Canon SX520 HS vs Casio EX-FS10

Compact Zoom Contenders: Canon SX520 HS vs Casio EX-FS10 – An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can feel like walking into a candy store with thousands of tempting options. As someone who has tested hundreds of models over 15 years - from pro-grade DSLRs to ultracompacts - I know the importance of peeling back the specifications to reveal their real-world meaning. Today, we dive into a thorough, hands-on comparison between two budget-friendly, small-sensor compacts: the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-FS10. At first glance, they seem to cater to similar users: casual shooters and travelers wanting a simple camera without swapping lenses. But scratch beneath the surface, and their design philosophies, performance traits, and practical usability start to diverge sharply.

In this article, I’ll break down their physical ergonomics, sensor technology, autofocus behavior, image quality, video features, and more - spanning a wide range of photographic scenarios including portrait, landscape, macro, and low light. Armed with this information, you should be able to pick the camera that fits your style, budget, and photographic ambitions. Let’s jump in.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Carry Comfort Meets Control Accessibility

When testing cameras, handling ranks near the top of my criteria - how the camera feels in your hand, the intuitiveness of controls, and transportability can decisively influence your shooting experience.

The Canon SX520 HS impresses as a bulkier compact superzoom, topping out its zoom range with a monster 42x optical zoom (24-1008mm equivalent). Its physical dimensions are substantial, measuring 120mm wide, 82mm tall, and 92mm thick, and weighing 441 grams. This heft isn’t cumbersome, rather it offers a stable grip and a sense of durability. The Canon’s rounded contours and rubberized grip area make holding it for extended periods comfortable - even for users with larger hands or those who prefer some weight for steadiness.

Compare that with the Casio EX-FS10: an ultracompact slip-in-your-pocket model at just 102 x 55 x 20 mm and a featherweight 121 grams. Its all-plastic construction screams portability, ideal for minimalists or those wanting a no-fuss travel companion. However, that diminutive size comes with caveats - its tiny form factor can feel fiddly for users with bigger fingers or those accustomed to more tactile buttons.

Looking at the top view control layout, the Canon excels with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and zoom control, providing effortless one-handed adjustments - a boon during dynamic shooting conditions. In contrast, the Casio’s button arrangement is sparse; while sufficient for casual snaps, it lacks quick-access controls that advanced users require for fast tweaking.

My takeaway: If you value comfortable handling and physical controls that invite you to experiment creatively, the Canon SX520 HS wins hands down. The Casio prioritizes pocketability at the expense of ergonomics - great for quick shots but less so for deliberate photography sessions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Punching Above These Cameras’ Weight Classes?

Both cameras share a common sensor size: the compact 1/2.3" sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, translating to a sensor area of 28.07 mm². This sensor class is typical for consumer compacts - offering convenience and cost efficiency but limitations in noise control and dynamic range due to the small photosites.

The Canon SX520 HS sports a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s Digic 4+ processor. The backside illuminated (BSI) design theoretically boosts light gathering efficiency, helping low-light noise and dynamic range. In my tests, the Canon produced reasonably detailed images, especially in good light. It handled ISO 100–800 well, with moderate noise kicking in at ISO 1600 and becoming noticeable at ISO 3200 - the sensor’s max native ISO. The Canon supports all major aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9), adding compositional flexibility often overlooked in entry-level compacts.

On the other hand, the Casio EX-FS10 features a 9-megapixel CMOS sensor without BSI technology, limiting its light sensitivity. Its native ISO tops at 1600, but image noise climbs faster compared to the Canon, making low-light shots noticeably grainier by ISO 800. Resolution-wise, the Casio’s 3456 x 2592 pixels provide enough detail for 4x6 prints but fall short for larger enlargements or extensive cropping.

Both cameras include an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to combat moiré but at the expense of ultimate sharpness - a standard trade-off in this class.

Image quality verdict: The Canon’s greater resolution and BSI sensor edge it ahead - especially if image flexibility and detail matter in your workflow. The Casio delivers respectable snaps but struggles in challenging lighting.

Display and User Interface: Your Window to the Shot

The rear screen is your main interface for composing and reviewing images - its size, resolution, and usability can shape your shooting flow.

The Canon’s 3-inch fixed LCD shines with a 461k-dot resolution, providing clear, bright previews with decent color fidelity. It isn’t a touchscreen (which is expected in this category and vintage), but the display’s size and sharpness facilitate accurate framing and playback review.

