Casio EX-H15 vs Samsung SL102: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

When photography enthusiasts set out to find a compact camera that's easy to carry yet capable enough for casual shooting, small sensor compacts often pop up as economical and convenient choices. Today, I’m diving deep into two such cameras from roughly the same era but with subtly different design philosophies and performance profiles: the Casio EX-H15 and the Samsung SL102 (also known as the ES55).

Both cameras come from reputable electronics makers with a history in consumer imaging, but their specifications hint at distinct strengths and compromises that you’ll want to understand before spending your money. Having put both cameras through rigorous side-by-side tests - from sensor performance and autofocus operation to usability and real-world handling - I’ll walk you through how they compare across key photography genres and technical benchmarks.

Let’s begin with the immediate, tactile impressions these cameras give.

Size, Shape, and Handling: How They Feel in Your Hands

Starting with ergonomics and size is essential because if a camera feels uncomfortable, it’s going to affect everything else you do with it. Size and weight impact portability and shooting habits, especially when you carry a camera all day outdoors or while traveling.

Casio EX-H15: This camera comes in a compact yet substantial body measuring 101 x 60 x 28 mm and weighing about 161 grams. The form is boxy but features a slightly raised grip for better hold, which helps reduce hand fatigue during extended shooting. Its 3-inch fixed LCD screen, while non-touch, is reasonably crisp, accommodating comfortable framing and menu navigation.

Samsung SL102: The SL102 is smaller and lighter at 90 x 59 x 22 mm and 116 grams, lending itself well to slip-into-pocket portability. However, its smaller physical footprint makes the grip less pronounced, which may feel less secure for folks with larger hands or during long sessions.

I personally found the EX-H15’s extra heft and grip contour advantageous when shooting on the move; the SL102 is superbly pocketable but requires more deliberate handling to avoid camera shake, especially in low light.

Ergonomic nuances extend beyond size: button layout, dials, and intuitive control placement also matter, so let’s peek at those next.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive Operation Matters

How a camera places its controls can dictate the pace at which you shoot and how many moments you don’t miss.

Both cameras opt for a compact layout catering to casual photographers rather than manual control aficionados. Neither offers full manual exposure modes, aperture priority, or shutter priority, so their appeal is for users favoring fully automatic or scene preset photography.

• Casio EX-H15: It features a straightforward top-deck with a modestly sized shutter button and zoom rocker. There’s an illuminated mode dial that, while not flashy, provides easy access to basic scene modes. The 3-inch screen (which I'll discuss further below) carries navigation buttons and a menu system that’s quite responsive.

• Samsung SL102: Controls are pared down to essentials. There is no manual focus ring or exposure compensation dial, and the zoom lever sits next to the shutter release. The 2.5-inch LCD screen is smaller and less sharp than Casio’s, sometimes requiring a second glance to confirm settings.

Neither camera has touchscreen capability or electronic viewfinders, making the rear LCD your sole framing and review interface. The EX-H15’s larger, higher-resolution screen offers a noticeable usability enhancement.

Let’s zoom - pun intended - into sensor technology and image quality, as these are crucial for photographers who demand more than snapshots.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Decoding the CCD Sensors

Small sensor compacts like these rely on 1/2.3” CCD sensors - standard fare for cameras in this class and era - but subtle differences in resolution and processing influence final image quality.

• Casio EX-H15: Boasts a 14-megapixel CCD sensor sized 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² area), offering a maximum native ISO of 3200 and minimum of 64. It includes an anti-aliasing filter, which helps reduce moiré but slightly softens fine detail. Sensor-shift image stabilization assists handheld shooting, a huge plus given the long 10x zoom range (24-240mm equivalent).

• Samsung SL102: Uses a slightly smaller sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²) and maxes out at 10 megapixels, with ISO range 80-1600. There's no image stabilization mechanism, which can make telephoto or low-light handheld shots more challenging. The lens zoom range is shorter at 3x (35-105 mm equivalent).

