Comparing the Casio EX-100 and Olympus SP-590 UZ: Which Small-Sensor Superzoom Fits Your Photography Needs?

When selecting a versatile superzoom camera, enthusiasts often find themselves balancing sensor performance, zoom reach, ergonomics, and real-world handling characteristics. The Casio EX-100 (introduced in early 2014) and the Olympus SP-590 UZ (launched back in 2009) are two compact cameras boasting small CMOS sensors paired with wide perspective zoom lenses. Yet, their feature sets, image quality, and target user experience differ significantly, despite their common category.

Having extensively tested both models under varied shooting scenarios - including studio portraits, landscape vistas, wildlife action, and urban street scenes - I aim to provide an in-depth, hands-on comparison that demystifies their core strengths and shortcomings. This review is structured to deliver you meticulous technical insights alongside practical usage observations so you can align your buying decision with your photographic ambitions and budget.

Getting a Feel: Size, Handling, and Controls

Often overlooked in purely spec-based comparisons, the physical dimensions and ergonomics of a camera dramatically affect prolonged shooting comfort and spontaneity - especially for travel or street photography.

At a glance, the Casio EX-100 sports a compact, minimalist design emphasizing portability, with dimensions of 119 x 67 x 50 mm and a lightweight body of just 389 grams. Its form factor favors travelers keen on squeezing high zoom capacity into a neat package. In contrast, the Olympus SP-590 UZ reveals its bridge camera heritage with a chunkier, SLR-inspired body at 116 x 84 x 81 mm, weighing slightly more at 413 grams. This heftier build offers a more substantial grip and a comfortable heft that some photographers prefer for stability, particularly when shooting extended telephoto sequences.

The EX-100’s top plate features a clean, uncluttered control layout, including a mode dial with dedicated manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority options - highly valued by advanced shooters. The SP-590 UZ includes a similar suite, though its buttons feel more tactile due to the deliberately ruggedized bridge design. Notably, the EX-100 tilts the balance toward simplicity and intuitive grasp, while the Olympus grants more direct access to zoom and flash controls, accommodating faster in-the-field adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: CMOS vs. CCD Technologies

Critical to image fidelity, the sensors in these cameras highlight their generational and technological divide.

• Casio EX-100: Incorporates a 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm) 12MP CMOS sensor, offering ~41.52 mm² of capture area. The sensor includes an antialiasing filter and supports ISO sensitivity ranging from 80 up to 12,800 native (expandable to 25,600), with the ability to shoot raw files - a boon for post-processing latitude.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ: Uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm) 12MP CCD sensor, with an area of ~27.72 mm². Its ISO tops out at 6400 native, with raw capture also supported albeit with more limited dynamic range and higher noise at elevated ISOs, owing to CCD characteristics.

From extensive side-by-side shooting of standardized test charts and real-world environments, the EX-100 delivers visibly cleaner images with better highlight retention and shadow detail, especially noticeable in landscape and macro work. The CMOS sensor’s improved control of noise at ISO 800+ is particularly advantageous for low-light portraits and indoor scenarios, where the Olympus’ CCD noticeably lags with grain and smearing artifacts.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

The cameras diverge sharply in how they present the scene to the photographer.

The Casio EX-100 features a generous 3.5-inch Super Clear LCD with a 922k-dot resolution, which tilts - a welcome aid for composing challenging high or low-angle shots. Its richer screen enhances live-view clarity and playback review, facilitating more accurate manual focus and exposure checks. The interface feels modern and responsive, though it lacks touchscreen capabilities.

Olympus counters with a smaller, fixed 2.7-inch LCD at a lower 230k-dot resolution, making finer details harder to judge in bright light. However, it compensates somewhat with an electronic viewfinder - a feature the EX-100 omits altogether. Though not high-resolution by today’s standards, the SP-590 UZ’s EVF aids traditionalists who prefer eye-level composition over relying purely on the LCD screen. The EVF’s modest coverage and magnification require some adjustment, but it avoids glare issues encountered outdoors.

Lenses and Optical Performance: Zoom, Aperture, and Stabilization

Both cameras house fixed superzoom lenses characterized by broad focal ranges, but their reach and aperture dynamics differ notably.

• EX-100 Lens: 28–300mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range (approximately 10.7x optical zoom) with a constant bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 across the zoom range, an impressive specification enabling stronger low-light performance and shallower depth-of-field effects.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ Lens: Massive 26–676mm zoom span (around 26x optical zoom), beginning with f/2.8 at wide angle but tapering to f/5.0 at maximum telephoto, limiting light gathering at longer focal lengths.

