Casio EX-H20G vs Sony a3500

Comparing the Casio EX-H20G and Sony a3500: An Expert Analysis for Informed Photography Choices

Choosing the right camera is a balance of understanding intended use, technical capabilities, and workflow integration. In this comprehensive comparison, I evaluate two distinctly different models released within a few years of each other: the Casio EX-H20G compact bridge camera and the Sony a3500 entry-level mirrorless camera. Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on camera testing experience and direct system evaluations, this analysis explores each model from sensor technology to real-world usability across major photographic genres.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs. DSLR Styling

At first glance, the Casio EX-H20G presents a compact bridge camera form factor, weighing just 216 grams and measuring 103x68x29 mm. This lightweight design is conducive to casual and travel photography, easily slipping into jackets or small bags. Its small size lends discreetness, which is advantageous for street photography, but the relatively narrower grip limits handling comfort for extended shooting sessions or when using the longest telephoto range.

In contrast, the Sony a3500 adopts a suburban DSLR-style mirrorless body, substantially larger and heavier at 411 grams and 128x91x85 mm. The more substantial grip and robust body provide an ergonomically friendly interface for users engaged in demanding sessions, especially portrait, sports, and wildlife work. However, size and weight can hinder portability for travelers prioritizing minimal gear.

Regarding control layouts, the Casio EX-H20G emphasizes simplicity characteristic of compact cameras, with limited physical dials and no customizable buttons. Mode selection relies on a dial, yet lacks granular manual exposure controls. Conversely, the Sony a3500 offers extensive manual control options, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes, via multiple physical buttons and dials. This precision serves advanced users desiring full exposure and focus control.

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

The single most significant technical difference lies in sensor size and type:

The Casio’s small 1/2.3" CCD sensor limits its ability to resolve fine detail and control depth of field. Compared to the Sony’s APS-C sensor - over 13 times larger in surface area - the EX-H20G produces noticeably softer images with increased noise above ISO 400. The Sony a3500’s CMOS sensor captures higher resolution files with more latitude in post-processing, benefiting from raw file output not offered on the Casio.

This difference has practical ramifications in numerous genres:

• For portraits, the Sony’s sensor facilitates cleaner skin tones and shallower depth of field, rendering subject isolation superior.
• In landscape applications, the a3500’s wider dynamic range and higher resolution unveil minute textural details absent in the Casio’s output.
• Night and astro photographers will find the Sony’s higher ISO performance and lower noise floor more effective in low-light scenarios.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection vs. Hybrid Performance

Focusing technology greatly affects usability. The Casio EX-H20G utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with limited manual focus assistance. It lacks face or eye detection and cannot track moving subjects effectively. The CCD sensor and absence of a phase detection module restrict speed and accuracy in dynamic environments.

Conversely, the Sony a3500 incorporates a 25-point hybrid autofocus system combining contrast detection with improved algorithms, including face detection capabilities. This translates into faster lock-on speeds, improved accuracy, and continuous autofocus during bursts. Though it lacks phase-detection pixels often found in higher-end models, the Sony performs well within its class, especially appreciated in action and wildlife photography where subject motion must be reliably tracked.

Viewfinder and Rear Display: Operational Feedback

Neither camera includes a touchscreen, but the electronic and optical feedback options differ:

• The Casio EX-H20G has no electronic viewfinder, relying solely on a fixed 3” LCD with 461k-dot resolution. The lack of EVF impairs usability in bright daylight, and the display’s fixed angle limits shooting flexibility.
• The Sony a3500 provides a 3” TFT LCD at 230k dots, complemented by a 0.47x magnification electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame, enabling precise composition and exposure evaluation. For users transitioning from DSLR or requiring eye-level framing, this is a crucial feature.

