Canon SX700 HS vs. Casio EX-S200: A Detailed Comparison for the Photography Enthusiast

When shopping for a compact camera, two models that often pop up - especially for those valuing portability and some zoom flexibility - are the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-S200. Both fall into the compact/superzoom categories, serving casual shooters and enthusiasts who’d rather have a dedicated camera than rely solely on a smartphone. But despite their similar positioning, these two cameras - launched four years apart - offer very different features, technologies, and real-world capabilities.

Having spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras (from entry-level compacts to pro-level DSLR and mirrorless systems), I’m here to guide you through the thick of these two models. I’ll break down their core strengths and weaknesses, cover key photography genres, and share practical insight that helps you decide which fits your unique needs and budget.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Ergonomics & Controls: Carry and Handling

Both the Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-S200 are pocket-friendly, but their body types cater to slightly different preferences. The Canon SX700 HS leans into the “small sensor superzoom” niche with a heftier build focused on zoom versatility and comfortable handling. The Casio EX-S200, on the other hand, is a true ultracompact designed primarily for discreet shooting and maximum portability.

Looking purely at numbers, the Canon’s dimensions are 113x66x35mm and weighs in at 269g, while the Casio is notably smaller at 100x55x18mm and much lighter at 132g. This size difference translates into distinct handling experiences. The SX700 feels more substantial in hand, with a grip that invites more stable shooting - especially helpful when using its 30x zoom to avoid shake. The Casio is sleek and slim, sliding easily into a jacket pocket or small purse, but you trade away that ergonomic comfort and stability.

Opening up the control layout confirms this impression further.

The Canon offers a more tactile and direct approach to camera adjustments, including dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and exposure compensation. Meanwhile, the Casio opts for a minimalist, almost barebones interface with fewer physical controls and no manual exposure modes, which might frustrate enthusiasts who prefer more hands-on shooting.

If you prioritize handling and direct access to creative controls, the Canon SX700 HS wins handily here. For grab-and-go casual snaps in good light, the Casio’s slimness is an advantage.

Sensor and Image Quality: Under the Hood

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, and here we see a fascinating contrast. Both cameras use the same physical sensor size - 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17x4.55mm, equating to about 28.07 mm² sensor area. However, the technology driving those sensors and the processing engines differ widely.

• The Canon SX700 HS employs a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor (back-illuminated for improved low-light sensitivity) paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor.
• The Casio EX-S200 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, combined with the Exilim Engine 5.0 processor.

BSI CMOS sensors, like Canon’s, generally outperform older CCD designs, especially in noise control and dynamic range - two critical factors for image quality. During testing under controlled lighting, the Canon consistently delivered cleaner images at higher ISO sensitivities (up to ISO 3200) and had better color depth and tonal gradation, especially in tricky shadows and highlights.

In contrast, the Casio’s CCD struggles a bit more with noise starting at ISO 400 and beyond, making it best suited to well-lit environments or daylight shooting. The CCD’s color rendering felt somewhat muted compared to Canon’s vibrant output.

One big caveat with both cameras is no RAW support. You’re locked into JPEG files, which limits post-processing flexibility - especially for professionals or enthusiasts aiming for maximum image manipulation.

Bottom line on sensors: Canon’s modern BSI CMOS architecture offers superior image quality, low-light performance, and color fidelity compared to Casio’s older CCD design.

Display and Interface Experience

Nothing beats a good LCD for framing and reviewing shots on the fly. Both cameras feature fixed screens, but with notable differences in size and resolution.

The Canon packs a 3-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD panel with a 922k-dot resolution, substantial for this category and era, providing bright, detailed previews even in moderate outdoor lighting. The Casio’s screen reads as a throwback: 2.7 inches with only 230k-dot resolution, making it somewhat coarse and less vivid.

For live view focusing and menu navigation, Canon's tactile buttons and intuitive layout further improve the shooting experience. The Casio’s UI, while workable, feels dated, often needing repeated button presses and deeper menu dives for common settings.

Also worth noting - the Canon SX700 HS lacks any electronic viewfinder, as does the Casio. While not unusual for compact cameras, this means you rely entirely on the LCD, which can become challenging in very bright sunlight.

On user interface alone, the Canon edges ahead with a sharper, larger screen and superior menu responsiveness.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

In real-world use, autofocus performance often makes or breaks a camera’s utility in varied scenarios - especially if you dabble in wildlife, sports, or street photography where speed and accuracy matter.

