Compact Camera Showdown: Canon PowerShot SX270 HS vs Casio Exilim EX-10

When it comes to small sensor compacts, the choices can be bewilderingly diverse. On one hand, you have the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS, a 2013 superzoom compact tailored for ambitious zoom users wanting decent image quality. On the other, the Casio Exilim EX-10, also 2013 vintage, offers a brighter lens and unusually advanced controls for a compact - a sort of creative compact aimed at enthusiasts. As someone who has scrutinized and hand-tested hundreds of cameras across all kinds of shooting scenarios, I found their duel fascinating - two distinct philosophies encapsulated in very similar form factors. So, grab your metaphorical popcorn (or actual camera strap), and let’s dig deep into the nuances of these little marvels.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Size, Shape, and Handling

Right out of the gate, size and ergonomics can make or break a small camera experience. The Canon SX270 HS measures roughly 106 x 63 x 33 mm and tips the scales at a featherweight 233 grams including battery. In contrast, Casio’s EX-10 stretches larger and heftier at 120 x 68 x 49 mm and 384 grams - clearly chunkier and more substantial in hand, which might appeal to those craving more girth for better grip.

Handling is another story: the Canon’s compactness lends itself to easy slip-in-your-pocket travel, but it also means tight button placement and a slightly cramped grip. Casio compensates with a chunky body that is easier to hold steadily, plus a tilting 3.5-inch touchscreen - yet physically, it’s not as pocketable.

This difference in physical design also reflects their ambitions: the Canon SX270 HS chases zoom versatility and practicality, while the Casio EX-10 aims at creative control and better image quality, demanding a steadier grip and longer handling sessions.

What’s on Top? Controls and User Interface

A camera’s top deck is, metaphorically, its cockpit. It’s where quick decisions happen, and ergonomics matter tremendously. The Canon SX270 HS keeps it classic: a modest array of buttons, a mode dial with manual exposure options, and a compact design that doesn’t overwhelm but can feel fiddly for large-fingered users.

Casio EX-10, on the other hand, breaks from compact camera conventions. Its top view reveals a more analog camera vibe, complete with clearly labeled dials and a customizable mode dial that enthusiast users will find charming and efficient.

The Canon’s build suggests ease and practicality, but it lacks some immediate manual control depth and the magic of touch input. Casio disappoints no fans of tactile controls: every dial and slider feels purposeful and inviting, supplemented by that responsive touchscreen with upward 180° tilt - a boon for unconventional angles and selfies (even if neither camera is explicitly selfie-focused).

Eyes on the Prize: Sensor and Image Quality

Here we start the most crucial conversation - what’s under the hood? Both cameras sport 12-megapixel CMOS sensors, but their sensor sizes and tech choice paint a different image education.

The Canon SX270 HS opts for a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 sq mm). The Casio EX-10 employs a larger 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor at 7.44 x 5.58 mm (41.52 sq mm). This sensor size advantage should theoretically translate to better low-light performance, finer detail retention, and broader dynamic range for the Casio.

In practical terms, this holds true. Testing both in various lighting conditions revealed the Casio handles shadows and highlights with greater nuance, offering cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and usable results even beyond ISO 3200, whereas Canon’s noise floor becomes noticeable much sooner. Color depth on the Casio feels more vibrant and true-to-life thanks to the newer Exilim Engine HS 3 processor, outperforming the Canon’s older Digic 6 in subtle gradation and color accuracy.

In daylight landscape and portrait shots, Casio’s images have more pop and crispness, while Canon’s images are softer, sometimes a little mushy - especially its JPEGs, since the Canon eschews RAW support altogether. That’s an important consideration if you like to double down on post-processing control, as Casio supports RAW capture.

The Backdoor to Creativity: Screens and Interface

Small camera screens are the gateway to composition and feedback - and here Casio’s EX-10 shines bright, literally.

Canon’s fixed 3.0” screen has a modest 461k-dot resolution, which is fine but a bit dull and inflexible, particularly for video framing or waist-level shooting. Casio’s bigger 3.5” screen rocks a sharp 922k-dot count and, crucially, tilts upward 180°, supporting shots from challenging angles or a spur-of-the-moment low capture.

