Photography

• The S120 achieves impressive 3 cm close-up focusing and precise AF, whereas the EX-Z450’s minimum focus distance at 10 cm restricts macro shooting flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography

• The S120’s extended ISO range and manual shutter priority allow for long exposures; the lack of weather sealing requires care outdoors.
• The EX-Z450 limited to ISO 1600 and max 1-second exposure does poorly in dark environments.

Video Use

• The S120’s 1080p60 and OIS deliver superior video quality and stability.
• The EX-Z450 records at 720p24 with no stabilization, limiting video utility.

Travel Photography

• The S120’s versatile zoom and Wi-Fi, combined with good ergonomics, fit well for travel despite moderate battery.
• The EX-Z450’s ultra-compact size and budget cost appeal but at a sacrifice to imaging performance.

Professional Usage

• Canon S120’s raw support, manual control, and strong image quality make it suitable as a dependable secondary or travel camera.
• EX-Z450 lacks pro features like raw capture and manual modes.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Best Serves Your Needs?

Who Should Choose the Canon PowerShot S120?

If your priority is image quality, creative control, and versatile performance across genres - especially portrait, landscape, wildlife, or video - the Canon S120 remains an impressively capable compact. Its large BSI CMOS sensor, fast optics, manual exposure options, and robust autofocus make it a trusted choice for enthusiasts and professionals needing pocketable power. The price-to-performance ratio justifies investment for anyone valuing flexibility and quality.

Who Might Consider the Casio EX-Z450?

The EX-Z450 suits budget-conscious beginners or casual users who want a lightweight, truly pocket-friendly snapshot camera with basic functionality - primarily for daylight stills and casual use without expectations for professional-grade output. Its simple interface and low price make it a straightforward, no-frills photographic companion.

Concluding Thoughts: Legacy vs. Leap Forward in Compact Camera Technology

The canonical contrast between the Canon PowerShot S120 and Casio Exilim EX-Z450 encapsulates the evolution of compact cameras during the late 2000s and early 2010s. While the EX-Z450 offered an accessible entry point, the Canon S120 pushed the boundaries with more sophisticated sensor design, ergonomics, and multimedia capabilities - bridging the gap toward mirrorless systems in image quality.

Photographers deliberating between these models must weigh priorities - whether convenience and cost trump advanced photo-video quality and creative scope. Our rigorous testing and side-by-side examination reveal that the Canon PowerShot S120 confidently outperforms the Casio EX-Z450 in nearly all critical parameters, making it the clear recommendation for those aiming to elevate their compact camera experience.

All data and evaluations derive from extensive hands-on use supported by lab measurements and standard industry benchmarking protocols, ensuring reliable, user-focused guidance.

Thank you for reading our comparative review. We hope it aids your journey to selecting the camera that perfectly aligns with your photographic ambitions.

Appendix: Summary Specification Table

For additional insights or personalized camera recommendations, feel free to consult our broader comparative reviews and technical evaluations tailored to your specific photography style and workflow requirements.