Casio EX-10 vs Panasonic ZS50: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly complex. Between sensor size, lens versatility, autofocus reliability, and ergonomic feel, small-sensor compacts often force compromises. Today, I’m diving deep into two intriguing options: the Casio EX-10, announced in late 2013, and the Panasonic Lumix ZS50 (also known as the TZ70), released in early 2015.

Both cameras appeal to enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing core creative controls. However, they take very different technical approaches: the EX-10 focuses on a fast, bright lens and sensor-shift stabilization, while the ZS50 brings an incredible 30x zoom range with optical stabilization and an electronic viewfinder.

Having put both through rigorous field tests, I'll unpack how they deliver across major photography genres - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to street - and weigh their real-world usability, ergonomics, and value. Let’s start by establishing their physical and design differences.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

The EX-10 and ZS50 both classify as compact cameras but cater to distinct priorities, reflected immediately in their ergonomics.

The Casio EX-10’s body is noticeably chunkier (120x68x49 mm, 384 grams). It feels more substantial and offers a grippier texture, lending confidence for handheld shooting - especially with its bright f/1.8 lens that invites low-light use.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS50 measures 111x65x34 mm and weighs just 243 grams. Its slim, pocketable profile screams travel-friendly. The leaner body holds fewer dedicated controls, though Panasonic smartly includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF), absent on the Casio.

If you prize ergonomics and a thoughtful control layout, the extra heft of the EX-10 may appeal. But if your priority is stealthy street shooting or light travel load, the ZS50’s slim silhouette and built-in EVF edge it out.

Top-Down: Controls and Interface

Let’s peek at their control surfaces.

The EX-10 places a mode dial and dedicated exposure compensation dial front-and-center - a boon for photographers who prefer tactile exposure tweaking. Touchscreen live view complements this with AF point selection and quick menu access.

Meanwhile, the ZS50 limits physical dials, relying on menus for advanced settings. The absence of touchscreen adds a minor learning curve but the EVF helps balance this by keeping your eye pressed to the scene, a serious plus in bright environments.

In my testing, the EX-10’s manual controls felt more intuitive and speedy for creatives wanting immediate exposure or autofocus tweaks. The ZS50 favors those comfortable navigating menus who appreciate EVF framing when zoomed in on distant subjects.

Sensors in Perspective: Size & Image Quality Potential

Now to what really influences final image quality: the sensor.

The EX-10 sports a 1/1.7-inch sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm, 41.52 mm² area) versus the ZS50’s smaller 1/2.3-inch chip (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²). Both deliver roughly 12-megapixel resolution, but the EX-10’s chip is about 50% larger in surface area - a considerable advantage in light gathering and noise performance.

A larger sensor generally means cleaner images at high ISO, greater dynamic range, and better depth-of-field control. Thanks to its brighter lens (f/1.8–2.5), the Casio capitalizes on this to excel in low-light and portrait contexts.

The ZS50’s smaller sensor is arguably offset by the fantastic 30x zoom lens, but expect slightly more noise at high ISOs and somewhat limited bokeh control.

The VIEW: Screens and Viewfinders Compared

Touch sensitivity and framing flexibility come down to display and viewfinder quality.

Casio’s EX-10 offers a generous 3.5-inch, tilt-up touchscreen - rare for compact cameras of its era. This “Super Clear” LCD with 922k-dot resolution provides excellent visibility and eases low-angle shooting. Touch AF and menu control benefit from this, especially in casual shooting or vlogging.

The Panasonic ZS50 trims the screen size slightly to 3 inches, non-touch, fixed type, but includes an electronic viewfinder with 1,166k-dot resolution. The EVF boasts 100% coverage and a useful 0.46x magnification, invaluable for zoomed-in wildlife or sports framing.

If you love composing with your eye to the viewfinder, the ZS50’s EVF gives it a significant edge. For flexible touch input and live view tilting, the EX-10 wins.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Autofocus

Portraits serve as a stringent test of sensor, lens aperture, and autofocus micro-accuracy.

The EX-10 shines here - that f/1.8 aperture delivers creamy bokeh, nicely separating subjects from backgrounds. Skin tones are natural and well-rendered, benefitting from the larger sensor’s dynamic range. Face and eye detection work reliably, helping pin focus on the eyes for sharp portraits.

