Casio EX-FH100 vs Sony Alpha a5100: The Compact Shooter Meets Mirrorless Ambition

Choosing your next camera can feel a bit like navigating a jungle of specs, jargon, and flash-in-the-pan trends. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed, hands-on comparison between two quite different beasts in the camera world. On one side, we have the Casio EX-FH100, a clever small-sensor compact from 2010 with some quirky high-speed shooting chops. On the other, the Sony Alpha a5100, a 2014 entry-level mirrorless camera packing an APS-C sensor, advanced autofocus, and a modern feature set - a darling of beginner and enthusiast photographers looking for serious image quality in a tiny package.

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’ll give you a down-to-earth appraisal, highlighting real-world performance, pros and cons, and which camera suits different types of photography and budgets. Grab your virtual camera bag and let’s dig in.

Before We Start: Size, Look & Feel

Size matters, right? Especially if you’re the kind to slip your camera into a pocket or purse for travel or street shooting.

Here you can see the Casio EX-FH100 (104 x 60 x 28 mm, 201g) holds its own against the slightly bulkier Sony a5100 (110 x 63 x 36 mm, 283g). The EX-FH100’s compact design makes it a pocket-friendly companion - perfect for casual shooters or those who dread lugging gear.

Ergonomics-wise, the Casio is pretty minimalist - no dedicated grip or clubs for thumbs - but it feels solid in hand thanks to its tightly packed small sensor design. The a5100, while still small, offers more control real estate. The deep grip and well-placed buttons make it comfortable for longer shoots, especially when paired with Sony’s range of lenses.

The top view comparison shows you the Sony a5100’s dedicated dials and custom buttons, which let you dial in settings quickly on the fly - a boon for more experienced shooters. Casio’s layout is simpler with fewer physical controls, which may frustrate enthusiasts but keeps things accessible for beginners.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

The sensor is where the rubber meets the pixel. Let's compare these two fundamentally different sensors in terms of technology and capability.

• Casio EX-FH100: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, approx. 10MP, maximum native ISO 3200
• Sony a5100: APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm), approx. 24MP, max native ISO 25600

That tiny Casio sensor is typical of small-sensor compacts - easy to manufacture, versatile zoom lens compatibility, and great for daylight shots. But shadows and low-light areas will show significant noise and limited dynamic range. In contrast, the a5100’s larger APS-C sensor offers about 13x more surface area, which translates into impressively better image quality across the board: sharper images, more detail, much better low-light performance, and richer color depth.

Sony’s Bionz X processor, combined with the sensor, helps push the high ISO capability further, allowing noise-free shots even at 3200 ISO and beyond - a huge advantage over the Casio, especially for indoor, night, or astrophotography.

LCD Screen & User Interface Experience

Ease of use is often underestimated but critical for capturing the moment.

The Casio EX-FH100 sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with just 230k dots of resolution - fuzzy at best by today’s standards. No touchscreen, no articulation, just a basic display designed for framing in good light.

Sony’s a5100, however, offers a higher resolution (922k dots), tilting touchscreen LCD. This addition is significant because it lets you compose shots from tricky angles - whether you’re shooting street scenes candidly or low macro shots on the ground. The touchscreen interface speeds up navigation, focusing, and menu adjustments - a convenience anyone shooting in dynamic situations will appreciate.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test

Autofocus (AF) prowess can make or break your shooting experience, especially in fast-paced scenarios.

• Casio EX-FH100 offers contrast-detection AF only, with single AF mode (no continuous tracking), and no face or eye detection.
• Sony a5100 delivers a hybrid AF system with 179 phase-detection and contrast-detection points, continuous AF, face detection, and even eye detection for humans.

From personal testing, the Casio’s AF hunts noticeably in low light or complex scenes - fine for still subjects but frustrating for moving targets or dim environments. The a5100’s hybrid system locks in instantly and tracks subjects reliably, even in action or street photography. For example, photographing kids or pets on the move, the a5100 gives you that confidence.

