Canon SX700 HS vs Casio EX-ZR700: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact superzoom camera can be tricky. You want a versatile tool that packs respectable image quality, a flexible zoom range, and enough controls to satisfy both casual shooting and serious creative work. Today, I’m pitting two well-regarded small sensor superzooms head-to-head - the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR700 - to uncover how they truly stack up across different photography styles and real-world scenarios.

Drawing on years of field testing and lab analysis, I’ll walk you through their design, core specs, and performance traits, spotlighting what each does best. Whether you’re hunting your first superzoom or want a compact second camera, I’ll help you make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in.

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

First impressions matter. Handling cameras reveals nuances no spec sheet can capture. Both the Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-ZR700 are compact superzooms with fixed lenses, but their physical characteristics differ enough to influence shooting comfort.

The Canon SX700 HS measures 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weighs about 269 grams, offering a bit more heft and a more substantial grip for those with larger hands. This translates to better stability during longer sessions or when shooting telephoto. It features a traditional layout with dedicated buttons for modes like aperture and shutter priority, which is handy if you want quick access without diving into menus.

The Casio EX-ZR700 is smaller and lighter at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and only 222 grams. Its sleek body naturally appeals to travelers and street photographers who prioritize portability above all. That said, its grip is noticeably shallower, making it less secure especially when extending the lens to full zoom. I found my fingers sometimes hovered awkwardly without a firm hold, requiring some adjustment or a wrist strap to feel confident.

Looking from the top, the Canon exhibits a more conventional DSLR-esque control scheme with easy-to-reach dials and buttons, whereas the Casio relies on fewer dedicated controls, emphasizing simplicity.

If you prize ergonomics and tactile control without adding bulk, the Canon SX700 HS is preferable. The Casio favors minimalism and pocketability, but with compromises in handling.

Sensor Technology, Image Quality, and ISO Performance

Despite similar sensor sizes (both employ 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors around 28 mm² effective area), the devil’s in the details - sensor technology, processor, and noise handling largely dictate your image’s final character.

The Canon uses a BSI CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 image processor, a potent combination for its class that enhances noise control and boost dynamic range compared to earlier DIGIC versions. Based on controlled lab tests and output files, the Canon pushes usable ISO up to 3200 with reasonable grain levels, moderately outperforming many competitors in the segment.

Casio’s EX-ZR700 relies on a standard CMOS sensor coupled with its EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor. Although fairly competent, it shows a bit more noise and less dynamic range compared to Canon, especially past ISO 800. It caps shutter speed at 1/2000s versus Canon’s faster 1/3200s, which also affects capturing fast action in bright light.

Neither supports RAW shooting - a downside for those wanting extensive post-processing latitude - but the Canon images tend to subjectively retain more detail in shadows and highlights due to its more efficient sensor design and processing pipeline.

In practical terms for landscape and portrait shooters prioritizing crisp detail and clean output, the Canon SX700 HS has a subtle but meaningful edge over the Casio.

The Long Reach: Lens and Zoom Versatility

Superzooms live and die by their lenses - how far you can reach, and how well the optics hold up at focal extremes.

• Canon SX700 HS: 25-750mm equivalent (30x optical zoom), f/3.2-f/6.9 aperture range
• Casio EX-ZR700: 25-450mm equivalent (18x optical zoom), f/3.5-f/5.9 aperture range

The Canon’s 30x zoom is seriously impressive, extending almost to the equivalent of a 750mm telephoto on full-frame. This opens up opportunities for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes that the Casio’s maximum 450mm just can’t touch.

However, longer reach on a smaller sensor and compact body inevitably means compromises. At maximum zoom, the Canon’s images show a slight drop in sharpness and visible chromatic aberrations, which I noticed during extended wildlife sessions. Still, the optical image stabilization (OIS) - Canon’s well-tuned Optical type - provides excellent handholdability, even beyond 600mm, noticeably reducing blur from handshake.

The Casio’s shorter telephoto range limits distant shooting but holds up better optically across its zoom range, with less softness at full telephoto. Its image stabilization uses sensor-shift technology, effective though a hair less refined than Canon’s OIS in my test shots.

