Casio EX-H15 vs Samsung TL320

Casio EX-H15 vs Samsung TL320: A Hands-On, In-Depth Compact Camera Comparison

When navigating the compact camera market, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of similar-sounding specs and marketing blurbs. Today, I want to shed light on two pocketable contenders from the early 2010s: the Casio EX-H15 and the Samsung TL320 (also known as the WB1000). Both cameras targeted enthusiasts who desired more control and versatility than typical point-and-shoots, yet without venturing into bulky DSLRs or mirrorless hybrids.

Having tested hundreds of compact cameras with varying sensor sizes, autofocus systems, and image processors, I’ll walk you through how the EX-H15 and TL320 stack up–not just technically, but in real-world use across multiple photography styles and practical scenarios. Both are small-sensor CCD cameras with fixed zoom lenses, but their design philosophies, ergonomics, and controls offer distinct user experiences.

Let’s dive in.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Handling Differences

First impressions count, especially in compacts you’ll want at your fingertips. The Casio EX-H15 is a bit chunkier - a compact with a body roughly 101 x 60 x 28 mm and a weight of 161 grams. The Samsung TL320, a sleeker ultracompact, measures 97 x 61 x 21 mm, visibly slimmer though slightly wider. For me, this translates to different grip feels and pocketability.

Looking closely at the control layout from the top reveals another layer of differentiation. The EX-H15 favors simplicity and minimalism, while the TL320 offers a bit more ergonomic finesse with dedicated dials for shutter and aperture controls. This naturally appeals to those who crave manual exposure control on the fly.

The EX-H15 lacks any electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying entirely on its fixed rear LCD. The TL320 matches that but supplements it with HDMI output, aiding video playback on TVs - a feature absent on Casio’s model. Both cameras use fixed screens with similar resolutions around 460-461k dots, but subtle quality and brightness differences persist (more on that soon).

Build-wise, neither camera offers any weather sealing or ruggedness claims, which means you’ll want to keep both away from harsh environments, especially if you shoot outdoors a lot.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras employ the technology standard in their era: 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors with roughly 28 mm² sensor area. Slightly larger sensors typically translate to better low-light performance and dynamic range, but in this case, the difference is marginal.

The Casio EX-H15 boasts a 14-megapixel count, outclassing the Samsung TL320’s 12 megapixels, though pixel count on small sensors doesn't simply equal sharper images due to noise considerations. The EX-H15’s minimum ISO setting is ISO 64, allowing for better control in bright conditions, but both top out at ISO 3200, which isn’t very forgiving in low light for small-sensor compacts.

Interestingly, Samsung’s TL320 possesses a slightly better aperture range starting at f/2.8, facilitating better low-light capabilities at the wide end, compared to f/3.2 on the EX-H15.

In practice, daylight shots reveal the Casio can deliver sharper images, especially at base ISO, but Samsung’s lens offers nicer background separation and slight edge-to-edge sharpness throughout its shorter 5x zoom range.

Raw shooting support is missing on both, so enthusiasts who want full manual control and post-processing flexibility will find these models limiting.

The View from Behind: LCD and User Interface

I appreciate a well-designed interface, and here the two diverge.

Though both feature 3-inch fixed LCD screens with very similar resolutions, the Casio EX-H15’s display feels a touch brighter and more responsive in live-view, which aids composition and focusing. However, the Samsung TL320 edges ahead with its inclusion of face detection autofocus and selective autofocus areas, which improves accuracy when shooting portraits or moving subjects.

Where the Casio falls short is customization - no exposure compensation, no aperture or shutter priority modes - meaning photographers who prefer semi-manual shooting will feel constrained. The Samsung TL320 answers with aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, a significant benefit for enthusiasts and those learning control over their images.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: A Tale of Reach vs Brightness

The EX-H15 packs a potent 10x zoom lens spanning 24-240mm equivalent focal length with aperture falling between f/3.2 and f/5.7. The major plus here is versatility - you get a wide angle for landscapes and architecture, plus long telephoto reach for distant subjects like wildlife or sports.

By contrast, the TL320 opts for a 5x lens from 24-120mm equivalent, but starts sharper and brighter at f/2.8, making it better at everyday shooting when light is scarce.

This tradeoff boils down to your priorities: if you want a lightweight, bright lens for closer shots and casual portraits, the Samsung may feel more natural, especially with its macro focus at 5 cm. For more ambitious zoom needs, the Casio’s 10x zoom makes it a compact powerhouse - just expect softer images at the telephoto end, common in small sensor cameras pushing long zooms.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: What to Expect in Real Life

When evaluating autofocus (AF), it’s essential to note both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems without phase detection, which inherently limits speed and continuous tracking.

The EX-H15 offers only single AF mode, meaning locking focus requires a steady hand and patience, especially in low contrast conditions. No face detection is available, a major drawback if you shoot portraits or groups.

The Samsung TL320 improves here by incorporating face detection and selectable autofocus areas (center-focused amongst them), helping secure sharper shots on faces and moving subjects. That said, neither camera supports continuous autofocus or eye tracking.

Continuous shooting in both models isn’t specified, but in real-world tests, both cameras function better at deliberate single shots rather than sports or wildlife bursts. For fast action, consider faster and more advanced models.

Practical Photography Applications: Where Each Shines

To guide you through your use case, let's map their performance across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones matter, and here the TL320’s color rendition and face detection give it an edge.

The EX-H15 lacks face detect and manual exposure modes, which makes portraits riskier regarding exposure and focus accuracy. The TL320 supports exposure compensation and better autofocus, essentials for compelling portraits with pleasing bokeh (albeit limited by that small sensor and aperture range).

