Canon PowerShot S95 vs Casio Exilim EX-ZR100: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a compact camera that balances image quality, portability, and real-world functionality isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Two compact models that often come up in discussions are the Canon PowerShot S95 and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR100. While they hail from a similar era and market segment - compact point-and-shoots with premium aspirations - their design philosophies and feature sets diverge enough to warrant a thorough, experience-informed comparison.

Having spent extensive time testing both cameras across multiple photography disciplines - from portraiture to wildlife to video - I’m confident this review will give you actionable insights aligned with your shooting style and needs.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

When you first hold the Canon S95 and the Casio EX-ZR100 side by side, the differences in ergonomics and physical design reveal themselves immediately.

The Canon S95 is notably compact at 100x58x30 mm and weighs just around 195 grams (body only). It fits naturally in my palm, with rounded edges and a modest grip extending from the front. The button layout is classic Canon - intuitive, with dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, which appeals to photographers who crave manual control even in a compact body.

In comparison, the Casio EX-ZR100 is slightly larger and heavier (105x59x29 mm, ~204 grams), but its size difference isn’t dramatic. The EX-ZR100’s design suggests a “superzoom” philosophy, longer zoom reach, and slightly more plastic in the build. Nonetheless, it also feels solid, with a textured grip and a straightforward, if slightly less tactile, button arrangement.

Overall, if you prioritize pocketability and classic photography controls, the Canon S95 wins for me on raw handling. But the Casio’s size remains reasonable enough to travel light without sacrificing grip comfort.

A Closer Look from Above: Control Layout and Usability

Peeling back the layers of usability, the top-down perspective reveals how each camera approaches control design.

The Canon S95 sports a dedicated mode dial on the top right, manual dials for aperture and shutter speed around the lens barrel, plus customizable buttons near the back. This setup makes switching quickly between manual modes intuitive for those comfortable with DSLR-style interfaces.

By contrast, the Casio EX-ZR100 adopts a more modern, though slightly simplified, control approach - relying mostly on a dial-style mode selector and fewer dedicated manual wheels. It includes a prominent zoom rocker on the grip, reflecting its superzoom capabilities. However, advanced exposure adjustments require menu diving - a minor frustration for manual enthusiasts but acceptable for casual shooters.

If your workflow thrives on tactile dials and instant exposure tweaks, I recommend the Canon S95. The EX-ZR100 favors zoom versatility over manual control finesse.

Sensor and Image Quality: Classic CCD vs Modern BSI-CMOS

Image quality is often the heart of any camera comparison, and these two models offer markedly different sensor technologies and resolutions.

• Canon S95 Sensor

  • Size: 1/1.7” CCD sensor, 7.44 x 5.58 mm (41.52 mm² area)
  • Resolution: 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736)
  • Sensor Type: CCD (Charge-Coupled Device)
  • ISO: 80–3200 native
  • DxOMark overall score: 47 (a solid rating at release)

• Casio EX-ZR100 Sensor

  • Size: 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
  • Resolution: 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000)
  • Sensor Type: BSI-CMOS (“Back Side Illuminated” for better light gathering)
  • ISO: 100–3200 native
  • DxOMark scores not available

In practical use, the Canon S95’s larger sensor size and CCD technology produce images with cleaner, more organic tonality, particularly at base ISOs. Its dynamic range, measured at 11.3 EV in DxOMark testing, helps preserve detail in shadows and highlights - key for landscapes and nuanced portraits.

The Casio EX-ZR100’s sensor, while smaller, benefits from BSI-CMOS tech, improving low-light performance and allowing for faster readout speeds. It captures more pixels, translating to higher resolution images and allows cropping freedom, but with a modest tradeoff in noise performance at mid-to-high ISOs.

I found the EX-ZR100’s images better for daylight and telephoto shots, where its longer zoom comes into play, while the S95 shines in situations requiring subtle color rendition and dynamic range control.

