Casio EX-100 vs Sony TX9: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera often means balancing features, image quality, ergonomics, and shooting styles. Today, I’m putting two intriguing cameras head-to-head: the Casio EX-100, a robust small sensor superzoom released in 2014, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9, an ultracompact from 2010. Although from different eras and stylistic categories, these cameras each carve out unique positions in the pocket-friendly segment.

After hands-on tests, technical breakdowns, and diverse shooting sessions, here’s my comprehensive comparison that dives far deeper than marketing specs. I’ll cover everything from sensor performance to real-world usability and image output across major photography genres, with practical recommendations tailored for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let’s start by sizing up their physical presence and ergonomic choices.

Size and Handling: Bulk vs Sleek Pocketability

When it comes to portability, size and ergonomics matter - big surprise, right? The Casio EX-100 leans toward a substantial compact form, while the Sony TX9 favors ultra-slim elegance.

At 119 x 67 x 50 mm and 389 g, the EX-100 feels like a serious tool in your hands, offering a firm grip for extended shooting sessions. It’s definitely bulkier, but that brings stability - especially when using the telephoto zoom or manual controls. Casio’s design clearly targets photographers who want something pocketable but don't want to sacrifice handling.

In contrast, the Sony TX9’s 98 x 60 x 18 mm and just 149 g makes it a marvel of slimline engineering. It slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or purse, ideal for travel and street photography when discretion and light carry are priorities. However, you trade away some grip security and can find manual operation fiddly due to its thin body.

If you prioritize ergonomics and sustained control over ultra-compact size, Casio EX-100 edges ahead. For an always-with-me, barely-there carry camera, Sony TX9 wins hands down.

Design and Controls: Intuitive Layouts in a Compact Shell

Having cameras that feel natural and accessible every time you pick them up is crucial. Let’s check out how these two shape up in control design - with a look from above for clarity.

The EX-100 sports a tactile, conventional layout featuring manual dials and well-sized buttons, including dedicated apertures and shutter priority mode controls. Its tilting 3.5-inch LCD (922k dots) compliments this approach well, keeping the interface fluid. The lack of an electronic viewfinder is a mild downside but understandable in this form factor.

Conversely, the Sony TX9 opts for here-and-now simplicity, featuring a fixed 3.5-inch touchscreen with the same resolution. While touch interfaces can ease navigation, Sony’s decision to omit manual exposure controls limits creative flexibility. The button array is minimal - enough for casual shooting but potentially frustrating for those who demand swift access to settings.

From an experienced photographer’s perspective, the EX-100 feels like a more thoughtfully designed photographer's tool, while the TX9 prioritizes sleek lines and beginner-friendly interfaces.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bigger Isn’t Always Better, but It Often Helps

One of the most critical elements - sensor size and performance - directly impacts image quality, ISO handling, and dynamic range. Here’s a straightforward comparison:

• EX-100: 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, 12 MP resolution
• TX9: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, 6.17 x 4.55 mm, also 12 MP resolution

While both pack 12MP sensors, Casio’s EX-100 sensor is about 48% larger in area than Sony’s TX9. This difference translates to notably better noise control and richer dynamic range, particularly in challenging light. The EX-100 also supports RAW capture, a godsend for professionals and advanced enthusiasts who want maximum post-processing latitude - a feature Sony disappointingly omits.

In real-world shooting, the EX-100’s images exhibit more detail retention and more natural color gradation, especially in shadows. The TX9’s images can tend to look slightly softer and noisier above ISO 800, but it provides decent JPEGs straight out of the camera.

If ultimate image quality under a range of conditions matters most, the bigger sensor and RAW support give Casio’s EX-100 a meaningful edge.

Focusing Systems: Hunting or Pinpoint Precision?

Autofocus technology can hugely influence shooting speed and accuracy in the field. Here’s how the EX-100 and TX9 compare from a hands-on perspective.

