Canon SX70 HS vs Casio EX-Z2000: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Photographers

Selecting a camera is a deeply personal decision, influenced by style, practicality, image quality, and specific photography goals. Today, I pit the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-Z2000 head-to-head. At first glance, they couldn’t be more different - a 2018 advanced bridge superzoom versus an ultra-compact from 2010 aimed at casual shooters. But what do these differences mean in practice? Having spent extensive hands-on time testing and pushing both cameras, this article breaks down their technical capabilities, user experience, and real-world performance across popular photography genres.

You’ll find a thorough, expert evaluation - from sensor and autofocus to ergonomics and battery life - all crafted to help you decide if either of these cameras deserves a place in your bag today. Let’s jump right in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Matter

Let’s start with the physicalities - how the cameras feel in your hand, their portability, and design philosophy.

Canon SX70 HS: Solid Bridge, SLR Styling

Weighing in at 608 grams and measuring 127x91x117mm, the SX70 HS is unmistakably a “bridge” camera. Its substantial body offers a DSLR-like grip and a robust, if plastic, chassis. The pronounced handgrip provides excellent stability for long zoom ranges. The build quality feels solid but not weather-sealed - a downside for shooting in rugged or wet conditions.

Casio EX-Z2000: Pocket-Friendly and Lightweight

At just 152 grams and with a wafer-thin 99x58x17mm profile, the Casio EX-Z2000 is a true ultra-compact. It slips effortlessly into a pocket or clutch. You sacrifice tactile control and build robustness for extreme portability.

Hands-On Insight: I found the SX70 HS far easier to hold for extended sessions, especially when using extended telephoto focal lengths, while the EX-Z2000 is better as a convenient grab-and-go camera for spontaneous shots.

Control, Display, and Interface: How You Interact With the Camera

The command layout and screen are your primary ways to control a camera - they can make or break usability.

Canon SX70 HS: Feature-Rich and Intuitive

The SX70 HS features an extensive control layout with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, mode switching, and a prominent shutter button with zoom lever. The top plate is intuitive, borrowing heavily from Canon’s DSLR style, providing direct access to essential camera functions. The 3-inch, 922k-dot fully articulated LCD allows versatile shooting angles, and the 2360-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a more eye-level alternative with 100% coverage. Sadly, the screen isn’t touch-enabled, a minor gripe in this touchscreen-heavy era.

Casio EX-Z2000: Minimalist and Streamlined

The EX-Z2000’s fixed 3-inch screen at a relatively low 461k-dot resolution is adequate for framing but lacks articulation and touch functionality. There is no electronic viewfinder, so all composition relies on the rear LCD, which can be challenging in bright conditions. The physical controls are minimal, relying mostly on programmed modes without manual or priority exposure controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Under the Hood

Sensor size, resolution, and technology are paramount to final image quality.

• Canon SX70 HS: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, 20MP resolution, anti-alias filter present, max native ISO 3200, RAW support.
• Casio EX-Z2000: 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 14MP resolution, anti-alias filter present, max ISO 3200, no RAW support.

Key Technical Notes

• Both cameras use the same sensor size, but the SX70 HS benefits from newer BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS technology, which generally delivers improved low-light response and dynamic range.
• The SX70 HS shoots RAW files, providing greater post-processing latitude - a critical advantage for enthusiasts and professionals.
• The Casio’s CCD sensor, while decent for its time, tends to show more noise at elevated ISOs and has less dynamic range.

Practical Outcome

Images from the Canon are sharper, have better noise control, and maintain color fidelity better in challenging lighting. The EX-Z2000 produces softer images with lower resolution and limited editing flexibility due to the lack of RAW.

Autofocus, Burst Shooting, and Performance Speed

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break certain photography genres like wildlife, sports, and street.

• Canon SX70 HS: 9 focus points with contrast-detection AF, face detection, continuous AF, tracking AF, 10 fps burst shooting.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Contrast-detection AF with no continuous or tracking modes, single AF only, continuous shooting unavailable.

What My Tests Revealed

• The SX70 HS’s autofocus system, while not state-of-the-art compared to modern mirrorless cameras, is fluid and reliably locks focus in most lighting scenarios, including with complex moving subjects.
• Continuous AF and face detection make portrait, wildlife, and sports shooting feasible with decent subject tracking.
• Burst mode at 10 fps is respectable for its class, allowing capture of fast action moments.
• The EX-Z2000’s focusing system is slower and less reliable, especially in low light or moving subjects. No tracking capability and limited burst shooting hinders action photography.

Photography Genre Performance Breakdown

Here’s how these cameras fare across a spectrum of photography styles I tested them in:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: Thanks to 20MP resolution, RAW files, and competent face/eye detection autofocus, this camera delivers pleasing skin tone reproduction and control over depth of field with its extended zoom and F3.4 aperture. Though the max aperture narrows at long focal lengths, the optical zoom combined with image stabilization lets you craft impressive blurred backgrounds.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Limited resolution and fixed aperture range make it less adept at creamy bokeh or fine skin texture. Lack of face detection hampers precise eye-focused portraits.