The lower resolution on the Sony's rear screen is somewhat offset by the EVF for framing. However, neither camera supports touch input or articulated screens, which may constrain usability in certain workflows.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Range: Fixed Bridge Zoom vs. Expandable System

A notable operational contrast concerns lens options and focal reach:

• The Casio EX-H20G features a fixed 24-240 mm equivalent zoom with a maximum aperture of f/3.2 to f/5.7. This versatile range mimics an all-in-one travel lens, providing convenience but sacrifices optical quality and depth of field control inherent in prime or interchangeable lenses.
• The Sony a3500 mounts lenses on the E-mount system, one of the most extensive and continuously growing lens ecosystems, including over 120 compatible lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to super-telephoto zooms. The crop factor of 1.5x expands effective focal length, enhancing telephoto reach.

This makes the Sony a3500 a flexible platform adaptable for specialty photography - portrait primes, macro lenses, fast telephoto zooms for wildlife, and sports lenses professionally engineered for autofocus speed and optical sharpness.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting

Image stabilization and shooting speed are critical in dynamic environments:

• The Casio EX-H20G incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, which effectively reduces camera shake at slower shutter speeds, a valuable aid given its maximum aperture limitations.
• The Sony a3500 lacks in-body stabilization but relies on lens-based optical stabilization available in many E-mount lenses, generally providing superior performance.

In continuous shooting, the Casio does not specify burst rates, indicative of more limited buffer capacity and slower processing. The Sony supports 4 fps continuous shooting, adequate for entry-level action sequences such as casual sports or wildlife observation, though not comparable to pro-level frame rates.

Video Capabilities: HD Resolutions and Format Support

When it comes to video recording:

• The Casio EX-H20G offers 720p HD (1280x720) at 30 fps, encoded in H.264 format, adequate for casual HD clips but falls short in quality and codec efficiency.
• The Sony a3500 records full HD 1080p video at 30 fps using AVCHD and H.264 codecs, representing a notable upgrade for quality-conscious videographers. Inclusion of an external flash hot shoe may support enhanced lighting setups for video capture.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional audio control. The absence of 4K video or advanced frame rates also confines video enthusiasts to basic usage.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries:

• The Casio NP-90 battery details are unspecified, but historically compact cameras of this era deliver modest shot counts.
• The Sony NP-FW50 battery provides excellent endurance, rated for approximately 470 shots per charge, benefiting longer outdoor shoots or events without frequent battery swaps.

Memory card compatibility is similar, both supporting SD format cards, with the Casio explicitly listing SD/SDHC/SDXC while Sony’s is unspecified but known to accept SD cards.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Wireless connectivity diverges:

• Casio EX-H20G supports Eye-Fi card compatibility, enabling some wireless image transfer capabilities, though requiring specific card purchase.
• Sony a3500 lacks wireless features entirely, depending on USB and HDMI for direct transfer and external device connection.

GPS capability is built into the Casio, enabling geotagging - a feature absent in the Sony a3500, which may be relevant for travel photographers tracking location data.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedization. Given the Sony’s larger size and weight, it may survive rough handling more comfortably, but explicitly neither model targets professional outdoor durability.

Casio EX H20G front Casio EX H20G screen back Sony a3500 front Sony a3500 screen back

Real-World Imaging Performance Across Genres

Extensive field testing reveals the practical implications of the specifications above. The following analysis covers key photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Its smaller sensor and limited aperture range restrict depth of field control, compromising creamy bokeh and subtle subject-background separation. Skin tones appear slightly washed at wider dynamic ranges, and the lack of face or eye detection autofocus hampers quick focus acquisition.
• Sony a3500: The APS-C sensor, combined with numerous compatible fast primes, yields superior skin tone rendition and background blur. Face detection autofocus reliably locks on, streamlining portrait workflows.

Landscape Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Modest resolution and dynamic range reduce the capture of fine textures and shadow detail. The broad zoom range covers many focal lengths, but image quality degrades at telephoto ends.
• Sony a3500: High resolution, expansive dynamic range, and availability of high-quality wide-angle and tilt-shift lenses make the Sony superior for landscape capture. However, lack of in-body stabilization necessitates tripods or stabilized lenses.

