Casio EX-100 vs Samsung WB850F: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzoom Compacts

When choosing a compact superzoom camera, the promise of versatile focal lengths combined with easy handling is enticing. Today, we’re putting under the microscope two notable contenders from the early 2010s: Casio’s EX-100 and Samsung’s WB850F. Both cameras cater to enthusiasts craving zoom flexibility without lugging around hefty DSLRs, but each takes a slightly different approach in design, imaging capabilities, and feature set.

I’ve spent extensive time with both bodies in various shooting scenarios, so what follows is not just a spec comparison but a practical examination of how these cameras behave in everyday use - from landscape vistas to low-light portraits, from wildlife snapshots to polished travel companions.

Let’s kick this off by placing them side by side.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Handling

Both cameras fall into the compact category, but their sizes and handfeel differ quite a bit. The Casio EX-100 is visibly chunkier, measuring 119x67x50mm and weighing 389 grams. That heft translates to a more substantial grip and generally feels more comfortable for longer sessions, especially with larger hands.

In contrast, the Samsung WB850F is slimmer and lighter at 109x62x25mm and just 250 grams, making it pocketable but slightly less grippy. If you prioritize portability and plan to carry your camera all day in a light bag or jacket pocket, the WB850F’s slimline makes an attractive proposition.

Handling also reflects in control layouts. Notice the dedicated buttons and dial placements:

Casio leans toward an enthusiast-friendly design with more tactile controls, including dedicated aperture, shutter priority, and exposure compensation modes accessible via external dials and buttons. Samsung takes a more minimalist approach, relying on fewer buttons and a more streamlined top plate, which might appeal to casual shooters but frustrate manual shooters.

Ergonomics-wise, I found the EX-100 more suited for serious use due to the added heft and physical controls that support quick adjustments - a boon when your eye is glued to the action.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where things get interesting. Both models house relatively modest sensors by today’s standards, but their sizes and resolutions differ significantly:

• Casio EX-100: 1/1.7" CMOS sensor, 12MP resolution, 7.44x5.58mm sensor area (approx. 41.5 mm²)
• Samsung WB850F: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, 16MP resolution, 6.17x4.55mm (approx. 28 mm²)

At first glance, the Samsung holds a resolution advantage (16MP vs 12MP), but that increase comes at the cost of a smaller sensor area, meaning each pixel is smaller and potentially gathers less light. The bigger sensor of the Casio EX-100 tends to yield better per-pixel light sensitivity and dynamic range, which is critical for image quality, especially in challenging lighting.

I ran benchmark tests focusing on RAW output (Samsung lacks RAW support, by the way, which matters if you’re a critical image editor). Casio’s output exhibited cleaner shadows and richer tonal gradations across dynamic range tests, presumably due to its sensor size and processing pipeline.

In real-world shooting - particularly landscapes and portraiture - this translates to images with more punch and less noise at higher ISOs, up to 12800 on the Casio vs Samsung’s native max ISO of 3200. Now, ISO numbers look impressive on paper, but because noise grows exponentially, in my experience, keeping to ISO 800 or below on both cameras yields the best quality.

Screens and User Interfaces: Your Window to the Image

Both cameras use 3+ inch LCDs, but there are some meaningful differences:

The Casio EX-100 sports a 3.5" tilting Super Clear LCD with 922k-dot resolution - much sharper and more versatile for composing shots from odd angles. Samsung’s WB850F houses a 3" fixed AMOLED display with 614k-dot resolution that dazzles with vivid colors and deep blacks when viewed straight-on but lacks tilt capability for ground-level or overhead shooting.

From a user interface perspective, the EX-100’s tilting screen, combined with physical dials, facilitates creative framing and flexible shooting styles, especially useful in macro or street photography where unconventional vantage points are common.

Samsung’s AMOLED panel is superb for playback thanks to vibrant contrast but can be harder to see clearly in harsh sunlight and offers less compositional freedom.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture

The optics represent a large part of the cameras’ identities, especially given their superzoom monikers.

• Casio EX-100: 28-300mm (10.7x zoom), constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
• Samsung WB850F: 23-483mm (21x zoom), variable aperture F2.8-5.9

Samsung’s 21x zoom is impressive and offers far-reaching telephoto capability (up to 483mm equivalent), making it tempting for wildlife or distant subject work. However, the tradeoff includes a narrower maximum aperture at long focal lengths - around F5.9 - meaning less light reaches the sensor, which can hurt autofocus speed and image quality in dim conditions.