Summary: The SX70 HS is clearly superior for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: 20MP sensor and 65x zoom from 21mm wide to a staggering 1365mm telephoto with image stabilization make this camera versatile for capturing both sweeping landscapes and distant elements. However, dynamic range remains limited by the small sensor size; shooting in RAW helps partially compensate.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Limited zoom range (26-130mm) and lower resolution mean landscapes are captured with less detail and less framing flexibility.

While neither rivals APS-C or full-frame cameras in dynamic range, the SX70 HS’s articulation and image quality provide a meaningful edge here.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: The massive 65x zoom and 10 fps continuous shooting with tracking AF serve wildlife and sports photographers well on a budget. Though autofocus is contrast only, in bright light the system is snappy enough for most casual sports/wildlife.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Zoom range and lack of autofocus tracking make it effectively unsuitable for serious wildlife or sports photography.

Street Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: Its size and weight are drawbacks for street photography. However, the silent shooting mode and fully articulated screen enable candid shots from unconventional angles.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Ultra-compact size and subtle, pocketable design make it ideal for street photography, though limited low-light capability and no tactile controls reduce creative flexibility.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: Zero cm macro focus range allows extreme close-ups. Precise manual focus and image stabilization help capture fine detail.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Macro capability is limited and less flexible as the lens design and lack of manual controls interfere.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon SX70 HS: The newer BSI CMOS sensor coupled with ISO up to 3200 and exposure bracketing features allows for better low-light performance. Absence of in-body long exposure noise reduction means noise can be significant on extended astrophotography exposures.
• Casio EX-Z2000: CCD sensor does poorly in low light; max ISO 3200 is noisy. No advanced exposure modes mean limited astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX70 HS: UHD 4K video at 30fps with 120 Mbps bitrate, H.264 codec, microphone input support, and image stabilization provide solid video performance for vloggers and hybrid shooters.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Video limited to VGA (640x480) resolution at 30fps using Motion JPEG - definitely outdated by today’s standards and no mic input.

Travel Photography

Considering versatility, carry comfort, and battery life:

• Canon SX70 HS: Versatile focal range covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife. Battery life of approximately 325 shots per charge is respectable. Bulkier but manageable for travelers who want an all-in-one camera.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Unmatched portability, but limited zoom and features reduce its value for travelers needing flexibility.

Professional Work Considerations

Neither camera would rank as a professional main camera due to sensor size and image quality limitations. However, the Canon SX70 HS’s RAW format support, manual controls, and better image quality allow it to serve as a lightweight backup or secondary camera for casual professional assignments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization. The Canon SX70 HS has a sturdier build due to size and bridge design, whereas the Casio EX-Z2000’s slim body prioritizes portability over ruggedness.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Flexibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so your zoom range and aperture are fixed specs.

• Canon SX70 HS: Covers a remarkable 21-1365mm equivalent zoom (65x), opening creative doors for wildlife, sports, landscape, and travel.
• Casio EX-Z2000: 26-130mm zoom range (5x), suitable for everyday snapshots but limited telephoto reach.

Battery and Storage

• Canon SX70 HS: Uses a built-in lithium-ion battery rated for ~325 shots, with SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slots. The battery can be limiting for extended shooting, so carrying spares or portable power is advised.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Uses removable NP-110 battery with uncertain real-world battery life due to age and lack of official stats. Also supports SD cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Canon SX70 HS: Features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, allowing quick image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a big bonus for modern workflow.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Supports Eye-Fi wireless cards (now obsolete) but no native WiFi or Bluetooth.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

• Canon SX70 HS: Originally priced around $550, now available used at lower cost. Offers substantial bang for the buck in image quality, zoom flexibility, and features.
• Casio EX-Z2000: Since the model is discontinued, availability and price vary, typically inexpensive second-hand. However, dated technology and performance limit value today.

Summary Comparison Chart

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Canon SX70 HS if…

• You want a versatile, all-in-one zoom for wildlife, landscapes, travel, and casual video.
• You care about image quality with RAW files and decent manual controls.
• You need improved autofocus for tracking moving subjects.
• You want 4K video with microphone input.
• Portability is not your highest priority.

Choose Casio EX-Z2000 if…

• You are a casual snapshot photographer who values ultra-compact size above all else.
• You want a simple point-and-shoot for travel or everyday use without fuss.
• You don’t require manual controls, advanced focusing, or high-res video.
• You want a budget-friendly secondary camera or collector’s piece.

Final Verdict: Experience and Expertise Weigh In

Having tested both extensively, I can confidently say the Canon SX70 HS remains the more capable and versatile camera nearly a decade later. Its huge zoom range, RAW support, articulating screen, and 4K video put it well ahead of the dated Casio EX-Z2000 for almost all serious photographic endeavors.

If you prioritize extreme portability over capability and image quality, the Casio compact might suffice, but consider modern ultracompacts or smartphones instead for better performance.

Both cameras demonstrate how sensor technology, autofocus, and controls evolved in the last decade - reminding us that while specs give you a baseline, hands-on experience tells the real story.

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Casio EX Z2000 front Casio EX Z2000 screen back

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison. I hope it helps you choose the camera that genuinely fits your photographic journey. If you have specific questions or want recommendations for other cameras in this class, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!