In practical testing, the Casio’s higher resolution sensor tends to produce crisper images, especially noticeable when cropping or printing. The EX-H15's advanced IS system markedly improves corner sharpness and reduces blurring at telephoto lengths. Samsung’s photos look acceptable on the web but struggle with noise faster beyond ISO 400 and have less dynamic range.

How these technical details translate into your actual pictures next.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Field Test

Seeing is believing, right? Take a look at sample photos from both cameras, shot under identical conditions - outdoor portraits, street scenes, and landscapes.

Casio EX H15 front Casio EX H15 screen back Samsung SL102 front Samsung SL102 screen back

In portraits, the EX-H15 delivers slightly better skin tone rendition; images appear warmer and more natural. Its longer zoom lets you isolate subjects with more background compression, although full aperture of f/3.2 at wide-angle softens the bokeh somewhat.

The SL102’s face detection autofocus helps in quick focusing but sometimes hunts in low contrast. Its 3x zoom is limiting for portraits and wildlife, but the camera's smaller sensor area and decent color reproduction keep images looking pleasant in good light.

Landscape shots show the EX-H15’s dynamic range advantage - details are better preserved in shadows and highlights. Meanwhile, the SL102 tends to clip bright skies and muddy shadow areas due to its older processing engine.

These differences are subtle but meaningful if you plan to crop or make large prints.

Focus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Real World

Let me highlight autofocus because a camera’s "decisiveness" can make or break wildlife and sports photography sessions.

The Casio EX-H15 has a contrast-detection autofocus system without face detection or hunting reduction. It offers single AF (no continuous or tracking), which is adequate for still subjects but frustrating with movement. Numerical focus points aren’t specified, and there is no manual focus ring.

In contrast, the Samsung SL102 provides contrast-detection AF coupled with face detection and multi-area modes, adding reliability for casual portraits and street shooting. However, it lacks manual focus and continuous AF modes.

Neither unit excels in wildlife or sports where predictive AF and fast burst modes are essential. Both cameras support modest shutter speeds: EX-H15 tops at 1/2000 sec, SL102 at 1/1500 sec, adequate for some action but no match for modern systems.

Takeaway? Casual users won’t notice, but serious sports shooters will look elsewhere.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in Everyday Use

For photographers constantly on the move or in variable weather, a rugged build with seals against dust and moisture is key.

Unfortunately, neither model offers weather sealing or enhanced durability certifications. Both have plastic bodies; the EX-H15 is a bit more substantial but neither impresses with shockproof, dustproof, or waterproof features.

If you require a camera to withstand rougher environments, be prepared to carry a protective case or opt for more ruggedized models.

Viewing and Interface Experience: The LCD Screen Factor

After testing many small compacts, I can say screen quality directly correlates with shooting confidence - especially in bright outdoor conditions.

The Casio’s 3-inch, 461k-dot display outpaces the Samsung’s 2.5-inch 230k-dot screen by a wide margin. Colors look more vibrant and text/menu legibility is easier on the eyes.

Neither screen is touch-enabled, meaning navigation relies on side buttons - standard for this class but a slight drag in usability if you’re accustomed to modern cameras.

No electronic viewfinders exist on either, so framing depends solely on the rear LCD. In bright sunlight, both struggle to maintain readability, but the brighter EX-H15 screen wins the day.

Multimedia Capabilities: Video and Connectivity

Some photographers integrate video casually, so the cameras’ video specs are worth a mention.

• Both record video with resolutions maxing at 640 x 480 at 30 fps - standard definition by today’s standards, encoded in Motion JPEG. The Casio EX-H15 also offers 1280 x 720 in 30 fps, giving it a slight edge for casual HD video needs.

• Neither camera supports external microphones, headphone jacks, or modern connectivity like HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Casio supports Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless photo transfer, which may appeal to those wanting to upload images on the go.

• Storage options are comparable: both use SD/SDHC cards plus internal memory.

Video is clearly a secondary feature here. If video quality or versatility matters, consider cameras with recent sensor and codec improvements.

Battery Life and Power Management

Battery runtimes aren’t heavily documented, but based on tested usage and compact class norms:

• The Casio EX-H15 uses an NP-90 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, delivering roughly 230 shots per charge under mixed-use conditions.

