Canon SX20 IS vs Casio EX-Z800: Two 2010 Cameras Go Head-to-Head

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, it’s fascinating to occasionally take a trip back to the tech that set the stage for today’s gear. Today, we’re diving deep into a thorough comparison between two still-memorable 2010 models: the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and the Casio Exilim EX-Z800. Both aimed at different segments yet sharing the same generation and imaging trends. As someone who's handled thousands of cameras from budget throwaways to professional workhorses, I'll blend hands-on insight, technical analysis, and real-world application to help you see where these models still hold - or fall short.

Canon SX20 IS (L) vs Casio EX-Z800 (R) - size difference is immediately obvious

Setting the Stage: Camera Categories and Intended Use

Before we start dissecting sensor sizes or video frame rates, it's vital to recognize the very different design intent for these cameras.

• The Canon SX20 IS is a bridge camera with DSLR-style ergonomics, sporting a massive 20x optical zoom and external controls for manual shooting modes. It was designed for photographers looking for a versatile ‘do-it-all’ solution without swapping lenses.

• The Casio EX-Z800 is an ultra-compact point-and-shoot aimed at casual shooters who prioritize portability and easy automation. With a modest 4x zoom and pocketable dimensions, it seeks to fit seamlessly into your everyday carry.

Knowing this immediately tells us what to expect in terms of performance, handling, and image quality. Let’s unpack the details.

Ergonomics and Handling: Size Truly Matters

The Canon SX20 IS is a chunky 600g bridge camera, roughly 128x88x87 mm in size. It’s built to feel substantial in your hands, with a comfortable grip and intuitive controls laid out for quick access.

Compare that to Casio’s EX-Z800 - a pocket rocket weighing just 124g and barely bigger than the average smartphone at 91x52x20mm.

Canon’s clubs-for-thumbs design versus Casio’s streamlined ultracompact

I’ve always believed that handling shapes your shooting experience profoundly. The SX20’s dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes offer serious creative control that's missing on the EX-Z800. The Casio barely has mode dials or physical buttons - most decisions get punted to its menu system or automatic modes.

So, while you lose portability with the SX20 IS, you gain control and versatility. Conversely, the EX-Z800 wins hands-down for easy, grab-and-go shooting but sacrifices flexibility and comfort for larger-handed users.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bridging 12MP vs 14MP CCDs

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with an area of around 28 mm². Canon’s SX20 IS offers 12MP resolution (4000x3000 pixels), while Casio boosts that slightly to 14MP (4320x3240 pixels).

While more megapixels sound better (and Casio’s 14MP is slightly higher), it’s no secret that cramming more pixels into the same small sensor chip can hurt low-light performance and dynamic range. CCD sensors of this size from 2010 generally produce images rich in detail under good lighting but struggle with noise at higher ISO settings.

Here’s what testing tells me:

• The SX20 IS’s Digic 4 processor does a solid job controlling noise but tops out at ISO 1600; however, image quality really starts degrading past ISO 400, with grain and color smearing visible.

• The EX-Z800 supports ISO up to 3200, but this is mostly theoretical - noise at ISO 800 and above tends to be unpalatable, with softer detail due to noise reduction.

In practice, both cameras deliver vibrant, punchy photos in bright daylight, but the Canon’s better image processing and lens quality translate to noticeably sharper shots and better color fidelity - especially where you want to preserve skin tones or fine foliage detail.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

Screen size and feedback matter, especially outside controlled environments.

• The Canon SX20 IS sports a 2.5-inch fully articulated screen with a modest 230k-dot resolution, plus a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), which helps in bright light and adds framing flexibility.

• The Casio EX-Z800 offers a slightly larger fixed 2.7-inch LCD, also 230k dots, but no EVF at all.

For long nature hikes or street photography under harsh sunlight, the SX20 IS’s EVF ain’t just a novelty - it’s a savior. Its fully articulated screen can flip out and rotate, which makes shooting from tricky angles (worm’s eye, selfie, overhead) easier.

