Canon PowerShot SX700 HS vs. Casio Exilim EX-Z450: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In this comprehensive comparison, we examine two compact cameras: Canon's PowerShot SX700 HS, released in early 2014, and Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, introduced in 2009. Both cameras occupy the entry-level compact space but cater to subtly different priorities. The SX700 HS is a superzoom bridge-style compact aimed at versatility, while the EX-Z450 is a straightforward compact with modest zoom and simplified controls.

Given the evolution in camera technology and the distinct market positioning, an analytical evaluation can help photographers - enthusiasts or professionals seeking a reliable secondary or travel camera - decide which model aligns with their requirements. We assess their features through a blend of technical specifications, real-world usability, and performance nuances gathered from methodical hands-on testing across varied photography disciplines.

I. Form Factor and Ergonomics: Handling the Camera in Your Hands

At first inspection, the Canon SX700 HS is significantly larger (113 x 66 x 35 mm, 269g) than the Casio EX-Z450 (81 x 56 x 21 mm, 128g). The Canon’s size reflects its superzoom lens assembly and more complex control interface. For photographers prioritizing portability and minimal gear footprint, the Casio’s compact body is more pocket-friendly and unobtrusive, suiting street and travel photography scenarios involving rapid mobility and spontaneous shooting.

The SX700 HS offers a more substantial grip area and slightly more pronounced control buttons, encouraging stable single-hand operation during telephoto use and burst shooting. The EX-Z450’s smaller footprint and lighter weight comfort quick snapshot shooting, but can feel ergonomically compromised during prolonged use or longer focal length framing requiring steadier handling.

Despite its size, the Canon maintains a pocketable profile for travel. Its build quality sits firmly within the budget-friendly compact class - plastic construction, no weather sealing, and adequate button durability. Casio’s EX-Z450 is similarly plastic-bodied but feels lighter and less robust under prolonged professional usage. Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedness for challenging outdoor conditions.

II. Control Layout and User Interface: Accessing Functions Efficiently

The SX700 HS provides a richer set of physical controls: manual exposure modes (M, Av, Tv), exposure compensation dial capability, and dedicated buttons for function and shooting mode adjustments. This allows users who want fine-grained control a clear workflow without delving excessively into menus.

Casio’s EX-Z450 lacks shutter or aperture priority, exposure compensation, and manual modes, relegating users to largely automatic exposure control with limited customization. Its control layout is minimalist, optimizing for simplicity over flexibility, adequate for casual users but restricting for enthusiasts who prefer control during challenging lighting.

Both cameras omit an electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying on rear LCD screens to compose shots. The Canon’s screen is a 3-inch fixed PureColor II G TFT display with a 922k-dot resolution, markedly sharper and brighter compared to Casio’s 3-inch screen with only 230k-dot resolution. This difference materially impacts composition accuracy and menu readability in varying light situations.

The screens are non-touch, a non-issue given the cameras’ target markets. The Canon’s menu interface is more modern and easier to navigate, incorporating a well-structured live view overlay including histogram and exposure indicators, giving users more exposure confidence.

III. Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Image Capture

Both cameras have the standard 1/2.3” sensor size common in compacts, equating to a surface area of approximately 28 mm². However, the Canon employs a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor powered by the Digic 6 processor, providing improved high-ISO sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise control compared to the Casio’s 12-megapixel CCD sensor.

BSI (Backside Illuminated) technology in Canon’s sensor benefits light gathering efficiency, translating into superior low-light performance and cleaner shadows. CCD sensors, characteristic of older designs like Casio’s EX-Z450, often deliver somewhat natural color rendition but struggle with noise at higher sensitivities, limiting ISO performance beyond 800.

Maximum native ISO of SX700 HS is 3200 (no boosted ISO), enabling modest low-light flexibility, while EX-Z450 caps at ISO 1600. Testing reveals the Canon produces cleaner images above ISO 800, sustaining better detail and lower chroma noise.

The Canon’s 16MP resolution allows images up to 4608 x 3456 pixels, offering more cropping latitude and larger print sizes without quality loss. The Casio’s 4000 x 3000 pixel maximum output (12MP) suffices for casual prints and online use but constrains detailed enlargements.

In terms of image rendering, Canon’s Digic 6 processor enables improved image sharpening, color saturation, and noise reduction algorithms without overly compromising fine detail - unlike less sophisticated processing engines in older models.

However, neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude - a notable drawback for professional workflows and advanced amateurs. Both rely on JPEG outputs only, necessitating more effort during in-camera exposure and white balance adjustments.

IV. Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach and Sharpness Across the Range

A key differentiator is the SX700 HS’s extensive 30x optical zoom (25-750 mm full-frame equivalent), compared to Casio’s modest 4x zoom range (28-112 mm equivalent). With a maximum aperture range of f/3.2-6.9, the Canon’s lens system is complex yet versatile, accommodating wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports.

This zoom advantage translates into far greater framing flexibility without swapping lenses - a critical benefit when on the move or shooting in situations where carrying multiple lenses is impractical.

Nevertheless, superzoom lenses suffer inherent optical compromises. At full telephoto on the SX700 HS, image sharpness declines mildly, exhibiting chromatic aberrations around high-contrast edges and some softness, standard trade-offs for such long reach lenses at this price point. Wide-angle end remains impressively sharp and relatively distortion-free.

The EX-Z450’s 4x zoom with maximum aperture f/2.6-5.8 delivers better brightness at the wide end, slightly aiding indoor and lower-light shooting. Sharpness is reasonable throughout its simpler zoom range but less useful for distant subjects due to limited telephoto reach.

For macro shooting, the SX700 HS can focus down to 1 cm, allowing detailed close-ups, whereas the EX-Z450 macro minimum focus distance is 10 cm. This difference significantly impacts the capacity to capture fine detail in flowers, insects, or small objects.

V. Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment Reliably

The Canon SX700 HS incorporates a 9-point contrast-detection AF system complemented by face detection. AF speed is generally responsive in well-lit conditions but slows in low light or soft-focus subjects, a known limitation of contrast-detection systems. It does not feature phase detection or advanced tracking autofocus.

The EX-Z450 provides a much more basic contrast-detection AF without face-detection capabilities and lacks continuous autofocus tracking. AF performance is adequate in bright environments but struggles in dimmer lighting, resulting in frequent hunting and slower lock times.

Neither camera supports advanced AF features such as eye detection or animal AF. For fast-moving subjects (sports, wildlife), autofocus speed and reliability are limited on both models, although the SX700 HS’s continuous AF during burst shooting is a plus.

Burst shooting rates favor the EX-Z450 slightly at 10 fps versus SX700 HS’s 9 fps. However, buffer capacity and write speeds on the Canon’s SD card storage make it more practically usable for continuous shooting sequences than the Casio.

VI. Exposure Controls and Creative Flexibility

Canon’s inclusion of manual exposure modes (P, Av, Tv, M) allows photographers to intervene in shutter speed and aperture for creative effect - essential for controlling depth of field or motion blur. Aperture priority (Av) helps capture portraits with controlled background blur, while shutter priority (Tv) supports freezing or conveying motion.

Exposure compensation on Canon (±2 EV) enables adjustments within Auto or semi-auto modes, a crucial tool for tricky lighting setups.

In contrast, Casio EX-Z450 provides no manual, shutter, or aperture priority modes, limiting photographers to full auto or programmatic modes without creative exposure control. The inability to apply exposure compensation or bracketing denies advanced users the ability to tailor exposures to subject demands.

Both cameras offer custom white balance settings but lack bracketing capabilities.

This disparity reflects the SX700 HS targeting a hybrid audience - enthusiasts wanting control and casual users - while EX-Z450 remains strictly beginner-oriented.

VII. Image Stabilization and Video Features

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is available exclusively on the Canon SX700 HS, imperative for hand-held shooting at long telephoto focal lengths and video capture. The Casio lacks any form of stabilization, increasing susceptibility to blur in low light or zoomed-in shots.

Again, this adds to Canon’s appeal for travel or wildlife photography where stabilization boosts keeper rates.

Video capabilities starkly contrast. Canon records Full HD 1080p at 60 or 30 fps in H.264 format, providing smooth, high-quality footage suitable for casual filmmaking and vlogging. HDMI output ensures seamless connection to external monitors or TVs.

Casio is limited to 720p at 24 fps in Motion JPEG - a dated format with larger file sizes and lower quality, reducing suitability for serious video usage. It lacks HDMI out and external microphone input.

Neither camera offers 4K photo modes, slow-motion video, or advanced audio features.

VIII. Battery Life and Storage

Battery performance for the Canon SX700 HS is rated at approximately 250 shots per charge, typical for compact superzoom cameras with active image stabilization and powerful zoom motors. Real-world usage sees this reduce further with frequent video recording or burst shooting.

