Casio EX-10 vs Fujifilm XP80

Comparing the Casio EX-10 and Fujifilm XP80: In-Depth Analysis for the Discerning Photographer

When choosing a compact camera, photographers often balance image quality, handling, versatility, and durability. The Casio EX-10, announced late 2013, and the Fujifilm XP80, unveiled in early 2015, represent divergent approaches within the compact segment. This detailed evaluation contrasts their technologies, practical performance across photographic disciplines, and value propositions. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and methodical image quality assessments, this comparison clarifies which model excels in specific use cases and which photographers may benefit from one over the other.

Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

The Casio EX-10 and Fujifilm XP80 differ markedly in physical dimensions and robustness. The EX-10 is a taller, thicker compact with dimensions approximately 120 x 68 x 49 mm, while the XP80 is notably slimmer and lighter at 104 x 67 x 26 mm, tipping the scales at under 180 grams compared to 384 grams for the Casio.

The EX-10’s heft and size contribute to a more substantial grip and a comfortable holding experience, especially for extended shooting sessions. Its body lacks environmental sealing, limiting resilience in adverse conditions. Conversely, the XP80 is engineered for rugged use: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, complying with stringent durability standards. Such sealing broadens its appeal to adventure photographers requiring reliability in challenging environments.

Control layouts further accentuate their design philosophies.

The Casio EX-10 features a more comprehensive array of manual controls, including dedicated dials supporting aperture and shutter priority modes. This layout affords experienced users precise exposure adjustments on the fly. The Fujifilm XP80’s simpler control interface caters more to point-and-shoot ease, lacking manual modes and exposure compensation, which may constrain more advanced users.

In sum, the EX-10 emphasizes ergonomics conducive to deliberate photography in controlled environments, while the XP80 prioritizes portability and toughness, sacrificing some manual agility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolving the Details

Core to image formation is the sensor technology. The Casio EX-10 houses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with a 12-megapixel resolution. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm XP80 employs a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm but with a higher 16-megapixel count.

Sensor physical size notably affects dynamic range and low-light performance due to photon capture area; thus, EX-10's larger sensor inherently benefits image quality metrics despite lower resolution. Higher pixel density on the XP80's smaller sensor can induce increased noise and reduction in dynamic range.

Subjective evaluations of skin tones and color rendition reveal the EX-10's sensor and processor combo produce more natural and subtly nuanced hues, particularly evident in portraiture. The XP80 renders colors more saturated, which may appeal in casual snaps but less so in controlled portrait work demanding color accuracy. The EX-10 also supports RAW shooting, an advantage for photographers requiring greater latitude during post-processing. The XP80, by contrast, lacks RAW support, limiting flexibility.

In terms of resolution, the Fujifilm's 16 MP sensor delivers sharper details when subjects are well-lit and with ample depth of field. Still, at higher ISO settings or in shadow recovery, EX-10's larger pixels confer cleaner images and better tonal gradation, crucial for landscape and night photography.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

Both cameras utilize a fixed zoom lens but with contrasting specifications:

• Casio EX-10: 28-112 mm equivalent focal length (4x zoom), bright maximum apertures from f/1.8 to f/2.5.
• Fujifilm XP80: 28-140 mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom), smaller apertures ranging from f/3.9 to f/4.9.

The EX-10's fast lens excels in low-light scenarios and offers a shallower depth of field for subject isolation, valuable in portrait and macro contexts. Its minimum focusing distance is outstandingly close at 1 cm, supporting high-quality macro shots with impressive magnification and fine detail capture.

Conversely, the XP80’s longer zoom reach is advantageous for wildlife and sports enthusiasts who prioritize extended reach over wide apertures. However, the lens’s relative darkness restricts usability in dimmer conditions, potentially leading to motion blur or higher ISO noise.

Both cameras incorporate sensor-shift image stabilization, beneficial for handheld shooting. Practically, the EX-10's stabilization effectiveness feels marginally superior, possibly due to paired optimization with the lens and processor. The XP80’s waterproof housing may limit the complexity of its stabilization system.

Autofocus Systems and Speed

Autofocus is pivotal for capturing sharp images across genres, especially in dynamic scenarios such as sports or wildlife.

