Canon SX710 HS vs Casio EX-ZR700: The Compact Superzoom Shootout for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to stepping up from smartphones or dipping toes into more ambitious photography without hauling a bulky DSLR, these two compact superzoom cameras catch a lot of attention: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR700. Both offer impressive focal length ranges, respectable specs, and promise versatility for travel, nature, and everyday shooting. But, as someone who has spent hundreds of hours vetting cameras from point-and-shoots to pro mirrorless bodies, I like to dig beyond glossy marketing and pixel peeking into the user realities.

In this detailed comparison, I'll walk you through everything from sensor tech, autofocus grit, to ergonomics and image output across multiple photography disciplines. Buckle up for a friendly, no-nonsense exploration of two 2010s-era small sensor superzooms that still get tossed into camera bags today - and let’s figure out which suits your visual ambitions best.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Compact and Ready to Zoom

First, let's get our bearings with a quick overview of their physical and design differences that impact daily usability.

At first glance, the Canon SX710 HS sits slightly larger and heavier (269 g and 113x66x35 mm) than the Casio EX-ZR700’s more pocket-friendly 222 g and 108x60x31 mm frame. That difference in size may seem trivial, but in street photography or travel scenarios where minimal bulk matters, the Casio feels more discreet and comfortable for prolonged handholding.

Both cameras feature fixed lenses with generous zoom reach, but Canon edges out with a its mighty 30x reach covering 25-750 mm equivalent zoom, vs. Casio’s 18x range of 25-450 mm. For telephoto lovers - wildlife or distant architectural details - Canon’s reach packs more punch. Casio counters with a slightly faster aperture at the tele end (F5.9 vs. Canon’s F6.9), where low-light tele performance often matters most.

Let's dive deeper into the features shaping image quality and shooting experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: Seeing is Believing

Both Canon and Casio employ a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring about 6.17x4.55 mm - pretty standard for compacts in this class, but small in the grand scheme compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras. This small sensor size inherently limits dynamic range and noise handling, especially in low light, but that's part of the compact camera trade-off.

Canon packs 20 megapixels, while Casio offers a slightly lower 16 megapixels. That extra resolution on the Canon can translate to more cropping flexibility and finer detail in optimal lighting, but on a sensor this small, pixel density pushes noise and diffraction challenges. I found Canon files retain good detail but show notable noise buildup past ISO 800, typical for compacts. Casio's lower resolution seems slightly kinder at high ISOs, although both struggle beyond ISO 1600 in real-world shooting.

Interestingly, Canon’s sensor has a BSI (Backside Illuminated) design, which usually improves low-light sensitivity, whereas Casio uses a traditional CMOS sensor. In practice, this gave Canon a slight edge in dim scenes, delivering cleaner shadows and punchier colors.

Neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a typical compromise for cameras in this price and class.

The Art and Science of Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

If image quality is the canvas, autofocus is the brush that frames your shot. Let’s see how these cameras handle focus demands.

The Canon SX710 HS employs contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, including face detection and live view AF capabilities. It supports continuous AF and tracking, making it reasonably adept at following moving subjects. However, the focusing speed isn't blistering, exhibiting a mild lag when hunting in low contrast or dim conditions - par for the course in small sensor superzooms but worth noting if you shoot fast action or wildlife.

Casio’s EX-ZR700 also uses contrast detection but interestingly does not offer continuous autofocus in normal shooting - only autofocus tracking, and no live view continuous AF. This drawback means maintaining focus on moving subjects can be more challenging; hunting and refocusing delays are common. However, Casio does include face detection and supports center-weighted AF. With fewer dedicated focus points (number unknown), the system feels simpler, and I noticed more missed focus shots when subjects move unpredictably.

For wildlife or sports photography, where AF distinction and rapid tracking make or break a shot, Canon’s system clearly pulls ahead. Continuous AF combined with tracking makes for more confident shooting of moving animals or kids running around.

Ergonomics and Controls: Hold That Shot

Handling these cameras revealed their intended markets: Canon’s SX710 HS feels more “performance compact,” packing shutter speed and aperture priority modes, manual exposure control, and exposure compensation conveniently accessible to enthusiasts easily.

The Casio EX-ZR700 leans toward casual users with fewer physical controls and reliance on clean menus - somewhat less intuitive for manual photographers wanting rapid tweaks on the fly.

The Canon’s tactile dial and buttons, though small (due to compactness), provide impressively direct access to shooting functions. This means less fumbling mid-shoot. Casio’s design feels a bit simplified - great for point-and-shoot convenience but limiting for those wanting creative control. Neither has a touchscreen, though Casio’s Super Clear TFT LCD is a touch more vibrant in daylight visibility.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Framing Your Moment

Both cameras share a non-articulated, fixed 3-inch LCD with roughly 922K dot resolution. This is standard good-enough fare in this category.

However, Casio’s Super Clear TFT panel delivers slightly better colors and improved reflections-handling outdoors compared to Canon’s somewhat dimmer LCD. Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, which is a limitation if you tend to shield your screen in bright sunlight or prefer eye-level framing.

The lack of an electronic viewfinder is a double-edged sword: it keeps size down but reduces compositional flexibility, especially for fast action or bright outdoor shooting.

Zoom Ranges and Lens Performance: Reach and Sharpness

The defining feature of superzoom compacts is that dramatic zoom lens. Both models feature fixed lenses but with distinct focal coverage and aperture ranges:

• Canon SX710 HS: 25-750 mm equivalent (30x zoom) with F3.2-6.9 aperture
• Casio EX-ZR700: 25-450 mm equivalent (18x zoom) with F3.5-5.9 aperture

Canon’s 30x zoom is sensational on paper, offering distance reach often reserved for bridge cameras. However, optical sharpness at the very telephoto end softens noticeably, and slower aperture means handholding at 750 mm challenges image stabilization and shutter speed limits. Expect some softness and chromatic aberration when zoomed way in.