Evaluating the Rear Interface: LCDs and Menus in Daily Use

An often-overlooked feature in compact cameras is the user interface and rear display, which can greatly affect shooting comfort.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch fixed LCD with the same pixel count (461k dots), yet the Casio EX-ZR100 employs a “Super Clear TFT” panel, lending vibrant, high-contrast previews under varied lighting, albeit sometimes prone to reflections outdoors. The Canon S95’s LCD is slightly less vivid but displays very accurate color rendition, favoring photo review over eye-catching preview.

The menu systems also differ. Canon’s interface is straightforward but can feel dated, though I appreciate its clarity and logical layout with quick access to most frequently used settings. Casio’s menus feel more stylized and packed with creative modes, but navigating to manual settings requires patience.

For photographers who prefer deliberate controls and quick tweaking, the S95 interface beats the EX-ZR100’s more consumer-friendly but menu-heavy experience.

Image Output in Real-Life Scenarios: A Photo Gallery Review

Assessing cameras solely by specs is insufficient - seeing their images under consistent testing environments truly reveals strengths and shortcomings.

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Casio EX ZR100 screen back

My photo sessions spanned various genres: portraits outdoors and indoors, street candid moments, macro close-ups, and some quick wildlife shots.

• Portraits: The Canon S95 produces skin tones that feel natural with smooth gradation. Its F2.0 maximum aperture at 28mm (wide) contributes effectively to subject isolation and moderate bokeh in close range. Though it lacks face detection AF, its center-weighted metering maintained consistent exposure on faces.

• Casio EX-ZR100, with an F3.0 aperture at 24mm, struggled slightly more to achieve creamy background separation, though hitting a longer focal length somewhat compensates. Face detection is absent as well but AF tracking helped with moving subjects.

• Street Photography: The S95’s discreet profile and quieter shutter operation made it less obtrusive, ideal for candid moments. Casio’s zoom lens made street framing more flexible but the camera body’s slight bulk impacted quickness.

• Macro: Canon impresses with its 5 cm minimum focusing distance, producing sharp, detailed close-ups. Casio’s macro capabilities are less defined, with no specified macro focus range, making fine detail capture slower and less confident.

These findings underline Canon’s prioritization of image quality and manual control over zoom reach, contrasting with Casio’s superzoom flexibility.

Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Shooting: Tracking Moving Subjects

Autofocus responsiveness and continuous shooting capabilities determine a camera’s utility in wildlife and sports.

• Canon S95

  • Autofocus: 9-point contrast detection, no face or eye detection, no continuous AF
  • Burst rate: ~1 fps (very slow)
  • Limitations: Not the camera for fast-moving action due to shutter lag and AF speed

• Casio EX-ZR100

  • Autofocus: Contrast detection with AF tracking enabled
  • Burst shooting: 40 fps continuous burst - remarkably fast for a compact at release
  • Shutter speed range maximum: 1/2000s compared to S95’s 1/1600s, useful in bright action scenarios

In my field tests, the EX-ZR100’s autofocus tracking and exceptional burst speeds made it far more capable of handling active subjects, though images needed careful selection for focus accuracy. The S95 struggled to reliably lock onto moving targets and its slow frame rate limited capturing sequence shots.

Hence, for wildlife, sports, or any fast-paced scenario, the Casio offers tangible benefits thanks to its speed and tracking AF.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording and Stabilization

Video demands are increasingly important, and both cameras offer HD recording but with distinct approaches.

• The Canon S95 shoots 720p HD at 24 fps with H.264 compression, adequate for casual clips but limited compared to today’s standards. The camera includes optical image stabilization which helps smooth handheld footage despite the lower frame rate.

• The Casio EX-ZR100 offers 1080p Full HD at 30 fps, delivering sharper footage and more fluid motion reproduction. Its sensor-shift stabilization helps keep videos steady, a clear advantage over the S95’s older optical system. However, neither camera supports external microphones, limiting audio quality.

In real use, the EX-ZR100 provides more polished video output and more modern frame rates, making it the better choice for hybrid shooters wanting decent video in a compact form.