Casio’s lens covers a solid 10.7x range but maintains a bright constant F2.8 aperture throughout. This consistency is remarkable in this category and dramatically impacts performance in low light and depth-of-field control - allowing punchier subject isolation and smoother bokeh, particularly beneficial in portrait and macro work.

Personally, I value the constant aperture more for image quality consistency over the longer focal reach. The slightly shorter zoom range on Casio still accommodates most everyday needs comfortably.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Let’s talk focus. Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially with moving subjects.

The EX-100 features a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points and supports continuous and tracking autofocus modes, including face detection. Its broad AF coverage and refined algorithms provided quick, reliable focus locks in various lighting and subject scenarios during my tests.

Samsung WB850F, by contrast, also utilizes contrast-detection AF but has fewer known focus points and lacks continuous AF capabilities. It relies on single AF with face detection, sufficient for static subjects but less adept on fast-moving action or unpredictable wildlife.

For sports and wildlife photography, the Casio’s AF tracking and continuous AF support outclass Samsung, allowing higher keeper rates in burst mode (more on that next).

Burst Rate and Shooting Speed

Speed matters when capturing fleeting moments:

• Casio EX-100 offers blazing 30 frames per second continuous shooting - though this speed is at a reduced resolution or with focus locked on the first frame; practical continuous shooting with autofocus tracking is closer to 10 fps.
• Samsung WB850F caps at a more modest 10 frames per second.

In practical terms, Casio’s higher frame rates let you increase your chances of snagging the peak expression or action shot, notably in sports photography or wildlife sequences. That said, buffer limitations and writing speeds mean these bursts can’t be sustained indefinitely.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

For multimedia enthusiasts, video specs are worth attention:

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30fps.

• Casio EX-100 lacks an external microphone input, Bluetooth, or 4K support but does have sensor-shift image stabilization that helps smooth handheld footage.
• Samsung WB850F also lacks external mic input but offers MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, plus some high-speed video options: 480fps and 240fps modes at lesser resolutions for slow-motion capture.

Neither model caters to serious videographers, but the Samsung’s slow-motion modes might intrigue creative shooters wanting in-camera effects.

Low Light and High ISO Performance

Small sensor cameras typically struggle here, but Casio’s larger 1/1.7” sensor gives it an edge in low light.

In indoor party shots and night scenes, the EX-100 produced usable images up to ISO 800 with decent noise control, while Samsung images began to degrade noticeably at ISO 400 and above. The Samsung’s smaller sensor combined with higher megapixel count exacerbates noise visibility. Again, this means less flexibility in dim settings.

Image stabilization is another factor: Casio employs sensor-shift stabilization, which is generally more effective than Samsung’s optical image stabilization at mitigating handshake, critical for slow shutter speeds or telephoto use.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life on Casio is rated around 390 shots per charge, a respectable figure for its class. Samsung’s official battery life is not specified, but I found it slightly shorter in usage due to the AMOLED screen’s power draw.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, so storage flexibility is standard.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is built into both bodies but limited; neither supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Samsung stands out with built-in GPS, allowing geotagging on the fly - a handy feature for travel photographers documenting locations.

Casio, meanwhile, offers HDMI output and USB 2.0 connections but no GPS.

Environmental Durability

Neither camera provides weather sealing or ruggedization, so avoid exposure to dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Keep this in mind for outdoor adventures or unpredictable conditions.

Handling Various Photography Genres

How do these cameras perform across core photographic use cases in my real-world tests?

Portrait Photography

Casio’s bright constant F2.8 lens and larger sensor yield smoother background blur and better skin tone rendering. The EX-100’s face detection autofocus locks accurately, and colors pop naturally. Samsung struggles to isolate subjects well due to its narrower aperture at telephoto lengths and smaller sensor size. If portraits are your priority, Casio knocks it out of the park.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here. Casio’s bigger sensor and RAW support allow extensive post-processing latitude, ensuring detailed, high-quality landscape images. The EX-100’s 12MP resolution is adequate, too.

Samsung offers higher megapixels but limited processing flexibility (no RAW), so fine details and dynamic range fall short comparatively.

Neither camera features weather sealing, which landscape photographers should mind.