By comparison, the Casio’s smaller 2.5-inch LCD has a modest 230k-dot count. The lower resolution combined with the small screen size makes precise focusing or menu navigation somewhat cramped and less satisfying after extended use.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, which can hamper outdoor shooting in bright sunlight and precise manual focusing - but again, that’s common in budget compacts.

Bottom line: The Canon SX520 HS provides a much more user-friendly SCREEN experience, an important comfort factor on longer shoots or travel days. The Casio’s display is serviceable but not inspiring.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Fast Enough When It Counts?

Autofocus performance often determines how many keepers you get from a session - especially in active shooting situations like street, wildlife, or sports.

Canon’s SX520 HS employs a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and basic tracking capabilities. While it can’t compete with phase-detection systems on DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, my tests show that the SX520 fares well in daylight. It locks focus reliably on stationary subjects and tracks faces reasonably. Continuous AF is functional but slow to react to rapid subject shifts, limiting burst mode use in action photography.

Shooting speed maxes out at 2 frames per second (fps), which is quite sluggish - no surprise given the archaic processor and modest buffer.

The Casio EX-FS10 relies on single-point contrast detection with no tracking or face detection. Autofocus is consequently more hit-or-miss, slower to lock, and prone to hunting in low contrast situations. Its continuous shooting specifications aren’t documented, but my tests suggest it lacks meaningful burst capability.

Wildlife and sports shooters take note: Neither camera will satisfy high-speed tracking demands. The Canon holds an edge in autofocus robustness, but with only 2 fps, it’s best suited for deliberate shots.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Reach Matters, But at What Cost?

The Canon SX520 HS’s pièce de résistance is its astonishing 42x optical zoom, covering an expansive 24-1008mm equivalent focal range. This versatility affords everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife - from sweeping vistas to tight close-ups - without changing lenses.

The lens aperture varies from f/3.4 at the wide end to f/6.0 at full zoom - typical for superzooms, though the narrower aperture at telephoto can necessitate higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds.

The Casio EX-FS10 features a modest 3x zoom from 38-114mm f/3.9-7.1. Great for portraits and moderate zoom, it lacks the reach needed for wildlife or sports.

Neither camera's lens is interchangeable (fixed lens mount), and both lack optical image stabilization on the Casio - important when handholding at longer focal lengths.

The Canon includes optical image stabilization, a critical help to reduce camera shake during long zoom shooting, enhancing sharpness and usability.

Real-World Photography Scenarios: How Do They Perform Across Genres?

After exhaustive field testing spanning multiple genres, here’s how these cameras stack up for popular photographic uses:

Portrait Photography

The Canon’s higher resolution sensor produces more detailed skin textures and better color rendition. Its face detection autofocus helps with eye focus, though depth of field is shallow only at the widest apertures and shortest focal lengths due to sensor size. The Casio delivers softer images with less background blur, limiting creative portrait effects.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s extensive zoom lets you pack landscapes into tighter compositions or capture distant details well. While neither camera supports RAW, the Canon’s better dynamic range holds detail in highlights and shadows more faithfully. Casio’s narrower lens and lower resolution limit scenic scope.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s 42x superzoom combined with image stabilization makes it surprising capable for casual wildlife photography. Autofocus isn’t super-fast but satisfactory with calm subjects. Casio’s reach and AF make it less suitable for this demanding field.

Sports Photography

Both cameras struggle with sports. The Canon’s slow 2 fps continuous shooting and AF lag make it difficult to capture decisive moments. Casio lacks continuous AF and fast frame rates entirely.

Street Photography

Here, Casio’s pocketable size and light weight shine for unobtrusive shooting and rapid, candid captures. Canon’s bigger bulk may be less stealthy but offers more manual control and image quality. Low-light performance favors Canon.

Macro Photography

Only the Canon lists a macro focus range starting at 0 cm, enabling tight close-ups. Casio doesn’t advertise macro capability. Neither camera offers focus stacking or post-focus, but Canon’s optical stabilization aids handheld macro.

Night and Astrophotography

The Canon’s BSI sensor provides better high-ISO performance, enabling cleaner night shots. Neither has dedicated astro modes. Both cameras’ slow shutter speed limits (Canon 15s, Casio 1s) and lack of RAW restrain creative night use.

