Casio EX-G1 vs Samsung WB1100F: An Experienced Photographer’s Real-World Camera Showdown

Choosing a camera among compact models can feel like stepping into a candy store as a kid - so many shiny options but wildly different flavors. Today, I’m diving deep into two budget-friendly cameras that come from very different eras and philosophies: the 2009 Casio EX-G1 ultracompact and the 2014 Samsung WB1100F superzoom bridge camera. Having personally tested both alongside hundreds of other point-and-shoot models, I want to help you understand where each shines and where it falls short - so you can pick the one that actually fits your photography needs (and wallet).

Let’s unpack these from the sensor up, zoom through every genre and use case, and give you a no-nonsense verdict grounded in practical photo outings, studio tests, and years of camera scrutiny.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Feel

Before any pixels hit the sensor, handling cameras should feel right. The physical dimensions, button layout, and ergonomics can make or break an experience, especially if you’re out shooting all day, backpacking, or balancing a camera and coffee on a tight budget.

Visually, the Casio EX-G1 is ultra-compact to a fault: just 104x64x20 mm and a featherlight 154 grams. It’s pocketable to the max but also so small you might find it fiddly - tiny buttons with limited feedback and thin grip surfaces mean it won’t inspire confidence in your hands (especially with winter gloves). The fixed 3x zoom, coupled with a lack of manual shutter or aperture controls, flags this as a simple camera for casual snapshots or travel light days.

The Samsung WB1100F is palpably bigger and chunkier at 125x87x96 mm and weighing 512 grams - truly a bridge camera with a pseudo-SLR profile. This heft offers more comfortable handgrip territory, plus controls that fall under your fingers nicely, even if the buttons lack backlighting. The 35x optical zoom lens dominates the front, promising reach that dwarfs the Casio’s modest scope.

Both skip electronic or optical viewfinders, relying solely on LCDs, which we'll explore shortly. But the ergonomics lean heavily in Samsung’s favor for sustained handheld shooting, especially in low-light or fast-paced scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Size isn’t everything without a strong sensor behind it. Both cameras sport a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area) - a common compact sensor size, but how the cameras leverage this real estate with resolution and noise handling differs.

The Casio EX-G1 offers 12 megapixels, max 4000 x 3000 resolution, while the Samsung WB1100F ups the pixel count to 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456). More pixels on the same sensor size can mean more detail, but it also imposes increased noise potential - especially at higher ISOs.

Neither supports RAW capture, a definite limit if you like to push exposure and color edits in post. Both use a standard anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but at the cost of minute detail loss. ISO tops out at 3200 for both, with native ranges starting at ISO 64 for Casio and ISO 80 for Samsung.

Through side-by-side testing of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light shots (using controlled studio charts and night scenes), both cameras struggle beyond ISO 400, typical of fixed lens compacts with small sensors and older CCD technology. The Samsung edge emerges slightly in daylight exposure latitude and color accuracy, likely aided by its newer image pipeline and 16 MP sensor.

Shaping the Image: Autofocus and Zoom Performance

A prime consideration for enthusiasts and pros is autofocus accuracy, speed, and versatility.

The Casio EX-G1 relies on contrast-detection AF with a single central focus area only. No face or eye detection, no continuous AF, and no tracking, making it best suited for static or carefully composed shots. Autofocus is adecent but slow - expect a second or more to lock in decent light.

In contrast, the Samsung WB1100F surprisingly omits continuous AF and face detection too, relying on an unknown number of AF points but no cross-type or other advanced systems. However, its lens offers optical image stabilization, which compensates well for shutter speeds in the telephoto range, especially during handheld shooting. Interestingly, Samsung shutter speeds range up to 1/2000 s, providing a bit more flexibility for bright, fast-action moments compared to Casio’s 1/1250 s max.

Zoom-wise, Samsung obliterates Casio: 35x zoom vs Casio’s 3x. That 25-875 mm equivalent range on the WB1100F lends itself to wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes. Casio is firmly limited to short telephoto uses, ideal for casual portraits or street scenes.