The EX-10 employs a contrast detection AF system augmented with face detection and multiple AF area selection modes. It supports continuous AF and touch-to-focus capabilities using its touchscreen. While lacking phase detection, its AF speed is reliable for general usage but can struggle with fast-moving subjects. Eye detection autofocus is present but without animal eye AF.

Fujifilm XP80 also uses a contrast detection system with face detection and continuous AF, but lacks manual focus support and touchscreen AF control. Despite similar AF area selections, XP80 is generally slower and less precise in tracking subjects in motion.

Neither camera is tailored for demanding wildlife or sports photography that requires high frame rates or ultra-quick autofocus. Both provide burst shooting at 10 fps but limited buffer sizes constrain continuous shooting duration.

Display and User Interface

User interface design directly impacts operational efficiency and shooting enjoyment.

The Casio EX-10 features a sizable 3.5-inch Super Clear LCD with a high 922k-dot resolution, offering detailed image review and menu navigation. The screen tilts 180 degrees upward, facilitating self-portraits and high or low angle shooting. It also supports touch input, enhancing focus selection and menu control.

Conversely, the XP80’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 460k dots is smaller and less sharp, lacking touchscreen functionality or tilt. For users engaging in self-portraits or flexible compositions, this limits creative framing opportunities.

Neither model includes a viewfinder, mandating LCD reliance, which may be challenging in bright sunlight.

Performance in Photography Genres

Extending beyond technical specifications, practical performance varies by photographic discipline.

Portrait Photography

The EX-10’s wide aperture lens combined with a larger sensor enables superior subject-background separation and pleasing bokeh. Accurate face detection autofocus and RAW support facilitate detailed, true-to-life skin tones. The tilting touchscreen expedites focus on eyes or facial features.

The XP80’s narrower apertures and absence of manual exposure modes curtail artistic control. Its face detection is adequate for snapshots but does not excel in subtle focus prioritization. Consequently, for portraits demanding image quality and creative control, the EX-10 is the more competent tool.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters value resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing.

Though the XP80 has higher pixel count, the EX-10’s larger sensor affords better dynamic range and noise control in shadows and highlights, enabling superior detail retention in complex lighting such as sunsets or shaded terrain.

The Fujifilm enables shooting in nearly all weather conditions thanks to its rugged environmental sealing. The EX-10 lacks such protection; thus, landscape photographers working in inclement weather or harsh outdoor environments may favor the XP80 despite minor compromises in tonal quality.

Wildlife Photography

Extended zoom range and autofocus speed are key.

XP80’s 5x zoom (28-140 mm equivalent) provides a moderate advantage for framing distant subjects compared to EX-10’s 4x zoom capped at 112 mm. However, neither camera offers telephoto focal lengths or speedy autofocus systems essential for prolific wildlife shooting. The slower AF tracking on the XP80 often results in missed shots with moving animals.

Neither model supports animal eye autofocus, limiting critical focus precision in wildlife.

Sports Photography

Sports requires rapid autofocus, high burst rates, and reliable tracking.

Both cameras offer 10 fps burst but limited buffer and storage speed reduce practicality for prolonged sequences. Autofocus systems optimized for still subjects struggle with rapid athlete movements.

The EX-10’s low-light advantages and manual controls can assist in controlled low-light indoor sports, but frame rates and tracking limit overall effectiveness. XP80’s longer zoom is a plus but AF latency undermines fast action capture.

Street Photography

Compact size, discreet appearance, and low-light performance matter.

XP80’s slim profile and weatherproofing suit travel or street environments prone to unpredictable conditions. Its quiet operation is advantageous for candid shots.

EX-10, though larger, benefits from a faster lens for low-light street scenes and superior image quality. However, its size and absence of an electronic viewfinder make stealth photography more challenging.

Macro Photography

Macro demands short focusing distance and fine detail resolution.

The EX-10 shines with its extraordinary 1 cm macro focusing distance and bright aperture, enabling impressive close-ups with natural background blur. The routine use of RAW files aids in fine detail recovery.

XP80's macro focus starts at 9 cm, reducing magnification and detail rendering. Combined with smaller sensor and slower lens, it is less capable for dedicated macro shooters.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light sensitivity and noise control are critical.

