Casio EX-FH100 vs. EX-ZR700: A Detailed Comparison for Serious Enthusiasts

In the realm of compact digital cameras, Casio’s Exilim series has long offered an accessible blend of pocketability, zoom range, and unique shooting features. Among these, the EX-FH100 (announced mid-2010) and the EX-ZR700 (early 2013) stand as two distinct options that exemplify different design philosophies and technological eras within small sensor compacts. This review draws extensively from hands-on evaluation covering technical specifications, operational performance, and user value, aiming to provide photographers - both enthusiasts and professionals - insightful guidance on which model better fits their specific needs.

Design and Ergonomics: Portability Meets Practicality

At first glance, both cameras share a compact form factor conducive to travel and street photography niches, but their physical nuances reveal distinct priorities.

• EX-FH100 measures 104 x 60 x 28 mm, weighing roughly 201 grams.
• EX-ZR700 is slightly larger at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and heavier at 222 grams.

While these differences appear minimal numerically, in-hand feel and grip significance cannot be overstated. The EX-ZR700’s marginally larger dimensions accommodate a more substantial lens barrel due to its longer focal length range, which affects balance when shooting telephoto.

Both models lack an integrated viewfinder, relying solely on their rear LCD for composition. Neither includes touchscreen capability - a notable omission given the 2013 EX-ZR700’s release date.

Ergonomic Highlights:

• The EX-FH100 sports a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with standard 230k-dot resolution, showing limitations in outdoor brightness and precision framing.
• The EX-ZR700 upgrades this with a 3.0-inch “Super Clear TFT” LCD boasting 922k dots, dramatically improving resolution and visibility in sunlight - an important consideration for outdoor and travel photographers.

Controls on both cameras are conventional. Neither takes advantage of illuminated or customizable buttons, which can complicate operation under poor lighting. The EX-ZR700’s user interface benefits somewhat from better responsiveness and menu refinement, consistent with its newer processing engine.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Fundamental Differences

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors, a tiny size by professional or enthusiast standards, limiting potential dynamic range and low-light capability.

• EX-FH100 equipped with a 10-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor.
• EX-ZR700 advances to a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, preserving BSI benefits without an anti-aliasing filter.

A higher resolution on the EX-ZR700 equates to greater detail in ideal lighting, but pixel density on a similar sensor size can degrade high ISO noise performance. Both cameras restrict native ISO sensitivity from 100/80 up to 3200, a common ceiling for compacts of their era.

Image Quality Real-World Assessment:

• The EX-FH100 excels in controlled lighting conditions, delivering clean images with moderate dynamic range. The absence of advanced processing leads to a more “natural” color profile but limited sharpening control in JPEG outputs.
• The EX-ZR700’s improved processor (EXILIM Engine HS 3) enhances better noise reduction algorithms, which aid in higher ISO shooting and produce usable results up to ISO 800-1600. However, fine details can be smoothed and color transitions sometimes oversaturated in auto modes.

Neither supports RAW output on the EX-ZR700, with the EX-FH100 uniquely providing RAW capture. This feature significantly benefits professionals and serious enthusiasts with post-processing workflows.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Precision Evaluated

Autofocus capability is critical across disciplines from wildlife to street shooting. Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus due to the small sensor size and compact body.

• EX-FH100 uses a single-point contrast detection AF system, without face or eye detection.
• EX-ZR700 implements face detection autofocus with multi-area selection and tracking capabilities.

Practically, the EX-FH100’s AF system can be frustrating in low-light or fast-moving conditions due to the lack of continuous and predictive AF modes, and no tracking options.

The EX-ZR700 improves usability with AF tracking which proved relatively effective for static or slowly moving subjects. Live view autofocus responsiveness is brisk but exhibits occasional “hunting” during challenging lighting or complex subjects. Eye detection is absent on both cameras, limiting portrait-focused autofocus precision.

Lens and Zoom – Reach and Versatility

Lens versatility is a defining factor for compact superzoom cameras.

• EX-FH100 features a 24-240 mm equivalent zoom (10x optical) with max aperture from f/3.2 to f/5.7.
• EX-ZR700 expands zoom reach significantly to 25-450 mm equivalent (18x optical) but slightly compromises maximum aperture, varying from f/3.5 to f/5.9.

