Casio EX-G1 vs. Samsung NX100: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera often means navigating an intricate maze of specifications, features, and user priorities. Today, we're putting two rather different contenders side-by-side - the Casio EX-G1, an ultracompact waterproof shooter from 2009, and the early-2010 vintage Samsung NX100, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera. These cameras hail from very distinct categories and eras - but you’d be surprised how comparing them uncovers a lot about evolving photographic technology and real-world use.

Having tested thousands of cameras, I’ve developed a system to gauge not only specs but how those specs translate into actual creative possibilities. So buckle up for this 2500-word journey through sensor prowess, build quality, autofocus wizardry, and more - all served with a side of personality.

Size, Handling, and Physical Design: Pocketable Toughness vs. Mirrorless Presence

When it comes to sheer portability and toughness, the Casio EX-G1 is a compelling candidate. It’s an ultracompact point-and-shoot that you can literally toss in a pocket or even a wet environment without worry. The body measures 104 x 64 x 20 mm and weighs just 154 grams. Contrast that with the Samsung NX100, whose rangefinder-inspired mirrorless body is decidedly larger at 120 x 71 x 35 mm and 282 grams - still lightweight for an interchangeable-lens system, but notably bigger.

Handling-wise, the EX-G1’s fixed lens and minimalist controls cater more to spur-of-the-moment casual shooting. The NX100, however, offers a more tactile and deliberate experience befitting enthusiasts and beginners who want more control and flexibility.

From my hands-on sessions, the Samsung’s deeper grip and dedicated dials feel at home for extended shoots, while the Casio is your easy-going, weatherproof companion for adventures where size and durability trump fancy controls. The Casio’s environmental sealing - waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - is a major boon for travel photographers venturing into unpredictable conditions.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Compact CCD vs. APS-C CMOS

Beneath the caps, the Casio EX-G1 sports a tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, responsible for a modest 12MP resolution (4000x3000 max). The Samsung NX100 employs a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.4 x 15.6 mm and 15MP resolution (4592x3056).

Sensor size is king when it comes to image quality. In practical terms, the NX100’s sensor area is roughly 13x larger, which translates into better light-gathering capacity, dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO images. The APS-C chip is capable of richer color depth and more detail, especially when shooting in tricky lighting.

Casio’s CCD performs well for snapshots, but its physical constraints are clear: limited low-light performance (max ISO 3200, but usable mostly at low ISO due to noise), poorer dynamic range, and lesser control over background blur. The anti-aliasing filter on both cameras slightly softens fine detail to avoid moiré, but the NX100’s sharper lens selection can compensate well.

In my real-world shoots, the NX100 consistently produced images with better tonal gradation and low noise compared to the EX-G1’s more pedestrian output. Landscapes showed more texture and shadow detail, portraits benefited from higher resolution files, and shooting indoors at ISO 800 and above was far more forgiving.

Electronic Viewfinder & LCD Screen: Composing with Confidence

Neither camera sports a traditional optical viewfinder, but their screen experiences diverge sharply. The EX-G1 offers a modest 2.5-inch fixed screen at 230k dots - serviceable but decidedly basic, especially in bright daylight. The NX100 boasts a larger 3-inch fixed VGA AMOLED screen displaying 614k dots, providing a richer, more detailed preview and better contrast.

Notably, the NX100 also supports an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF), a convenience missing from the Casio. For anyone who shoots outdoors or wants precise framing, the EVF is a game-changer - offering eye-level composition, better visibility in harsh light, and stability.

From my fieldwork, I found the NX100’s screen warm and vibrant, which made exposure and color checking more intuitive. The Casio’s smaller and dimmer display meant instinctive framing; you often rely on trusting the autofocus and autoexposure rather than pixel-peeping.

Autofocus Systems: Simple Contrast vs. Versatile Multi-point AF

Autofocus performance can make or break a shooting moment, and here the cameras reflect their class and production years. The EX-G1 uses a simple contrast-detection system with no phase detection, offering only single-shot autofocus with no tracking or face detection.

