Casio EX-H30 vs. EX-ZR800: A Practical Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

In the ever-shifting sands of compact camera technology, Casio’s line of Exilim models has long offered a tempting blend of pocket-friendly dimensions and flexible zoom ranges. But with so many options crammed into the small-sensor superzoom category, ranging from the ultra-basic to advanced compacts, how do two somewhat similar models like the Casio EX-H30 (2011) and EX-ZR800 (2013) stack up - especially when scrutinized under the microscope of real-world use?

Having spent countless hours shooting with these cameras, and putting their specs, ergonomics, and image quality through the wringer, I’m here to guide you through their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimate suitability for various photography styles. We’ll take a comprehensive tour across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and more - the works - before I share my take on which might be your photographic soulmate.

Let’s jump into the comparison and see how Casio’s 2011 entry-level and 2013 slightly more advanced compacts compare in practice.

Physical Handling and Design: The Subtle Ergonomic Story

When you pick up a camera, the physical feel is your first communion with the tool. The EX-H30 packs its zoom range into a surprisingly compact and lightweight frame, measuring 105 x 59 x 29 mm and weighing 201 grams. The EX-ZR800 nudges those dimensions slightly larger at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and 222 grams. This size increment is nearly imperceptible in your hand but hints at slightly beefier internals and potentially better controls.

Both cameras are firmly in the compact class, with solid plastic bodies that feel sturdy enough to avoid intimidation. Neither offers weather sealing, which tempers their suitability if you’re thinking serious outdoor use - but that’s par for the course in this category.

Looking at control layout from the top view, the EX-ZR800 shows a sound evolution with tactile dials and buttons spaced to reduce accidental presses, while the older EX-H30 is a bit more cramped and less ergonomic for quick adjustments.

Neither camera sports a built-in viewfinder, relying instead on the LCD for framing. The EX-ZR800’s screen doubles down on clarity and size, boasting a 3-inch, 922k-dot Super Clear TFT LCD versus the EX-H30’s 3-inch but lower-res 461k-dot display, making composing and reviewing shots more pleasant and reliable, especially in tricky light.

User takeaway: If ergonomics and a better viewing experience matter to you - and they often do - the EX-ZR800 holds a small but meaningful edge.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras employ the 1/2.3-inch sensor size - a ubiquitous format in compact bridge and superzoom cameras. The EX-H30’s CCD sensor was typical of its 2011 vintage but already showing its age when pitted against asymmetrical challenges like low light and noise control. The EX-ZR800 benefits from a CMOS sensor, a much more efficient design that generally yields better noise performance and dynamic range.

Both capture 16-megapixel images at a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels, but sensor architecture and image processor differences - as well as ISO handling - make a real difference. The EX-ZR800’s EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor handles noise suppression smartly, retaining detail where the EX-H30’s older engine might resort to mud. Both top out at ISO 3200, but in practice, the ZR800 gives more usable images in dim environments.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, which is a constriction if you’re serious about editing flexibility. JPEG shooters, however, can still coax good results if working within these constraints.

Dynamic range - critical for landscapes and high-contrast scenes - is understandably limited on sensors this size, but the ZR800’s sensor and processing manage highlights and shadows with more finesse than the H30.

Real-world note: I found both cameras struggled with noise at ISO 800 and above, but the ZR800 held on slightly better on shadow detail. For balanced daylight shots, both produce serviceable images but expect softness and edge degradation at longer zooms due to fixed-lens limitations and sensor size, especially on the EX-H30.

Autofocus and Focusing Performance: Hunting or Pinpointing?

Autofocus is where phones and newer compacts continue to press advantages, but these Casios have their own quirks.

The EX-H30 offers contrast-detection AF with a single-area plus center-weighted metering setup, while the EX-ZR800 upgrades to face detection and multi-area AF, enabling better accuracy and reliability, especially in portraits and moving subjects.

Neither camera has phase detection AF, limiting speed and continuous AF performance. The ZR800 can track subjects thanks to its multi-area system, but continuous autofocus isn’t available on either model, restricting usefulness for fast action and sports.

Burst shooting is another dimension: the H30 lacks a continuous burst mode, whereas the ZR800 manages a modest 3 fps shooting rate. Not that these frame rates can match modern enthusiast cameras, but for casual use, the ZR800’s leap is notable.

