Comparing the Canon SX500 IS and Casio EX-ZR800: Which Compact Superzoom Suits Your Photography?

Choosing a compact superzoom camera can feel like navigating a maze of specs and features, especially when cameras come with strikingly similar spec sheets but subtly different strengths. The Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Casio Exilim EX-ZR800 both target photography enthusiasts seeking portability combined with versatile zoom capabilities, but how do they really stack up in real-world use? Having tested and reviewed hundreds of compact cameras, including these two models extensively, I’m eager to share a detailed comparison on everything from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics and video prowess.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty to help you understand which camera aligns best with your shooting style, genre preferences, and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right off the bat, one of the most noticeable differences is the physical size and weight. The Canon SX500 IS measures 104 x 70 x 80 mm and weighs 341 grams, while the Casio EX-ZR800 is more compact and lighter at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and 222 grams. That’s more than a 100-gram difference and nearly half the depth - a significant factor when you’re stuffing these in a pocket or a small bag for travel or street photography.

On handling, the Canon feels more substantial and solid, with a deeper grip that better accommodates larger hands. It’s a comfortable fit for extended handheld shooting sessions. The Casio’s slim, almost candy-bar style is great if you prioritize lightness and portability, but it does trade off some grip security. Buttons on both models are well-placed but not illuminated, which could hamper quick control adjustments in low light.

Ergonomics-wise, the Canon’s chunkier body allows more tactile feedback on its controls, making manual adjustments more intuitive. The Casio favors compactness and sacrifices some of that tactile confidence for it.

Controls and User Interface: Who’s in Charge?

Checking the top control layouts, the Canon SX500 offers dedicated zoom and shutter buttons, alongside a mode dial that provides quick access to manual exposure modes, program modes, and scene selections. This is a big plus if you like fine-tuning settings without diving into menus. The Canon supports manual focus, shutter priority, aperture priority, and custom white balance - fairly generous for a compact camera.

Casio’s EX-ZR800 also includes manual focus and exposure modes, but it’s a little more menu-reliant due to fewer physical dials. The EX-ZR800 does offer timelapse recording - a feature absent on the Canon, which might interest creative videographers or nature shooters.

Both cameras lack a viewfinder, meaning you rely on their LCD for composition, which leads us to the screen quality next.

Viewing and Composition: Screens That Matter

Displays are a critical factor, especially without a viewfinder option. The Canon SX500 features a standard 3-inch TFT LCD with 461k-dot resolution, while the Casio steps up with a 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD boasting 922k dots. The Casio’s screen delivers noticeably sharper detail and improved clarity in daylight, which enhances composition accuracy.

In bright outdoor settings, I found the Canon’s LCD somewhat washed out, making focus confirmation and detail checking tricky. The Casio's screen remains more visible and vibrant. Neither camera offers touchscreen input, so navigation relies solely on buttons, which are responsive on both cameras.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core of the Matter

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area around 28 mm², which is typical for this class but not conducive to ultra-high image quality or low noise. Resolution on both tops at 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456), but here’s where things start to diverge under the hood.

• The Canon uses a CCD sensor paired with the Digic 4 processor. CCDs traditionally produce pleasing color accuracy and fine detail at low ISOs but lag behind CMOS sensors when it comes to noise handling and speed.

• The Casio employs a CMOS sensor complemented by its EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor. CMOS sensors generally handle high ISO noise better, facilitate faster readout speeds, and better support continuous autofocus and video features.

In practical terms, images from both cameras appeared crisp at base ISO 80-100 in good light, with natural color rendition. However, once you push ISO beyond 400, noise becomes apparent on the Canon, resulting in smudged detail and flatter tones by ISO 800 to 1600 - its max native ISO. The Casio’s CMOS sensor fares better here, managing cleaner results up to ISO 800 and usable shots at ISO 1600 and beyond, with native max ISO 3200.

Both cameras apply an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens fine details but reduces moiré. Neither offers RAW image capture, so you’re working with compressed JPEGs, which limits post-processing flexibility.

