Canon PowerShot SX600 HS vs Casio Exilim EX-ZR800: Which Compact Superzoom Suits Your Photography Journey?

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR800 stand out as approachable options for enthusiasts looking for versatile, travel-friendly cameras without breaking the bank. Both mirrorless alternatives of their era, these compacts promise big zoom ranges and plenty of features packed into a small frame. But which camera delivers the performance and usability you really need for your creative projects? After extensive hands-on testing, we bring you a detailed, no-nonsense comparison to help you decide.

Let’s explore how these two cameras stack up across image quality, autofocus prowess, physical design, video capabilities, and specialized photography uses - with an eye toward real-world use cases. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, sports, or simply want a reliable travel companion, our expert insight will guide you.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Size and handling are foundational, especially for compact superzooms designed for portability and spontaneity. Here’s a side-by-side look at their physical dimensions and ergonomics:

You’ll notice both have similarly compact footprints, but the Canon is slightly lighter and thinner. This makes the SX600 HS somewhat more pocketable - a clear bonus for travel and street photographers prioritizing discretion. The Casio EX-ZR800 feels a bit more substantial in the hand, which might help with stability during extended shooting, especially at telephoto ranges.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so you’ll rely on the LCD screen to compose your shots. While both screens are fixed rather than articulating, the Casio edges out Canon on resolution - a nearly double pixel count - making it easier to assess focus and detail in bright conditions.

In practical terms, handling on both cameras suits casual use. If you prefer something lightweight and quiet to slip into your day bag, Canon nudges ahead, but Casio’s enhanced screen might appeal when double-checking your framing matters.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Any Camera

The 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensors in both the Canon SX600 HS and Casio EX-ZR800 offer similar specifications on paper, but real-world performance can vary due to image processors, noise handling, and color science.

Both cameras sport the same modest-sized 1/2.3” sensors with matching megapixel counts. However, Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor vs Casio’s EXILIM Engine HS 3 approach image processing differently.

In our testing, Canon’s colors render naturally with pleasant skin tones, though the overall dynamic range is limited given sensor size, reflected in some highlight clipping in bright scenes. The Casio EX-ZR800 produces images with slightly punchier contrast and a warmer color palette, which can be eye-pleasing but sometimes less true-to-life.

When shooting landscapes, both cameras struggle with shadow detail at higher ISOs due to noise creeping in above ISO 800. Low light shots benefit from Canon’s optical image stabilization, which provides steadier handheld shots longer exposures, although Casio’s sensor-shift stabilization is effective but less pronounced.

Notably, neither camera offers RAW file support, meaning you’re locked into JPEGs - a limitation for photographers wanting maximum editing latitude. However, with careful exposure and in-camera settings, both can produce impressive results for social sharing and casual printing.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: 25-450 mm at Your Fingertips

Both cameras feature an 18x optical zoom range (converted focal length ~25-450mm), making them versatile for many shooting scenarios:

The Casio’s slightly wider maximum aperture at the telephoto end (f/5.9 vs f/6.9 on Canon) will aid in gathering more light in challenging conditions, beneficial for wildlife and sports shooting where faster shutter speeds help lock action.

Macro shooters will appreciate Casio's closer minimum focus distance (4 cm vs 5 cm on Canon), allowing more tight, detailed close-ups.

Canon's optical stabilization system is typical of its class - effective in reducing blur from handshake up to zoom max lengths, which helps in both low light and telephoto zoom shots. Casio's sensor-shift IS is competitive but we noticed slightly more shake visible at longer focal lengths.

Both lenses are fixed, built-in zooms - so no lens changing is possible, but the convenience and readiness to shoot are clear benefits.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is crucial, especially for wildlife, sports, and street shooting.

The Casio EX-ZR800 has a slight edge with its autofocus tracking capabilities, allowing the camera to follow moving subjects, essential for sports or wildlife action. Canon lacks this feature, relying on static AF points and face detection, which can be limiting.

In good light, both cameras nail focus quickly on static subjects using their contrast detection AF systems. However, in low contrast or dim settings, both can hunt and lag, common among small-sensor superzooms.

For precise subjects like macro, the ability to manually focus on both models helps, but fine-tuning is easier on Casio due to its more advanced exposure modes and shutter/aperture priorities.

Exposure Control and Manual Modes: Creativity Freed?

The Casio EX-ZR800 is clearly aimed at enthusiasts ready to take creative control with manual exposure adjustments. You can select aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, which significantly elevates photographic possibilities.

The Canon SX600 HS, conversely, only supports automatic exposure modes with limited custom white balance options and no exposure compensation or manual priority modes. This limits creative control.

If you want a point-and-shoot experience with decent automation, Canon suffices; for photographers yearning to experiment with exposure creatively, Casio is the winner here.

Screen and Interface: Reviewing and Navigating Your Shots

Both cameras use fixed 3” LCDs, but the Casio has a noticeably higher resolution screen for reviewing images and framing shots.

Navigating menus on both cameras is straightforward but somewhat basic. Neither model features touchscreen sensitivity, which is standard for cameras in their category and price range during their release periods.