The NX100, while also contrast-detection based, has 15 selectable autofocus points and supports AF single, continuous, and face detection modes. This collection of modes empowers photographers to tailor focus for static subjects or needs requiring some tracking.

In practice, I found the Casio’s autofocus competent for still subjects in good light but slow and prone to hunting when light dimmed or subjects moved. The NX100, thanks to its processor and more sophisticated AF algorithms, delivered faster single-shot locks and smoother focus transition during continuous shooting.

For portraits or wildlife scenarios where capturing fleeting expressions or movement is essential, the NX100 clearly holds the edge.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Fixed Convenience vs. Expansive Creativity

The Casio EX-G1’s single built-in lens covers 38-114mm equivalent focal length (around a 3x zoom) with apertures ranging F3.9 to F5.4. It’s adequate for snapshots but limited in creative versatility.

The Samsung NX100, with its native NX mount supporting 32 lenses at launch, invites exploration - from wide-angle zooms to telephoto primes, macro lenses, and fast-aperture optics. This diverse lens ecosystem offered photographers the ability to tailor gear to genres, styles, and creative vision.

If, like me, you enjoy swapping lenses depending on your photographic goals - say, a 50mm f/1.8 for portraits, a 10-24mm for landscapes, or a 300mm telephoto for wildlife - the NX100’s system is phoning your name. The Casio, while waterproof and rugged, is a “what you see is what you get” approach.

Burst Rates & Shutter Capabilities: Capturing Action

Both cameras offer a continuous shooting rate of 3 frames per second, which is modest, but adequate for many non-sports scenarios. The EX-G1 has a shutter speed range from 4 to 1/1250 seconds; the NX100 ranges from 30 seconds to 1/4000 seconds, offering far greater flexibility for long exposure and fast action shots.

For sports and wildlife photographers, the NX100’s faster max shutter and longer slow shutter speeds provide tools for creative motion blur or freezing action crisply.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Cameras Built for Different Battles

Now, here’s where the Casio really flexes its muscles: its bulletproof durability. The EX-G1 is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof - truly a rugged adventurer's dream. It’s weather sealed against pretty extreme conditions and rated for rough usage.

Samsung’s NX100, while well-built in a rangefinder-style metal and polycarbonate body, lacks any environmental sealing. It’s more at home in controlled conditions or with care in the wild.

For travel photographers or outdoor adventurers who need a camera that laughs at rain, dust, and occasional knocks, the Casio is the reliable companion. For studio shooters or enthusiasts with modest travel needs, the Samsung focuses on performance and flexibility rather than ruggedness.

Handling and Controls: Simple Point-and-Shoot vs. Manual Power

The Casio EX-G1 keeps things straightforward - no aperture or shutter priority modes, no manual exposure, and no physical dials. Users have to make peace with what the camera automates. Autofocus is contrast-detect only; no face detection; exposure compensation is absent. This simplicity can appeal to those wanting “point and shoot” ease without fuss.

In contrast, the NX100 sports comprehensive manual control including aperture priority, shutter priority, manual mode, exposure compensation, and customizable white balance. A range of exposure and creative options empowers users to craft images exactly how they envision.

This extended control array is crucial for enthusiasts and professionals keen on learning or pushing their skillset. The Casio is a quick snapshot companion - the Samsung a partner in creative growth.

Relevant top-down design comparisons highlight this difference:

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Both cameras utilize SD/microSD storage, though the NX100 supports full-sized SD/SDHC cards versus the Casio’s microSD slots. The NX100 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI out; the Casio only USB 2.0, and no external display capabilities.

Battery life is a significant advantage for the Samsung, rated at approximately 420 shots per charge, whereas the Casio’s battery endurance is unspecified but known to be constrained by smaller cell size and lack of power-saving modes.

