Casio EX-100 vs Samsung TL350

Casio EX-100 vs. Samsung TL350: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Cameras

In the evolving landscape of compact cameras, discerning photographers often find themselves navigating a field where sensor sizes, zoom ranges, and feature sets vary widely. Released four years apart, the Casio EX-100 (2014) and Samsung TL350, also known as WB2000 (2010), represent distinct approaches to small sensor compacts aimed at enthusiasts and semi-professionals who prioritize portability yet demand photo quality and versatility. This comprehensive comparison aims to distill the differences, similarities, and practical usability of these two models across multiple photographic disciplines, assisting serious buyers in making an informed choice based on hands-on performance nuances rather than marketing claims.

At First Glance: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Physical ergonomics deeply affect the photographic experience, particularly in compact cameras where compromises in grip space and control placement can impact comfort and shooting efficiency.

Casio EX-100: Featuring a somewhat robust build for a compact, the EX-100 measures approximately 119 x 67 x 50 mm and weighs 389 grams. Its heft lends a sense of solidity notable in enthusiast-level compacts, with a sturdier grip that supports extended shooting sessions. The inclusion of a 3.5-inch tilting "Super Clear" LCD lends greater compositional flexibility, especially at awkward angles, a decisive boon for macro and low-angle landscape shots.

Samsung TL350: Significantly smaller and lighter, its dimensions are 100 x 59 x 22 mm with a weight of roughly 195 grams. Its slim profile enhances pocketability and street discretion but comes at the cost of a less substantial grip. The fixed 3-inch LCD screen, though serviceable, lacks articulation, limiting framing versatility outside eye-level shooting.

The practical takeaway: the Casio EX-100 caters to photographers prioritizing ergonomic control and compositional adaptability, whereas the Samsung TL350 targets users valuing extreme portability and unobtrusive carry.

Sensor and Image Quality: Defining the Visual Outcomes

Sensor technologies underpin image quality, influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and color accuracy.

Sensor Size and Type

• Casio EX-100: Utilizes a 1/1.7" CMOS sensor, measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm (approx. 41.52 mm²), which is significantly larger than typical compact sensors. Larger sensor area generally equates to superior noise control, color depth, and dynamic range.
• Samsung TL350: Employs a smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm; 27.72 mm²). This reduction in sensor size generally means compromises in low-light performance and overall image quality relative to the Casio.

Resolution and Output

• The Casio offers 12-megapixel resolution (4000 x 3000 pixels), providing ample detail for high-quality prints and cropping flexibility.
• Samsung’s 10-megapixel sensor (3648 x 2736 pixels) delivers sufficient resolution for standard prints and online use but with less headroom.

ISO Performance

• Casio’s ISO native range spans 80–12800 with boost to 25600, theoretically enabling better low-light operation. In real-world tests, noise remains controllable up to ISO 800-1600 but degrades beyond this.
• Samsung caps at ISO 3200 without boost options, reflecting older sensor design. Noise is significantly more pronounced above ISO 400.

Image Quality Observations The EX-100 consistently produces cleaner images with more detail retention in shadows and highlights, attributable to the larger sensor and stronger processing. Colors are truer to life with finer gradation. Conversely, the TL350's smaller sensor and weaker noise suppression result in flatter images with reduced dynamic range.

Practical recommendation: For photographers who demand higher image fidelity and noise performance - especially in variable lighting - Casio’s sensor advantage makes the EX-100 distinctly preferable.

Lens Performance: Versatility vs. Speed

Lens specifications often dictate flexibility for varied shooting scenarios and influence image aesthetics, including sharpness and bokeh quality.

• Casio EX-100 Lens: A 28-300mm equivalent zoom with a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the focal range, offering exceptional light gathering and shallow depth-of-field control for portraits and creative effects. The extensive 10.7x zoom range allows wide-angle landscapes and distant telephoto reach, maximizing situational adaptability.
• Samsung TL350 Lens: 24-120mm equivalent zoom with variable aperture from f/2.4 at wide angle to f/5.8 at telephoto. While f/2.4 at 24mm is commendably bright, the lens darkens substantially when zoomed in, reducing effectiveness for long-range or low-light shooting.