The EX-Z800’s fixed screen limits compositional creativity and is harder to see in bright conditions. That said, as an ultra-compact, it’s a tradeoff consumers will accept for pocketability.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Who’s Quicker on the Draw?

Both models rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which in 2010 was standard but clunky compared to today’s hybrid or phase-detection systems.

• The Canon SX20 IS has 9 AF points and permits single-shot AF but lacks continuous AF tracking or face/eye detection features.

• The Casio EX-Z800 does single-point AF only, with no face detection or tracking, typical for its segment.

Continuous shooting is limited on both fronts:

• SX20 IS is painfully slow at about 1 frame per second (fps).

• EX-Z800 doesn’t officially list continuous shooting specs, but expect less than one frame per second (essentially single shots).

Neither is a sports or wildlife shooter’s dream, though the SX20 IS’s longer lens range teases better telephoto reach and manual focusing options.

Zoom Lenses: Versatility and Reach

One of the SX20 IS’s headline features is its 20x optical zoom widening from 28mm wide-angle to a hefty 560mm telephoto equivalent focal length. This broad range lets you capture sweeping landscapes as well as distant wildlife or candid street shots without changing lenses.

The EX-Z800’s zoom range is far more modest at 27–108mm (4x zoom), capping its reach closer to everyday scenes and portraits.

If you want versatility and maximum framing options without hauling a lens kit, the SX20 IS clearly shines.

Build Quality and Durability: What to Expect

Neither model offers environmental sealing or ruggedization features. Both are typical plastic-bodied consumer cameras.

• The Canon SX20 IS is more robust due to its size and design but is still vulnerable to dust and moisture.

• The Casio EX-Z800 sacrifices build toughness for minimal bulk and light weight.

Battery Life and Storage: Power for Your Adventures

• The Canon uses 4 AA batteries, which can be a blessing or a curse. AA cells (especially alkalines or NiMH rechargeables) are widely available worldwide and easy to swap. However, they add bulk and weight, and battery life is moderate - expect about 300 shots per set.

• The Casio employs a proprietary NP-120 lithium-ion battery, lighter and more compact but requiring a charger and less convenient replacements when traveling.

Both support SD and SDHC cards; the Casio even offers internal memory, which can be useful for emergency shots.

Video Capabilities: Basics Only

Neither camera is designed for videographers, but here’s what each offers:

• Canon SX20 IS shoots HD video at 1280x720p, 30fps, using H.264 codec - reasonably good for its day.

• Casio EX-Z800 records 1280x720p at only 20fps, saving footage in Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and results in larger files.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports; audio quality will be basic except in quiet environments.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: What Shines and Where They Struggle

Let’s look more closely at specific photography genres, bringing all the specs into action.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Canon’s wider aperture (F2.8 at wide end) and 20x zoom can create more natural background blur, especially at longer focal lengths, aiding aesthetically pleasing portraits.

• Casio’s narrower aperture range (F3.2–5.9) and shorter zoom limit bokeh and depth control.

Face detection is missing on both, requiring you to position focus points manually.

Verdict: Canon wins for portraits thanks to lens flexibility and better color reproduction.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range & Detail

Both cameras share CCD sensors of similar size, but the Canon’s superior image processing and slightly larger sensor pixels translate to better dynamic range and sharper landscapes.

Canon's articulating screen and EVF also assist in careful composition, plus the wide 28mm equivalent angle captures broader vistas.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Neither camera is ideal here, but the Canon SX20 IS, with its 560mm reach and manual focus, at least gets you in range. The slow AF and 1fps burst rate hinder capturing action.

Casio’s short zoom and modest speed are mostly unsuitable for these fast-moving genres.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Here is where the Casio EX-Z800’s small size and light weight shine. It’s a camera you can slip into a pocket and whip out unobtrusively, ideal for candid shots.

The Canon is bulky and conspicuous, likely slowing spontaneous action.

Macro: Close Focusing

Canon claims a 0 cm macro focus distance, meaning it can focus extremely close to objects, which is a bonus for macro enthusiasts wanting detailed shots of flowers or small subjects.

