Casio EX-FH100 vs Samsung PL200: Which Compact Powerhouse Fits Your Creative Journey?

When it comes to compact cameras with small sensors, the Casio EX-FH100 and Samsung PL200 both debuted in 2010 aiming to deliver versatile imaging for enthusiasts on the go. Each model brings distinctive strengths despite similar form factors and sensor sizes. Having rigorously tested dozens of compact cameras over the last 15 years, we’ll break down how these two compare technically and practically across various photography disciplines - from portraiture to astrophotography. Our goal? To help you pinpoint which camera better serves your creative ambitions and workflow while demystifying complex features with clear, actionable insights.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

Choosing a compact camera often means balancing physical dimensions and ergonomics against functionality. Both cameras sport a small-sensor compact body, but subtle differences affect comfort and usability during extended shooting sessions.

The Casio EX-FH100 is slightly larger and heavier, with a thicker profile that provides a more substantial grip. This can be an advantage when shooting for extended durations, lending more stability. The Samsung PL200 is sleeker and lighter, appealing for travel photographers prioritizing portability.

From hands-on testing, we note the Casio’s buttons offer more tactile feedback which enhances confidence when adjusting settings quickly. The Samsung’s controls are somewhat minimalistic - less intimidating for beginners but less flexible for manual tweaks.

Design and Control Layout

Checking the top plate reveals core control differences impacting shooting speed and customization.

• Casio EX-FH100 furnishes dedicated buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - a rarity in compacts of this era.
• Samsung PL200 omits these exposure options, restricting you mostly to fully automatic or program modes.

If hands-on control and creative exposure fiddling matter, Casio clearly leads here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Capture

Core to any camera’s performance is the sensor technology, size, and resolution.

The Casio EX-FH100 features a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor - a fairly new advancement at the time - to boost light sensitivity and reduce noise, especially in low-light shots. Meanwhile, the Samsung PL200 relies on a CCD sensor, known for strong color fidelity and pleasant high-contrast images but with slower readouts and potentially more noise at higher ISO.

In real-world use, Casio’s sensor performs better at ISO 800 and above, preserving more detail and controlling noise more effectively. Samsung’s higher megapixel count allows for slightly more cropping room, but without RAW shooting capability, fine-tuning is limited.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window to the World

A camera’s rear screen critically impacts your framing and menu navigation experience.

Both cameras offer a 3.0-inch, 230k-pixel fixed LCD - a standard resolution for 2010 compacts - with no touchscreen or articulation. Casio’s screen displays slightly warmer colors and sharper previews, aiding composition and exposure assessment.

Their menu systems differ:

• Casio EX-FH100 provides robust manual exposure control options throughout the interface, with quick access to ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation.
• Samsung PL200 favors simplicity, streamlining menus but restricting direct manual settings, geared more to beginners.

If you need a camera that grows with your skills, Casio’s interface supports that progression better.

Optics and Lens Performance: Flexibility and Sharpness Across Focal Lengths

Both cameras are fixed-lens compacts, meaning you cannot swap lenses but rely on the built-in zoom range.

The Casio EX-FH100 offers a broader zoom reach starting at 24mm wide-angle, excellent for landscapes or group portraits. Its sensor-shift stabilization helps in low-light and telephoto shots by compensating for hand shake internally.

The Samsung PL200 begins at 31mm focal length, slightly less wide but adequate. Its lens-based optical image stabilization is effective and generally smoother for video.

In terms of optical sharpness, testing shows the Casio’s lens delivers crisper images at wide ends but softness creeps in on maximum zoom. Samsung maintains more even sharpness across its zoom range thanks to a more compact zoom ratio.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing The Moment

Autofocus (AF) accuracy and speed are pivotal for action, wildlife, and candid street photography.

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus typical of compact cameras, which tends to lag versus phase detection on DSLRs or mirrorless.

Unique to Casio is manual focus control, allowing you to precisely fine-tune focus - a boon for macro or creative selective focus. Samsung lacks manual focus, restricting you to autofocus only.

Casio’s 4 frames per second burst mode, while not blazing fast, is useful for casual sports or wildlife sequences. Samsung did not specify continuous shooting speed, suggesting limited support.