The Casio’s crisper screen aids in manual focus precision and instant review, especially under plenty of ambient light. We often found the SX600’s screen slightly dimmer, requiring angling or shade to inspect images properly.

Video Capabilities: Recording Beyond Stills

If video matters to you, there are notable differences:

Casio’s video specs are more advanced with full HD 1080p capture and additional slow-motion modes, offering creative video options absent on the Canon. The EX-ZR800’s capability to shoot high frame rate footage and time-lapses is a boon for aspiring videographers and creative experimenters.

However, neither camera includes external microphone inputs, limiting audio capture quality.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Day-Long Adventures

For long shooting sessions, battery endurance is vital:

The Casio clearly outperforms Canon in battery stamina, delivering almost 60% more shots per charge based on manufacturer claims. This means you’ll have less downtime hunting for chargers or spares while on trips.

Both accept the same familiar memory card standards with single card slot configurations.

Connectivity Options: How Well Do They Integrate?

For quick sharing and remote control, Canon’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities offer clear advantages. Casio’s limited connectivity confines you to USB cable transfers and HDMI for playback or external display.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Matching Cameras to Your Needs

Canon SX600 HS front Canon SX600 HS screen back Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back

Now that we’ve covered the nuts and bolts, let’s assess how each camera performs across common photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX600 HS: Natural skin tone reproduction and reliable face detection. Bokeh control is limited due to small sensor and aperture range, but zoom enables flattering headshots.
• Casio EX-ZR800: Slightly warmer images; improved manual exposure freedom allows customizing depth of field effects better. Good face detection with tracking.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras deliver 16 MP files suitable for moderate enlargements.
• Dynamic range is restricted; harsh lighting requires careful metering.
• Canon's lighter weight favors lugging along on hikes.
• Casio’s higher resolution screen helps fine-tune composition.

Wildlife Photography

• Casio’s AF tracking and faster max aperture (f/5.9 vs f/6.9) edge out Canon for moving subjects.
• Higher weight of Casio may affect handheld long zoom stability.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is designed for fast action but Casio’s tracking AF provides better chances to nail focused shots.
• Burst rates (Canon: 4 fps; Casio: 3 fps) are quite basic, limiting sequence coverage.

Street Photography

• Canon’s slimmer profile and lighter weight help maintain discretion.
• Both cameras are quiet with no viewfinder, favoring candid moments.

Macro Photography

• Casio’s closer 4 cm macro focusing surpasses Canon’s 5 cm.
• Manual focus availability on both aids detail-oriented close-ups.

Night / Astro Photography

• Both struggle with noise at high ISO.
• Canon’s optical IS gives slight advantage for longer hand-held exposure.
• Neither offers manual bulb or extended long-exposure controls.

Video

• Casio’s 1080p at 30 fps and slow-motion modes significantly outpace Canon’s 720p 30 fps capability.
• Ideal for creative video experiments.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s lighter weight and Wi-Fi/nfc connectivity suit travelers wanting easy image sharing.
• Casio’s extended battery life aids longer exploration.

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW so both feel limited.
• Casio’s manual modes give more creative control.
• Nikon’s overall ecosystem and lens options are irrelevant here - fixed zoom lenses dominate.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or exceptional ruggedness. Both are designed for casual conditions. For muddy trails or inclement weather, extra care and protective cases are recommended.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS if you:

  • Favor a lightweight, pocketable compact with simple automatic operation
  • Want wireless connectivity for quick sharing and smartphone integration
  • Are okay with basic exposure settings and JPEG-only images
  • Prioritize travel and street photography where discretion matters

• Choose the Casio Exilim EX-ZR800 if you:

  • Desire manual control to explore photography creatively
  • Need accurate AF tracking for wildlife and sports subjects
  • Want advanced video features including slow-motion and time-lapse
  • Prioritize longer battery life for extended shooting sessions

Performance Across Photography Genres

Both models suit entry-level enthusiasts or casual users, but Casio's additional shooting flexibility and video prowess extend its appeal to budding creatives willing to experiment beyond the point-and-shoot realm.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Both the Canon SX600 HS and Casio EX-ZR800 embody the spirit of affordable compact superzooms with versatile zoom ranges and everyday usability. Our extensive real-world testing reveals that while Canon leans toward effortless portability and wireless convenience, Casio invests more in user control and multimedia versatility.

Your final choice depends heavily on how much control and creative freedom you want, balanced against portability and connectivity needs.

We recommend visiting a physical store to hold and try both cameras if possible. Watch sample videos, test autofocus responsiveness, and check how the LCD screens perform in various light conditions.

Also, consider your accessory plans: spare batteries, memory cards, and carrying cases will impact your experience as much as camera body specs.

Happy shooting - your creative journey deserves gear that inspires and empowers!

Disclosure: We test all cameras using standardized protocols involving controlled indoor and outdoor shooting scenarios, using calibrated color charts, resolution charts, and action tracking exercises to ensure objective assessments.