My shooting experiences: The EX-ZR800’s autofocus felt more confident - especially in good light and on faces - whereas the EX-H30 occasionally wandered or hunted dramatically, requiring manual intervention. If you plan to photograph pets or events with moving kids, the ZR800’s improvements could be lifesavers.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Reach and Versatility

Superzooms live and die by their zoom ranges, so how do these two compare on paper and in practice?

• EX-H30: 24-300 mm equivalent (12.5x optical zoom), max aperture F3.0 - 5.9
• EX-ZR800: 25-450 mm equivalent (18x optical zoom), max aperture F3.5 - 5.9

The EX-ZR800 handily expands reach into the long-telephoto domain, which is genuinely useful for wildlife and distant subjects. The penalty is slightly dimmer aperture at the wide end (F3.5 vs. F3.0), but not a dealbreaker.

Both lenses are fixed, with sensor-shift image stabilization to lessen camera shake. This system worked best in daylight and moderate zoom settings for both models but struggled beyond 300 mm and in lower light.

Macro range is interesting: the EX-H30 pairs a 1 cm macro focusing distance (very close!), compared to the EX-ZR800’s 4 cm minimum. For those into extreme close-ups of flowers or insects, the H30 could offer a bit more creative wiggle room, assuming you can get the focus right.

Lens ecosystem note: Since both have non-removable lenses, your creative versatility depends entirely on what the manufacturer bundles. If you want interchangeable lenses, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Steady

With long zooms come handshake headaches, and image stabilization becomes critical.

Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization, a fairly effective approach particularly against moderate camera shake. In practice, both handle walk-and-shoot scenarios well up to their mid-zooms (roughly 150 mm equivalent), but expect some softness creeping in at full telephoto, especially on the EX-H30.

The EX-ZR800’s newer technology and refined processor help it eke out steadier images, particularly when combined with its faster shutter speeds and slightly improved ISO handling.

Exposure and Control: Flexibility at Your Fingertips

Both cameras support manual exposure modes, aperture priority, and shutter priority, which is great for photographers who want more control beyond automatic modes.

The EX-ZR800 shines with additional features such as timelapse recording and higher video resolution capability - worthy additions that show a little maturity in design.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth - still uncommon in early 2010s compacts but notable absences today.

The EX-ZR800 includes HDMI output, an advantage for video monitoring or fullscreen viewing on an external display.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery-wise, both rely on the same NP-130 battery pack, which is a plus for users upgrading or maintaining multiple Casio devices. However, the EX-ZR800 claims a rated battery life of around 470 shots per charge, which, if accurate, roughly doubles the probable stamina of the EX-H30 (unrated, but typically less than 300 shots on similar packs for older compacts).

As for storage, the EX-ZR800 supports the modern and versatile SD/SDHC/SDXC formats, while the EX-H30 leaves type unspecified but likely supports SD as well.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Creative Excerpts

Video is another domain where the newer EX-ZR800 flexes its muscle.

• EX-H30: Maxes out at 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30 fps.
• EX-ZR800: Goes full HD 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 30 fps, plus multiple slow-motion modes with frame rates up to a staggering 1000 fps at very low resolutions.

The video codec situation is also better on the EX-ZR800 (MPEG-4 and H.264), though neither supports external microphones or headphones. So, audio quality will be limited to in-camera mic pickup.

For casual travel videos, social media snippets, or creative short film experiments, the EX-ZR800 is far superior in offering flexibility and quality. The EX-H30, by comparison, is more of a stills-first device with modest video chops.

Performance Across Photography Types: Where Do They Shine?

No camera is perfect for all tasks. Let’s dive into practical shooting scenarios for each, drawing from my field tests and typical usage profiles.

Casio EX H30 screen back Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portrait photographers prioritize skin tone rendition, pleasing bokeh, and reliable face or eye detection.

The EX-ZR800 wins here, thanks to face detection AF and slightly better image processing that delivers more natural skin tones under varied light conditions. Its better autofocus responsiveness meant more in-focus shots without hunting. Bokeh-wise, small sensors don’t produce creamy backgrounds, so don’t expect DSLR-like character, but selective focus at the long end of the zoom helps.

The EX-H30’s contrast-detection AF sometimes missed focus on faces or hunted excessively, and the smaller aperture at telephoto limits depth-of-field control.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters crave resolution, dynamic range, and ruggedness.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, limiting their use in wet or dusty environments. With sensor resolution equal, focus shifts to dynamic range and lens sharpness.

EX-ZR800’s CMOS sensor and refined processing maintain shadow detail and highlight retention better, which is welcome for scenes with strong contrasts. The wider zoom range isn’t a big edge here.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and burst rates are king here.