For macro shooters, the SX700 reaches as close as 1 cm focusing distance, considerably better than Casio’s 5 cm minimum. This advantage makes Canon preferable for tight detail and close-up work.

Autofocus Abilities: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

One of the trickier areas with compact superzooms is autofocus. Both cameras lack hybrid AF or phase detection and instead rely on contrast-detection systems that can behave quite differently in various conditions.

• Canon SX700 HS: 9 focus points, face detection, contrast AF, continuous AF capable but no tracking AF
• Casio EX-ZR700: AF tracking available, continuous AF not supported, contrast-detection AF

In practice, Canon’s autofocus is faster, especially in continuous mode, where it maintains fairly smooth focus transitions when subjects move. Although its 9-point AF area is limited compared to modern mirrorless systems, it’s sufficient for most compositions with face detection adding accuracy for portraits.

Casio’s AF speed feels sluggish by comparison, lagging notably in low light or busy scenes. Its AF tracking function is an interesting feature but, lacking continuous AF, it often struggles to maintain nuanced focus on moving subjects. For still life or posed shots, it works fine.

Neither camera offers advanced eye-detection autofocus - a feature becoming standard in newer models - so manual or spot focusing may be preferred for portrait critical sharpness.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder: Shooting Experience

Both cameras employ a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with 922k-dot resolution, which is standard for compacts of their era.

The Canon SX700’s PureColor II G TFT LCD reproduces colors vividly and offers good brightness and contrast, aiding composition in daylight. Canon’s interface benefits from a logical menu system with quick-access buttons.

Casio’s Super Clear TFT also looks bright but displays slightly less sharpness and contrast. The EX-ZR700’s UI is more pared back and occasionally sluggish when cycling menus.

Neither device features an electronic viewfinder - a notable drawback for reliable framing in direct sunlight or fast shooting situations.

Battery Life and Storage Capacity

Battery endurance can influence your shoots more than you think, especially outdoors or when traveling.

• Canon SX700 HS: Rated around 250 shots per charge (NB-6LH battery)
• Casio EX-ZR700: Rated around 470 shots per charge (NP-130 battery)

My personal experience aligns with these numbers; the Casio impresses with nearly double the battery life versus Canon, making it a better companion for all-day excursions without pack weight added by spares.

Both cameras use SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with a single slot each.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images with Superzoom Reach

Video functionality has become an increasingly vital dimension for hybrid shooters. Both cameras can record Full HD 1080p footage, but with notable differences.

The Canon SX700 HS offers:

• 1080p video at 30p and 60p
• H.264 codec
• No external mic or headphone ports

The Casio EX-ZR700 features:

• 1080p at 30 fps max
• Additional slow-motion modes including 120fps, 240fps, up to an ultra-slow 1000fps at lower resolution
• MPEG-4 and H.264 support
• No external audio connectivity

Canon’s 60p mode provides smoother motion out of the box, useful for sports or video-centric use. Meanwhile, Casio’s extensive high-speed video options appeal to experimental shooters fascinated by super slow-mo effects, albeit with cropping and reduced quality in those modes.

Neither model supports 4K video or microphone inputs, limiting professional video viability but fine for casual use.

Bringing It All Together: Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these specs and features translate into real-world usability for your particular photography passion?

Portrait photography:
The Canon's consistent face detection AF and slightly warmer color rendition produce pleasing skin tones, with sharper images thanks to the DIGIC 6 processor. Its longer zoom and macro capacity also allow creative framing. Casio is competent but slightly softer with less effective face pickup and slower AF makes candids trickier.

Landscape photography:
Canon excels with better control over exposure parameters, better dynamic range preservation, and longer reach for distant vistas. Casio can capture decent landscapes but falls short in dynamic range and lacks weather sealing for rugged conditions.

Wildlife photography:
Here, Canon’s longer focal length and comparatively snappier continuous AF give it the clear advantage. Casio’s slower focusing and smaller zoom make it a backup option for less demanding subjects.

Sports photography:
Canon’s 9 fps burst rate (continuous shooting) is a terrific asset, while Casio lags at 3 fps. However, neither excels like mirrorless or DSLR systems designed expressly for this purpose.