For fast-action subjects, neither is ideal, but Casio’s manual focus and burst rate give it a slight edge.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Casio offers a basic flash system with fewer modes; Samsung provides more flash control with fill-in and slow sync options, which are useful for balancing background exposure in portraits and low ambient light.

ISO performance favors Casio’s BSI-CMOS sensor with cleaner results at higher ISO values, enhancing night shots and indoor photography.

Video Features: Basic but Functional

While both cameras support video recording, the Casio EX-FH100 features an impressive array of high frame rate slow-motion modes - up to 1000 fps at low resolutions - ideal for experimental slow-motion capture. Samsung’s video capabilities are basic, limited to VGA resolution at normal frame rates.

Neither camera has external mic support or advanced manual video controls, so these models suit casual video users.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The Casio’s inclusion of Eye-Fi wireless card support allows for easier transfer of images without cables, a convenience absent in Samsung’s model. Also, Casio’s HDMI output facilitates viewing images on larger screens directly.

Battery life specifics were not officially rated for either camera but expect typical compact usage of around 200-300 shots per charge.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Use Case Recommendations

Each camera carves its own niche:

• Casio EX-FH100 scores higher for manual control, sensor performance, photographic flexibility, and video features.
• Samsung PL200 excels slightly for flash versatility, portability, and straightforward user interface.

Portrait Photography

• Casio’s wider 24mm end and manual controls help compose compelling portraits, and BSI-CMOS sensor renders natural skin tones.
• Samsung’s flash modes enhance fill light options, but fixed autofocus and lack of manual exposure reduce creative latitude.

Landscape Photography

• Casio’s wider zoom range and superior dynamic range due to BSI technology capture more detail and tonal gradation.
• Samsung is competent but less flexible given focal range limitations.

Wildlife and Sports

• Casio’s faster burst mode and manual focus support better catch action shots; however, both cameras are limited by contrast-detection AF speed.
• Samsung lacks continuous shooting and manual focus, hindering quick wildlife capture.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s smaller, lighter body is discreet and easy to carry.
• Casio’s quick controls aid fast shooting though its size is slightly bulkier.

Macro Photography

• Samsung’s 5cm macro focusing beats Casio’s 7cm, allowing you to capture tighter close-ups.
• Casio’s manual focus offers enhanced control for critical focusing.

Night and Astrophotography

• Casio’s BSI-CMOS sensor and higher ISO performance provide cleaner low-light images.
• Samsung likely struggles with noise due to CCD sensor limitations.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s compact, light body suits travelers valuing portability.
• Casio offers more diverse shooting options with its better zoom and manual controls, balancing versatility and size.

Video Usage

• Casio’s array of slow-motion recording modes brings experimental creativity.
• Samsung offers standard video capture but limited resolutions.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professional workflows; however, Casio’s RAW capture support, manual exposure, and HDMI output integrate better into professional shooters’ workflow pipelines.

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing is Believing

Here are side-by-side sample shots from both cameras illustrating their rendering styles and lens reach.

Casio EX FH100 front Casio EX FH100 screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

You’ll notice Casio’s images carry slightly warmer tones and better clarity in shadows, while Samsung’s photos are a bit brighter but more prone to noise at higher ISO.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

A Few Final Tips Before You Buy

• Try them in hand: Handling small compacts varies; feel their controls and grip yourself to choose comfort.
• Check lens accessories: Though fixed lenses, add-on lenses or filters might be available - especially for the Casio.
• Plan your photo types: Prioritize features relevant to your typical shooting to avoid unused bells and whistles.
• Consider future-proofing: Casio’s RAW and manual modes provide a platform to grow as your skills improve.

Wrapping Up

Both the Casio EX-FH100 and Samsung PL200 represent strong contenders in the small sensor compact segment from their era. The Casio tends to favor enthusiasts wanting control, speed, and versatility. The Samsung is more about compact convenience with a user-friendly approach.

Exploring these cameras hands-on will crystallize what fits your visual storytelling best. Photography is ultimately about expression, so selecting a camera that inspires you to shoot more often is the highest compliment to any gear choice.

Happy shooting!

If you’re interested in diving deeper into either model or exploring their lens accessories, check out our detailed guides and shooting tutorials tailored for compact cameras.