Fine detail are generally sharper in the EX-100 throughout the zoom, benefiting from Casio’s premium optics and larger sensor coupling. Samsung’s lens exhibits softer edges and noticeable vignetting beyond 85mm, which could detract in critical compositions.

Additional practical details note that both cameras have near 5cm macro focusing capability, adaptive for close-ups. However, EX-100’s steadier sensor-shift stabilization augments hand-held macro shooting better than Samsung’s optical stabilization, which is less effective in the higher zoom range.

Autofocus System: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

The autofocus (AF) mechanism is pivotal for capturing sharp, in-focus images under various shooting conditions.

• Casio EX-100: Features a contrast-detection AF system with 25 selectable focus points supporting single, continuous, tracking, and face detection AF. This array allows for relatively precise targeting, with face detection enhancing portrait reliability. Continuous AF assists in capturing moving subjects, a rarity in compact models.
• Samsung TL350: Utilizes a simpler contrast-detection AF system without face detection or continuous tracking. AF points are limited and fixed center-dominant, impeding flexibility in subject placement and focus accuracy in dynamic scenarios.

In practice, the Casio’s AF system provides noticeable improvements in locking speed and responsiveness, performing reasonably well in wildlife and sports snapshots. The Samsung's AF can struggle in dimmer environments or when attempting to track moving subjects, sometimes resulting in hunting and missed focus.

Shooting Experience: Viewfinder, LCD, and Controls

The user interface - from viewfinder presence to button ergonomics - directly affects shooting comfort and operational speed.

Neither camera offers a dedicated electronic viewfinder (EVF), limiting framing in bright outdoor conditions to reliance on their LCDs.

• Casio EX-100: The 3.5-inch tilting LCD with 922k-dot resolution provides generous real estate with sharp rendering, aiding in manual focus and critical detail check. The user interface exposes manual controls including aperture, shutter priority, and full manual exposure, alongside exposure compensation and white balance bracketing. Physical buttons, however, are not backlit, which limits nighttime usability.
• Samsung TL350: Equipped with a fixed 3-inch LCD of similar resolution but smaller size and no articulation. Manual exposure modes and customizable white balance are absent or rudimentary compared to Casio. Control layout is minimalist, prioritizing simplicity but at the expense of rapid parameter adjustment.

For photographers expecting fine-tuned exposure control and on-the-fly adjustments during professional or enthusiast workflows, the Casio’s control scheme and articulated LCD demonstrate a clear advantage.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Range: Capturing the Action

• Casio EX-100 achieves an impressive continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second (fps), albeit likely optimized for limited JPEG bursts without AF adjustments between frames. Shutter speeds range from 15 seconds up to 1/20,000th of a second, facilitating extreme freeze-frame capabilities and long exposures.
• Samsung TL350 offers a slower 10 fps burst respecting its simpler AF system, with shutter speeds from 16 seconds to 1/2000th of a second. This narrower shutter range somewhat limits versatility for fast action or high-brightness scenarios.

The wide shutter speed range on the Casio EX-100 allows longer exposure astrophotography and ultra-fast shutter effects uncommon in compact cameras.

Image Stabilization and Flash

• Casio EX-100 employs sensor-shift image stabilization, directly compensating for camera shake across all focal lengths. This is especially beneficial at its extensive 300mm reach and for macro work.
• Samsung TL350, in contrast, uses optical image stabilization through the lens. While effective, its efficacy diminishes at maximum telephoto, reducing hand-held usability in lower light.

Built-in flash capabilities differ as well. Casio offers a flash range of 6.1 meters with typical modes but lacks an external hot shoe for advanced lighting setups. Samsung’s flash reaches 5.2 meters and includes more flash modes like slow sync and fill-in, accommodating some creative flash work but still no external flash support.

Video Modes and Multimedia Capabilities

Both cameras support Full HD (1920x1080) video recording at 30 frames per second.

• Casio EX-100: Video features are basic with no microphone input, headphone jack, or advanced codecs. There is no 4K video or high frame rate recording. However, sensor stabilization aids handheld video smoothness, and exposure modes translate well to movie capture. Wireless connectivity is integrated for simple file transfers.
• Samsung TL350: Offers a variety of video resolutions from QVGA up to Full HD, recorded in H.264, but lacks image stabilization and wireless features. No audio input ports limit sound control, and fixed aperture optics influence depth in moving imagery.