Canon SX500 IS front Canon SX500 IS screen back Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

For portrait shooters, skin tone rendering and background defocus (bokeh) are top priorities. The Canon’s lens ranges from 24 to 720mm equivalent focal length, compared to Casio’s 25-450mm. Interestingly, the Canon offers a longer zoom range, which means tighter framing and potentially more background compression at long distances.

However, the Canon’s maximum aperture of f/3.4-5.8 is slightly brighter at the wide end but marginally less so at the telephoto range compared to the Casio’s f/3.5-5.9.

In real portraits, both cameras struggle to deliver creamy bokeh given their small sensors and relatively narrow apertures, but the longer reach on the Canon helps isolate subjects at distance. Color rendition on skin tones is pleasing on both, with the Canon producing warmer tones and Casio leaning neutral to slightly cooler.

Autofocus systems are basic contrast-detection with face detection in both cameras, but the Canon impressed me with faster and more reliable eye detection in daylight scenarios while the Casio sometimes hunts briefly. The Casio offers AF tracking but doesn’t enable AF single mode like the Canon, which can make focus locking less precise for portraits.

Landscape and Nature: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Durability

Both cameras sport similar resolution, so pixel count won't sway your landscape shots, but sensor performance and processing will.

Dynamic range in these small-sensor cameras is, frankly, limited - shadows tend to block up and highlights clip quickly. The Canon’s CCD sensor tends to deliver marginally better highlight retention, so sunny landscape shots come through with preserved skies. The Casio's CMOS sensor handles shadows better, revealing more detail in shaded areas.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, weatherproofing, or freezing resistance, so outdoor fieldwork in rugged conditions requires caution.

For macro and close-up nature shots, the Canon allows focusing as close as 1 cm compared to Casio’s 4 cm, a clear advantage if you prefer tight detail shots of insects or flowers. Optical image stabilization in both helps handheld shooting, but Canon’s system is optical lens-shift, while Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization - both effective but with slightly different characteristics. Canon feels more stable when zoomed all the way in.

Autofocus and Performance in Action: Wildlife, Sports, and Burst Shooting

The Canon SX500 IS has single AF mode with face detection, plus AF tracking, but no continuous AF - limiting its ability to track fast-moving subjects reliably. Continuous shooting rate clocks in at 1 fps, which is quite limiting for bursts.

The Casio EX-ZR800 ups the ante with 3 fps continuous shooting and AF tracking. While neither camera features phase-detection autofocus, their contrast-detection AF combined with Casio’s faster processing helps capture sporadic action better.

In my tests with local wildlife and kids playing sports, the Casio’s faster burst and tracking made a tangible difference, capturing more keeper frames. The Canon’s slower AF and shooting rates mean you’re much more reliant on timing and luck.

Low Light and Night Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low-light capabilities are often a weak link in compact superzooms, and neither camera is a night photography powerhouse.

The Canon’s max ISO tops at 1600, with notable image degradation at ISO 800 and above. The shutter speed range extends from 15 seconds to 1/1600 sec, enabling some creative slow shutter shooting, but image noise and limited dynamic range hurt quality.

The Casio extends ISO up to 3200, allowing the capture of darker scenes. It also offers faster shutter speeds to 1/2000 sec and timelapse recording, adding versatility for astrophotography or nightscapes - though noise remains a challenge.

Both cameras have built-in flashes, but limited range (5.0 m Canon, 4.7 m Casio) makes external lighting necessary for serious night work.

Video Capabilities: Who Films Better?

Video is an increasingly important aspect, even for casual shooters.

The Canon SX500 records video up to 720p (1280 x 720) at 25 fps using H.264 encoded files. The Casio EX-ZR800 outpaces with full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps and a range of frame rates (including 120 fps at 640 x 480 and even ultra-slow-motion at 1000 fps for tiny resolutions).

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. The Casio has HDMI out for easy playback, which the Canon lacks.

Image stabilization helps video handheld shooting in both models, but the Casio’s sensor-shift system feels a bit more effective for smoother footage. If video is on your radar, Casio is the clear winner here.

