Casio EX-FS10 vs. Casio EX-Z800: A Hands-On Ultracompact Camera Duel

In the ever-evolving world of pocket-sized cameras, Casio’s Exilim line has long championed versatility, affordability, and user-friendly features. Today, we pit two of its ultracompact contenders against one another: the 2009-era Casio EX-FS10 and the slightly newer Casio EX-Z800 from 2010. Despite their modest specs on paper, these cameras represent intriguing options for beginners and hobbyists seeking simple travel companions or daily shooters. Having extensively tested both models, I’ll dive deep into relevant attributes - from sensor tech to ergonomics and real-world image quality - providing you with a grounded, expert comparison to guide your purchase decisions.

Let’s start with how these cameras feel in your hands and look from the outside.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But So Does Grip

The EX-FS10 and EX-Z800 belong to the same ultracompact category, with their main selling point being pocket-friendly portability. But subtle differences in physical dimensions and button layouts meaningfully impact usability during extended shooting.

Dimensions and Weight:
The EX-FS10 measures approximately 102 x 55 x 20 mm and weighs 121 grams, while its younger sibling, the EX-Z800, is slightly smaller at 91 x 52 x 20 mm and a hair heavier at 124 grams due to denser internals and a larger battery. The difference might seem trivial, but in hand, the EX-FS10 offers a bit more grip - especially for users with bigger hands - thanks to its marginally thicker body. The thinner profile of the EX-Z800 aids quick pocket stowage but demands a more delicate hold to avoid slips.

Control Layout:
Top-down, the two models reveal classic Casio simplicity but with notable tweaks.

The EX-Z800 adds a slightly redesigned mode dial and dedicates clearly labeled buttons for flash and self-timer functions, offering quicker access than the FS10’s menus. The FS10, however, has a more substantial shutter button, which feels more tactile when shooting without looking - a small but meaningful ergonomic win for street or casual shooting. Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder - shooting relies solely on their LCD displays, which we'll scrutinize in a moment.

In sum, if ergonomics edge your purchasing criteria, the FS10’s chunkier but confident feel wins hands-down for comfortable grip during longer shoots, while the Z800's ultraportability will appeal to those prioritizing compactness.

Behind the Lens: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now we get into the heart of image-making: sensors and lenses. It's here we see some of the larger technical divergences that dictate final photo quality.

Sensor Type and Resolution

• EX-FS10: 1/2.3" CMOS sensor; 9-megapixel resolution
• EX-Z800: 1/2.3" CCD sensor; 14-megapixel resolution

Right upfront, the EX-Z800 boasts higher resolution, a notable jump from 9MP to 14MP. That said, resolution alone doesn’t tell the whole story. CMOS sensors like in the EX-FS10 generally afford better noise control and faster readout speeds versus CCDs, which in turn can affect dynamic range and low-light image quality.

From my testing, the EX-Z800’s images pack in finer detail at base ISO, making it superior for landscape or travel shots where cropping or printing large is desired. However, the EX-FS10’s CMOS sensor affords less noisy images when you edge into ISO 400-800 territory - a sweet spot for shooting indoors or in shadowy conditions on the fly.

Lens and Aperture

• EX-FS10: 38-114 mm equivalent (3x zoom), aperture F3.9–7.1
• EX-Z800: 27-108 mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture F3.2–5.9

The EX-Z800 features a wider lens at the short end, starting at 27mm, great for capturing expanses or tight indoor spaces. Plus, the slightly faster aperture at wide end (F3.2 vs. F3.9) allows more light, aiding low-light shooting and offering better background separation when possible. Conversely, the FS10’s smaller zoom range limits wide-angle framing but doesn't suffer on telephoto reach.

Image Stabilization

The EX-Z800 stands out by including sensor-shift image stabilization. In real-world handheld shooting, this significantly helps avoid blur, especially in low light or at zoomed focal lengths. The EX-FS10 lacks stabilization, so nurse extra care for sharp images, or use tripods when possible.

Composing Your Shots: Displays and Viewfinder Experience

In an era where electronic viewfinders were scarce in compacts, LCD screens are your window to the world. The quality and usability of those displays are central to shooting comfort.

The EX-Z800 offers a 2.7-inch LCD vs 2.5-inch for the FS10, with identical 230k-dot resolution, meaning a slight size advantage but similar clarity. The Z800’s display presents colors with more punch and contrast, helpful under mixed lighting conditions. Neither is touchscreen nor articulating, which limits creative framing but underscores the cameras’ budget design.

From extended outdoor shooting, glare is a nuisance on both. However, the Z800's slightly brighter display provides more confidence in bright daylight.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs Precision

Neither model boasts sophisticated autofocus systems - both rely on contrast detection with center-weighted AF areas. Lacking face or eye detection, tracking moving subjects is a weak point, which lowers their appeal for action or wildlife shooters.

Burst modes are absent or negligible, so fast-sequence shooting is not recommended.