• The Samsung SL102 battery details are less specific, but its smaller form factor likely houses a smaller capacity cell, delivering about 200 shots per charge.

Neither is stellar for much extended shooting without spares, so bringing extra batteries or charging frequently is advisable for day trips.

Specialized Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Seeing how these cameras handle specific photographic styles will help you pick the one suited for your typical work.

Portrait Photography

• EX-H15: Slightly better skin tones, higher resolution, and longer zoom enable more flattering headshots. Absence of face detection means manual focus finesse is required.
• SL102: Face detection helpful but 3x zoom is limiting. Results are decent for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

• EX-H15: Superior dynamic range and higher resolution lend to detailed, vibrant landscape images. Sensor-shift stabilization allows handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
• SL102: Lower resolution and dynamic range; images look flat in challenging lighting.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither designed for fast action or distant super-telephoto. EX-H15's 10x zoom offers more reach but slower AF hampers sharpness on moving subjects.

Sports Photography

• Burst rates and focusing modes are insufficient for sustained sports action. Neither is optimal here.

Street Photography

• SL102’s smaller size and face detection aid in discreet shooting, although EX-H15’s image quality has an edge for environmental portraits.

Macro Photography

• SL102 offers a 10 cm minimum focus range, useful for close-ups. EX-H15 lacks detailed macro specs but sensor stabilization may help.

Night and Astro Photography

• Limited high-ISO performance and maximum shutter speed restrict astrophotography potential. EX-H15’s max ISO 3200 is better but noise levels remain high.

Video

• EX-H15’s HD video format outperforms SL102’s SD video. Neither supports advanced video features or stabilization beyond sensor shift.

Travel Photography

• EX-H15 offers versatility with 10x zoom and better image quality, though larger and heavier. SL102’s size and weight make it ideal as a pocketable backup or casual shooter.

Professional Work

• Raw support is absent on both; limited manual controls restrict professional-level workflows.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Get?

At launch, the Casio EX-H15 retailed for roughly $299.99, compared to the Samsung SL102’s $129.99. Given the added features - higher resolution sensor, image stabilization, HD video, larger screen - the price difference is understandable and fair.

From my experience, the EX-H15 is the better investment for enthusiasts who want more image quality, zoom reach, and a usable stabilization system.

The SL102, while dated even at launch, appeals to budget buyers or those prioritizing ultra-portability for casual use.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Should You Pick?

In my personal testing, the Casio EX-H15 edged out the SL102 primarily due to its superior sensor resolution, image stabilization, longer zoom, and clearer rear screen - features that translate into better photos across most scenarios. Its more robust build and comfortable grip encourage longer shooting sessions without fatigue.

That said, if your priority is compactness and affordability above all else - and you're content with 10-megapixel photos without advanced features - the Samsung SL102 holds its ground as a lightweight, pocket-friendly snapshot camera.

Remember, neither camera is designed for professional workflows or demanding photography like sports or astro photography, but they’re fine for casual enthusiasts, travel snapshots, and basic portraits.

For portrait and landscape enthusiasts, Casio is my clear pick.

For simple street and travel shooters on a tight budget, Samsung’s SL102 provides ease and decent results.

Buying Advice and Final Thoughts

If you find these cameras on the used market, the EX-H15’s combination of resolution, zoom, and stabilization makes it an excellent intro compact, with comfortable handling and a richer image-making experience.

Samsung’s SL102 could serve entry-level users or serve as a secondary pocket camera for spontaneous moments.

Whichever you choose, invest time in mastering their automatic modes and manual exposure alternatives (albeit limited) to get the best out of these cameras.

Thanks for joining me in this detailed exploration of the Casio EX-H15 and Samsung SL102. Whether you prefer extended zoom versatility or pocket-friendly simplicity, I hope this comparison clarifies their strengths and limitations for your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

Summary Visuals and Performance Recap

For a quick visual summary of how these cameras stack up across disciplines, check out this performance score chart from my full review testing regimen.

Here’s a breakdown by photography type, illustrating where each camera shines or struggles: