Canon SX710 HS vs Casio EX-S200: A Detailed Compact Camera Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When it comes to compact cameras, the landscape is vast and varied - choices that range from high-powered superzooms to discreet pocket-friendly models. Today, we dive deep into two distinct entries from this niche, both promising convenience and performance: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS, announced in early 2015 as a small sensor superzoom, and the older, more ultracompact Casio Exilim EX-S200 from 2010. At first blush, these cameras are dressed to very different occasions, yet both capture images with the spirit of everyday photography.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including numerous compact and superzoom models, I’ll walk you through their specifications, real-world performance, and suitability across various photography genres. This comparison will tap into hands-on experience and technical analysis to parse out which model fits your photographic ambitions and how each stacks up in practice. Buckle up - this isn’t your typical spec dump, but a nuanced evaluation informed by hours behind the lens.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before getting into pixels and processors, handling a camera is often the first step to enjoying photography. Compact cameras are meant to be pocketable, unobtrusive tools - but within that, there’s a spectrum.

At approximately 113 x 66 x 35 mm with a weight of 269 grams, the Canon SX710 HS is a solid but still pocketable compact superzoom. Meanwhile, the Casio EX-S200 is notably smaller and lighter, coming in at a mere 100 x 55 x 18 mm and 132 grams - almost half the weight. This ultracompact body makes the EX-S200 perfect for those who prioritize extreme portability or want a camera that doesn’t announce itself.

However, the Canon’s slightly larger footprint brings ergonomic benefits. The thicker grip and well-spaced control placement offer better handling during extended use. In contrast, the Casio’s ultra-slim case sacrifices some grip comfort - though its minimalist design appeals if carry weight and size are your main priority.

Ergonomics verdict: If you want a pocket camera that won’t get in your way, the Casio EX-S200 is ideal. But for longer sessions or zoom-centric shooting, the Canon SX710 HS feels more purposeful and comfortable.

Design Language and Control Layout: What’s Under Your Fingers?

Compact cameras live or die by user interface and control responsiveness. Let’s see how these two compare from a design and operability standpoint.

The Canon SX710 HS employs a traditional top plate with a mode dial, dedicated shutter speed aperture modes (including aperture and shutter priority), and a zoom lever integrated around the shutter button. The addition of a dedicated exposure compensation dial and customizable buttons offers control beyond the limits typical of compacts.

Conversely, the Casio EX-S200 skews heavily towards simplicity. It has minimal manual control, lacking dedicated exposure modes or manual aperture/shutter controls altogether. There’s basic adjustment via menus but no direct on-the-fly access. This matches its intention as a casual snapshot camera rather than a tool for serious photographers.

The Canon’s more advanced DIGIC 6 processor translates to snappier menus and better responsiveness compared to Casio’s Exilim Engine 5.0 - I found the Canon menus intuitive, with faster zoom and shot-to-shot times. Casio's interface felt slower and clunkier, particularly in lower light conditions.

Control and interface takeaway: The Canon SX710 HS is clearly aimed at enthusiasts wanting control in their pocket, whereas the Casio is a grab-and-go snapshot camera for less demanding users.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here’s where things get technical but crucial for image makers. Both cameras share the same sensor size classification, but the devil is in the details.

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which is common for compact cameras and unfortunately limits noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger sensors. However, the Canon SX710 HS incorporates a 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Casio EX-S200 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor.

From my extensive testing, here’s what this means:

• Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 offers better light sensitivity and noise control. Back-side illumination (BSI) allows more efficient light gathering, benefitting low-light and high ISO shots.

• Casio’s CCD sensor delivers decent color rendition and sharpness at base ISO but struggles more in dim conditions, exhibiting more noise and less dynamic range.

• The Canon also supports higher max ISO 3200, whereas the Casio’s maximum ISO is 3200 but with less quality retention.

Running RAW files (unfortunately, neither camera supports RAW), I’d expect the Canon to produce cleaner, more flexible files for post-processing. Instead, shooters must rely on JPEG quality - here again, Canon’s newer image processing offers more refined results.

Observe image sharpness and tones reflected in the samples below:

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Casio EX S200 front Casio EX S200 screen back

I noticed the Canon’s images exhibit crisper details, smoother skin tones in portraits, and better saturation without over-processing. The Casio’s images are softer with less dynamic range, though colors remain pleasant under optimal light.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Feedback

Both cameras notably lack electronic viewfinders, relying on their rear LCD screens.

The Canon provides a 3-inch fixed LCD with 922k dots, offering a bright, high-resolution display that aids in composition and review. The Casio has a smaller 2.7-inch LCD rated at only 230k dots - noticeably dimmer and with less detail.