Burst Shooting and High-Speed Video Capabilities

The Casio EX-FH100 was one of the pioneers in high-speed shooting modes.

• Casio max continuous shooting: 4 fps (normal), but ultra high-speed video modes up to 1000 fps (!) at reduced resolutions.
• Sony a5100 max burst: 6 fps with AF tracking.

While the Casio’s 4 fps might feel slow, its real rallying cry is the slow-motion video capacity (up to 1000fps) for capturing fast action - think experiments or sports clips requiring high frame rate playback. Video resolution here is limited (max 640x480 pixels), but the capability is unique in this price bracket.

The Sony a5100 balances burst speed and image quality well with its 6 fps and smooth AF, great for sports and wildlife (assuming you have the right lens). Plus, the a5100 shoots Full HD video at 60fps, with AVCHD and XAVC S codec support, yielding clean, usable footage.

Lens Systems: Fixed Convenience vs. Interchangeable Versatility

The Casio has a built-in fixed zoom lens: 24-240mm equivalent, aperture f/3.2-5.7. This 10x zoom offers tremendous flexibility without ever changing lenses - a big plus for travel or casual shooting. The downside? The optical quality is middling, especially at long zoom and wide apertures; the slow maximum aperture limits performance in dim environments.

Sony’s a5100 uses the Sony E-mount system - over 120 lenses officially available, from ultra-sharp primes to super-telephoto zooms, third-party options included. You can pick a lightweight 35mm f/1.8 for portraits or fast apertures for low light. This versatility is invaluable for enthusiasts and professionals who demand specialized optics.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection, so neither is ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or rough treatment. However:

• Casio’s small compact body feels solidly put together but geared more toward casual or indoor use.
• Sony’s a5100 is plasticky but well-finished, typical of entry-level mirrorless cameras - not weatherproof.

If you’re planning serious outdoor or wildlife photo expeditions, adding protection or opting for a higher-tier body is prudent.

Battery Life & Storage Options

Battery life often surprises new mirrorless adopters.

• Casio EX-FH100’s exact battery life isn’t specified but likely limited by its small compact design - enough for a few hundred shots; uses NP-90 battery.
• Sony a5100 rated for approx. 400 shots per charge with the NP-FW50 battery.

Personally, I found carrying a spare battery with the a5100 often necessary during long outings. The Casio’s smaller battery and limited usage may push you to recharge or swap packs more often.

Storage-wise, both cameras use SD cards, but the Sony also supports the Memory Stick format, offering flexibility.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In the modern era, connectivity is king.

• Casio features “Eye-Fi Connected” capability, allowing wireless transfer if you use compatible cards, but no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Sony a5100 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer, remote control via smartphones, and sharing.

From experience, Sony’s wireless implementation is much friendlier and faster. Especially valuable for event shooters, bloggers, or those sharing on the fly.

Real-World Performance by Photography Genre

Now, the fun part - how do these two stack up for your favorite photography types? I’ll break it down across major genres based on hands-on testing and user feedback.

Portraiture: Capturing People Beautifully

The a5100’s larger sensor and 24MP resolution enable stunning portraits with natural skin tones and beautifully smooth bokeh, especially when paired with fast prime lenses like the 50mm f/1.8.

Face and eye detection autofocus automatically locks on, a lifesaver for sharp shots of fleeting expressions.

Casio’s compact is outclassed here: the small sensor can’t achieve the shallow depth-of-field typical in portraits, and lackluster AF and slower aperture means less separation of subject from background.

Landscape: Details and Dynamic Range in Nature

Landscape photographers will appreciate the a5100’s higher resolution and broader dynamic range (DxO mark of 12.7 ev), crucial for holding details in bright skies and shadowed foregrounds.

Sony’s RAW support and exposure bracketing give flexibility for post-processing.

Casio’s modest 10MP resolution and limited dynamic range severely curtail landscape detail and tonal nuance.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Precision Count

The Sony a5100, paired with telephoto lenses, handles wildlife and sports well, offering decent autofocus tracking at 6 fps and sharp image detail.

Casio’s auto-focus and slow burst make it a poor choice for fast-moving subjects but its high-speed video mode could capture unique slow-motion footage at low resolution.

Street Photography: Stealth and Speed

Here’s where the Casio excels: tiny, light, quiet, and pocketable. A perfect street camera for spontaneous shots with little flair for post-processing.

Sony a5100’s larger size and lens combos make it less discreet, but its quick AF and tilt screen are great when you want higher-quality images or creative angles.

Macro: Get Up Close and Personal

Neither camera offers specialized macro features like focus stacking or super close minimum focus distance.

However, the Casio’s fixed lens can focus down to 7cm, decent for casual macro.

Sony’s performance depends on the lens chosen, with many E-mount lenses designed especially for macro work.

Night and Astrophotography: Low Light Retention

Sony a5100’s high ISO range and decent noise control make it suitable for night scenes and some astrophotography trials - though a sturdier tripod and manual settings are required.

Casio’s ISO cap and sensor size limit performance severely.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures

• Casio EX-FH100: max 640x480 video, limited to 30 fps in HD, but crazy high frame rates (up to 1000 fps) at low resolution for slow-motion. No external mic input.
• Sony a5100: Full HD up to 60 fps, AVCHD and XAVC S codecs, decent quality, but no microphone input. Built-in IS on some lenses helps shooting stability.

If video is a priority, Sony’s offering is far superior in image quality and codec options.

Travel: One Body to Rule Them All?

For travel, size, weight, and versatility count.

Casio is ultra travel-friendly with pocketability and a versatile zoom, easy for day walks and casual shoots.

Sony a5100 is portable, but adding lenses and batteries increases bulk. The tradeoff is much better image quality and creative control.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Genre Breakdown

Honestly, when I run all my tested metrics through weighted evaluation, the Sony a5100 stands out for overall performance.

Looking deeper into how each camera fares by genre:

Sony a5100 wins in most categories except ultra-high-speed video and pocket portability.

Sample Shots to Let You Judge

Image quality speaks louder than words - here’s a side-by-side from both cameras in various real-world lighting and subjects:

Casio EX FH100 front Casio EX FH100 screen back Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back

You’ll immediately notice crisper detail, better color richness, and smoother gradients from the Sony a5100.

Pros and Cons Summarized

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Casio EX-FH100 if you:

  • Want a small, lightweight, straightforward camera for casual travel or street photography
  • Need quirky ultra high-speed video capabilities for experimentation
  • Are a cheapskate who wants a 10x zoom without lens swapping
  • Don’t need advanced autofocus or low-light capability

• Choose the Sony a5100 if you:

  • Want a serious step up in image quality and low-light performance
  • Value fast, reliable autofocus with face & eye detection for portraits, events, and action
  • Want a flexible interchangeable lens system and better 1080p video recording
  • Plan on creative control and future-proofing your kit with diverse lenses
  • Don’t mind carrying extra lenses and batteries for superior results

Final Verdict: Bridging the Gap Between Convenience and Capability

The Casio EX-FH100 feels like a nostalgic compact gem tailored for proof-of-concept ultra-high-speed videography and travel convenience. It’s a fine choice for hobbyists seeking a simple zoom camera with some neat video tricks but doesn’t match today’s standards for image quality or autofocus.

The Sony a5100 is a small powerhouse and a solid stepping stone into serious photography. It balances portability, ease of use, and image quality like few in its class, making it a smart buy for photo enthusiasts, bloggers, and even professionals hunting a capable second body.

If you’re on a budget and craving flexibility, the Sony a5100 is my pick hands down. But if your priority is pocketability with a splash of fun high-speed video, Casio’s EX-FH100 sneaks in as a niche alternative.

Either way, knowing the strengths and limits of these cameras helps you pick the perfect tool - not just gadget shopping. Hope these insights steer you right on your photographic journey!

Thanks for reading. If you have questions or want sample RAW files from either camera for your own tests, just shout. Happy shooting!