Casio EX-FH100 vs Pentax WG-2: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison for Serious Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a compact camera that balances image quality, durability, and usability without breaking the bank can feel like navigating a minefield. Today, I’m putting two intriguing contenders head-to-head: the Casio EX-FH100 and the Pentax WG-2. Though both are compact shooters, their design philosophy and target users differ drastically. Having extensively tested both cameras in my workshop and out in the field, I’m sharing a practical, deep-dive comparison created with you - the enthusiast and professional researcher - in mind.

Let’s explore the nitty-gritty details, practical performance, and overall value each camera brings to the table across multiple photography disciplines.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Looking at these two side-by-side, you quickly realize they’re built for different purposes right out of the gate. The Casio EX-FH100 is your classic small-sensor compact from the early 2010s, geared towards versatility and ease of use - with a decent zoom range and stabilized sensor. Meanwhile, the Pentax WG-2 ticks the rugged box: waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and generally tank-like. It’s designed to survive scenarios where most cameras would simply sip their last electrons.

Physically, they’re close in weight - around 200 grams each - which makes them truly pocketable if you’re stingy about what goes in your bag. But the Pentax WG-2 has the slightly larger footprint (122x61x30mm vs 104x60x28mm), trading sleekness for beefier environment sealing.

The Casio weighs in with a more classic look and slightly slimmer dimensions that will appeal to those craving convenience without much bulk. The Pentax’s rugged body design comes with pronounced, textured grips ideal for wet and rough handling, but it’s not going to win style points on the street.

On the Button Layout and Controls: Who Presses What?

For any photographer, controls are clubs for the thumbs. How a camera feels when you’re toggling settings in the heat of the moment can be make-or-break.

Looking at the top layouts, the Casio offers standard exposure compensation, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. It’s clear this camera offers a degree of manual control with exposure and aperture/shutter priority modes - a feature the Pentax WG-2 surprisingly lacks. You’re basically resigned to auto modes on the WG-2, which might irk the pro who enjoys customizing their exposure settings. Aperture and shutter controls with a wheel or dedicated dial are absent on the WG-2, steering it toward casual, point-and-shoot usage.

Conversely, the Casio’s provision for manual exposure modes offers more creative freedom - especially for enthusiasts who want to experiment with shallow depth of field or motion blur.

That said, both cameras have no viewfinder. This may irritate traditionalists, but it’s standard for this category.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When I fire up a camera and look at the sensor specs, I’m thinking: How will this translate into image detail, dynamic range, and noise performance?

Both cameras use the same sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm. This is a very small sensor by modern DSLR and mirrorless standards, so don’t expect full-frame image quality here. However, it’s likely enough for social media, casual prints, or travel documentation.

Where they differ is resolution and ISO range:

• Casio EX-FH100: 10MP max resolution (3648 x 2736), ISO 100–3200
• Pentax WG-2: 16MP max resolution (4288 x 3216), ISO 125–6400

While resolution doesn’t always equate to better images, the Pentax offers an edge in pixel count and sensitivity ceiling.

Real-World Experience:
In practice, the Pentax WG-2's 16MP sensor presents noticeably more detail when shots are zoomed in or printed at moderate sizes. Its higher ISO ceiling facilitates more usable shots in dim environments, though both cameras struggle beyond ISO 800 due to their sensor size, showing increased noise and loss of subtle detail.

The Casio’s sensor yields more restrained resolution but slightly better control at base ISO levels, with decent color fidelity and contrast. It has a built-in anti-aliasing filter which softens edges but reduces moiré artifacts.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Looking at What You See

Complaints about small sensor cameras often include poor LCD quality, which makes composing and reviewing images frustrating.

Both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch LCD, but the Pentax impresses with double the resolution (460k dots vs 230k dots on the Casio). The Pentax screen’s anti-reflective coating also makes it far easier to view in bright sunlight, an important factor for outdoor and travel photographers.

The Casio’s screen lacks this coating, leading to more glare and lower image preview clarity. Neither display offers touch sensitivity, which in 2024 is a bit of an inconvenience but understandable given their release dates.

I found navigating menus more intuitive on the Casio, thanks to clearer labeling and shortcut keys, while the Pentax’s menu system felt overly nested - something to consider if you value speedy access to settings.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking, Precision, and Speed

Autofocus can make or break candid photography, sports shoots, and wildlife snaps. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, standard for compact sensors.

• Casio EX-FH100: Single AF mode, no continuous AF, no tracking
• Pentax WG-2: Single AF, plus tracking AF and 9 focus points

This alone gives the Pentax a noteworthy edge in practical focusing capabilities. The WG-2’s AF tracking, though limited by sensor size and processing power, helps in maintaining focus on moving subjects - a big plus for wildlife and sports snapshots.

The Casio’s 4fps burst shooting mode pairs with its basic autofocus, but it’s hamstrung by lack of continuous AF tracking, meaning action shots need precise timing and luck. Pentax, despite its slower continuous shooting speed (1fps), has focus tracking to improve your shot success rate, though it’s more suited for deliberate compositions than fast-action sports.

Zoom Lenses and Macro Abilities: Getting Close and Far

Now to lenses:

• Casio: Fixed 24-240mm equivalent zoom (10x), max aperture F3.2-5.7, macro focus down to 7cm
• Pentax: Fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom (5x), max aperture F3.5-5.5, macro focus down to 1cm!

The Casio’s zoom range is impressively extensive for a compact, making it a versatile all-in-one for travel or family events. That 10x zoom lets you shoot distant subjects well.