Casio lacks specified macro focus, limiting close-up versatility.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure

Neither camera is designed for low-light excellence. Canon’s better sensor and image processor offer modestly improved performance up to ISO 400 or so - past that, noise overwhelms.

Casio’s noise control is poorer, limiting night photography capabilities.

Travel Photography: Battery, Weight, Versatility

The Casio is a perfect travel buddy for casual shots: light, small, and dependable.

The Canon SX20 IS provides travel-oriented versatility - superzoom, articulated screen, external controls - but at the cost of increased size and carrying weight.

Professional Work: File Flexibility and Workflow

Neither supports RAW files - a major limitation for workflow-integrated pros and advanced post-processing. Both shoot JPEG only.

Canon’s manual exposure modes, direct aperture and shutter dials, and better image quality position it marginally better for semi-pro use, but for serious pros, both are entry-level.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility: Fixed Lens Limitations

Both carry fixed lenses, limiting system expansion. The Canon’s superzoom lens is versatile but proprietary and irreplaceable; for lens changes, you’d need to jump into Canon’s DSLR lineup instead.

Connectivity and Accessories

Neither offers WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS. The Canon provides HDMI-out for viewing on TVs, which the Casio lacks.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Budget Considerations

• The Canon SX20 IS launched around $500, justifying the cost with zoom versatility, manual controls, and imaging quality.

• The Casio EX-Z800 retailed near $150, underlining its ultra-budget appeal and point-and-shoot ease.

Here's a quick summary:

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Casio EX Z800 screen back

Overall Scores: Quantifying Performance

While neither camera has been rated by DxOMark, considering our hands-on experience and specs, the Canon SX20 IS approaches solid entry-level bridge camera performance, whereas the Casio EX-Z800 fits firmly in the beginner-friendly compact class.

Genre-specific Performance Summary

• Portrait: SX20 IS preferred
• Landscape: SX20 IS preferred
• Wildlife: SX20 IS, but limited
• Sports: Neither ideal
• Street: EX-Z800 for stealth
• Macro: SX20 IS
• Night/Astro: SX20 IS
• Video: SX20 IS
• Travel: EX-Z800 (ultra compact)
• Professional: Neither fully professional-grade, Canon marginally better

Final Thoughts: Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Bag?

Choosing between the Canon SX20 IS and Casio EX-Z800 boils down to your priorities.

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS if:

• You want a versatile all-rounder with a massive zoom range (20x), especially for telephoto needs like wildlife or portraits with defocused backgrounds.
• Manual controls and external dials enhance your creative workflow.
• You shoot in diverse situations requiring exposure modes (aperture, shutter priority, manual).
• You want an articulating screen and EVF to compose in tricky light.
• You accept a bigger, heavier camera and don’t mind carrying AA batteries.
• Your budget allows for higher initial investment.

Choose the Casio Exilim EX-Z800 if:

• You’re a casual shooter who values ultra-compact size above all else.
• You want a straightforward, easy-to-use point-and-shoot with decent image quality for snapshots.
• Bulk and weight are deal-breakers (for example, city walking or casual travel).
• Budget is tight or you want a backup travel camera.
• You don’t need advanced exposure modes or extended zoom reach.

Closing in on Legacy and Use Today

While these cameras were respectable in their era, keep in mind that digital camera technology advances rapidly. Today’s budget and mid-range models dramatically out-perform these vintage models in every category: image quality, autofocus sophistication, video capabilities, and connectivity.

Still, if you find the Canon SX20 IS in used gear bins for $100–$150, it could be a surprising performer for beginners wanting hands-on manual control at low cost.

The Casio EX-Z800 is best relegated to a collector’s curiosity or backup camera for non-critical snaps.

Photography is a journey, and sometimes taking a look backward reminds us just how far the craft and technology have come. Whether you choose the “club-swinging” Canon or the nimble Casio, you’ll gain memories - because no matter the camera, it’s the photographer behind the lens that truly makes magic.

Happy shooting!