• EX-100: Contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points and face detection
• TX9: Contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, touch-to-focus enabled

Though neither camera offers phase-detection AF - which is now commonplace in modern cameras - the EX-100’s more numerous AF points provide a wider coverage area and better subject tracking capabilities. The EX-100 also has continuous AF and tracking modes that work surprisingly well for a compact, aiding action or wildlife shots.

The TX9’s touchscreen offers intuitive manual focus adjustment, but AF tracking is less confident during continuous shooting bursts. Plus, lower burst rates (10 fps vs. 30 fps on the EX-100) mean fewer missed moments.

For action, wildlife, or fast-paced work, Casio’s autofocus system and higher burst shooting afford greater reliability. Sony’s system suits casual use and static subjects better.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility That Matches Your Vision

Zoom coverage and lens speed dramatically shape creative possibilities. Here we have a clear contrast:

• EX-100: Fixed zoom 28–300mm (10.7x) at f/2.8 constant aperture
• TX9: Fixed zoom 25–100mm (4x) with variable f/3.5–4.6 aperture

The EX-100’s superzoom offering is impressive - covering a huge focal length spectrum from wide to plenty of telephoto reach. Crucially, the fast constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range is exceptional in this category, allowing better low light and shallow depth-of-field control, invaluable in portraiture and wildlife photography.

The TX9’s shorter zoom is more modest and slower lens-wise, limiting depth-of-field control and low-light reach. However, the Sony shines in macro with an incredible 1 cm focus distance, beating Casio’s 5 cm minimum, making it more flexible for close-up shots.

For outdoor shooting that spans landscapes to wildlife, Casio’s wider and brighter zoom wins. But if close-up macro shots and extra portability are priorities, Sony’s potent macro trumps here.

Screens and Interface: Finding the Right Balance of Feedback

A bright, detailed display is a photographer’s constant companion when composing and reviewing shots.

Both cameras output to 3.5-inch 922k-dot LCDs, but Casio’s “Super Clear” tilting screen enhances versatility in shooting from low or high angles. The TX9’s fixed touchscreen simplifies menu navigation but limits compositional freedom.

From my field experience, the tilting function on the EX-100 adds a new dimension to street photography and landscapes. The TX9’s touchscreen, while responsive for casual shooting, can sometimes interfere with stability, especially when shooting one-handed.

So the usability edge goes to the EX-100 for serious photographers, while the TX9 offers a friendly touch interface for quick snaps.

Battery Life and Storage: Managing Longer Days in the Field

When working on location or traveling, reliable battery life and flexible storage matter more than you might think.

• EX-100: 390 shots per charge, SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, 1 slot
• TX9: Battery life unspecified in specs but known to be shorter (~220 shots), compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick, 1 slot plus internal memory

Casio’s battery life impresses for a compact with a large touchscreen and zoom, allowing longer shooting sessions between charges. Sony’s TX9 is more limited, demanding frequent recharging for extended outings. Sony provides internal memory, a possible safety net, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious shooting.

For event photographers or travelers who shoot heavily, the EX-100’s endurance is a boon. For quick casual outings or backup snaps, the TX9 suffices.

Connectivity and Video: Modern Needs on a Compact Scale

Connectivity and video capabilities increasingly influence a camera’s versatility.

• EX-100: Built-in wireless (no Bluetooth), 1080p Full HD video, HDMI, USB 2.0
• TX9: Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfers, Full HD 1080p at 50fps, AVCHD format, HDMI, USB 2.0

Though the EX-100 lacks Bluetooth, its built-in Wi-Fi enables straightforward smartphone transfers, streamlining your workflow without additional cards. Sony's reliance on Eye-Fi cards for wireless is now outdated but provided flexibility at launch.

In video recording, both offer Full HD 1080p, but Sony’s higher frame rate option (50 fps) may appeal to those wanting smoother playback or slow motion. Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video stabilization, limiting use for serious videographers.

Both deliver credible video for casual use, but neither matches the increasing video power of modern mirrorless or bridge cameras.

Durability and Build Quality: Everyday Reliability

Neither camera is rated for weather sealing or ruggedness - which is typical for compacts - but their build quality impacts everyday dependability.

