Canon SX700 HS vs Casio EX-ZR15: A Comprehensive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera is an important step for any photographer, from beginners to seasoned professionals exploring compact, travel-friendly options. Today, we dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of two compact cameras from respected brands: the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS, announced in 2014, and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR15, introduced in 2012. While both target the compact category with fixed lenses, they differ significantly in zoom range, features, and user experience.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and real-world application, we’ll break down every aspect from sensor characteristics to ergonomics, and shooting capabilities to video features. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which model suits your photography style and technical expectations.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

When selecting a camera, physical feel and ease of use are fundamental. Let’s start by looking at the cameras’ size and handling.

The Canon SX700 HS has a noticeably larger and heavier body, attributed to its extensive zoom lens design. Its grip is more pronounced, enhancing one-handed stability when shooting at telephoto focal lengths. Conversely, the Casio EX-ZR15 is remarkably compact and lightweight - ideal for street photography or travel where pocket-friendly gear is preferred.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so cautious use in challenging environments is necessary. If you prioritize portability without a bulky lens, Casio’s EX-ZR15 is a more attractive carry option.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Clunky?

Successful photography depends not just on specs but on how naturally you can interact with your camera, especially under pressure.

The Canon SX700 HS sports a more traditional layout. It offers dedicated mode dials for manual exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, and program modes - features not matched by the Casio. This gives you hands-on creative control, especially valued by enthusiasts.

Casio’s EX-ZR15 leans towards simplicity with fewer physical controls and more menu-driven settings. It lacks dedicated shutter or aperture priority modes, so photographers who want manual exposure control may feel constrained. Its continuous shooting speed is also slower, which can affect capturing fast action.

Simply put:

• Canon SX700 HS: Better suited if you want comprehensive exposure controls in a compact body.
• Casio EX-ZR15: Great for users preferring simplicity and automated settings.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Can Small Sensors Deliver?

Both cameras incorporate a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution - a standard for compacts that balances decent resolution with low noise challenge due to small sensor size. However, their image processors differ:

• Canon: DIGIC 6
• Casio: Exilim Engine 5.0

I measured the base ISO image quality across both models using controlled lab lighting and real scenarios. Despite identical sensor sizes, the Canon SX700 HS benefits from the newer DIGIC 6 processor, producing cleaner images with improved noise reduction, especially noticeable in ISO 800–1600 ranges. Its better color reproduction renders skin tones naturally, which aids portrait work.

The Casio EX-ZR15 performs respectably but shows more noise and less dynamic range, particularly in shadow areas or high contrast scenes. Lack of RAW output is common to both, restricting post-processing flexibility.

Bottom line: Canon’s image engine provides more reliable image quality where sensor size is a limiting factor, benefiting photographers looking for better colors and noise control.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach vs. Versatility

Perhaps the most striking difference is lens zoom capability:

The Canon SX700 HS’s 30x zoom is its headline feature for wildlife and sports enthusiasts who enjoy getting close to distant action without lugging interchangeable lenses. Its optical image stabilization minimizes shake over long focal lengths, essential for handheld shooting.

By contrast, the Casio EX-ZR15 covers a more modest 7x zoom range, better suited for everyday photography, street scenes, and moderate telephoto tasks. Its sensor-shift stabilization is effective for shorter focal lengths but shows limits at the telephoto end.

If your photography focuses on travel or wildlife, Canon’s zoom flexibility shines. For casual shooting, snapshots, and urban environments, Casio’s lens easily covers common focal lengths without bulk.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus responsiveness and precision impacted my ability to capture decisive moments.

The Canon SX700 HS autofocus offers single, continuous, and face detection modes with 9 AF points. While it lacks phase-detection autofocus and advanced tracking, the contrast-based system locks focus quickly under good light, enabling 9 fps continuous shooting, a boon for simple action capture.

Casio EX-ZR15 supports face detection but lacks continuous AF modes and sports slower focus acquisition. It offers AF tracking, but sluggish performance restricts capturing fast, unpredictable subjects like sports or wildlife.

For those prioritizing fast autofocus and continuous tracking, Canon leads. Casio works for relaxed shooting where there’s more time to compose.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Without electronic viewfinders, both cameras rely on rear LCDs, but screen quality affects shooting comfort.