The extended telephoto range of the EX-ZR700 provides convenience for wildlife and sports enthusiasts requiring longer reach without changing lenses. However, maximum apertures at the telephoto end are relatively slow on both, limiting performance in low-light and depth of field control.

Both lenses support manual focus, important for macro and creative use, yet do not incorporate focus stacking or bracketing functions.

The EX-ZR700’s lens axis is accompanied by more aggressive optical image stabilization, essential for handheld telephoto shooting, complemented by sensor-shift image stabilization in both models.

Shooting Performance and Speed: Burst and Shutter Timing

Continuous shooting abilities influence success in action and sports photography.

• The EX-FH100 offers a 4 frames per second (fps) burst rate, modest by modern standards but sufficient for casual action.
• The EX-ZR700 is rated at 3 fps burst speed, slightly slower, but compensates with AF tracking during burst modes, increasing keeper rates.

Shutter speeds on both cameras span 4 seconds minimum to 1/2000 second maximum electronically controlled. Electronic shutter options are not available, an area where longer exposure control and silent shooting is limited.

Video Recording: Capabilities and Limitations

For photographers integrating motion capture, video capabilities are often decisive.

• The EX-FH100 supports Motion JPEG video at up to 1280 x 720 resolution at 30fps. Various low-res high-frame slow-motion modes (up to 1000fps in low resolution) are available, appealing to niche users fascinated with ultrafast motion capture.
• The EX-ZR700 records Full HD 1080p video at 30fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 compression, marking a considerable advancement in video quality and codec efficiency.

Neither camera offers external microphone inputs or headphone sockets, limiting advanced audio capture and monitoring. Internal audio recording is functional but of average quality.

Neither model supports 4K or advanced video features like continuous autofocus during recording, which modern cameras increasingly prioritize.

LCD Screen and User Interface

A camera’s screen quality and interface affect both operational speed and creative precision.

The EX-ZR700’s higher resolution screen (922k dots) delivers sharper image previews and more nuanced menu navigation, critical when reviewing focus or fine detail critically.

Conversely, the EX-FH100’s 230k dot screen results in grainier playback and less confident manual focusing or composition, which can hinder accurate use for precise genres like macro or portraits.

Menus on both cameras are straightforward, with dedicated manual exposure modes for aperture, shutter priority, and full manual control - commendable for compacts but implemented with varying degrees of intuitiveness.

Battery Life and Storage

A significant practical consideration for field use:

• The EX-ZR700 cites a robust 470-shot battery life (CIPA standard), adequate for a full day of moderate shooting.
• The EX-FH100’s battery life is undocumented officially but by experience typically trails due to older battery technology and smaller capacity.

Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC cards (EX-ZR700 adding SDXC compatibility), with a single card slot each. The EX-FH100 additionally features internal storage for limited emergency use.

Connectivity: Data Transfer and Wireless Features

• The EX-FH100 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards for basic Wi-Fi transfer, a feature not widely adopted due to compatibility constraints.
• The EX-ZR700 lacks wireless connectivity entirely, relying on USB 2.0 and HDMI for wired transfers.

Neither supports Bluetooth, NFC, or modern wireless standards often expected for instant cloud sharing or social media integration.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither model offers weather sealing, dust proofing, shock resistance, or waterproofing. These omissions make both cameras less suitable for professional outdoor use under challenging conditions.

Use-Case Performance and Genre Suitability

Casio EX FH100 front Casio EX FH100 screen back Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back

Portrait Photography

The EX-ZR700’s face detection and more advanced AF tracking enhance portrait shooting, gaining focus reliability and more precise exposure control on human subjects. Its more detailed 16MP sensor yields sharper skin texture reproduction. The EX-FH100’s RAW support brings post-processing flexibility, but lack of face detection is a workflow burden. Neither camera offers eye detection, a feature increasingly standard in modern entries.

Landscape Photography

With nearly equivalent sensor sizes, both cameras show limitations in dynamic range. The EX-ZR700’s higher resolution provides better cropping ability, while the EX-FH100’s RAW files offer more latitude in recovery. Both lenses show vignette and distortion at wide angles, typical of extensive zoom lenses. Only the EX-ZR700’s superior screen aids in detail assessment on location.