The ZS50’s smaller sensor and slower aperture (f/3.3–6.4) mean portraits often have more in-focus background and less subject-background separation. Skin tones are decent but occasionally a little less nuanced. Face detection works well but the lower light-gathering ability limits performance in dimmer environments.

If portraits are your focus, the EX-10 presents a stronger case. The wider aperture and superior shallow depth-of-field control make a real difference in producing professional-looking headshots.

Landscape Photography Fundamentals: Resolution and Dynamic Range

For landscapes, you need high resolution plus good dynamic range to capture wide tonal extremes.

Both cameras offer 12-megapixel sensors, sufficient for 8x10 prints or cropping. However, the EX-10’s larger sensor contributes to better dynamic range, helping retain highlight and shadow detail under challenging conditions, such as sunrise or harsh midday sun.

Neither camera features weather sealing, which might deter landscape photographers working in variable environments.

The ZS50’s massive zoom range (24-720mm equivalent) isn’t a major landscape asset - most landscapes benefit from wide to moderate focal lengths, so its wider 24mm equivalent is functional, but it doesn’t offer an ultra-wide option. EX-10’s 28-112mm pulls a little closer in wide angle but has a brighter aperture.

I recommend the EX-10 if you prioritize image quality for prints and post-processing latitude. The ZS50 suits those who want versatile zoom for mixed scenes without carrying multiple lenses or adapters.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

These genres demand speed, precision, and reach.

The ZS50 stands out due to its 30x optical zoom (24-720 mm), letting you capture distant wildlife or action without cropping. Its contrast-detection AF, while not as speedy as phase-detection systems, works surprisingly well given the era - with 10fps burst that keeps up with fleeting moments.

The EX-10 offers a more limited focal length (28-112 mm equivalent), which restricts reach for wildlife or distant sports events. Autofocus uses contrast detection only, with decent tracking and face detection but less effective for fast-moving subjects.

Neither camera includes phase-detect AF or high-end tracking algorithms found in advanced mirrorless or DSLR systems.

If your priority is maximum zoom and better isolation of distant wildlife or athletes, the ZS50 is the clear choice. For occasional sports or closer action, the EX-10’s faster lens helps in less than optimal light.

Low Light and Night/Astro Photography

Low-light ability hinges on sensor size, maximum aperture, and stabilization quality.

Because the EX-10 has a bigger sensor and a fast f/1.8 aperture, it can handily shoot in darker environments with less noise and crisper results. Its sensor-shift stabilization further aids handheld night shots and timelapse exposures.

The ZS50’s smaller sensor and slower aperture require higher ISO to retain shutter speed, which produces more noise - although optical image stabilization allows steadier handheld shots. The electronic viewfinder is useful for composing long exposures in darkness, and ISO performance is adequate but not stellar.

Neither camera offers dedicated astro modes or very long shutter capabilities, limiting serious astrophotography workflows.

In situations like candlelit events or dim interiors, the EX-10 invariably delivers cleaner, more usable photos. The ZS50 works fine for casual night scenes but shows its limits above ISO 1600.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Minimum Distance

Both cameras have macro modes - Casio’s 1 cm minimum focusing distance is impressive, enabling life-size closeups with ample detail.

Panasonic’s 3 cm macro distance is respectable but doesn’t quite allow the extreme closeups the EX-10 manages.

I found the EX-10’s touchscreen AF particularly helpful in locking precise focus on small subjects like insects or flowers. The optical viewfinder on the ZS50 aids composition in bright conditions but lacks touch controls for AF point adjustment.

If macro is a significant part of your kit, the EX-10’s superior close-focus and touchscreen interface make it more intuitive and versatile.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Both shoot Full HD (1920x1080) video at 30fps, but Panasonic boosts the frame rate to 60fps and offers additional AVCHD format alongside MPEG-4 on the EX-10.

Neither offers 4K recording or advanced codecs; both cameras were released before 4K became standard.

The EX-10 employs sensor-shift stabilization while filming, which you can visually confirm reduces shake in handheld footage. Panasonic uses optical image stabilization that is similarly effective, especially at longer zooms.

Unfortunately, neither camera offers microphone or headphone inputs, limiting serious audio capture.

For casual video, the ZS50’s smoother 60fps options and longer zoom provide more creative options. The EX-10's touchscreen and tilt screen facilitate vlogging-style situations better.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, Portability

For the jet-setter, size and flexibility matter.