Wildlife Photography

Samsung edges out Casio with a longer zoom range (483mm vs 300mm) for distant subjects. However, Casio’s superior autofocus tracking and faster burst rates give it the advantage in capturing sharp, well-timed wildlife action. If distance is crucial, Samsung’s reach impresses; for action reliability and image quality, Casio’s overall package wins.

Sports Photography

The EX-100 is a better option due to its continuous autofocus and higher burst speeds enabling more keepers. The Samsung’s slower, single-point autofocus and modest burst make it less capable of freezing rapid movements.

Street Photography

Samsung’s compact, lighter body benefits street shooters aiming for discretion and portability. Its quick startup and AMOLED screen clarity in shadowed city streets are assets.

Casio is bulkier but offers tilting screens aiding composition from unusual angles, useful in crowded urban settings.

Macro Photography

Both cameras can focus as close as 5cm, but Casio’s brighter lens and stabilization make it more adept for handheld macro shots with sharper detail and creamier bokeh. Samsung’s weaker aperture and stabilization limit macro prowess.

Night / Astro Photography

Casio’s low-light handling and adjustable shutter speeds (up to 20 seconds) outclass Samsung’s 8-second max shutter. While neither are dedicated astro cameras, the EX-100 provides greater creative control for nightscapes, especially on a tripod.

Video Use

For casual video, Samsung’s slow-motion modes add creative flair. However, Casio’s image stabilization renders smoother standard footage.

Neither camera supports external microphones, a key limitation for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

Samsung’s light, pocket-ready form and built-in GPS appeal to travelers wanting a versatile all-in-one that's easy to carry.

Casio’s bulk and better low-light capabilities favor travelers who prioritize image quality and manual controls, accepting some extra weight.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses - no interchangeability, so your composition tools are bound to the built-in zooms. This factor is common in the small superzoom compact category.

Technical Summary Table

Real-Life Photo Gallery

In side-by-side comparisons under various lighting:

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

You see the Casio’s more natural color rendition and better highlight retention, while Samsung tends toward higher sharpening and contrast, sometimes at the expense of smoothness.

Overall Performance Ratings

To visualize the overall strengths:

Casio leads broadly in image quality, autofocus, and burst shooting, whereas Samsung scores slightly higher in zoom reach and portability.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Breaking it down by genre:

Casio excels in portraits, low light, sports, and macro; Samsung shines for travel and wildlife distance reach; street photography is fairly even, leaning to Samsung for size.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Suits You?

If you want…

• Superior Image Quality and Manual Controls: Casio EX-100 is the clear winner with its larger sensor, RAW support, bright constant aperture lens, versatile tilting screen, and faster autofocus system.
• Portability and Maximum Zoom Reach: Samsung WB850F fits better due to its compact, lightweight design and extended 21x zoom, with built-in GPS enhancing travel photography convenience.
• Video With Creative Slow Motion: Samsung’s slow-motion modes add versatility, although neither is ideal for serious videomaking.
• Budget-Conscious Enthusiasts on the Fence: The Casio remains competitively priced and offers more professional features, making it a better long-term choice for enthusiasts willing to sacrifice some portability.

Testing Methodology

A quick word on how I tested these cameras:

• Used identical SD cards formatted freshly before each session to avoid write speed artifacts.
• Photographed identical scenes under controlled lighting to compare sensor output head-to-head.
• Conducted low-light performance trials indoors with handheld and tripod shots.
• Tested autofocus responsiveness in static and moving subject environments.
• Evaluated burst rates with focus tracking on moving subjects at various lighting conditions.
• Assessed video quality in handheld, tripod, and slow-motion modes.
• Analyzed in-camera image processing with Adobe Lightroom for RAW files; compared JPEG output without edits.
• Personal usage over weeks to gauge ergonomics, battery endurance, and UI intuitiveness.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Casio EX-100 and Samsung WB850F have their merits, fitting distinct user profiles. Whether you prioritize image quality and manual versatility or favor zoom reach and portability, each offers a compelling package for photographers seeking all-in-one convenience.

For me, spending days with these cameras reaffirmed that sensor size, lens aperture, and autofocus sophistication remain the prime determinants in this segment’s image quality and usability.

In the end, your choice hinges on what walks better with your shooting style: a robust, larger-bodied camera offering solid image quality or a slimmer, far-zooming travel buddy with clever extras.

I hope this in-depth comparison arms you with the insights you need for a confident purchase.

Happy shooting!