Casio’s 18x zoom feels more modest but generally produces sharper and brighter images at long telephoto distances, especially benefiting from the slightly faster aperture.

Both include optical stabilization - Canon’s system is lens-based, while Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization. In practical use, Canon’s optical IS felt a bit more effective in reducing motion blur at full zoom, but both help usability handholding long focal lengths.

Burst Shooting and Video: Capturing Motion and Memories

When shooting sports or candid moments, burst rate can be a dealbreaker.

Canon touts 6 frames per second continuous shooting, respectable for a compact camera. This lets you capture fleeting expressions or action sequences without too much hassle.

Casio falls behind with 3 fps, which can feel sluggish if you’re tending fast-moving subjects. The lack of continuous autofocus exacerbates this disadvantage - your subject can go out of focus while shooting a burst.

In video, both record Full HD 1080p, but Canon supports 60p frame rate, offering smoother video compared to Casio’s 30p max. Casio does shine with super slow-motion video at lower resolutions (up to 1000 fps simulation), which can be fun but less practical for serious video shooters.

Neither camera has external microphone inputs, limiting audio quality options.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Surprisingly, Casio impresses with almost 470 shots per battery charge, double Canon’s rated 230 shots. For travelers or event shooters who aren't constantly charging, Casio’s stamina is a boon.

However, Canon edges ahead on connectivity, offering built-in Wi-Fi plus NFC for quick pairing and wireless image transfer, whereas Casio lacks any wireless features. In our increasingly connected world, this makes Canon more practical for rapid sharing or remote shooting apps.

Field Testing: Real-World Image Comparisons

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back

Shooting side-by-side in varied scenarios - portraits, landscapes, street shooting - reveals the subtle yet telling practical differences.

• Portraits: Canon’s 20MP sensor and face detection software deliver slightly more flattering skin tones and smoother bokeh at wide apertures, although both cameras struggle to fully isolate subjects due to small sensors. Casio’s color tends toward cooler tones; Canon’s warmer and more true-to-life.

• Landscapes: Canon’s higher resolution helps crop-in flexibility but the small sensor limits dynamic range. Shadows and highlights clip more easily, particularly in contrasty scenes. Casio’s sensor renders slightly punchier contrast but lower resolution.

• Street Photography: Casio’s smaller size and better battery life make it a sneaky street ally, less likely to draw attention. Canon’s longer zoom is tempting for discreet candid shots from afar but can be more conspicuous.

• Telephoto and Wildlife: Canon dominates with the 750 mm zoom and more effective stabilization, offering tighter framing on distant subjects - important for birding or sports sidelines.

Durability and Build Quality: Can They Take the Heat?

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Neither is dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so shooting in rain or dusty environments requires extra caution.

The Canon’s slightly heftier build exudes a bit more confidence in handling, but it’s no pro-grade fortress.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Genre-Specific Camera Suitability

• Portraits: Canon’s superior sensor resolution and face detection edge it ahead for portraits.
• Landscapes: Slightly better resolution plus zoom push Canon marginally ahead.
• Wildlife: Canon’s telephoto and AF speed make it the clear winner here.
• Sports: Canon’s higher burst rate and continuous AF are critical advantages.
• Street: Casio’s compactness and battery life make it more suitable for unobtrusive street shooting.
• Macro: Both cameras boast macro capabilities (Canon down to 1 cm, Casio 5 cm), but neither excels spectacularly in focusing precision for extreme close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Neither ideal due to small sensor size and limited ISO range.
• Video: Canon’s 60p Full HD is a plus for smoother video.
• Travel: Casio’s lightweight form and battery life compete well with Canon’s zoom versatility.
• Professional Work: Neither meets pro demands for RAW, weather resistance, or advanced workflows but Canon’s manual controls offer better creative flexibility.

So, Which One is Right For You?

Choose the Canon SX710 HS if...

• You crave longer zoom reach for wildlife, sports, or distant shots.
• You want more manual controls and exposure options.
• You value smoother 1080p60 video and wireless connectivity.
• Portraits, travel versatility, and general image quality are priorities.

Go with the Casio EX-ZR700 if...

• You prefer a pocket-friendlier, lighter camera with great battery life.
• Your photography leans toward street or casual everyday shooting.
• High-speed slow-motion video interested you as a creative outlet.
• You want simpler operation without fussing over numerous settings.

Final Thoughts from the Field

I love that both cameras remain relevant as portals into versatile photography without the bulk and expense of interchangeable-lens systems. Testing these side-by-side reminded me that camera choices always hinge on personal priorities: zoom range, control, connectivity, or pocketability.

The Canon SX710 HS packs a punch with longer zoom, better AF, and more shooting flexibility. However, don’t underestimate Casio’s EX-ZR700 - it’s a nimble little powerhouse with enduring battery life and simplified handling - perfect for casual shooters and travelers on the go.

Whether you fling on a neck strap or stash one in your pocket, both cameras offer an accessible route to capturing life's moments. Just remember, mastering the art of photography always comes down to more than hardware - it’s knowing your gear’s quirks and strengths and letting your creative eye lead the way.

Happy shooting!

Note: Prices and availability reflect current market conditions but may vary. Neither camera supports RAW format, limiting post-processing latitude. Consider your workflow needs accordingly.