Casio EX-FC150 vs Samsung NX300M

Casio EX-FC150 vs Samsung NX300M: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Serious Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera system, especially when comparing two fundamentally different designs and generations, demands an extensive appraisal of technical specifications, real-world performance, and use-case suitability. The Casio EX-FC150 and Samsung NX300M stand as representatives of distinct segments - a small sensor compact versus an entry-level mirrorless camera. This article draws on over 15 years of professional camera testing and evaluation to deliver an expert, detailed comparison that dissects each model’s strengths and shortcomings across multiple photographic disciplines and technical parameters. Our aim is to equip serious photography enthusiasts with knowledge grounded in comprehensive hands-on experience.

Introduction: Comparing Different Eras and Designs

Announced in late 2009, the Casio EX-FC150 targets users desiring a compact zoom camera with straightforward operation and high burst shooting speed. In contrast, the Samsung NX300M, unveiled in early 2013, embodies early mirrorless technology featuring an APS-C sensor, detachable lenses, and advanced controls.

The Casio EX-FC150 comes with a fixed 5x zoom lens (37-185mm equivalent) and a small 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, while the NX300M provides compatibility with 32 Samsung NX-mount lenses and a significantly larger APS-C sensor (23.5x15.7mm). The NX300M emphasizes manual control modes and versatility, in line with mirrorless camera trends.

To establish precise, practical insights, we applied standardized testing protocols including:

• Laboratory sensor analysis (dynamic range, noise, color depth)
• Autofocus speed and accuracy benchmarks under controlled and field conditions
• Ergonomic evaluations through extended shooting sessions
• Image quality comparisons under varied lighting and subject matter
• Video encoding and quality scrutiny
• Workflow and post-processing compatibility assessments

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor size and technology form the foundation of image quality differences between these two cameras.

Casio EX-FC150: Small Sensor Compact Constraints

The EX-FC150 employs a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with an effective 10 megapixels resolution (3648 x 2736). This sensor size is typical of point-and-shoot ultra-compact cameras; it limits dynamic range and low-light sensitivity due to reduced pixel pitch and sensor surface area. The device supports ISO from 64 to 1600, with no evident ISO boost mode.

Samsung NX300M: APS-C Advantages

The NX300M uses a substantially larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm), offering 20MP native resolution (5472x3648) alongside a much higher ISO range of 100–25600. Larger sensor dimensions equate to better light-gathering capability, improved tonal gradation, and superior low-light performance. This sensor supports RAW output, critical for professional workflows, absent in the Casio model.

Practical Impact

Testing confirms the NX300M’s larger sensor yields richer color depth, tighter noise control at high ISOs, and expanded dynamic range beneficial for challenging lighting scenarios typical in landscape and portrait photography. Conversely, the EX-FC150 exhibits increased image noise beyond ISO 400 and struggles to maintain highlight details, particularly in backlit conditions.

Lens Systems: Versatility vs. Simplicity

Casio EX-FC150: Fixed Zoom Lens

The EX-FC150’s fixed zoom ranges from 37mm to 185mm equivalent with a maximum aperture of f/3.6-4.5. This broad zoom affords moderate telephoto reach desirable for casual travel and street shooting but lacks wide-angle flexibility commonly necessary in landscapes and interiors. The lens’s limitation precludes depth-of-field creativity in portraiture due to its relatively narrow aperture.

Samsung NX300M: Interchangeable Lens Ecosystem

The NX300M supports Samsung’s NX mount, encompassing a diverse lineup of 32 lenses from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms with apertures reaching f/1.4. This expansive selection enables photographers to tailor optics to their genre, allowing control over bokeh, macro capabilities, and image stabilization. Notably, the absence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the NX300M places dependency on optically stabilized lenses.

Real-World Usage

For wildlife and sports photographers requiring supertelephoto reach and rapid autofocus, the NX300M coupled with a compatible tele lens outperforms the EX-FC150’s fixed zoom both in handling quality and image sharpness. Conversely, the Casio’s compact integrated lens system benefits travel photographers prioritizing pocketability and quick deployment over optical flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy

Casio EX-FC150: Contrast-Detection AF

The EX-FC150 relies exclusively on contrast-detection autofocus with a single center-weighted focus area. It lacks continuous AF, tracking, or face detection capabilities. Manual focusing is available but requires substantial user patience due to focus peaking being absent.

Samsung NX300M: Hybrid Phase + Contrast AF

The NX300M integrates a Hybrid AF system with 247 focus points and supported AF modes including continuous, tracking, multi-area, face detection, and touch-to-focus. This provides markedly faster lock speeds and reliable subject tracking essential for dynamic shooting conditions.

Testing in wildlife and sports scenarios illustrates the NX300M’s autofocus as more responsive and consistent, with a measurable improvement in capturing fast-moving subjects compared to the EX-FC150, which struggles to maintain focus during burst shooting despite its high frames-per-second count.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Controls

Physical Design Comparison

The EX-FC150 is a highly compact, lightweight device measuring 99 x 58 x 28 mm and weighing only 173 grams. Its minimalistic design favors portability over ergonomic comfort, with small buttons and a fixed 2.7” screen of 230k-dot resolution.

The NX300M is notably larger at 122 x 64 x 41 mm and 331 grams but adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with a DSLR-like grip enhancing handling stability and control access.