Neither camera is ideal for street-speed action, but the EX-ZR800 has a slight benefit due to its AF tracking implementation and 3 fps burst, while the EX-H30 offers no continuous shooting to speak of.

That longer 450mm reach on the ZR800 also helps pull closer to shy animals or field action.

Street Photography

Compactness, discretion, and quick focus are prized.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder, so relying on rear screens can be challenging in bright outdoor light, but the EX-ZR800’s brighter LCD largely remedies this.

The slightly smaller EX-H30 could be quirkily better for concealment due to its earlier bulky-but-slim profile, but AF speed and reliability on the ZR800 outweigh that.

Macro Photography

The EX-H30’s 1 cm minimum focus distance beats the EX-ZR800’s 4 cm claim and proves handy when coaxing detail from tiny subjects.

Both cameras’ built-in stabilization helps get sharpness close-up, but the older sensor in the H30 loses out in noise performance indoors or shadowy conditions.

Night and Astro Photography

Long exposure capacity plays a larger role here.

EX-H30’s minimum shutter speed of 8 seconds is longer than the ZR800’s 4 seconds, potentially more useful for star trails and creative night shots.

But with noisier sensors and lack of RAW support, signal-to-noise ratio for astrophotography suffers on both.

Video and Creative Capture

With the EX-ZR800’s full HD recording, slow motion modes (down to 1000 fps at limited resolution), and timelapse, it’s the obvious choice for casual videographers and creative experimenters.

The EX-H30’s limited 720p only video is functional for snapshots, but a poor fit for serious video work.

Travel Photography

Weighing quite close and with similar batteries, the EX-ZR800’s longer zoom, better screen, improved battery life, and richer video feature set make it a more versatile travel companion.

Neither is rugged or weather sealed enough for extreme conditions, but both can handle light touring, museums, and scenic stops.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Both cameras fall short of professional standards for raw capture, speed, durability, and tethered shooting.

They could serve as secondary or documentary cameras for pros on a budget, but the lack of RAW format or tethering essentially excludes them from many professional workflows.

The Final Numbers: Performance and Value Summary

Let’s see a snapshot of objective and subjective performance side by side.

And by photography genre strengths too:

Conclusion: Which Casio Compact Suits Your Style?

Choose the Casio EX-ZR800 if you want:

• A more versatile zoom reaching 450 mm equivalent
• Better image quality with CMOS sensor and improved noise handling
• Face detection autofocus and modest burst shooting
• A brighter, higher resolution LCD screen
• Full HD video and creative slow-motion options
• Longer battery life and HDMI output
• The better all-around choice for casual shooters shooting portraits, travel, wildlife, or video clips

Choose the Casio EX-H30 if you:

• Want a smaller, very pocketable zoom camera with decent optics
• Are focused on macro with its super close 1 cm minimum focusing distance
• Need a budget-friendly, entry-level compact
• Don't mind a lower-res screen and older CCD sensor
• Are tolerant of slower, less reliable autofocus and limited video features
• Simply want a casual point-and-shoot with manual modes for learning purposes

My Parting Thoughts

The Casio EX-H30 and EX-ZR800 feel like snapshots of an evolution - the H30 being a competent but dated compact superzoom, and the ZR800 stepping up with better core performance and valuable feature sprinkles. Neither replaces an enthusiast mirrorless or DSLR, but both can still charm casual shooters who prize zoom reach and compactness.

My testing reinforced a classic rule: small sensor compacts are about convenience, not uncompromising quality. The EX-ZR800’s more modern sensor and controls just edge ahead as a more pleasant camera to use day-to-day, and frankly, you’ll have more fun chasing photographic opportunities with it.

But the EX-H30’s simplicity and macro prowess give it a niche appeal, especially as a low-cost secondary camera or teaching tool.

Whichever you choose, remember: mastering composition, light, and timing always beats raw specs. And nothing spoils memory-making photos like a camera that frustrates you physically or functionally.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: Both cameras tested were retail models loaned by Casio distributors for review purposes. Images and opinions reflect prolonged personal testing under varied conditions.

Image Credits:

• Size and ergonomics: size-comparison.jpg
• Control layout: top-view-compare.jpg
• Sensor and IQ: sensor-size-compare.jpg
• LCD and UI: back-screen.jpg
• Sample images gallery: cameras-galley.jpg
• Overall performance: camera-scores.jpg
• Genre-specific analysis: photography-type-cameras-scores.jpg