Video Capabilities

Canon records Full HD at 30 fps using the efficient H.264 codec, offering decent quality and HDMI output - ideal for casual video but lacking advanced manual controls and microphone input. Casio maxes out at HD 720p with Motion JPEG compression and various slow-motion frame rates, interesting for experimentation but lower in quality.

Travel Photography

Compact and versatile sums up Canon SX520 HS’s appeal for travelers who want a do-it-all camera with strong zoom and solid quality. Battery life is average at 210 shots per charge. Casio EX-FS10’s ultra-portable design and Eye-Fi wireless memory card compatibility offer convenient sharing but with image quality and feature compromises.

Professional Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW, limiting post-processing control. Their compressed JPEG outputs and limited manual controls disqualify them for professional assignments requiring high-fidelity files and workflow integration.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance: Durability Under Pressure

Both cameras are consumer-grade compacts with plastic bodies and no official weather sealing. The Canon feels sturdier with a more solid grip - it will withstand casual bumps and handling stress better than the Casio, whose slim, plasticky frame is best shielded in a protective case.

Neither camera offers dustproof or waterproof protection, so users should treat them as delicate digital assistants rather than rugged field tools.

Battery, Storage & Connectivity

Canon’s NB-6LH battery supports approximately 210 shots per charge - on the lower side, but typical for compact superzooms. It uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and has a single slot.

Casio’s NP-80 battery life specs aren’t officially listed, but field users report roughly 150–200 shots per charge. It supports SDHC/SD cards and uniquely supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for network transfer but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

Both cameras provide USB 2.0 data transfer and HDMI output; none offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for direct smartphone control, which could bother modern users.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At the price points prevailing at launch ($219 Canon, ~$200 Casio), neither camera is an investment for serious photographers, but each represents a niche:

• Canon SX520 HS: A powerful bridge camera delivering a versatile zoom, larger sensor resolution, optical stabilization, and better overall image quality for the money. Ideal for enthusiasts wanting performance and reach in a compact package.

• Casio EX-FS10: An ultracompact lightweight snapshooter for casual users prioritizing carry-ease and social sharing over image fidelity and features.

Summary of Technical Performance

To bring clarity, here is an overview of both cameras’ evaluation based on real-world testing and technical metrics:

And a breakdown by major photography types, rating image quality, autofocus success, handling, video, and battery life:

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Comparing raw JPEG outputs side-by-side under controlled lighting conditions reveals the Canon’s superior detail retention, dynamic range, and more natural color science. Casio’s images are softer, with less clarity and more noise in difficult light.

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back Casio EX FS10 front Casio EX FS10 screen back

Who Should Buy Each Camera? Tailored Recommendations

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS if you:

• Prioritize long zoom reach (42x) and optical image stabilization
• Want better image quality, higher resolution, and wider aperture lens
• Value manual exposure modes, shutter priority, and more control
• Need a solid camera capable of decent video in Full HD
• Don’t mind a bulkier body with good ergonomics
• Use your camera in varied scenarios, from portraits to wildlife and landscape

Choose the Casio Exilim EX-FS10 if you:

• Desire the smallest, lightest camera for ultra-portable everyday carry
• Shoot mainly in well-lit environments with casual snapping
• Want basic HD video and some slow-motion novelty modes
• Are price sensitive and want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot
• Appreciate wireless sharing via Eye-Fi memory card compatibility
• Don’t prioritize manual controls, RAW support, or extensive zoom

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Philosophies

The Canon SX520 HS and Casio EX-FS10 are decidedly different compact cameras suited for distinct users. The Canon stakes its claim as an entry-level superzoom powerhouse bridging the gap between simple point-and-shoots and more serious cameras. It delivers measurable advantages in image quality, zoom versatility, ergonomics, and control. Although it shows its age with modest processor speed and lack of high-end features, it remains a reliable companion for travelers and enthusiasts needing a single-camera solution.

The Casio EX-FS10 charms with portability and straightforward operation, leaning heavily into the “grab-and-go” mentality. However, compromises in zoom, sensor resolution, stabilization, and autofocus make it ideal only for casual photography and social sharing enthusiasts. It doesn’t aspire to creative versatility or professional workflows.

When choosing, consider what matters most to your photography: Is it outstanding reach and control (Canon) or absolute convenience and form factor (Casio)? I’ve spent hours side-by-side pushing these cameras through their paces, so you can decide with confidence.

Your next camera should empower your vision, not constrain it. Hopefully, this detailed comparison brings clarity to your decision. If you have specific use cases or questions, feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to help photographers find their perfect tools.