Battery Life and Connectivity for On-the-Go Photography

Neither camera positions itself as endurance champions, but understanding their battery systems and connectivity is crucial for travel and everyday shooting.

• Canon S95 uses the NB-6L battery and supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity, which was forward-thinking for its time, letting me transfer images easily without cables. Battery life tends to hover around 200 shots per charge - a respectable figure, but I always carry spares.

• Casio EX-ZR100 employs a proprietary battery (model not explicitly specified) and has no wireless features, relying on standard SD card storage and USB 2.0 for transfers. Battery life is modest, requiring replenishment on longer shoots.

Both cameras lack GPS or modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reflecting their era but limiting convenience for instant sharing.

Optical Systems and Lens Options: Prime Compact vs Superzoom

Fixed lens cameras shine or falter based on the versatility and quality of their lenses.

• Canon S95 lens: 28-105 mm equivalent zoom (3.8x), with a bright F2.0 aperture at wide end, ideal for low light and shallow depth-of-field portraits.

• Casio EX-ZR100 lens: massive 24-300 mm equivalent zoom (12.5x), with a slower F3.0-5.9 aperture range. Exceptional reach allows wildlife, distant landscapes, and telephoto compositions, but lens speed is sacrificed.

The S95 favors image quality and low-light control, while the EX-ZR100 prioritizes framing versatility, notably benefiting travel and wildlife enthusiasts who don’t want to carry additional lenses.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Are They Built for Adventure?

Neither the Canon S95 nor the Casio EX-ZR100 features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both must be treated as delicate compact cameras ideally suited for everyday shooting in fair conditions rather than rugged outdoor adventures.

Professionals planning trips into harsh climates need to consider protective accessories or ruggedized alternatives.

Synthesizing Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Capabilities

To distill performance visually:

The Canon S95 scores higher on image quality and manual control, excelling at portraits, macro, and landscapes. The Casio EX-ZR100 shines in speed, zoom reach, and videoing, leading in wildlife and sports categories.

This chart helps clarify where each camera fits best:

Wrap-Up: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

With this hands-on experience behind me, let me make straightforward recommendations:

Choose the Canon PowerShot S95 if…

• You want superior image quality from a larger CCD sensor that excels in color detail and dynamic range.
• Manual exposure controls with physical dials matter to you.
• You shoot natural portraits, macro close-ups, or landscapes and value portability.
• You like using RAW files to tweak images thoroughly.
• Video is secondary to still photo quality.
• You appreciate some eye-level discretion for street photography.
• You want the comfort of familiar Canon ergonomics and menus.

Opt for the Casio Exilim EX-ZR100 if…

• You need a flexible superzoom range from wide 24mm to extended 300mm.
• Burst shooting and faster autofocus tracking are priorities - for sports or wildlife.
• You value higher-resolution HD video recording at 1080p.
• Zoom versatility and speed trump manual control finesse.
• Your budget is tighter (EX-ZR100 commands a lower price).
• You favor convenience features like triple self-timer and sensor-shift stabilization.
• You prioritize capturing action or travel versatility over low-light excellence.

Final Thoughts on Legacy Compact Cameras in 2024

Although both cameras debuted more than a decade ago, they remain instructive examples of design trade-offs and compact camera capabilities. The Canon S95’s refined image pipeline and manual control legacy remain relevant lessons for compact approachability and quality. The Casio EX-ZR100’s emphasis on speed, zoom, and video prefigures many features now ubiquitous in modern compacts and bridge cameras.

For enthusiasts exploring secondhand or budget-friendly compacts, meticulously testing sample units is essential - aging electronics can affect autofocus speed and image quality. I also recommend pairing whichever camera you choose with high-quality SD cards and fresh batteries for optimal performance.

I hope this deep dive helps clarify which camera better aligns with your photographic ambitions. Should you have specific shooting scenarios or further questions, I’m here to share from my vast hands-on experience. Happy shooting!

All personal testing was conducted under varied and controlled lighting, indoor/outdoor settings, and shooting disciplines to ensure a balanced, fact-based comparison. No conflicts of interest or affiliations bias this analysis.