Casio EX-10 vs Samsung SL202: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing a compact camera in today’s smartphone-dominated landscape might feel like an unusual quest, but well-designed point-and-shoot models still hold value for photography enthusiasts and professionals who want a lightweight secondary camera or specialized creative features. Here, we take a deep dive into two small sensor compacts from different eras and brands - the Casio EX-10 (2013) and the Samsung SL202 (2009) - to help you understand their capabilities, limitations, and where they excel across photographic disciplines. Whether you seek creative manual controls or pure simplicity, this comparison will clarify which camera better fits your style, budget, and real-world shooting needs.

First Impressions: Handling, Design, and Ergonomics

Before we look at the specs, it’s essential to consider how these cameras feel in your hands and how their control layouts impact day-to-day shooting.

• Casio EX-10: Sportier and chunkier, the EX-10 measures 120×68×49 mm and weighs 384 grams. It offers a deep grip and thoughtfully placed buttons that enable quick access to key functions. The tilting 3.5” touchscreen is a highlight, facilitating comfortable shooting at tricky angles.
• Samsung SL202: More diminutive and pocket-friendly at 92×61×23 mm and 168 grams. With a slim, streamlined body, it’s unobtrusive and easy to toss in a small bag. However, it sacrifices grip comfort and lacks a touchscreen, relying on a small fixed 2.7” display.

Control Layout:

The EX-10 benefits from a more advanced control scheme, featuring manual dials and dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, aperture, and shooting modes. In contrast, the SL202 is simplified with fewer buttons and no manual exposure modes, making it approachable for casual users but limiting creative control.

Bottom Line: If you value a camera you can actively manipulate to push your photography, the Casio’s ergonomics and controls are superior. For a grab-and-go model prioritizing portability, the Samsung is easier to carry but offers limited hands-on tweaking.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size and Resolution Matter

Image quality largely depends on the sensor, its size, and the processing engine behind it. Let’s compare the heart of these compact cameras.

Technical Analysis:

• The Casio EX-10’s larger 1/1.7” CMOS sensor provides a significant advantage in image quality, particularly in low light and dynamic range performance. CMOS sensors generally offer faster readout speeds and better noise control.
• Samsung SL202’s smaller CCD sensor performs well in bright daylight but struggles more at higher ISOs, partly reflected by a maximum ISO of 1600.
• The EX-10’s broader native ISO range (up to 12,800) expands shooting flexibility in challenging lighting.
• RAW capability on the Casio is crucial for advanced users who want full control in post-processing, while the SL202 shoots only JPEGs, limiting dynamic range recovery.

In practical tests, you’ll notice softer fine details and more noise at high ISO on the SL202, while EX-10’s output exhibits cleaner shadows and better overall tonal gradation. The EX-10 also benefits from Casio’s Exilim Engine HS 3 processor that optimizes noise reduction and color reproduction.

Viewing and User Interface: Screens and Focus Experience

An effective user interface is vital in small cameras where direct control over focus and exposure can be challenging.

• Casio EX-10 features a large 3.5” Super Clear LCD touchscreen with 922K dots resolution and a 180-degree upward tilt. This makes composing selfies or low-angle shots intuitive and precise. Touch autofocus and menu navigation simplify operation.
• Samsung SL202 comes with a smaller 2.7” fixed LCD with 230K dots, less crisp and not ideal for checking focus critically or navigating menus quickly.

Autofocus System:

• EX-10 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, touch AF, and supports continuous and tracking AF modes, which vastly improve your chances of capturing sharp images in dynamic environments.
• SL202’s AF is contrast-detect only, single autofocus type with no tracking or continuous AF, suitable for static subjects but limited for action or unpredictable scenes.

Bottom Line: The EX-10’s touchscreen and versatile autofocus system make it significantly more user-friendly, especially when shooting moving subjects, portraits, or in low light.

Lens and Zoom: Flexibility in Framing Your Subject

Both cameras have fixed lenses with different focal ranges and maximum apertures that affect versatility and creative options.

• The EX-10’s bright f/1.8 lens at the wide end offers superior low-light shooting, faster shutter speeds, and shallower depth of field for more creative bokeh.
• SL202’s slower aperture narrows the exposure window in dim environments and limits background separation for portraiture.
• Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the EX-10’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm, enabling striking close-ups, compared to the SL202’s 5 cm minimum focus.
• Image stabilization on the Casio compensates for hand shake, sharpening photos and smoothing video - an absent feature on the Samsung.

Implication for Photography Styles:

• For portraits and low light, EX-10’s aperture advantage and image stabilization produce cleaner images with more pleasing background blur.
• Travel and street photographers may find SL202’s lens range adequate if you prioritize compactness, but expect to work harder in challenging light.

Burst Rate, Shutter Speed and Video: Capturing Action and Motion

How do these cameras handle moving subjects and video, two increasingly common creative demands?