Here, the Canon uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focusing points and face detection capabilities. It features autofocus modes for single, continuous, and face prioritization - useful for tracking moving subjects or nailing accurate facial focus during portraits.

The Casio’s AF is contrast-only as well but supports only single-shot AF without face detection or continuous tracking. There is no explicit information on the number of focus points, and generally, the system is simpler and slower.

In practice, I found the Canon’s autofocus to be markedly faster and more reliable, locking onto faces or central subjects with minimal hunting - even under low-contrast or dim conditions. Its continuous shooting speed of 9 fps (frames per second) provides a decent burst rate for capturing fleeting moments.

The Casio falls short here, with slower AF lock times and no continuous or burst shooting mode, limiting it for action-oriented photography.

Zoom and Lens Versatility

One pivotal advantage the Canon SX700 HS wields is its impressive 30x optical zoom range, equivalent to 25-750mm focal length. This superzoom capability covers pretty much anything from wide-angle landscapes to far-off wildlife or sporting moments.

The Casio EX-S200’s lens offers a modest 4x zoom (27-108mm equivalent), sufficient for everyday snapshots and casual framing but less versatile for specialized telephoto needs.

Both lenses taper aperture at zoom extremes, with Canon’s ranging from f/3.2 to f/6.9 and Casio’s from f/3.2 to f/5.9. Notably, the Canon can focus as close as 1cm for macro work, enabling tight close-ups of flowers or small objects, whereas Casio’s macro range is unspecified and generally more limited.

If you need reach for travel or wildlife, Canon wins hands-down. For straightforward street or family snaps, Casio’s lens is adequate.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Usability

Given the Canon’s high zoom range, it relies on optical image stabilization to counter handshake and vibration - a must-have feature when you’re pushing focal lengths into supertelephoto territory.

The Casio goes for sensor-shift stabilization, which is somewhat less effective, especially with telephoto images.

This difference impacts handheld shooting usability and low-light sharpness. The Canon’s system allows for steadier images at slower shutter speeds, increasing your chance of sharp shots indoors or at dusk without a tripod.

Low-light performance also ties back to sensor design. As mentioned, Canon’s BSI CMOS sensor holds the advantage, maintaining cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, whereas Casio struggles with graininess past ISO 400.

For night events, dimly lit interiors, or handheld shooting after sunset, Canon gives more flexibility.

Video Recording and Multimedia Features

If video is on your agenda, you’ll spot a big gulf in capabilities.

• The Canon SX700 HS shoots Full HD 1080p video at 60 and 30 fps with H.264 compression, delivering smooth, good-quality footage for casual use.
• The Casio EX-S200 maxes out at 720p at 20 fps, with the odd legacy Motion JPEG format - both limited in quality and codec efficiency.

Neither camera has external microphone ports or headphone jacks, but Canon includes HDMI output for clean playback on TVs, plus wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi with NFC) for simple sharing - features absent from Casio.

Video stabilization is notably more effective on the Canon, smoothing handheld video better than the Casio’s simpler sensor-shift.

If your priority includes casual videography alongside stills, Canon again is the more versatile choice.

Battery Life & Storage

Battery endurance often gets overlooked but can make or break travel and event days.

Canon rates the SX700 HS at about 250 shots per charge with the NB-6LH pack. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, standard and plentiful.

Casio’s battery life is undocumented officially, but in testing, I observed more limited endurance, partly due to its ultra-compact form and smaller battery. Storage supports SD/SDHC cards and internal memory, the latter a bonus if you occasionally forget your card.

If you often shoot extended sessions or away from chargers, Canon’s proven battery life and standard card slots offer reassurance.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproof, nor rugged features. The Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-S200 are typical compact designs best protected from harsh elements.

Canon’s body feels sturdier and better assembled, reflecting a slightly more premium build conducive to frequent handling, while the Casio’s ultracompact shell is more fragile but ultra-lightweight.

If you need a ruggedized or weather-resistant compact, neither is ideal - but Canon’s build withstands everyday carry abuse better.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so no interchangeable lens options exist.

Canon’s 30x zoom bridges many needs, but for those wanting upgraded image quality or creative variations, you’ll be better off looking at Canon’s EOS mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Casio, with its compact ultracompact design, is limited to the built-in zoom.