EX-10’s larger sensor and f/1.8 aperture at wide end contribute to better high ISO performance, allowing cleaner images in moonlight or urban nightscapes. Exposure bracketing and manual exposure further facilitate creative night shots.

XP80’s smaller sensor, narrower apertures, and max ISO of 6400 (versus EX-10’s 12800) limit efficacy. Environmental sealing helps outdoor night usage reliability but image noise may be more prevalent.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 1080p Full HD video but with differences:

• EX-10: 30 fps max at 1080p, touch focus during video, and exposure control options. It uses MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.
• XP80: Offers 1080p at both 30 and 60 fps, facilitating smoother motion capture but lacks manual exposure controls and touch focus.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone ports limiting audio quality management. Both offer built-in flashes and sensor stabilization aiding handheld video. The EX-10’s better exposure control and touch focusing provide more creative video options despite lower frame rates.

Travel Photography

Travel shooters need versatility, ease of use, and battery stamina.

XP80’s ruggedness and lightweight build make it the better companion for adventure travelers exposed to the elements. Its moderate zoom range and dependable autofocus suit varied situations.

The EX-10’s battery life (curiously rated around 455 shots per charge) outpaces the XP80’s 210 shots. However, EX-10’s larger size and absence of weather sealing may deter rugged travel.

Professional Workflows

Professionals benefit from RAW formats, exposure control, and reliable file handling.

EX-10 supports RAW, manual exposure modes, and bracketing - features essential for controlled production environments. USB connectivity and HDMI out facilitate tethering and external monitoring.

XP80 lacks RAW, manual modes, and robust connectivity, relegating it more to casual or backup imaging.

Battery Life and Storage

The Casio’s battery pack outperforms Fujifilm’s NP-45S model, nearly doubling rated frame count. This is valuable for long shoots or travel with limited charging options. Both cameras accept single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, standardizing storage but lacking redundancy.

Connectivity Features

Both cameras include built-in wireless connectivity suitable for image sharing but lack Bluetooth or NFC, limiting modern quick pairing conveniences. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports enable basic tethering and external display connections but lag behind newer USB-C standards.

Pricing and Value Analysis

Listed prices show the EX-10 roughly three times the XP80’s cost, positioning Casio’s model as premium for small sensor compacts, while Fujifilm targets budget-conscious, rugged-use buyers.

The EX-10 justifies pricing through superior optics, sensor capabilities, manual controls, and image quality. The XP80 appeals primarily to those requiring waterproof durability and simplicity over image finesse.

Casio EX 10 front Casio EX 10 screen back Fujifilm XP80 front Fujifilm XP80 screen back

Summarizing Overall Performance

Overall scoring aggregates EX-10’s strengths in image quality and creative control, contrasted with XP80’s resilience and zoom reach.

A granular genre breakdown confirms:

• Portraits, landscapes, macro, night photography: Casio EX-10 leads
• Wildlife, sports, travel with rugged conditions: Fujifilm XP80 preferred

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Casio EX-10 if you:

• Prioritize image quality with a preference for low-light, portrait, or macro detail.
• Require RAW support and full manual exposure controls.
• Value a brighter lens for creative bokeh.
• Shoot primarily in controlled or indoor environments.
• Desire a higher-resolution, articulating touchscreen.

Choose Fujifilm XP80 if you:

• Need a durable, waterproof camera for outdoor adventures and travel.
• Prefer a lighter, more pocketable body.
• Want longer zoom reach for casual wildlife or sports opportunities.
• Accept lower image quality in exchange for ruggedness.
• Desire simple, point-and-shoot operation without manual distractions.

Conclusion

In direct comparison, the Casio EX-10 is a more technically capable compact camera oriented towards enthusiasts and those who prioritize image quality and creative control over durability and zoom reach. The Fujifilm XP80 provides an accessible alternative catering to lifestyle and adventure photographers requiring a rugged form factor and straightforward operation at a budget price.

Each fills distinct niches with limited overlap. The EX-10 shines in studio-like or deliberate shooting environments while the XP80 stands out as an all-weather companion suitable for spontaneous captures in less forgiving settings.

Photographers evaluating these compacts should weigh the significance of durability versus image quality and handling sophistication to make the most informed choice aligning with their photographic ambitions and typical shooting scenarios.