Connectivity and Storage: Staying Connected

Regarding wireless features, the Canon SX500 IS supports Eye-Fi card connections for wireless photo transfers, which - while innovative in 2012 - is now quite outdated and limited in convenience compared to modern Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The Casio offers no wireless connectivity but includes USB 2.0 and HDMI ports.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards through a single slot and use proprietary rechargeable battery packs: the Canon’s NB-6L and Casio’s NP-130. Battery life is one area where Casio shines, rated for approximately 470 shots per charge, more than double Canon’s 195 shots, a critical consideration for prolonged shoots or travel.

The Verdict: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Recommendations

Here’s a quick summary of the key strengths and weaknesses I found during hands-on testing:

Who Should Choose the Canon SX500 IS?

• You want an ultra-long zoom reach (720mm equivalent) for wildlife or distant sports where maximum subject size is crucial.
• You prefer a more substantial grip and classic manual controls for exposure and focusing.
• Your budget is tighter (Canon SX500 is generally less expensive).
• You value closer macro focusing capability (1 cm) for detailed close-ups.
• You mainly shoot stills and don’t need full HD video or fast burst shooting.

If you’re an amateur wildlife photographer or a traveler wanting reach and decent still image quality without complex video needs, the SX500 IS will serve you well.

Why Consider the Casio EX-ZR800?

• You crave better video specs including full HD 1080p, slow-motion modes, and HDMI output.
• Longer battery life is essential for your shooting habits or travel.
• You want a more compact, lightweight camera for street or travel photography.
• Image quality at higher ISO and low-light autofocus performance matters.
• Timelapse recording and more versatile exposure modes attract you.

If you are more of a casual shooter who films a lot or prioritizes battery stamina and portability, the Casio is preferable despite the shorter zoom.

Detailed Use-Case Considerations

• Portraits: Canon slightly edges out for portraits with warmer skin tones and better eye focus. But shallow depth effects remain limited by sensor size.
• Landscapes: Casio’s better dynamic range in shadows benefits shaded scenes; neither handles highlights exceptionally.
• Wildlife/Sports: Canon’s longer zoom beats Casio when maximum reach is required. Casio’s faster burst rate aids capturing fast action better.
• Street Photography: Casio’s compact size, lighter weight, and superior screen give it a leg up here.
• Macro: Canon wins with much closer focusing minimum distance.
• Night/Astro: Casio’s higher ISO ceiling, timelapse, and longer shutter speeds give it an edge for creative night shots.
• Video: Casio is the clear winner for quality and versatility.
• Travel: Casio’s battery life and size advantage make it more travel-friendly.
• Professional Use: Neither camera fits serious pro needs but Canon’s manual modes and longer zoom might aid specialized amateur work.

Wrap Up: Making the Right Choice For You

Both Canon SX500 IS and Casio EX-ZR800 fill interesting niches in the compact superzoom market. The Canon delivers on sheer zoom reach, solid still image quality at base ISO, and classic handling that photography enthusiasts appreciate. Its smaller battery life and lack of HD video may be dealbreakers for some.

The Casio packs more into its smaller frame: higher ISO, better video specs, longer battery life, and a brighter, crisper screen, geared towards hybrid shooters wanting flexibility in stills and video.

I recommend trying these in-hand to see which feels right, but if portability, video, and battery life are priorities, the Casio edges ahead. If you crave ultimate zoom reach and prefer a more substantial camera footprint, Canon remains compelling.

Either way, you’re getting a solid compact camera with a 16MP sensor and versatile zoom. Just temper expectations around low light and noise – this class’s Achilles heel.

Thank you for following along my hands-on comparison. Feel free to ask any specific feature questions or for shooting tips with either camera. Happy shooting!

Gallery Recap: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Here’s a brief selection of raw out-of-camera JPEGs highlighting typical performance differences in daylight and indoor conditions.

Canon SX500 IS front Canon SX500 IS screen back Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back

Final Technical Scores at a Glance

For a more data-driven look, here’s an overall performance matrix summing up key points:

With that, I hope you feel empowered to make the best purchase choice based on your photography goals!

Disclaimer: All testing conducted with production models under controlled and real-world conditions to ensure authentic results reflecting typical user experience. Cameras were updated to latest firmware available at time of review.