The Panasonic ZS50 makes a compelling travel companion: reduced weight, compact size, plus an extraordinary 30x zoom covers landscapes, architecture, portraits, and distant subjects without lens changes.

Battery life is rated around 300 shots, somewhat conservative but usually sufficient for a day’s sightseeing. It supports SD, SDHC, SDXC plus internal storage, a nice bonus for backups.

The Casio EX-10 shines when you want higher image quality en route but are willing to accept less zoom and a bigger body. Its longer battery life (455 shots) and robust build lend themselves to intensive shooting days.

If you prefer to travel light with one camera that can do everything passably, Panasonic edges out. For slightly better image fidelity in portraits and low light, Casio is worth the extra bulk.

Professional Reliability and Workflow Integration

Both cameras shoot RAW, essential for professional post-processing latitude.

The EX-10 produces larger RAW files thanks to its bigger sensor and offers tactile controls desirable in professional workflows. However, it lacks pro features such as tethering, dual card slots, or weather sealing.

The ZS50, despite its compromises, scores well on connectivity with NFC for quick transfers, useful on assignments needing rapid sharing to smartphones or tablets.

With modest prices ($455 for the EX-10, $350 for the ZS50), these cameras are better suited as compact field companions or backup bodies rather than primary professional tools.

Objective Performance Ratings

Let’s see a side-by-side of overall benchmarking scores reflecting image quality, speed, and usability.

Here you can see the EX-10's sensor size and image quality preside over the ZS50’s stellar zoom reach and features. Both cameras hold their own given their category and age.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

Breaking down strengths by photography type for clarity:

• Portraits: EX-10 leads with aperture and AF reliability
• Landscape: Slight edge to EX-10 for sensor quality
• Wildlife: ZS50 dominates due to zoom and burst speed
• Sports: ZS50 favored for tracking and frame rate
• Street: Tie; EX-10’s screen vs ZS50's viewfinder
• Macro: EX-10 for close focusing and precision
• Night/astro: EX-10’s sensor and stabilization excel
• Video: Panasonic for 60fps and zoom flexibility
• Travel: ZS50 wins for size and all-in-one versatility
• Professional: Both serve as backups, no outright leader

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images from Both Cameras

To truly appreciate differences, here are side-by-side images shot under identical conditions.

Casio EX 10 front Casio EX 10 screen back Panasonic ZS50 front Panasonic ZS50 screen back

Notice the depth and detail in the Casio portrait vs Panasonic’s zoomed wildlife shot. Color rendition and noise levels also reflect sensor advantages discussed.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

You’re probably wondering: which camera should you choose? Here's my distilled advice.

Choose the Casio EX-10 if:

• You prioritize image quality for portraits, low-light, macro, and landscapes
• You want a bright lens for shallow depth of field and night shooting
• You appreciate physical dials and a touchscreen for quick adjustments
• You prefer a tilting large LCD over an electronic viewfinder
• You don’t mind a slightly larger camera for better grip and battery life

Opt for the Panasonic ZS50 if:

• You need extreme zoom range (30x) for travel, wildlife, or sports
• You value a compact, lightweight camera with built-in EVF
• You want 60fps Full HD video for smoother movies
• You prefer a camera that’s stealthy and easy to carry all day
• You desire NFC wireless connectivity and versatile file backups

My Personal Takeaway

After extensive field tests, I value the Casio EX-10 as an all-arounder that punches above its sensor size with a fast lens and intuitive interface. Its focus on image quality pays dividends if you shoot portraits, macro, or nighttime scenes.

The Panasonic ZS50 feels like the quintessential traveler’s zoom compact - lightweight, versatile, and excellent when you need to get close to distant action without swapping glass. Although its sensor limits low-light prowess, the convenience factor is undeniable.

Is it fair to say there’s a “better” camera here? Not quite. They answer different needs. In fact, some photographers will want both in their travel arsenal for complementary strengths.

Ultimately, understanding these nuanced trade-offs helps you make an informed decision - and that’s what good photography gear advice is all about.

If you’re seeking a compact with a bright fast lens and bigger sensor, reach for the Casio EX-10. If super zoom and portability dominate your wish list, Panasonic ZS50 is your go-to.

Happy shooting - and as always, remember: the best camera is the one in your hands.