Neither camera is aimed at professional video production but can satisfy casual HD recording needs.

Battery Life and Storage

• Casio EX-100: Rated for approximately 390 shots per charge, which is average for compact cameras with larger screens and Wi-Fi functions. Uses a proprietary rechargeable battery pack.
• Samsung TL350: Battery life specifications are not explicitly stated but given smaller battery type SLB-11A and lighter build, users should expect fewer shots per charge, possibly under 300.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though Samsung camera additionally supports internal storage options. Single card slots limit on-the-fly backup potential for professional workflows.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof capabilities. Users intending to shoot in harsh outdoor conditions will require protective accessories.

Pricing and Value Considerations

• Casio EX-100: Launched at approximately $572, reflecting its more advanced sensor, wider zoom range, and feature-rich handling.
• Samsung TL350: Originally priced near $400, indicative of its more basic feature set and smaller sensor. It holds appeal for budget-conscious users prioritizing a slim profile.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Suitability

Based on tested parameters and real-world handling:

• Portrait Photography: Casio excels with eye/face detection autofocus, larger sensor for pleasing skin tones, and f/2.8 aperture allowing more attractive bokeh. Samsung’s narrower aperture at telephoto and weaker AF dampen portrait capability.

• Landscape Photography: Casio’s wider zoom and larger sensor enable dynamic range retention and detailed captures. Lack of weather sealing limits extended outdoor use. Samsung’s smaller sensor and limited zoom are less versatile but smaller size aids portability.

• Wildlife and Sports: Casio’s faster burst rate and AF tracking provide a notable edge but still lack professional-grade speed and reliability. Samsung’s slower burst and AF restrict utility in fast-action sessions.

• Street Photography: Samsung offers superior discretion due to size and weight. Casio’s bulkier body and slower startup make it less ideal for spontaneous shooting.

• Macro Photography: Casio’s sensor-shift stabilization and tilting LCD benefit close focus work more than Samsung’s.

• Night and Astro: Casio’s extended ISO range, slow shutter speeds, and image stabilization support longer exposures; Samsung is limited by sensor noise and narrower shutter range.

• Travel Photography: Samsung prioritizes miniaturization and ease of transport, whereas Casio weighs more but offers broad focal length versatility and better image quality.

• Professional Use: Neither camera replaces professional interchangeable lens systems but Casio’s raw support, exposure bracketing, and full manual controls lean toward enthusiast and pro-sumer adoption better than the Samsung.

Summary and Recommendations

For Enthusiast Photographers Seeking Image Quality and Flexibility:
The Casio EX-100 stands out with its larger sensor, faster aperture zoom, superior autofocus system, and more versatile handling. It is particularly well-suited to portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light shooting where image quality is paramount. Its extended shutter range and burst capability make it an intriguing choice for semi-action and night photography. However, it sacrifices portability and weather resilience.

For Travelers and Street Photographers Prioritizing Portability and Ease of Use:
The Samsung TL350 shines with its compactness, light weight, and straightforward operation. Suited for casual snapshots, street photography, and travel where concealment and packability are important. Its more limited zoom range and sensor size constrain image quality and creative control, especially in challenging light.

Conclusion

Both Casio EX-100 and Samsung TL350 offer compact form factors and Full HD video capabilities, but they target slightly divergent photographic priorities. The Casio’s technological advantages - including sensor size, aperture speed, and expansive controls - translate directly into higher image quality, flexibility, and usability for advanced photographers. The Samsung, launched earlier and with a focus on slimness and simplicity, provides an accessible option for budget-conscious users emphasizing portability over feature depth.

Photographers should weigh these trade-offs carefully in accordance with their genre preferences, workflow, and shooting environments. Only extensive real-world use can fully reveal each camera’s strengths and limitations; however, based on detailed technical assessment and experience, the Casio EX-100 is a more capable all-around compact advanced camera, while the Samsung TL350 suits those who prize ultra-portability and straightforward operation above all.

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Samsung TL350 front Samsung TL350 screen back

By mapping technical specifications, image quality metrics, operational ergonomics, and genre-specific performance, this analysis delivers a thorough resource for photography enthusiasts seeking a compact camera that balances size, speed, and image fidelity. We advise testing both models where possible to validate personal preferences, but experienced users will appreciate the Casio EX-100’s distinct advantages in creative control and image excellence.