Casio EX-100 vs Nikon P300: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras with versatile zoom lenses, the market has seen many contenders over the years. Today, I’m diving deep into two such models that often attract attention for their mix of portability, image quality, and pocket-friendly features: the Casio EX-100 and the Nikon Coolpix P300. Both announced within a few years of each other in the early 2010s, they represent interesting approaches to small-sensor compacts with a focus on photo quality and usability.

Having extensively tested both models across multiple photographic disciplines, I’ll guide you through their respective strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usability. Whether you’re a portrait lover, travel hiker, or hobbyist videographer, this detailed comparison offers insights you won’t find in marketing brochures. Let’s start with an overview of their build and handling before diving into sensor performance, autofocus, and more.

Size, Build, and Handling: Ergonomics in Your Hands

First impressions matter, and with everyday carry cameras, size and comfort often determine how much you’ll actually use one. The Casio EX-100 is a noticeably beefier compact, while the Nikon P300 keeps a smaller footprint.

You can see from this size comparison that the Casio measures 119x67x50 mm and weighs about 389g, almost double the Nikon’s 189g and smaller 103x58x32 mm dimensions. The EX-100’s heft and thicker grip offer more secure handling, especially with longer focal lengths where stability becomes critical. In contrast, the P300 excels in portability - slipping easily into a jacket pocket without bulk. It’s a classic trade-off: ruggedness and comfort versus discreetness and convenience.

That said, neither camera features weather sealing, so you’ll need to take care around moisture or dust. Build quality on both is solid for their class, but the Casio's slightly more robust feel aligns with its higher price tag.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Your Settings

Once you pick up a camera, how the controls are laid out can make or break your shooting experience. Neither model sports a complex array of buttons, but each takes a different approach.

The Nikon P300’s slim body features minimalistic controls - its 3” fixed TFT-LCD screen, below, provides crisp visibility but no touch capability. Its three control dials/buttons feel tight but intuitive once acclimated.

Casio’s EX-100, on the other hand, sports a larger 3.5” tilting “Super Clear LCD” with 922k-dot resolution, providing more flexibility in shooting angles - a plus for macro and low perspectives. Its control layout includes a more extensive button array catering to enthusiasts who appreciate quick access to manual exposure, focus, and exposure compensation. The lack of illuminated buttons is a minor inconvenience in dark scenarios, though.

For photographers who value flexible live view composition and on-the-fly changes, the Casio’s interface confidently leads. The Nikon’s simplicity, however, complements street shooters seeking minimal distraction and faster operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors with Big Responsibilities

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, and here is where we begin to see fundamental differences influencing everything from resolution to noise performance.

Both cameras house 12-megapixel CMOS sensors, similar in resolution but differing notably in size and technology. The Casio EX-100 boasts a relatively large 1/1.7" sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm - offering 41.52 mm² sensor surface area. The Nikon P300 shrinks down to a 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), totaling 28.07 mm² area.

The larger sensor on the Casio translates into better light-gathering capabilities, translating to less noise at higher ISOs and improved dynamic range. Additionally, Casio supports RAW shooting - a significant advantage if you want post-processing flexibility. Nikon, however, lacks RAW output, limiting file handling to JPEG only, which reduces latitude for adjustments but keeps workflows straightforward.

ISO sensitivity ranges also illuminate design philosophies: Casio’s 80 to 12,800 (boosted to 25,600) shows ambition for low light and night shooting, while Nikon tops at ISO 3200, reflecting more conservative noise control.

To put the image quality into perspective, here’s a direct look at sample shots:

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Nikon P300 front Nikon P300 screen back

The Casio’s images reveal cleaner shadows and sustained detail even at ISO 6400, with skin tones rendered naturally when using the neutral color profile. The Nikon’s images are punchy but exhibit color clipping and visible sensor noise under similar conditions. Landscape shots especially highlight the Casio’s advantage, delivering richer textures and finer detail retention in highlights and shadows.

Autofocus and Tracking: Catching the Moment

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) often separate snapshots from decisive captures, especially in fast-action scenarios like wildlife or sports.

The Casio EX-100 employs 25 contrast detection AF points with face detection and tracking modes, while the Nikon offers 9 points, also contrast detect-driven, but lacks continuous autofocus support (no AF-C mode) and manual focus is absent.

In hands-on testing, the Casio’s AF proved more responsive and better at tracking moving subjects, with fewer focus hunting issues in good light. Nikon’s AF feels slower, and lack of manual focus forced compromises in tricky focusing situations. Neither camera uses phase detection AF, so low light focusing is naturally hampered.

For burst shooting, the Casio’s 30 fps continuous shooting mode is impressive in theory, albeit at limited resolution or buffer. Nikon’s maximum stands at 7 fps, more modest but consistent for casual action capture.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: What’s on the Front?

The fixed lens design is typical for this category but the specifications and capabilities vary.

Casio EX-100 comes with a 28-300 mm equivalent zoom (10.7x), constant f/2.8 aperture which is a standout feature - fast throughout the zoom range, excellent for low light and shallow depth of field effects. This makes it versatile for portraits with creamy bokeh, wildlife at distance, and travel snaps alike.

By contrast, Nikon’s P300 offers a 24-100 mm equivalent zoom (4.2x) and a variable aperture from f/1.8 to f/4.9, giving an edge for bright-aperture wide-angle shots but struggling as you zoom toward telephoto end, especially in dim lighting conditions.