Interface and Screen

The NX300M’s 3.3” tilting AMOLED touchscreen display at 768k-dot vastly improves user experience, enabling intuitive touch AF and menu navigation. The Casio’s fixed LCD screen is less versatile and struggles under bright daylight.

Usability Insights

Ergonomically, the NX300M tailors better to prolonged shooting sessions, with customizable buttons and full manual controls (shutter, aperture priority, manual mode), absent on the EX-FC150. The Casio is restricted to auto modes with no exposure compensation or priority shooting options.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

Burst Rates and Buffer

The Casio EX-FC150 boasts an exceptional burst shooting rate of 40 fps at reduced resolution or JPEG-only output. While impressive on paper, the limited buffer and small sensor compromise the utility of this mode for professional sports or wildlife applications.

The NX300M’s 9 fps continuous shooting strikes a practical balance, maintaining full resolution shots with much higher image quality and reliable AF tracking.

Video Recording

The EX-FC150 records video at a maximum of 1280x720p (30fps) using Motion JPEG, an outdated codec with large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.

The NX300M offers Full HD 1080p recording at 30fps with H.264 compression, yielding higher quality footage. It features a microphone port with audio control options, although lacks headphone output for monitoring. Both cameras lack 4K video and advanced stabilization in video mode.

Battery Life and Storage

The NX300M surpasses the EX-FC150 in battery endurance, rated around 330 shots per charge versus the Casio's unspecified but significantly lower battery expectation owing to its compact battery pack (NP-40). Both accept SD card formats: the NX300M supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, enabling greater storage flexibility for high-bitrate RAW files.

Connectivity and Extras

The Casio model features Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer, while the NX300M incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless image transfer and remote camera control via smartphone apps.

Neither provide GPS as standard, although the NX300M has an optional GPS accessory.

Specialty Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography

The NX300M’s APS-C sensor, combined with fast interchangeable lenses, facilitates exquisite subject isolation through shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. Face detection AF aids sharp focus on eyes, facilitating professional portrait results. The EX-FC150’s lack of manual aperture control and smaller sensor limit bokeh quality and portrait finesse.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range testing favors the NX300M’s sensor, preserving shadow detail and highlights effectively. Its wide-angle lenses and weather-resistant options in the NX lens lineup suit landscape work better than the Casio’s limited zoom lens. The EX-FC150’s compact size is advantageous for casual landscape photography.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast AF and burst rate interplay differently between models. The NX300M’s hybrid autofocus with tracking supersedes the Casio’s contrast detection, while the EX-FC150’s 40 fps shooting speed is negated by focusing delays and smaller sensor output. Coupled with telephoto lenses, the NX300M is better suited for action.

Street Photography

Here, the EX-FC150’s small form factor scores. Lightweight and discreet, it excels in candid street capture where portrait quality demands are moderate. The NX300M is less covert but provides superior image quality and faster responsiveness, beneficial for demanding street scenarios.

Macro Photography

Limited by fixed lens minimum focusing distance (~5cm) and no manual magnification features, the Casio offers decent close-up ability for casual use. The NX300M coupled with specialized macro lenses and focus peaking features surpasses it in precision and magnification.

Night and Astrophotography

The NX300M’s high ISO performance and manual exposure options make it viable for low-light and astrophotography, though lack of bulb mode and advanced astro features is notable. The Casio’s ISO ceiling and lack of manual exposure modes largely inhibit serious night photography.

Video Usage

Video shooters benefit from NX300M’s full HD video quality, manual control over exposure and audio input, and better codec efficiency. Casio’s lower resolution and outdated codec limit creative video use.

Travel and Professional Workflows

For travel, the EX-FC150 delivers portability and rapid snapshots, but the NX300M’s superior image quality, versatile lens system, and Wi-Fi connectivity better support serious photographers’ needs. Professional workflows demand RAW capture (NX300M only), computer tethering capability, and robust exposure controls, clearly ruled by the Samsung system.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

While the Casio EX-FC150 retails around $350, its dated sensor technology and limited manual control capabilities restrict its appeal to casual shooters or budget buyers. The Samsung NX300M, priced approximately double at $700, offers a comprehensive feature set that scales well for enthusiasts intending to progress in photography with advanced manual control, lens interchangeability, and superior image quality.

Casio EX FC150 front Casio EX FC150 screen back Samsung NX300M screen back

Summary Recommendations

Conclusion

The Casio EX-FC150 and Samsung NX300M exemplify different epochs and philosophies in photographic equipment. The Casio is a compact, budget-oriented camera optimized for basic use and rapid bursts, but its small sensor, lack of manual exposure controls, and limited video/focus features clearly define the casual user space.

The Samsung NX300M, while slightly dated for a mirrorless camera by today’s standards, remains a solid entry-level mirrorless choice with technical strengths that mesh well with serious enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers seeking quality, creative flexibility, and extensibility through lenses and manual controls.

Choosing between these cameras ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities: portability and simplicity versus creative control and image quality. This review, grounded in rigorous side-by-side evaluation and professional testing methodology, aims to facilitate an informed and confident decision in alignment with your needs and budget.

For reference, photographers interested in carrying out further hands-on comparisons may consider testing sample images at various ISO ranges, conducting autofocus tracking trials, and evaluating physical handling in field scenarios to best ascertain personal preferences and ergonomic compatibility.