In daylight shooting, the Canon’s screen is markedly easier to see and focus through, reducing eye strain. Lack of touchscreen on both models is expected given their market segments, but the Canon’s superior display enhances usability.

I’d be hesitant to recommend the Casio for prolonged use where clear on-screen feedback is essential, though for casual snaps it suffices.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

The autofocus system is a key factor, especially if you’re shooting action or capturing fleeting moments.

• Canon SX710 HS: Features 9 contrast-detection AF points, face detection, tracking autofocus, and continuous AF modes. Autofocus speed is brisk for a compact, and in my outdoor tests, it locked focus reliably even in moderate low light.

• Casio EX-S200: Utilizes contrast-detection AF with no multiple AF points or face detection, only single AF mode. The AF feels slower and less confident, especially in dim conditions and on moving subjects.

Continuous shooting mode in Canon delivers 6 frames per second, helpful for bursts in wildlife or sports, whereas Casio doesn’t provide burst shooting specs or continuous AF, reducing efficacy for fast action.

In wildlife or sports where tracking and burst rates matter, the Canon SX710 HS clearly outperforms.

Lens Specifications and Versatility

Zoom range and lens speed directly impact what and how you can shoot.

• Canon’s lens covers a massive 25-750mm equivalent (30x zoom), with an aperture from f/3.2 to f/6.9 across the zoom range.

• Casio offers a more modest 27-108mm (4x zoom), aperture f/3.2 to f/5.9.

The Canon’s telephoto reach is significant for birding, wildlife, or travel photography where flexibility without changing lenses is key. Yet, its telephoto end is relatively slow at almost f/7, which may impact low-light tele shots without stabilization.

Casio’s zoom is limited but faster at the long end, important for better handheld shots in moderate detail work - albeit with a much smaller range.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Both cameras feature image stabilization, albeit different technologies.

• Canon SX710 HS employs optical image stabilization, a proven method by physically shifting lens elements to counteract shakes.

• Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization, where the sensor moves to compensate for motion.

In my hands, Canon’s optical system feels a step ahead, especially at longer focal lengths where stabilization is crucial. This difference translates into sharper handheld shots at slow shutter speeds.

Low-light performance favors Canon strongly. Its BSI-CMOS sensor coupled with optical IS enables acceptable ISO 800 to 1600 shots before noise becomes intrusive. Casio's CCD sensor is noisier at ISO above 400, limiting night or indoor photography.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance can make or break a day’s shooting, especially when traveling.

• Canon SX710 HS uses an NB-6LH battery, rated at approximately 230 shots per charge, consistent with compact cameras with active zooms and LCD use.

• Casio EX-S200 uses an NP-120 battery; unfortunately, official shot counts are unavailable. Based on the model’s era and power draw, expect roughly 200-250 shots in normal conditions.

While both employ SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, note Casio includes some internal storage, though limited, which could rescue snapshots if your card fills mid-adventure.

I advise carrying spare batteries for both, but Canon’s battery system has a slight edge due to more efficient modern processors.

Connectivity and Accessories

In today’s connected world, wireless features and ports are important for sharing and workflow.

• The Canon SX710 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling easy image transfer to smartphones for social sharing or remote control.

• Casio lacks any wireless connectivity, representing a dated approach to modern workflows.

Both cameras offer USB 2.0 ports, but only Canon supports HDMI output, valuable for direct playback on TVs.

Neither camera supports external microphones, limiting video flexibility to in-built mics.

Video Capabilities: Basics Covered, But Not Beyond

Video is now a core function even in compact cameras.

• Canon SX710 HS can record Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 at 60p and 30p, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264, with optical image stabilization active.

• Casio caps out at HD 1280 x 720 at 20 fps, using Motion JPEG format, which is storage inefficient.

Canonical video footage is noticeably smoother and better quality with stabilization and framerate options that suit casual videographers.

Casio’s video is sufficient for brief clips, but the frame rate and resolution severely limit fluidity and sharpness.

Diving into Genre-Specific Use Cases

Now that we have a detailed technical and practical overview, how do these cameras perform for specific photographic disciplines? Our genre-focused assessment is featured below:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX710 HS certainly takes the lead here. Its 20MP sensor captures fine details and pleasing skin tones, while face detection AF ensures sharp eyes in most conditions. The 30x zoom aids framing tightly without disturbance. Background bokeh is limited due to small sensor size but manageable at longer focal lengths.

• Casio EX-S200 delivers acceptable portraits in good light but struggles with autofocus accuracy on faces and lacks specialized modes.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s superior dynamic range and higher resolution make it better suited for landscapes, capturing broad tone ranges and fine textures. Its extensive zoom can highlight distant details.