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach distinctly favors the EX-ZR700 (450mm vs 240mm equivalent), a crucial advantage for distant subjects. Image stabilization helps mitigate handshake at long focal lengths. However, both cameras’ slow autofocus and modest continuous shooting speeds reduce their effectiveness in fast wildlife action.

Sports Photography

Neither model is designed for sports - limited burst rates and slow AF systems mean missed action moments or focus hunting. The EX-FH100’s marginally faster 4fps shooting pace may only suffice for slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Portability and stealth are paramount. The smaller, lighter EX-FH100 offers slight edge in discrete operation; its muted design and quick start-up serve street photographers well. The inferior LCD hampers framing, however, compared to the EX-ZR700’s bright and clear display.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus as close as 5-7cm for macro shooting, with manual focus available. Sensor-shift stabilization helps reduce blur. The EX-FH100’s RAW support and natural color rendition facilitate fine detail capture, while EX-ZR700’s advanced AF modes ease focusing on small subjects.

Night and Astro Photography

With small sensors and limited ISO ceilings, the two are inherently challenged in low-light and astrophotography. The EX-FH100’s longer exposure options and RAW output give it a niche advantage for experimentation. High noise and weak dynamic range on EX-ZR700 limit usefulness for demanding night work.

Video Shooting

The EX-ZR700 strongly outperforms the EX-FH100 in video, delivering Full HD resolution in practical formats and better compression. Slow-motion modes of the EX-FH100, while interesting, yield low resolution only.

Travel Photography

The EX-ZR700’s combination of extended zoom, longer battery life, and bright screen is tailored to travel users needing versatile optics and battery reliability. The smaller EX-FH100 appeals more to lightweight packing priorities with RAW shooting advantage.

Professional Work

Neither model ranks as a robust professional tool. The EX-FH100’s RAW format makes it marginally more adaptable in controlled professional workflows, while the EX-ZR700’s video improvements and better zoom offer more generalist utility. Lack of ruggedness and advanced connectivity, plus small sensors, limit both.

Summary of Technical Strengths and Weaknesses

Conclusion and Recommendations

Given extensive real-world testing and technical analysis, selecting between the Casio EX-FH100 and EX-ZR700 hinges on prioritizing specific photographic needs:

• Choose the Casio EX-FH100 if:

  • You value RAW image capture for deep post-processing flexibility.
  • Your photography is limited to well-controlled lighting or stationary subjects.
  • Portability and compactness slightly outweigh zoom range.
  • Budget constraints exist (usually lower used prices).
  • Macro and slower-paced genres dominate your usage.

• Choose the Casio EX-ZR700 if:

  • You need a longer zoom reach (18x) for wildlife, travel, or sports casual shooting.
  • Video capability is integral - full HD recording with better compression is key.
  • A larger, clearer LCD for outdoor use is important.
  • You prefer face detection autofocus for portrait and general shooting ease.
  • Battery endurance is a concern for extended fieldwork.

Neither model meets the demands of professionals requiring robust environmental sealing, top-tier autofocus systems, or high dynamic range sensors found in mirrorless or DSLR platforms. Nevertheless, within their small sensor compact classes, they provide complementary strengths: EX-FH100 stands out with RAW and solid image clarity at moderate zoom, while EX-ZR700 excels in long reach and video sophistication.

Potential buyers should weigh whether the trade-offs in sensor resolution, video quality, and autofocus capability justify the small increase in bulk and price. These cameras demonstrate Casio’s consistent focus on packing versatility into pocket-friendly designs; however, technical compromises highlight areas where modern compacts and smartphones have since advanced substantially.

This assessment incorporates extensive hands-on testing, controlled comparison shooting, and evaluation across photography genres - providing an authoritative resource for enthusiasts contemplating either camera now or on the used market.

For deeper visual inspection of sample output and to explore ergonomics directly, refer to the images below depicting physical size, controls, sensor dimensions, screen clarity, comparative image quality, and scoring across workflows.

Thank you for consulting this rigorous comparison to inform your next camera investment.

Casio EX FH100 front Casio EX FH100 screen back Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back