You’ll find the Casio’s lens better suited for more diverse photographic needs, especially if you value sharpness and background separation. The Nikon excels mostly at wide-angle and moderate zoom ranges, suitable for street and landscape but limited for wildlife or tight portraits.

Stability and Low-Light Performance: Keeping Shots Crisp

Image stabilization (IS) technology in compacts is crucial to avoid blur from hand shake, especially at slower shutter speeds.

Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization, which moves the sensor to counteract blur. Nikon employs optical stabilization integrated into the lens elements.

In practice, I’ve noticed Casio’s system tends to offer more substantial compensation, helping achieve sharper images at slower shutter speeds - a boon for night shooting or macro photos where tiny movements can ruin a shot.

Low-light ISO performance reinforces these advantages. At ISO 1600 and beyond, Casio maintains better detail retention, less luminance noise, and more natural colors. Meanwhile, the Nikon P300’s max ISO 3200 becomes grainy and murky beyond ISO 800, limiting usability in darker environments.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video is increasingly important in compact cameras, and these models handle it differently.

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, but Casio caps frame rates at 30fps, while Nikon adds more versatility with 15, 30, and 60 fps for 720p, plus high-speed 120 fps at VGA resolution for slow-motion.

Neither camera offers 4K or microphone inputs, so serious videographers will find them lacking. Casio’s sensor-shift stabilization aids video smoothness better than Nikon’s lens-based system in handheld shooting. Still, the overall experience is aimed at casual video users.

If timelapse recording matters to you, Casio integrates this feature natively whereas Nikon does not.

Specialized Photography Uses: Who Shines Where?

Portraits: Casio’s brighter lens and face detection autofocus deliver more pleasing skin tones and sharper eyes. The longer 300mm reach creates more buttery bokeh at telephoto distances. Nikon’s bokeh is limited by slower aperture at zoomed focal lengths.

Landscape: The Casio’s larger sensor and superior dynamic range capture richly detailed scenes without blown highlights. Nikon’s sharper wide-angle lens holds an edge, but shadows and midtones lack Casio’s subtlety.

Wildlife & Sports: The longer Casio zoom with 30 fps burst and follow AF more readily tracks action. Nikon’s limited zoom and slower continuous shooting frustrate fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography: Nikon’s compact size and unobtrusive operation suit street shooters preferring swift, stealthy use. Casio is bulkier and louder, less ideal for spontaneity.

Macro: Casio’s 5cm minimum focus distance and tilting screen make close-up shots easier, combined with strong stabilization. Nikon gets closer at 3cm but fixed screen hampers composition ease.

Night / Astro: Casio’s higher ISO ceiling, better noise control, and manual exposure options give it a clear edge.

Travel: Lightweight Nikon excels for compact packing and casual use, but Casio’s better versatility and longer zoom can replace multiple cameras for serious travelers.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Casio EX-100 offers built-in wireless connectivity for easy sharing - vital for today’s social shooters - while Nikon P300 has no wireless options.

Both cameras utilize standard SD cards; the Casio allows SD, SDHC, and SDXC for large capacity.

In terms of endurance, Casio’s battery life is rated at a solid 390 shots, significantly outpacing Nikon’s 240 shots. When traveling or on location shoots, that difference translates to fewer battery swaps and better reliability.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

At the time of release, Casio EX-100 carried a higher price tag ($572) than Nikon P300 ($499), justified by its more advanced features like RAW shooting, sensor size, lens aperture, and burst rate.

Given their age and current market value, both hold some collector or niche appeal rather than compete with contemporary models. Still, for enthusiasts seeking small sensor compacts that pack real punch in image quality and zoom range, Casio offers a better value if one can handle the larger form factor.

Final Word: Performance Ratings and Recommendations

These charts summarize my hands-on testing scores: Casio leads overall with strengths in portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, night, and video; Nikon remains competent for street and travel due to its compactness and simplicity.

Who Should Choose the Casio EX-100?

• Enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, low-light usage, and zoom versatility
• Portrait photographers wanting pleasing bokeh and manual controls
• Travelers who want an all-in-one camera despite larger size
• Videographers needing smooth stabilized Full HD video and timelapse

Who Fits the Nikon P300 Better?

• Casual shooters who want a compact, pocketable camera
• Street photographers valuing discretion and rapid access
• Users who don’t mind JPEG-only and modest zoom range
• Budget-conscious buyers willing to trade features for size and simplicity

Parting Thoughts: Which Compact Punches Above Its Weight?

After working extensively with both cameras over varied shoots, I’ve come to reflect on the balance they strike between portability and performance. It's refreshing to see how each delivers unique value in its own right - the Casio EX-100 as a feature-rich, enthusiast-grade superzoom compact, and the Nikon P300 as a nimble everyday snapshot tool.

If forced to pick one based solely on photographic possibilities and long-term satisfaction, I'd lean towards the Casio EX-100, thanks to its larger sensor, versatile optics, and thoughtful manual controls. Nikon’s excellent mechanical design and smaller footprint, however, remain alluring for certain users.

Ultimately, your choice will hinge on what matters most to you: Is it image quality and creative control? Or convenience and pocketability? Either way, both cameras offer rewarding experiences for photographers seeking compact cameras that still punch above their weight.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive - if you want to see more real-world sample images or detailed test protocols, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!

Appendix: Key Specifications at a Glance

By evaluating these real-world factors alongside your own needs, you’ll find the best fit for your photography journey.