Street photography:
Casio's smaller size and lighter weight give it an edge for discrete street shooting. The Canon is bulkier but manageable, with more robust controls that facilitate faster adjustments in tricky lighting.

Macro photography:
Canon’s close focus distance of 1 cm outclasses Casio’s 5 cm, enabling tight, detailed shots.

Night/Astro photography:
Both cameras have limited high ISO capacity and no bulb mode, but Canon’s better noise control and faster shutter options aid night shooting more.

Video:
Casio’s slow-motion modes are fun, but Canon’s smoother Full HD video and frame rates are generally more useful.

Travel and general use:
Casio’s lighter weight and excellent battery life favor portability. Canon offers greater flexibility with zoom and aperture control, better for targeted shooting on trips.

Professional work:
Neither offers RAW support or advanced features expected by pros; however, Canon’s more refined image quality and controls make it a better casual backup.

Durability and Build: Can They Handle the Real World?

Neither camera offers rugged or weather-sealed bodies, so assume typical compact caution outdoors. Both are plastic-bodied with minimal environmental sealing.

The Canon feels slightly more robust, reinforced by its more substantial grip and button feedback. Casio emphasizes sleekness and pocketability, trading some structural confidence for convenience.

Connectivity and Extras: How They Link to Your Workflow

The Canon SX700 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing easy pairing with smartphones for immediate sharing or remote control via apps. Casio offers no wireless connectivity, relying solely on USB or HDMI cable transfers.

This difference can heavily influence casual photographers or travelers wanting instant social media sharing.

Summary of Scores and Value Proposition

Canon PowerShot SX700 HS

• Strengths: Extensive zoom, better image quality and ISO handling, faster continuous shooting, superior macro, Wi-Fi connectivity
• Weaknesses: Shorter battery life, bulkier, no RAW, no viewfinder

Casio Exilim EX-ZR700

• Strengths: Compact, lightweight, excellent battery life, interesting slow-motion video, sharp optics at average zoom
• Weaknesses: Shorter telephoto, slower AF, limited video frame rates, no wireless, limited controls

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you’re looking for a versatile all-rounder superzoom with generous reach and decent image quality, the Canon SX700 HS makes more sense. It’s better suited for wildlife, sports, and portraiture with subject tracking and closer focusing capability. Plus, Wi-Fi and NFC are practical advantages on the go.

If portability, battery life, and fun video modes take priority - say for casual travel, street photography, or experimental clips - the Casio EX-ZR700 offers a lighter package you can slip into almost any pocket, lasting longer between charges.

Dear Canon, I’d love to see a true successor with built-in EVF and RAW capture someday. Meanwhile, Casio’s bold slow-mo modes glimpse the future of casual video creativity but need faster AF and modern connectivity to compete head-on.

Technical Evaluation Notes and Testing Methodology

My conclusions result from extensive hands-on testing over weeks with each camera, varying scenes (portrait studios, wildlife reserves, urban landscapes), and using calibrated tools like ISO charts, focus accuracy targets, and high-contrast action tests. I assess image sharpness, color fidelity, dynamic range via controlled exposures, and noise at progressively increasing ISOs. Continuous AF performance and burst rates are measured with standardized moving subjects.

To better understand handling, I immerse myself in all-day shooting sessions, noting ergonomics, UI responsiveness, and battery endurance under consistent experimental loads. Video quality is compared through frame rate consistency, exposure shifts, and stabilization efficacy during handheld recording.

This comprehensive approach ensures readers receive practical insight reflecting how these cameras behave in actual shooting scenarios, beyond theory and specs.

Gallery: Sample Images Compared

To truly appreciate differences, here are side-by-side sample shots from both cameras across zoom ranges, lighting conditions, and subjects.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back

Notice Canon’s superior detail retention and color warmth, contrasted with Casio’s slightly crisper mid-zoom shots but less shadow detail.

In summary, both the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and Casio Exilim EX-ZR700 remain solid choices for entry-level superzoom seekers, each carving out strengths in usability, image quality, and portability. Your final choice boils down to what you shoot most and which features make your photography easier and more enjoyable.

Happy shooting!