Another point is touch responsiveness: Casio’s touchscreen allows for touch autofocus and menu navigation, making focusing and changing settings notably faster and more intuitive, especially for those who haven’t memorized button combos or are in a rush.

Canon keeps the traditional button-only scheme, which will appeal to purists but feels dated and slower when quick refocusing is required.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach vs Fast Glass

Here’s where the Canon SX270 HS stakes its claim with an impressive 25-500mm equivalent zoom - that’s a hefty 20x optical zoom - from a compact without interchangeable lenses. For birders, sports spectators, and travelers wanting an all-in-one zoom option, this lens is a compelling canvas.

The Casio EX-10 offers only a 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom). However, thanks to its faster f/1.8-2.5 maximum aperture range, it excels in low light and creative depth of field control, allowing for softer backgrounds and better bokeh. The Casio’s macro close focusing distance of 1cm versus Canon’s 5cm also makes it a strong contender for intimate detail shots.

Despite Canon’s longer zoom, the trade-off is slower apertures (f/3.5-6.8), meaning you’ll need more light or higher ISO to maintain shutter speeds - not ideal for handheld wildlife or sports in dimmer conditions. Casio’s lens, though shorter, offers far more flexibility creatively, especially for portraiture and street photography, where subject isolation and background blur can be artistic bread and butter.

Autofocus: Tracking Moving Targets

Autofocus is one of those invisible heroes - when it works flawlessly, you hardly notice; when it falters, chaos ensues.

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus without phase-detection points, typical in compacts of this era. Canon supports face detection but lacks advanced selective or multi-area autofocus, while Casio extends to selective AF and touch AF, giving more control over focusing zones.

Canon’s continuous shooting caps at 4 FPS, manageable but modest for action. Casio doubles that with 10 FPS, which can make all the difference when chasing fast-moving sports or wildlife moments.

In real-world testing - think kids running or dogs fetching - Casio’s faster burst speed combined with accurate touch-selectable AF zones resulted in higher keeper rates. Canon handled slower or static subjects smoothly but had occasional hunting in low contrast or low light.

Neither camera is a sports specialist, but Casio’s autofocus system feels slightly more modern and forgiving under pressure.

Shooting Different Genres with These Cameras

Let’s quickly break down usability across popular photography types - after all, a camera shines when suited to your unique style.

Portraits

Casio’s faster lens and RAW support give it the upper hand. Out-of-camera images display attractive skin tones and a shallow depth of field at 28-50mm equivalents, allowing for creamy bokeh. The Canon’s deeper DOF and slower aperture limit background separation, but face detection helps keep subjects sharp.

Landscapes

Canon’s longer zoom is useful for distant details while traveling, but Casio’s superior dynamic range and sharper sensor yield better landscape rendering in RAW. Neither is weather sealed, so pack a cover for rainy hikes.

Wildlife

Canon’s 20x zoom and optical image stabilization make distant critters more reachable. However, its 4 FPS limit and slower AF can miss fleeting action. Casio’s shorter focal length is a challenge here, though faster burst mode aids in capturing fast sequences when close.

Sports

Casio surges ahead with 10 FPS and touch autofocus, good for indoor sports or casual play. Canon can handle daylight outdoor play but struggles with tracking fast subjects.

Street

Casio’s tilt screen and better low light prowess enhance street shooting creativity. Canon’s small size aids stealth but with compromises on image quality in dim scenes.

Macro

Casio wins hands down with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm giving detailed extreme close-ups, perfect for flora and objects. Canon’s 5 cm minimum distance is less versatile here.

Night and Astro

Larger sensor, higher max ISO (Casio’s 12800 vs Canon’s 6400), and RAW support make Casio better suited for low-light and astrophotography. Canon’s noise rises quickly, limiting quality.

Video Capabilities

Both record full HD 1080p video - Canon up to 60 fps vs Casio’s 30 fps max. Optical stabilization in Canon helps handheld video, but Casio relies on sensor-shift stabilization, which is also effective. Neither provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting sound options.

Travel

Canon’s lighter weight and longer zoom make it an easy travel companion for diverse situations - landscapes to distant monuments. Casio’s better image quality and tilt screen cater more to intentional photography stops rather than walk-and-shoot ease.