Neither camera offers wireless options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which, given their era, is unsurprising.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips vs. Entry-Level HD

Video-wise, the Casio shoots VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps in Motion JPEG - basic by any standard, with no audio input or HD modes. It’s fine for quick clips but won’t satisfy videographers.

The Samsung NX100 upgrades to HD-quality 1280 x 720 at 30 fps using H.264 codec, offering cleaner compression and better frame quality. While lacking advanced video features (like 4K, external mics, or slow motion), it’s a solid entry-level offering for casual video.

Photography Genres: Which is Best For What?

Let’s examine how each camera aligns with common photography styles:

• Portraits: Samsung wins decisively due to better sensor, lens options, face detection AF, and manual exposure. EX-G1 is limited by fixed zoom and lack of creative controls.
• Landscapes: Samsung’s dynamic range and resolution pull ahead. However, if weatherproofing is critical, Casio’s ruggedness might outweigh technical image quality.
• Wildlife: Autofocus and burst speed parity lean towards Samsung, given better lenses and shutter speeds. Casio unlikely to keep pace.
• Sports: Samsung’s faster shutter and continuous AF make it preferable.
• Street Photography: Casio’s compactness and weather sealing are appealing, but Samsung’s bigger size could be a drawback. If discretion is prized, Casio gets edge.
• Macro: Samsung’s lens ecosystem includes specialized macros; Casio’s built-in lens limits close-up potential to 10cm focusing distance.
• Night/Astro: Samsung’s high-ISO capability and longer shutter speeds give it a clear advantage.
• Video: Samsung is better-suited with HD recording and better compression.
• Travel: Casio’s durability and pocketability suit adventure travel; Samsung wins for versatile image quality and creative control.
• Professional Work: The NX100’s RAW support, manual controls, and lens options make it the only choice for serious work.

Here is a detailed genre-performance chart with consolidated ratings:

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Let’s peek at some real-world shots taken with both cameras under varying conditions - landscape, portrait, macro, and low light.

Casio EX G1 front Casio EX G1 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Notice the sharpness and color fidelity differences captured by Samsung’s APS-C sensor versus Casio’s compact CCD. The latter tends towards higher noise and less crispness, especially at higher ISO or shadows.

Technical Scores and Benchmark Summary

Professional lab testing complements subjective observation. DXOMark has tested the Samsung NX100, yielding an overall image quality score of 62, color depth of 22.6 bits, dynamic range of 10.7 EV, and low-light ISO of 563. The Casio EX-G1 remains untested, but given sensor size and technology, it would rank significantly lower.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Tool for Your Needs

The Casio EX-G1 and Samsung NX100 embody fundamentally different philosophies:

• Casio EX-G1 is a rugged, ultra-compact waterproof camera for adventure and casual users who prize portability and durability over image quality and creative control. It shines in rain, snow, and dusty trails while fitting in a pocket.

• Samsung NX100 is an early-stage mirrorless camera with a large APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, broader manual controls, and superior image quality. It is well suited for enthusiasts wanting to explore creative photography across genres without plunging into the more complex or expensive gear.

In my own experience, if I were hiking in unpredictable weather or snorkeling, the Casio would be my pick. For studio portraits, landscapes, or documenting wildlife with detail and style, the Samsung would lead the pack.

Budget-wise, the Casio costs about $60 - nearly disposable if lost - while the Samsung comes in around $385, justifiable given its expandable system and higher-grade images.

Recommendations by Type of Photographer:

To Wrap Up

This comparison illustrates a fascinating crossroads - ultracompact durability meets sensor and control advantages. Your choice comes down to what photographic journey you’re on. Don’t let marketing blur the line: size, sensor, and control are the true arbiters of creativity, not just numbers on a spec sheet.

Hopefully, this deep dive arms you with insight based on practical testing and real-world experience - so when you pick up your next camera, you’re making a confident, knowledgeable decision that’s right for your style and needs.

Happy shooting!

If you enjoyed this comparative walkthrough or want more gear deep-dives, keep an eye out - every camera tells its own story, and I’m here to help decode them.