The Canon SX700 HS’s high-resolution screen offers sharper details and better color accuracy, helpful when manually focusing or reviewing images on the go. Casio’s display is less crisp and dimmer in bright daylight.

Neither camera has a viewfinder - a drawback for bright conditions or photographers with steadier framing preferences. An external accessory isn’t supported either.

In general, Canon’s display is superior for composing and image review, enhancing the shooting experience.

Video Capabilities: Can They Double as Vloggers?

Video performance is increasingly important. Both cameras capture Full HD, but key specs vary.

The Canon SX700 HS distinguished itself by offering smooth 60p Full HD video - excellent for fluid motion capture or simple productions. Optical IS is effective during handheld video shots.

The Casio EX-ZR15 lacks 60p video but offers high frame rate modes (up to 480 fps) at reduced resolutions useful for creative slow-motion sequences - a niche feature in this segment. Video quality is capped at 30p for Full HD.

No external microphone inputs limit professional audio recording, so these cameras excel best in casual video recording.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Shooting duration and storage flexibility affect day-long outings.

Casio EX-ZR15 offers a slightly longer battery life rating which benefits photographers shooting extensively without spares. Canon’s battery is smaller capacity but balanced by processor efficiency.

Both cameras use common SD card formats, so storage compatibility is universal.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To illustrate how these models fit different photographic genres, here’s a nuanced look based on testing in varied situations.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Casio EX ZR15 front Casio EX ZR15 screen back

From landscapes to portraits, Canon’s SX700 HS provides more flexibility through zoom, manual photography modes, and video frame rates. Casio’s EX-ZR15 suits casual users valuing pocketability and quirky high-speed video options over expansive zoom and exposure controls.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Summarized Insights

Canon PowerShot SX700 HS

Strengths:

• Powerful 30x optical zoom with effective image stabilization
• Advanced DIGIC 6 processor yields better noise handling and color reproduction
• Manual exposure modes enable creativity
• High-resolution back LCD (922k dots)
• Full HD 1080p at 60fps video capture
• Faster continuous shooting (9 fps)

Weaknesses:

• Heavier and bulkier than typical compacts
• No RAW support limits post-processing
• No viewfinder and no touchscreen
• Average battery life at 250 shots

Casio Exilim EX-ZR15

Strengths:

• Exceptionally compact, lightweight design
• Longer battery life (325 shots)
• Sensor-shift IS helps handheld macro and video
• High-speed slow-motion video at up to 480 fps
• Competitive price point
• Decent image quality for casual use

Weaknesses:

• Limited zoom range (7x) restricts reach
• Slower autofocus, no continuous AF mode
• Lower-res LCD (461k dots) affects composition
• No manual shutter priority mode; no manual exposure mode
• No wireless connectivity options

Overall Ratings and Value-for-Money

Balancing performance and cost is key for many buyers.

Canon’s SX700 HS scores higher overall due to image quality, zoom capabilities, and video frame rate. Casio’s EX-ZR15 competes on price, portability, and battery life but falls short in control and zoom sophistication.

A detailed genre-specific scorecard:

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if you:

• Want a superzoom camera for wildlife, sports, or travel photography
• Value manual controls for exposure and shooting flexibility
• Require better image quality in low light and sharper LCD review
• Seek higher frame-rate Full HD video capture

Choose the Casio Exilim EX-ZR15 if you:

• Need the most compact, lightweight camera for everyday snapshots
• Want extended battery life for casual shooting or travel
• Are intrigued by high-speed slow-motion video effects
• Prefer a simpler interface without complex manual controls
• Have budget constraints favoring lower cost and convenience

Final Thoughts: A Practical Guide for Your Next Camera

Both the Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-ZR15 are solid cameras within their compact, small sensor categories. Your choice depends on what you prioritize: zoom flexibility and image control with Canon, or portability and high-speed video with Casio.

When possible, try handling these cameras in person to feel their ergonomics and test their responsiveness. Pairing with appropriate SD cards and accessories like protective cases will maximize your shooting experience.

As cameras evolve, balancing versatile technical features with intuitive operation becomes ever more important. Whether you want to capture distant wildlife or create creative slow-motion clips, understanding these cameras’ strengths arms you to make an informed decision and confidently move your photography journey forward.

We hope this detailed comparison helps you find the perfect camera companion. Happy shooting!