Casio’s EX-Z450 battery specifications are less clearly stated, and its diminutive size likely contributes to shorter usage sessions between charges - an important consideration for extended outings without charging opportunities.

Both utilize single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots. Casio also includes internal memory, but this is minimal and quickly fills.

Canon’s use of the NB-6LH battery model ensures good availability and manageable replacement costs. Casio’s NP-40 battery is an older standard, potentially harder to source.

IX. Connectivity and Extras

Canon SX700 HS provides built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for effortless wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a valuable feature for on-the-go sharing, tethered shooting, or previewing.

Casio offers proprietary Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfers, which requires purchasing specialty SD cards and is cumbersome compared to integrated Wi-Fi.

Neither camera includes GPS, microphone/headphone jacks, or touchscreen controls.

Flash systems on both cameras offer standard built-in units with various modes. The Canon flash has a marginally longer effective range (3.5m vs. 3.0m), but neither supports external flash units.

X. Performance Ratings and Use Case Recommendations

Reviewing the overall performance scores based on image quality, speed, handling, and features reveals Canon PowerShot SX700 HS as the superior all-rounder, especially for users needing flexible zoom and some manual control.

Casio EX-Z450, while dated and limited, offers a lightweight, easy-to-use experience for basic snapshots where budget and pocketability trump creative flexibility.

• Portrait Photography: SX700 HS excels with better sensor, control over aperture, and face detection autofocus. EX-Z450 struggles with limited aperture control and no face detection.
• Landscape Photography: Canon’s higher resolution and wider zoom range aid composition variety. Casio is usable for casual landscapes but limited dynamic control.
• Wildlife and Sports: SX700 HS is better equipped with longer zoom and faster continuous shooting, though autofocus is not professional grade. Casio’s reach and focus response are insufficient.
• Street Photography: EX-Z450’s smaller size offers stealth advantages over Canon’s larger body, but image quality sacrifices are notable.
• Macro Photography: Canon’s 1 cm close focus distance and image stabilization support detailed macros; Casio’s 10 cm is limiting.
• Night and Astro Photography: SX700’s ISO 3200 capability and longer shutter speeds facilitate night shots better.
• Video: Canon provides significantly better video specs and stabilization.
• Travel: SX700 HS balances zoom, control, and connectivity, though heavier. Casio excels in extreme portability but limits capability.
• Professional Work: Neither is fully suitable as a primary professional camera but Canon SX700 HS could be a reliable secondary backup.

XI. Conclusions and Buyer Guidance

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if:
  You prioritize versatile zoom reach, superior image quality with BSI-CMOS sensor, manual exposure control for creative shooting, optical image stabilization, and robust video functionality. It suits enthusiasts needing a flexible all-in-one compact for travel, wildlife, and portraiture. Its integrated Wi-Fi and NFC add modern convenience. The trade-off is a larger size and higher price.

• Choose Casio Exilim EX-Z450 if:
  Your main criteria are budget, extreme portability, and simplicity without fussing over advanced manual controls. Ideal as a lightweight compact for casual travel, snapshots, and street photography where size and convenience matter more than zoom range or image quality at high ISO.

Neither camera is suitable for professionals requiring RAW capture, advanced autofocus tracking, or durable build with weather sealing. For such users, investing in newer mirrorless or DSLR systems is recommended.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Casio EX Z450 front Casio EX Z450 screen back

The sample images reiterate the described trends: Canon’s images exhibit better detail resolution, cleaner color fidelity, and dynamic range. Casio images appear softer with lower clarity in shadow detail and subdued color vibrancy.

Ultimately, photographers must weigh their priorities: portability and ease of use versus zoom versatility and photographic control.

In summary, the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS stands as a competent, versatile superzoom compact that remains relevant for photography enthusiasts seeking a capable secondary camera under $400. The Casio Exilim EX-Z450 serves niche use cases centered on budget and lightweight operation but shows its age in performance and features. This detailed assessment helps align each camera’s strengths and limitations with user expectations grounded in real-world photographic application.

This evaluation is informed by direct hands-on testing methodologies, including sensor and lens performance benchmarks, controlled AF speed trials under varying light, and live shooting scenarios across multiple genres. The analysis provides an authoritative and balanced perspective, aligning technical understanding with practical photographic demands.