Professional Work

Neither camera replaces a pro body, but Casio’s RAW output and precise manual control edge it closer to enthusiast-level workflow integration.

The Nitty-Gritty: Build, Battery, and Connectivity

No small detail escapes a serious photographer’s radar.

• Build Quality: Both cameras use plastic bodies with no weather sealing. Casio feels more robust; Canon is more pocketable but plasticky.
• Battery Life: Canon’s NB-6L lasts about 210 shots per charge, modest for days out. Casio doubles that figure impressively to 455 shots (Li-130A battery). For longer shoots, Casio is less likely to need battery swaps.
• Storage: Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in one slot.
• Connectivity: Casio boasts built-in wireless, enabling easy image transfer. Canon lacks wireless but offers HDMI and USB 2.0 output. Neither have Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

Value Proposition: What Does Your Money Buy?

At a glance, Canon SX270 HS comes in lower around $280 whereas Casio EX-10 trades at a steeper $455 - quite a jump for what many might consider "just a compact."

Is Casio’s bigger sensor, brighter lens, RAW shooting, longer battery, tilt touchscreen, and faster burst mode worth nearly double the price? For many enthusiasts who value image quality and creative control, absolutely yes. For casual users or those on a tight budget wanting a versatile zoom, Canon makes sense.

In Pictures: Direct Visual Comparison

Because words only paint so much, here’s a sample gallery showing comparative results in various light - portraits, landscapes, macro, and low light walking streets.

Canon SX270 HS front Canon SX270 HS screen back Casio EX 10 front Casio EX 10 screen back

Final Scores: Performance in Numbers

Oversimplifying, but here are my rough authoritative scores based on extensive side-by-side benchmarks I performed - balancing ISO noise, autofocus reliability, burst speed, handling, and others.

Casio leads comfortably in image quality, battery life, and handling, while Canon holds ground in zoom range and ergonomics.

Suitability by Photography Genre

Here’s a quick reference on how each camera stacks up genre-wise - so you can see exactly where your passion lands and which camera fits best.

Wrapping It Up: Which Camera Should You Go For?

If you asked me over coffee which camera I’d put in my bag for a casual weekend trip with occasional casual snaps and wildlife hunting, I’d lean on the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS. The extensive zoom and light body make it a practical companion when you want range without bulk or fuss.

However, if I were taking a serious walkabout, seeking better image control, creative flexibility, and plan to shoot portraits, macros, or low light scenes - not to mention wanting to edit my RAW files later - the Casio Exilim EX-10 is the clear winner despite its heft and higher price. Its bigger sensor, faster lens, tilt touchscreen, and superior AF make it far more than just a compact.

My Testing Takeaways

Throughout testing, I appreciated the Canon’s simplicity and convenience but often wished for more creative options and better image output. The Casio felt like a powerful compact camera with pro-level touches - though that came with added weight and cost.

Neither camera is a pro system replacement by any stretch - but each occupies a valuable niche. If you want pure zoom power light as a feather, Canon rewards. Want creative compact flexibility and image quality with enthusiast features? Casio beckons.

In the end - knowing your priorities and shooting style remain king in any camera purchase. Hopefully, this side-by-side assessment sheds light on which combo of specs, performance, and personality fits your photographic journey.

Happy shooting, whatever side you choose!

Appendix: Photography Equipment Evaluation Methodology

For those curious, my evaluation methods for these two cameras (and many others) included:

• Side-by-side shooting in controlled and real environments - studio, natural light, night, indoors, and field.
• ISO noise tests using standard charts and real subject matter to gauge usable ISO ranges.
• Autofocus timing and accuracy measured with moving target tests and review of hit rates.
• Ergonomic assessment through extended handheld shooting sessions focusing on button reach and screen visibility.
• Battery endurance timed across continuous shooting and standby modes.
• Video tests evaluating stabilization, exposure consistency, and focus during recording.
• Image file analysis in original JPEG and RAW files (for Casio) with histogram and color analysis tools.
• Lens testing for sharpness, chromatic aberration, and bokeh quality.

This hands-on empirical approach ensures practical insights grounded in real-user conditions, beyond raw spec sheets.

If you want to dive deeper or have questions about these cameras or other gear, feel free to reach out. Experienced photographers know: the best camera is often the one you understand inside out - and I’m happy to help you get there.