The Casio EX-100's generally solid, chunkier build feels like it can take light knocks without fuss. The textured grip adds confidence in tougher conditions.

The Sony TX9 favors finesse over robustness, crafted for careful handling. The slim design demands packing care to avoid accidental damage.

If you’re shooting outdoors often, the heavier EX-100 provides peace of mind, but neither is ideal for extremes.

Real-World Performance in Different Photography Disciplines

How do these two cameras actually perform across genres? Here’s a summary based on rigorous field testing, with sample images included for visual comparison.

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Sony TX9 screen back

Portrait Photography

EX-100’s fast f/2.8 lens and larger sensor create pleasing, creamy bokeh and smooth skin tones. Face detection AF is reliable, though it lacks the advanced eye-detection AI found in newer models. TX9’s smaller sensor and slow lens limit bokeh; images are sharper but flatter, and no face tracking.

Landscape Photography

EX-100’s dynamic range shines here, better preserving highlights and shadows. The long zoom offers framing flexibility. TX9 suffices but images lack the subtlety and range of the Casio.

Wildlife Photography

EX-100’s 30 fps burst and 10.7x zoom dominate TX9’s 10 fps and 4x zoom easily. Autofocus tracking on EX-100 better locks onto moving targets, crucial for wildlife.

Sports Photography

EX-100’s higher burst and better AF tracking edge out TX9, though both struggle somewhat with fast action due to contrast-based AF.

Street Photography

TX9’s negligible bulk and touchscreen enable low-profile shooting, perfect for candid moments. The EX-100 is more conspicuous but offers superior image quality and manual control.

Macro Photography

TX9’s 1cm macro distance offers striking close-ups, while EX-100’s longer minimum focus distance restricts extreme close-focus.

Night/Astro Photography

EX-100’s ISO 80–12800 range and RAW file support makes it better equipped for low-light and astrophotography. TX9 caps at ISO 3200 and JPEG only.

Video Performance

Both shoot 1080p video; TX9’s smoother 50fps option is a plus, but neither support external mic input.

Travel Photography

EX-100's battery life and zoom versatility shine, despite heavier weight, while TX9’s pocketability and touchscreen interface suit casual shooters.

Professional Work

RAW support and manual exposure make EX-100 more professional-friendly; TX9 is more limited here.

Ratings and Overall Performance Summary

To help condense this analysis, here’s an overall scoring graphic based on my testing criteria:

And here’s a genre-specific breakdown highlighting strengths and weaknesses:

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Casio EX-100 if you:

• Prioritize image quality and RAW flexibility
• Want superzoom versatility up to 300mm f/2.8
• Need better battery life and ergonomics
• Shoot a variety of subjects from portraits to wildlife
• Are willing to carry a slightly larger compact for more control

Opt for the Sony TX9 if you:

• Want the slimmest, most pocketable camera possible
• Prefer touchscreen operation for casual shooting
• Shoot macro close-ups frequently
• Don’t need manual exposure modes or RAW
• Value sleek design over zoom range and burst speed

Final Thoughts: Practical Wisdom from the Field

Both cameras have their merits, truly. The Casio EX-100 is a more robust, versatile machine with advanced features and excellent image quality that can satisfy demanding enthusiasts and pros seeking a compact superzoom. Its clear advantage in sensor size, burst rate, and manual controls reflects the extensive thought put into catering to serious photography.

The Sony TX9 is a neat, minimalist ultracompact for those who want simplicity and portability, and its macro prowess is impressive for a camera of this size and age. However, its lower zoom reach, lack of RAW, and modest AF system limit use in challenging or creative scenarios.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on your style: do you prefer a serious photographic tool that fits in a large jacket pocket, or the absolute smallest camera in your daily carry, sacrificing some creative control for convenience? Either way, these two cameras teach us that compactness is beautifully relative and you can’t have it all at this end of the market.

Thank you for reading my full comparison. If you’re curious, check out my detailed video review for hands-on sample imagery and test footage of these cameras in different scenarios. Happy shooting!