Screens, Viewfinders, and User Interface

None of these cameras has an electronic viewfinder, a downside for bright daylight shooting - when glare obliterates your LCD.

The Casio EX-G1 sports a basic 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230K dots, which feels quite small and grainy by today’s standards. It’s not a touchscreen, and its fixed nature means it won’t flip out or tilt for creative angles.

On the other hand, Samsung WB1100F’s 3-inch LCD at 460K dots nearly doubles Casio’s resolution and grants a little extra screen real estate to compose and review images.

Neither has touch control here, so menu navigation depends on buttons and dials. The Samsung UI is somewhat more intuitive with dedicated zoom and mode dials, whereas the Casio’s menu is more limited and can feel labyrinthine.

Real-World Photo Genres: Who Suits Which Style?

From my years of camera testing, these are the key photo disciplines you might ask about - and how each camera matches up.

Portrait Photography

For portraits, skin tone reproduction, bokeh quality, face/eye detection, and color accuracy matter.

• Casio EX-G1: Without face or eye detection AF, you must rely on careful focusing - easy in good light but frustrating with moving subjects. The max aperture range of f/3.9-5.4 limits low-light depth of field control. Bokeh is basic due to lens design and sensor size; skin tones render reasonably warm but lack subtlety.

• Samsung WB1100F: No face/eye AF either, but the slightly faster f/3.0 aperture at the wide end helps in ambient lighting. The longer zoom doesn’t add bokeh magic due to sensor constraints, but flatter portraits with some background separation are doable. Color rendering is punchier.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing define this category.

• Both cameras lack RAW and high dynamic range modes, so getting detail in shadows and highlights requires careful exposure. On test shots, Samsung’s higher resolution yields slightly better detail crops.

• Casio EX-G1 scores points by being weather sealed: waterproof, dustproof, shock and freeze proof. For outdoorsy landscapes, this ruggedness is a big bonus.

• Samsung WB1100F lacks weather sealing and weighs over three times as much - less ideal for rough hikes.

Wildlife Photography

Speedy autofocus, long reach zoom, and burst rates matter.

• Casio’s 3 fps burst is okay but focus lag and limited zoom make wildlife shots tricky. The fixed lens foreshortens reach severely.

• Samsung’s monstrous 35x zoom wins hands down here, but only one fps burst and sluggish AF limits action capture. Optical stabilization helps tough handholding, but slow AF means missing fast wingbeats.

Sports Photography

Tracking accuracy, frame rates, low light performance - these define sports shooters’ needs.

• Neither camera suits fast sports action due to lack of continuous AF or high frame rates.

• Casio edges out Samsung slightly in burst speed (3 fps vs. 1 fps), but neither can track moving subjects reliably.

Street Photography

Discreetness, portability, and quick autofocus are key.

• The Casio’s compact, lightweight body appeals for street shooters who want easy concealment.

• Samsung’s size and bulk make it an awkward companion in the urban hustle.

• AF speed is mediocre on both, but Casio’s ease of carry and simple controls make it preferable for spontaneous street snaps.

Macro Photography

Magnification, focusing precision, and stabilization.

• Casio offers 10 cm macro focusing, which can yield decent closeups.

• Samsung does not specify macro range, and the lack of close focus means less versatility here.

• Stabilization on Samsung is optical and beneficial for handheld macro use.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure modes matter here.

• Neither cameras shine in this department due to CCD sensor noise and no manual exposure controls.

• Casio’s exposure range (max 1/4 s shutter) versus Samsung’s capabilities (max 8 s shutter) means Samsung manages longer night exposures better, despite noise.

Video Capabilities

Recording specs, stabilization, and audio inputs.

• Casio only records low-resolution video up to 648x480 at 30fps, no external mic, and very basic codec (Motion JPEG).

• Samsung shoots 720p HD video, again no audio ports, but optical stabilization helps smooth out motion.

Neither is ideal for serious video work; consider newer mirrorless if video is your passion.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and size matter for global nomads and weekend adventurers.

• Casio’s pocket size, weather sealing, and lightweight build excel for rugged travel, beach days, and minimal packing. MicroSD card slot and NP-800 battery are neat touches.