If you prioritize simple, casual portraits, the Samsung delivers more reliably.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters appreciate dynamic range and resolution. Both cameras suffer from limited dynamic range inherent to 1/2.3” CCDs, but the Casio’s higher 14 MP count offers slightly more cropping headroom.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, important if you shoot outdoors often. Both lack features like histogram display or advanced bracketing modes. If wide angle coverage weighs heavily, both start at 24mm equivalent, which is standard but not ultra-wide.

Verdict: Both are modest performers for landscape, with the Casio offering a resolution advantage.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Here, fast autofocus and quick continuous shooting are key.

Neither camera supports AF tracking or continuous AF. Burst shooting isn’t a strength, so both fall short for serious wildlife or sports. The EX-H15’s longer zoom (up to 240mm equiv) lets you get closer but be warned of softness and slower AF.

If you casually want to photograph nearby wildlife or sports, neither is ideal, but Casio’s zoom might tempt you.

Street Photography

For quick candid shots, discreet handling and quick focusing help.

Weighing in, the TL320 is slimmer and more pocketable, better for street shooting. It also offers face detection and manual exposure modes for creative control.

The EX-H15’s bulk and slower AF make it less street-friendly.

Macro Photography

Here Samsung’s TL320 shines with a 5 cm macro focus range, allowing detailed close-ups. The Casio lacks a specified macro focus, limiting its close-up utility.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors and limited ISO ranges make both problematic.

Their highest ISO 3200 may be noisy; no long exposure bulb modes are available either. If night shooting is a priority, look elsewhere.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot HD video, but the TL320 reaches 1280×720 at 30 fps, while the EX-H15 tops out at 640x480 resolution.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or advanced video controls, making them basic video tools at best.

Here, Samsung’s higher resolution and HDMI out provide the better video experience.

Travel Photography

A compact camera for travel should be versatile, light, and dependable.

Both cameras fit in pockets easily (Samsung a bit easier), with the Casio offering longer zoom flexibility.

Battery life isn’t specified for either, but small compacts rarely excel. Both feature SD card slots for storage.

Connectivity-wise, Casio EX-H15 supports wireless transfer via Eye-Fi cards (a nice bonus at the time), whereas Samsung has no wireless features.

Build Quality and Ergonomics In-Depth

The Casio EX-H15 feels solid in hand with pronounced grip edges preventing slips, suitable for those with larger hands. Its buttons, though unlit, have firm feedback.

The Samsung TL320 boasts a cleaner aesthetic with a metal build and easily reachable controls, including manual mode dial - a rarity for ultracompacts.

Neither camera uses an electronic viewfinder, meaning bright daylight compositions rely on LCD visibility, where the Casio screen may have a slight brightness advantage.

Connectivity and Storage Options

The Casio’s Eye-Fi compatibility for wireless transfer was innovative at the time, although requires proprietary SD cards and compatible routers/apps.

The Samsung TL320 only supports USB 2.0 and HDMI connections, with no wireless transfer.

Both support SD/SDHC cards, though Samsung accepts MMC/MMCplus as well.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings

Summarizing the strengths and weaknesses in overall performance:

Casio EX-H15:

• • 10x zoom versatility
• • Slightly higher resolution sensor
• • Eye-Fi wireless support
• – No manual exposure modes
• – Slower AF, no face detection
• – Lower video resolution, no HDMI

Samsung TL320:

• • Manual exposure modes including aperture & shutter priority
• • Face detection AF, selective AF points
• • Brighter lens at wide angle (f/2.8)
• • 720p video with HDMI output
• – Shorter zoom range (5x)
• – Slightly lower resolution sensor

How They Score Across Photography Types

Breaking down by genre:

• Portrait: Samsung favored
• Landscape: Casio slightly ahead
• Wildlife: Casio’s zoom helps but limits remain
• Sports: Neither excels
• Street: Samsung’s compactness and AF wins
• Macro: Samsung
• Night/Astro: Neither suitable
• Video: Samsung’s HD video winning
• Travel: Tied, depends on weight/zoom preferences
• Pro Work: Neither due to limitations in controls and file formats

Wrapping Up: Which Camera is Right for You?

If you prefer a versatile compact with an impressive zoom range and ease of use, Casio EX-H15 serves well, especially for travel and casual wildlife/landscape photography. Its wireless Eye-Fi support could be handy for instant uploads, a niche advantage.

However, if manual control, better autofocus, brighter lens, and improved video are your priorities, Samsung TL320 clearly delivers a more refined experience for enthusiasts who want to experiment with exposure settings, capture sharper portraits, and shoot higher quality video.

For street photographers and macro fans wanting a small body with decent close focusing, the TL320 is the recommendation.

My Practical Takeaway

Both cameras represent ‘bridge’ style compacts from an era before mirrorless domination. Handling and feature set reflect their design intents. If you primarily want auto shooting with long zoom reach, the Casio EX-H15 fits. But if you’re eager to learn manual controls with better AF and video, the Samsung TL320 nudges ahead.

Neither camera will replace an enthusiast mirrorless or DSLR for speed, low-light, or professional use, but both can be charming travel companions or backups, with trade-offs you can weigh based on your priorities.

Sample Gallery: See Their Images Side by Side

To illustrate the differences, here are sample images from both cameras taken under various conditions:

Casio EX H15 front Casio EX H15 screen back Samsung TL320 screen back

That sums up my in-depth comparison. If you’d like to see these cameras in action or learn my step-by-step testing procedures (including lab chart shoots and field tests), check out my video review where I dissect autofocus speed, exposure accuracy, and image stabilization performance.

Until then, I hope this guide helps you choose wisely based on solid hands-on insights rather than specs alone. Choosing a camera is ultimately about your shooting style and what feels right in your hands - and with these two, there’s a neat compact solution waiting for you.

Happy shooting!