Shutter Speed Range:

• FS10: 1 to 1/1250s
• Z800: 4 to 1/2000s

Though the Z800 touts a faster max shutter speed, the minimum 4s long exposure is restrictive compared to the FS10’s 1s max shutter. For low-light or night photography enthusiasts, neither camera excels, but the longer minimum shutter on the Z800 may require manual workarounds.

Image Quality in Practice: Putting Pixels to Work

Casio EX FS10 front Casio EX FS10 screen back Casio EX Z800 screen back

Testing these cameras side by side in varied lighting conditions and subjects reveals the following nuanced differences:

• Portraits: The EX-Z800's wider aperture lens and higher resolution provide crisper details; however, the limited FOV can restrict creative framing. The EX-FS10 struggles with shallow depth of field - bokeh is mostly average due to small sensor and aperture limitations on both models. Skin tones are clearer on the Z800 thanks to CCD’s color rendition, but neither offers face detection AF, so precise focusing demands careful manual adjustment.

• Landscapes: The higher megapixels and wider lens of the Z800 produce images with better impression of scale and fine texture. Dynamic range is limited on both - deep shadows recover poorly, so shooting at base ISO with flat light is advisable.

• Wildlife and Sports: Lack of continuous autofocus and low burst rate render both unsuitable for fast-moving subjects. Telephoto reach is modest; the FS10's 114mm might pull slightly closer, but without stabilization, sharp shots are hit-or-miss.

• Street and Travel: The FS10’s bigger grip improves handling for casual street shooting. The Z800's smaller size adds spontaneity. Both are quiet but shy away from low-light versatility.

• Macro: Neither camera offers specialized macro focusing ranges, but both do boast decent close-focus around average compact limits. Stabilization on the Z800 helps here.

• Night Astrophotography: Neither camera’s sensor or shutter speed capabilities favor astrophotography. High ISO noise is prominent and ISO tops out around 1600 (FS10) and 3200 (Z800) but with noisy results.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Do?

Both cameras record video capped at 720p HD but with differing frame rates and codecs.

• EX-FS10 shoots 1280 x 720 at 30fps, plus slo-mo clips up to an incredible 1000 fps (!) at much reduced resolutions - a fun feature for creative experiments but of limited professional use.
• EX-Z800 limits video to 1280 x 720 at 20 fps and 640 x 480 at 30 fps - more pedestrian by comparison.

Neither camera supports external microphones or offers electronic image stabilization in video mode, and both lack HDMI outputs for clean video feeds (only the FS10 has any HDMI output at all). These are clearly casual video tools for snapshots rather than serious filmmaking.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

Both models feature plastic builds typical of ultracompacts, without weather sealing or ruggedization.

• Weight & Dimensions: As seen earlier, minor differences but both ultra-light.
• Battery: FS10 uses NP-80; EX-Z800 uses NP-120 - the Z800 benefits from a slightly higher capacity, translating to around a 20-25% longer battery life in mixed use, an advantage when traveling or commuting.
• Storage: FS10 supports SD/SDHC and wireless Eye-Fi cards, adding flexibility that Z800 omits by lacking Wi-Fi or similar.
• Connectivity: FS10 outputs to HDMI; Z800 lacks HDMI but offers USB 2.0 on both.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Choose Which?

Given their age and feature sets, both cameras occupy the lower end of the market today. Still, they have distinct niches.

• The EX-Z800, priced around $150 used, offers higher resolution, wider lens, and image stabilization - all strong selling points for entry-level travel shooters prioritizing image detail and portability. But the limited video frame rate and slower shutter speeds dampen overall versatility.

• The EX-FS10, marginally more expensive in new-old-stock form, remains appealing for users needing a sturdier grip, faster shutter range, and better video at 30 fps. Its CMOS sensor edges out slightly in low-light stills noise performance.

Here’s how they stack for key photography types:

Final Takeaways for Enthusiasts and Pros

Both the Casio EX-FS10 and EX-Z800 serve as low-cost, easy-to-use ultracompacts more suited for casual snapshot photography than demanding professional work. Neither models are RAW-capable or offer advanced autofocus or video features expected today. But they can fill distinct pockets and creative niches in the hands of newcomers or collectors interested in compact, quirky cameras.

• Buy the EX-Z800 if: You place highest priority on image resolution and portability with some image stabilization, suitable for travel and daytime shooting.
• Buy the EX-FS10 if: You want a sturdier grip, faster shutter range, and slightly better video capabilities, ideal for casual everyday shooters who still want decent flexibility.

They might not turn any photography world records, but these cameras remind us that sometimes simplicity, reasonable quality, and price trumps flashy specs. I recommend you prioritize your specific shooting style and physical handling preferences when choosing between them.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions based on your photography ambitions - I’m always happy to help dissect gear choices from a hands-on perspective. After all, this is about pairing the right tool to your creative vision, not just ticking boxes on a spec sheet.

Happy shooting!