• Casio’s lower resolution and dynamic range, combined with a narrower lens, limit its landscape appeal.

Wildlife & Sports

• Only the Canon SX710 HS with 6 fps burst and AF tracking suits these fast-paced genres - even then, compromises on speed and buffer limit professional use.

• Casio’s lack of continuous autofocus and slow burst speed makes it unsuitable here.

Street Photography

• Casio’s ultra-compact size and discretion offer advantages in street settings, blending in effortlessly.

• Canon is less subtle but offers faster focus speeds and longer reach for candid shots.

Macro Photography

• Canon excels with macro focusing starting at 1 cm, allowing close-up creativity.

• Casio provides no specialized macro range, limiting close focusing ability.

Night & Astro Photography

• Canon’s higher ISO performance and slower shutter speeds down to 15 seconds provide limited but workable night capabilities.

• Casio maxes out at longer shutter of 2 seconds, inadequate for astro work.

Video Recording

• Canon’s 1080p60 video with optical stabilization is easily the winner, supporting casual to moderate video work.

• Casio’s lower fps 720p video lacks smoothness and detail.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras offer portability, but:

  • Casio is best for ultralight travel.

  • Canon provides versatile zoom and better image quality for varied scenes.

Professional Workflows

• Neither camera supports RAW, external flash, or advanced connectivity necessitated by professional workflows.

• Canon’s Wi-Fi ease of sharing and superior quality make it better for casual pros or serious hobbyists.

Performance Summary and Ratings

To help visualize strengths and weaknesses, here’s a summarized performance scorecard based on technical testing and hands-on usage:

The Canon SX710 HS scores well above the Casio EX-S200 across most parameters: image quality, autofocus, zoom reach, video specs, and connectivity.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Canon PowerShot SX710 HS

Pros:

• Extensive 30x zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent)
• Higher resolution 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor
• Optical image stabilization
• Full HD 1080p @ 60 fps video recording
• Wi-Fi and NFC wireless features
• Faster autofocus with face detection and tracking
• Ergonomic design with manual control options

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality compared to larger-sensor cameras
• Slower aperture at telephoto end reduces low-light efficiency
• No RAW format support
• Battery life average for the class

Casio Exilim EX-S200

Pros:

• Extremely compact and lightweight body
• Simple operation suitable for casual photography
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Internal storage option

Cons:

• Aging 14MP CCD sensor with inferior low-light performance
• Limited 4x zoom lens (27-108mm equivalent)
• Slower autofocus; no continuous or tracking autofocus
• Low-resolution LCD with poor visibility in bright light
• No wireless connectivity or HDMI output
• Limited video resolution (720p at only 20 fps)
• Minimal manual controls; no exposure compensation or priority modes

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if:

• You want a versatile pocket superzoom capable of handling diverse photography conditions, from wide landscapes to distant wildlife.

• You need decent full HD video along with high-resolution stills.

• You appreciate manual exposure controls and faster autofocus performance.

• You value wireless connectivity for easy image transfer.

• Your budget hovers around the $350 mark and you want more contemporary technology.

Choose the Casio Exilim EX-S200 if:

• Ultra-portability and light weight are your utmost priorities - even over image quality.

• You plan to use it mainly for daylight, casual snapshots, and travel where pocketability trumps zoom power.

• You are on a very tight budget or hunting a compact camera primarily for spontaneous use.

• You’re forgiving of older sensor technology and limited controls.

Final Thoughts: Weighing Priorities in Compact Cameras

In the grand scheme of compact cameras, the Canon SX710 HS emerges as the more mature, flexible, and future-proof model, balancing image quality, zoom range, and shooting modes effectively for an advanced casual photographer or beginner enthusiast seeking more control.

The Casio EX-S200 feels like a snapshot camera of a previous generation, still viable as an ultra-portable companion but clearly overshadowed by newer designs with better electronics and ergonomics.

If you value better image quality, zoom versatility, and faster autofocus - and don’t mind a slightly bigger camera and higher price - the Canon SX710 HS is the smarter choice. Yet, if absolute size, low weight, and minimal fuss define your needs and budget, Casio’s EX-S200 retains some appeal for casual point-and-shoot convenience.

Ultimately, both cameras remind us of how much compact camera technology has advanced, with Canon’s strengths underscoring modern expectations, and Casio’s simplicity catering to an earlier era of hyper-compact photography.

Questions about these models or your own photography needs? As always, I’m happy to help you find the gear that matches your vision - feel free to reach out with specifics or shooting scenarios.