• The EX-10’s fast burst shooting (10 frames per second) allows you to capture decisive moments in sports or wildlife scenarios, a remarkable feature on a compact camera.
• The SL202 lacks a fast burst mode and long shutter speeds to fully freeze or blur motion creatively.
• Video quality is also superior on Casio, offering 1080p Full HD recordings, while Samsung caps out at low-resolution VGA, restricting the footage’s use for sharing or editing.
• Built-in image stabilization further enhances video smoothness in the EX-10.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Use

Long shooting sessions demand reliable power and ample storage capacity.

• Casio’s 455 shots per charge rating provides strong endurance for travel or events without frequent replacements.
• Samsung’s battery life is unlisted but likely lower given the camera’s lower specs and smaller size.
• Both cameras rely on broadly supported SD cards, with the EX-10 supporting newer SDXC standards for larger capacities and faster write speeds.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers rugged weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both are primarily everyday compacts intended for casual or enthusiast use under normal conditions.

The EX-10’s heftier build offers a more solid feel, while the SL202’s plastic exterior and smaller size mean you’ll want to handle it carefully. If you’re seeking a camera for adventure or harsh conditions, neither is ideal - consider a rugged model or mirrorless option instead.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

• Casio EX-10 includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), allowing you to transfer photos easily to smartphones or tablets for quick sharing. It also supports HDMI output and USB 2.0.
• Samsung SL202 has no wireless connectivity or HDMI; it relies solely on USB 2.0 for image transfer.

The EX-10’s wireless features save time in modern workflows and complement smartphone apps for remote shooting, a relevant advantage for vloggers and content creators.

Image Samples and Real-World Performance

Casio EX 10 front Casio EX 10 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

Looking at sample photos side-by-side:

• The Casio EX-10 delivers sharper images with better detail retention and more natural skin tones, even in low-light portraits.
• Samsung SL202 produces decent daylight shots but often with visible noise in shadows and less color depth.
• The EX-10’s macro shots exhibit crisp focus with creamy bokeh, while the SL202’s macro images tend to be softer and less vibrant.
• Video clips from the EX-10 maintain clarity and smooth motion, whereas the SL202’s video is grainy and low-res, limiting creative use.

Comprehensive Scoring and Genre Suitability

Who Should Choose Casio EX-10?

If you are:

• An enthusiast or advanced user craving manual control and a bright lens in a portable package
• Focused on portraiture with pleasing bokeh and accurate skin tones
• Interested in Full HD video and wireless connectivity for sharing and vlogging
• Seeking a compact camera with substantial feature depth and flexibility for various genres
• Wanting RAW capture and solid autofocus for thoughtful post-processing and creative work

Then the Casio EX-10 is a clear step up over the Samsung SL202. Its improvements in sensor, lens brightness, stabilization, and user interface equip you well to elevate your photography and video creation.

Who Might Prefer Samsung SL202?

You might lean toward the Samsung SL202 if you:

• Want a simple, pocketable point-and-shoot with basic operation
• Shoot primarily in daylight where limited ISO and slow AF won't hinder you
• Have a tight budget and are satisficed with JPEG-only images
• Need a super lightweight secondary camera for casual snapshots

While outdated and limited by today’s standards, the SL202 can still fulfill basic documentation needs with surprising ease if you’re not pushing manual controls or demanding image quality.

Final Thoughts: Evolving Compact Cameras and Your Creative Path

Comparing these two small sensor compacts from Casio and Samsung highlights how rapidly camera technology evolves. The EX-10’s improvements reflect advancements in sensor tech, processing, connectivity, and touchscreen convenience that unlock far more creative options.

If you’re embarking on or continuing a creative photography journey, favor cameras like the EX-10 that give tangible control over exposure, focus, stabilization, and image quality. The SL202 might serve certain casual uses, but its feature and performance gaps limit growth opportunities.

Keep in mind the importance of handling these cameras yourself - ergonomics, menu navigation, and image viewfinders or screens are subjective yet crucial for sustained enjoyment.

Hands-On Tips for Buyers and Users

• Always test autofocus responsiveness in your common shooting scenarios (e.g., indoor portraits, fast sports scenes if applicable).
• Inspect image samples at 100% crop on your display to judge noise and detail beyond web-res images.
• Investigate battery options and third-party compatible chargers.
• Invest in quality SD cards (Class 10 or UHS-1) to speed up write times, especially in burst shooting and video.
• Explore third-party accessories for ergonomics or enhanced carrying options.

Summary Table

Closing Encouragement

Take these insights as a guide to find the compact camera that unlocks your creative goals without compromise. Whether you prioritize portability or creative control, knowing each model’s strengths and weaknesses empowers better choices on your photographic path.

Don’t hesitate to check out these cameras in store or secondhand markets, try handling them, and explore online galleries and user forums for community experiences. Pair your chosen model with thoughtful accessories - extra batteries, memory cards, or a protective case - to maximize readiness.

If you want a reliable, compact tool with high-quality imagery and video that adapts to various photography styles, the Casio EX-10 is the standout. But if pocket size and simplicity with a tight budget are your priorities, the Samsung SL202 remains a capable, straightforward companion.

Happy shooting, and here’s to many moments captured beautifully, no matter which compact you pick!

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