The Casio’s ability to maintain f/2.8 wide aperture at telephoto end is highly advantageous for portrait photographers seeking creamier bokeh and quicker shutter speeds in dimmer environments. Conversely, the Olympus compensates with unsurpassed reach that suits wildlife enthusiasts or surveillance needs but at the expense of brightness and resulting image sharpness at the longest zoom settings.

Both cameras include image stabilization:

• Casio deploys sensor-shift stabilization, effectively reducing blur caused by handshake during handheld shooting - especially beneficial for macro and telephoto shots.

• Olympus relies on optical IS embedded in the lens assembly, yielding respectable compensation but tends to falter slightly at extreme zoom ranges and slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus Systems: Responsiveness and Accuracy in the Field

Autofocus (AF) is a paramount consideration when capturing moving subjects or for quick capture scenarios, such as street or sports photography.

• Casio EX-100: Features a 25-point contrast-detection AF system with continuous tracking capabilities and face detection. While lacking phase-detection autofocus technologies common in higher-end models, its AF performs admirably in good light with reliable subject acquisition and minimal hunting.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ: Employs a more limited contrast-detection AF system without continuous tracking or face detection support, focused mainly on single-point methods. AF speed is slower, especially noticeable in low light and during telephoto zoom - impacting action photography negatively.

In real-world testing, the EX-100’s AF system proved faster and more consistent, allowing confident captures of pets and children in motion. The Olympus system’s sluggishness often required a steady hand and patience to lock focus, especially at the 600mm+ reach.

Burst Mode and Shutter Speeds: Shooting Rapid Sequences

Action-oriented photographers will appreciate the capacity to shoot multiple frames per second and shutter range flexibility.

• Casio’s EX-100 impresses with an unusually fast 30 fps continuous shooting speed, albeit with certain resolution and quality caveats. Its shutter speed spectrum ranges from 1/15s to 1/20,000s (excellent for high-speed photography or bright conditions).

• Olympus trails with a modest 6 fps burst rate and maximum shutter speed of 1/2000s.

The EX-100’s rapid shooter capabilities provide an edge for sports or wildlife photographers chasing peak moments, although buffer capacity and image write speed impose practical limits on sustained bursts. The Olympus is better suited for casual or slow-paced shooting.

Video and Multimedia Features: Capturing Moving Moments

Video shooters must weigh resolution, frame rates, and recording formats carefully.

• Casio EX-100 records Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 30 fps in standard formats yet lacks external microphone input, restricting sound quality control. Its sensor-shift stabilization benefits handheld video smoothness.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ is limited to VGA resolution (640 x 480) video with Motion JPEG compression, making it less future-proof and visually inferior. It does not offer microphone or headphone ports nor advanced video modes.

For casual video diary or event recording, the EX-100’s superior Full HD video with smoother stabilization makes it a clear winner.

Detailed Build Quality and Weather Resistance Comparison

• Olympus markets the SP-590 UZ with environmental sealing, conferring partial resistance to water and dust ingress; a desirable feature for outdoor enthusiasts photographing in variable conditions.

• Casio EX-100 lacks any official weatherproofing, though its compact form reduces points of ingress.

Neither camera is shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof, so users require care in extreme environments. The Olympus’ environmental sealing advantage can influence photographers primarily shooting landscapes or wildlife in unpredictable weather.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery endurance and memory card compatibility are often under-discussed yet critical for reliability during extended shoots.

• Casio EX-100 includes a rechargeable proprietary battery pack rated at approximately 390 shots per charge, sufficient for daily sessions but may require spares on long trips.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ’s battery life figures are undocumented officially but noted to be shorter in field reviews, partly due to its electronic viewfinder and power-hungry zoom lens.

Storage choices tilt in Olympus’ favor by supporting multiple formats: xD Picture Cards, microSD cards, and internal memory, enhancing user flexibility. Casio supports standard SD/SDHC/SDXC media, widely available and higher capacity.

Connectivity and Interface Features

• Casio EX-100 boasts built-in wireless connectivity for hassle-free image transfer - a significant asset for instant social media sharing or remote control via companion apps. It includes HDMI output and USB 2.0.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ lacks wireless features but offers HDMI and USB 2.0 interfaces.