But the Pentax’s 1cm macro focus outperforms significantly in close-up photography - it captures intricate details of insects, flowers, and textures with impressive sharpness and natural bokeh for a compact camera.

Keep in mind that the Pentax does not have sensor-shift image stabilization; the Casio does. The EX-FH100’s sensor-shift IS helps reduce hand shake during telephoto zoom or low light shots, a vital feature since small sensors have limited light-gathering ability.

Build Quality and Durability: Rough and Ready vs Classic Compact

For enthusiasts who venture outdoors or into unpredictable weather, build quality and sealing cannot be ignored.

Casio EX FH100 front Casio EX FH100 screen back Pentax WG 2 front Pentax WG 2 screen back

The Pentax WG-2 is a standout rugged compact:

• Waterproof up to 40 feet (12 meters)
• Shockproof (1.5 m drop resistant)
• Freeze-proof (-10°C)
• Dustproof and crushproof (up to 100 kgf)

This makes it an excellent choice for hikers, divers, and adventure photographers who want to capture the moment without worrying about environmental damage.

The Casio EX-FH100, unfortunately, offers no weather sealing or extra ruggedness - treat it like your delicate little cheapskate camera and keep it clean and dry.

If you’re looking for camping trips, beach days, or underwater shots, Pentax confidently trumps Casio here.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Managing Files

Pentax rates the WG-2 battery for approximately 260 shots per charge, comparable to many compact cameras with small batteries. The Casio’s battery life details aren’t officially stated but tend to hover around 200–250 shots.

Both cameras use standard removable battery packs (Casio NP-90, Pentax D-LI92), which is great for carrying spares.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards and have internal memory for emergency backups.

No surprises here, but if you plan day-long excursions without frequent charging, the Pentax’s slight edge in battery life is worth noting.

Video and Connectivity: Recording and Sharing

Video is increasingly crucial for content creators. The Casio offers:

• Max 1280×720p at 30 fps
• Motion JPEG format

While charmingly quirky, this resolution feels ancient for any vlogger or casual shooter today.

The Pentax WG-2, on the other hand, delivers:

• Full HD 1920×1080p at 30 fps
• HD 1280×720p at 60 and 30 fps
• Video in MPEG-4, H.264 format

Pentax wins the video battle hands-down, providing sharper, smoother footage compatible with modern editing workflows.

Both cameras support Eye-Fi wireless cards - remember those? This capability enables wireless image transfer to compatible devices, pretty nifty for their time but somewhat outdated now.

Performance Across Photography Genres: How These Cameras Shine and Struggle

Here’s my assessment of each camera’s strengths and weaknesses by specific photography demands. This is where I rely on extensive field tests.

Who Should Consider the Casio EX-FH100?

If you are a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for a lightweight, versatile compact camera with:

• Versatile 10x zoom lens
• Sensor-shift image stabilization for handheld shots
• Manual exposure controls for creative freedom
• Decent portrait and daylight performance

The Casio EX-FH100 is a smart pick. It performs well for general photography and is handy for street, travel, and casual macro shots. Just don't expect ruggedness or stellar low-light performance.

Who Should Lean Toward the Pentax WG-2?

The Pentax feels like a rugged adventurer’s best friend. If you prioritize:

• Durability in harsh environments (waterproof/shockproof)
• Superior macro detail for close-up shooters
• Higher resolution files for large prints or cropping
• Better video recording capabilities

The WG-2 is a resilient, do-it-all compact ideal for outdoor and underwater use. Though limited in manual exposure and burst rates, it shines in reliable autofocus and build quality.

Value for Money: Is the Price Tag Justified?

The Casio EX-FH100 can be found around $299, while the Pentax WG-2 is about $350. This modest difference is reasonable considering the WG-2’s added rugged features and better sensor resolution.

If your shooting style demands ruggedness and better image detail (especially macro), spending the extra fifty bucks on the WG-2 pays dividends.

Conversely, if manual exposure and zoom versatility are more important (and you shoot mostly in safe, controlled environments), the Casio offers solid bang for your buck.

Wrapping It Up: Final Scores and Recommendations

After extensive side-by-side testing in studio, daylight, low light, and rugged conditions, here are my overall performance ratings:

• Casio EX-FH100: High marks for exposure control, zoom range, and image stabilization. Lags in ruggedness and AF sophistication.
• Pentax WG-2: Excels in durability, resolution, macro capability, and video. Falls short on manual controls and burst shooting.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Should You Buy?

• Choose the Casio EX-FH100 if you want a classic compact with ample zoom, manual exposure settings, sensor-shift stabilization, and decent image quality for portraits, street, and travel photography at a budget-friendly price. It’s a capable day-to-day shooter for enthusiasts who value creative control and versatility over ruggedness.

• Choose the Pentax WG-2 if your lifestyle demands a tough, waterproof camera with excellent macro capabilities, better autofocus tracking, higher resolution images, and Full HD video. Great for outdoor adventurers, coastal photographers, and hobbyists who sometimes risk their gear in harsh conditions.

In my view, neither camera is perfect - but both serve distinct niches exceptionally well. Your choice hinges on whether you prize creative control and zoom power or durability and image detail in challenging environments.

Happy shooting!

I hope this expert comparison delivers the clarity you need to make an informed decision. If you want to dive even deeper into these cameras’ quirks or share your own experiences, I’m all ears.

Safe travels and sharper frames!