• Samsung offers versatile zoom reach and a larger LCD but at the expense of size and no weather sealing. It uses a specific SLB-10A battery, which limits spares and replacement options.

Build Quality and Reliability: Can These Veterans Take It?

The Casio EX-G1 was designed tough with certified environmental sealing: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof. For outdoor photographers, this offers peace of mind on location shoots in rain or snow.

Samsung WB1100F lacks these rugged features. Its plastic-heavy housing feels robust enough for casual use, but it’s no match for Casio’s indestructibility.

Connectivity and Storage

Here, Samsung slightly leaps forward with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick photo sharing - a feature Casio completely lacks. Both cameras accept SD cards (Samsung SD/SDHC/SDXC; Casio microSD/microSDHC), but Casio’s older USB 2.0 port contrasts with Samsung’s no USB port (oddly).

Battery Life and Practical Use

Neither manufacturer officially provides battery life ratings, but from my field testing, the Casio’s NP-800 battery offers decent shots per charge - helped by simple features and low-res screen.

Samsung’s SLB-10A battery yields fewer shots due to larger screen and more powerful zoom mechanisms.

Price and Value: Budget Conscious Verdict

At launch or street prices today, Casio EX-G1 can be found for roughly $60, while Samsung WB1100F hovers near $250.

Casio EX G1 front Casio EX G1 screen back Samsung WB1100F front Samsung WB1100F screen back

For that price delta, you get:

• Casio: rugged, highly portable, simple snapshot shooter with basic controls
• Samsung: longer zoom, better sensor resolution, improved ergonomics, and more connectivity - but no weather sealing or RAW

Performance Scores at a Glance

Let’s review overall ratings based on the criteria above:

Specialized Photography Styles: How Each Camera Scores

Breaking down by type, scored out of 10:

• Portrait: Casio 5, Samsung 6
• Landscape: Casio 6, Samsung 7
• Wildlife: Casio 3, Samsung 7
• Sports: Casio 3, Samsung 4
• Street: Casio 7, Samsung 5
• Macro: Casio 5, Samsung 4
• Night/Astro: Casio 3, Samsung 4
• Video: Casio 2, Samsung 3
• Travel: Casio 7, Samsung 6
• Professional Work: Casio 2, Samsung 3

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Perfect Partner

After wrangling with both cameras in real-world shoots, tech labs, and field excursions here’s my no-bs take:

• If you want a tough, pocketable travel companion for casual snaps, or need a camera that can survive splashes and drops without a worry, the Casio EX-G1 is your cheapskate’s dream. It’s simple, reliable, and great for daylight portraits, street, and landscape shooters on a tight budget.

• If you need more focal reach, higher resolution for bigger prints, and better video performance - not minding the bulk and delicate body - then the Samsung WB1100F is worth a second look. It’s a bridge camera that straddles compact convenience and DSLR-like zoom variety, best for wildlife, some sports, and diverse shooting situations.

Neither camera is perfect - both lack RAW files, modern AF tech, and current feature sets held by today’s mirrorless or advanced compacts. But for their respective prices and categories, they deliver honest, if modest, performance.

Recommendations by Photographer Type

• Beginners/first-timers: Casio EX-G1 - easy controls, durable, super portable.
• Budget travelers/hikers: Casio EX-G1 - weatherproof makes it outdoor-ready.
• Wildlife amateurs: Samsung WB1100F - massive zoom lets you fill the frame.
• Casual event snapshots: Casio EX-G1 - grab-and-go simplicity.
• Family memories/videos: Samsung WB1100F - better video quality & connectivity.
• Street photographers: Casio EX-G1 - stealth and shoulder-friendly size.
• Macro enthusiasts: Casio EX-G1 - closer focusing distance, stabilized hands.
• Digital scrapbookers on a budget: Casio EX-G1 - cheap and cheerful.

I hope this extensive comparison guided you through the quirks and perks of these older but still interesting cameras. If your needs or budget extend beyond these, definitely consider current mirrorless models - but for a bargain-minded, durable, everyday shooter, Casio and Samsung prove old cameras still have some life left.

Happy shooting!