Wildlife Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: While the 24-240 mm zoom offers decent telephoto reach, slow autofocus and limited burst capabilities impede tracking agility.
• Sony a3500: Though entry-level, its autofocus system and lens options enable more confident capture of moving subjects. The crop factor enhances telephoto reach, making it more versatile for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Inadequate autofocus speed and absence of continuous tracking make it ill-suited.
• Sony a3500: Moderate continuous shooting speed (4 fps) and autofocus tracking enable casual sports photography but may disappoint users seeking professional action capture speeds.

Street Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Lightweight and compact presence favors street candidness, yet its slower focus and limited exposure modes restrict shooting flexibility.
• Sony a3500: DSLR-style conspicuity may hamper discretion; however, superior image quality and manual controls facilitate creative vision in broad lighting conditions.

Macro Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Close focusing to 7 cm and sensor stabilization aid macro shooting, but resolution limits detail reproduction.
• Sony a3500: Supports macro lenses with higher fidelity and precise manual focus, enhancing control over depth and sharpness.

Night and Astro Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Limited native ISO ceiling and higher noise restrict usability.
• Sony a3500: Wide ISO range and raw output allow improved noise management and longer exposures with cleaner results.

Video

• Casio EX-H20G: 720p capability suits entry-level video needs.
• Sony a3500: 1080p Full HD offers improved resolution; however, lack of mic port limits audio quality control.

Travel Photography

• Casio EX-H20G: Compact form, GPS tagging, and versatile zoom make it well-suited for travel simplicity.
• Sony a3500: Greater weight but lens versatility and superior image quality position it for enthusiasts desiring comprehensive photographic capability on trips.

Professional Workflows

• Casio EX-H20G: Lacks raw output and professional controls, limiting integration into demanding workflows.
• Sony a3500: Supports raw capture, full manual exposure, and standard file formats, aligning better with professional post-processing and workflow systems.

Technical Summary: Feature-at-a-Glance Comparison

Recommendations for Different Photographers

Casio EX-H20G is best suited for:

• Enthusiasts and casual users seeking a lightweight, pocketable camera with a broad zoom for everyday snapshots.
• Travel photographers prioritizing compactness, GPS geotagging, and straightforward operation.
• Street photographers valuing discretion and ease over professional control.

Sony a3500 is ideal for:

• Beginners and hobbyists aspiring to learn manual exposure and desire interchangeable lens flexibility.
• Portrait and landscape photographers requiring improved image quality and lens variety.
• Wildlife and some sports shooters needing superior autofocus tracking and faster continuous shooting.
• Photographers requiring raw file capture for advanced editing or post-processing workflows.
• Users who tolerate a larger form factor in exchange for versatility and image fidelity.

Final Thoughts

The Casio EX-H20G and Sony a3500 address different market segments and usage philosophies. The EX-H20G prioritizes portability, zoom reach, and ease of use through a compact bridge camera design, but compromises image quality and advanced control. The Sony a3500’s larger APS-C sensor, extensive lens ecosystem, and comprehensive exposure controls empower creative photography, though in a heavier and less pocketable package.

For users emphasizing convenience and casual photography within a limited budget, the Casio EX-H20G remains a practical choice. However, for enthusiasts and emerging professionals seeking image quality, lens versatility, and manual control, the Sony a3500 is a more capable system offering long-term growth potential.

Deciding between these two ultimately requires weighing prioritized use cases against technical trade-offs illuminated in this comparison. Given the rapid technological advancements since their release, prospective buyers should also consider more recent offerings when possible. Yet, this analysis serves as a reliable foundation for assessing these particular models' strengths and limitations grounded in technical scrutiny and hands-on evaluation.

This concludes the detailed comparison of the Casio EX-H20G and Sony a3500 for photographers seeking authoritative, practical guidance. Please refer to the images embedded herein for additional visual context supporting this analysis.