This difference speaks to the target user base: Canon SX700 HS aims for versatility and creativity in a small form factor, Casio EX-S200 prioritizes simplicity and carry convenience.

Overall Performance Ratings

To consolidate these points, here’s a synthesized performance scorecard based on my extensive hands-on evaluations:

Canon leads in almost all categories except sheer portability, where Casio shines.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

How do these cameras perform across different photographic disciplines? Here’s my take, with ratings out of 10:

• Portraits: Canon (7) - Better skin tone reproduction, face detection, versatile zoom; Casio (4) - Limited focus and controls.
• Landscape: Canon (6) - Solid resolution and dynamic range, though limited by small sensor; Casio (3) - Lower resolution and poorer dynamic range.
• Wildlife: Canon (8) - Impressive telephoto reach and autofocus speed; Casio (2) - Insufficient zoom and slow AF.
• Sports: Canon (7) - Decent burst mode and AF tracking for entry level; Casio (2) - No burst, slow AF.
• Street: Canon (5) - Bulkier and more visible; Casio (7) - Compact and discreet.
• Macro: Canon (6) - Close focusing and stabilization; Casio (3) - Limited macro capabilities.
• Night/Astro: Canon (6) - Better high ISO performance; Casio (3) - Noisy and limited ISO.
• Video: Canon (7) - Full HD, smooth; Casio (3) - Low resolution, limited frame rate.
• Travel: Canon (6) - Versatile but heavier; Casio (8) - Ultra-compact and lightweight.
• Professional Work: Canon (5) - JPEG-only and small sensor limit utility; Casio (2) - Insufficient specs for professionals.

These scores reflect the natural trade-offs between compact convenience and sophisticated imaging capability.

Real-world Image Samples

Seeing is believing. Here are sample images taken under identical conditions with both cameras.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Casio EX S200 front Casio EX S200 screen back

Look closely: the Canon SX700 HS images exhibit richer detail, sharper edges, and better noise control, especially under lower light. Casio captures serviceable snaps but with softer focus and color shifts.

Pricing and Value for Money

Street pricing sets the Canon SX700 HS around $349 new at launch, while Casio EX-S200 has largely faded from retail channels, often found secondhand or discounted heavily.

Given Canon’s superior sensor, zoom range, shooting functions, and video quality, it offers stronger value for enthusiasts wanting a genuine “do-it-all” compact superzoom.

Casio can suit someone needing a quick, light, ultra-compact point-and-shoot for casual use - if found cheap.

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Canon SX700 HS if you:

• Want a versatile zoom range - from wide angles to long telephoto.
• Shoot portraits, wildlife, sports, or landscapes with some control over exposure.
• Value image quality, better low-light performance, and faster autofocus.
• Enjoy Full HD video and wireless sharing capabilities.
• Prefer ergonomic handling with physical controls.
• Need a solid travel camera with moderate battery life.

Opt for the Casio EX-S200 if you:

• Prioritize ultra-compact, lightweight design above all.
• Shoot mostly in good light and want a simple, no-fuss camera.
• Have minimal expectation for manual controls or advanced AF.
• Are on an extremely tight budget or want a backup camera.
• Appreciate quick portability for street photography or snapshots.

Final Thoughts

Comparing two compacts like the Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-S200 reminds me why camera design and technology matter deeply, even in modestly priced packages. Canon’s more modern sensor tech and zoom versatility make it my strong recommendation for photography enthusiasts seeking the best balance of quality and features in a compact form.

Casio’s EX-S200, while cute and pocketable, feels like a relic from an earlier generation - more suited for the casual snapshotter who treasures space-saving over image purity or creative control.

If you want to lean into practical use, sharp results, and creative flexibility, Canon SX700 HS is your camera. If the smallest footprint and casual ease are your priorities, Casio suffices.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you weigh your options clearly. Remember, no single camera fits all needs - so focus on the features and handling that truly matter for your style.

Happy shooting!

Note: For readers who want to go even deeper into handling and image quality analysis, keep an eye out for my upcoming hands-on video review, showcasing these cameras side by side in real-world scenarios.

Further Reading and Resources

• My detailed Canon PowerShot SX700 HS hands-on review [link]
• Comprehensive guide to superzoom compact cameras [link]
• How sensor size and technology influence image quality [link]

Thanks for stopping by, and please drop your questions or experiences in the comments below - there’s always more to unpack with cameras!