Real-World Photography Performance: Use Case Scenarios

To truly understand how these cameras perform across disciplines, I tested each across varied genres, compiling the findings below:

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back

Portraiture

The EX-100’s bright f/2.8 lens coupled with face detection AF yields more naturally rendered skin tones with creamy bokeh and accurate focusing on eyes. The Olympus’ longer zoom can isolate remote subjects but struggles to produce smooth background blur given its narrower aperture at telephoto and less refined AF.

Landscape

EX-100’s larger CMOS sensor and tilt LCD significantly assist in composition and dynamic range capture, producing sharper, more detailed results. Olympus’ environmental sealing is beneficial for demanding conditions, but its smaller sensor limits image richness and shadow control.

Wildlife

Olympus’s 26x zoom provides remarkable reach for distant subjects; however, the slower AF and limited burst rate hinder capturing elusive moments. Casio’s faster AF and shooting speeds compensate but with a shorter zoom range.

Sports

Casio dominates here with rapid continuous shooting and swift AF; Olympus’ slower systems hinder capturing fast-paced action effectively.

Street

EX-100’s compact, quiet operation is less intrusive. Olympus’ size and louder zoom may attract unwanted attention. Both low-light capabilities limit night street shooting.

Macro

Casio’s minimum focusing distance and sensor-shift stabilization produce crisp close-ups with easier framing thanks to the articulating screen, outperforming Olympus in detail and ease.

Night/Astrophotography

EX-100’s superior ISO range and raw shooting enable cleaner astro images with less noise. Olympus struggles with noise and limited long exposure controls.

Video

EX-100’s Full HD video and stabilization make it suitable for casual videographers; Olympus’s low-res VGA limits video usage.

Travel

EX-100’s lighter, compact body with tilting screen and wireless transfer best suits travelers. Olympus offers more zoom flexibility but bulkier and less connected.

Professional Use

Both cameras are affordable, entry-level superzooms with limited professional flexibility. The EX-100’s manual controls and raw output lend it more credibility for advanced workflows.

Summary of Performance Ratings and Scores

These charts synthesize the meticulous testing data, confirming:

• Casio EX-100 excels in portrait, video, macro, and low-light usage.
• Olympus SP-590 UZ shines primarily in extreme telephoto reach and all-weather outdoor shooting.

Value Proposition and Pricing Considerations

Priced around $570 at launch, the Casio EX-100 targets enthusiasts seeking compact, bright optics and versatile manual controls. The Olympus SP-590 UZ, significantly more affordable at roughly $250, appeals to budget-conscious users requiring superzoom breadth and environmental sealing but willing to accept compromises in sensor performance and video fidelity.

When factoring price-to-performance - considering current used markets or discounts - the EX-100 commands a premium justified by its advanced features and image quality, while the Olympus remains an economical choice for zoom-centric, casual photographers.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose the Casio EX-100 if:

  • You prioritize image quality with a preference for manual controls and raw file flexibility.
  • You shoot portraits or macro where aperture and focusing precision matter.
  • You value good video capture with stabilization.
  • You need a lightweight, travel-friendly camera with wireless connectivity.
  • You want faster autofocus and burst shooting for sports or wildlife in moderate zoom ranges.

• Choose the Olympus SP-590 UZ if:

  • You desire the longest possible zoom range for distant subject capture.
  • You require a bridge camera body with environmental sealing for rugged outdoor use.
  • Your video needs are casual, and resolution demands are low.
  • Budget constraints dictate a more affordable superzoom solution.
  • You prefer the convenience of an electronic viewfinder for composition.

Conclusion: Aligning Your Photography Vision with These Cameras

Both the Casio EX-100 and Olympus SP-590 UZ deliver credible small-sensor superzoom performances but appeal to distinct audiences within the enthusiast community. My hands-on experience reveals that while Olympus offers extraordinary zoom reach and some durability benefits, Casio’s sensor technology, lens aperture, and operational fluency better serve those seeking image quality and responsiveness across a broader spectrum of photographic genres.

If your primary objective is immersive creative control, image fidelity, and reliable focus in diverse conditions - particularly for portraits, travel, and HD video - the Casio EX-100 is the clear frontrunner despite its higher cost. Conversely, if ultra-telephoto reach and ruggedness under a tighter budget are paramount, the Olympus SP-590 UZ remains a compelling option, acknowledging its compromises.

Whichever you choose, understanding these nuanced variances ensures you select a camera not just on paper, but as a comprehensive artistic partner tailored to your unique vision and practical shooting demands.