Casio EX-H30 vs Samsung WB850F: The Ultimate Compact Superzoom Shootout

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be a nuanced challenge - balancing image quality, zoom range, ease-of-use, and versatility with your specific photography style. Today, we’re diving deep into two popular entries from the early 2010s: the Casio EX-H30 and the Samsung WB850F. These sibling-style compact cameras pack considerable zoom power but differ in some critical details that influence everything from portrait to wildlife photography.

Having tested thousands of cameras under professional and enthusiast settings, I’ll break down exactly how these two stack up in the field. We’ll evaluate technical specifications, real-world performance, and suitability across photography genres, ensuring you walk away with clear recommendations based on your creative priorities.

Let’s jump in.

Getting Acquainted: Physical Size, Design, and Handling

Before peering through the lens, the feel of a camera in your hands shapes your shooting experience. Good ergonomics, intuitive control layout, and portability matter just as much as specs on paper.

Casio EX-H30: A compact, lightweight build at roughly 201 grams and physical dimensions of 105×59×29 mm, the EX-H30 is designed to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag comfortably. Its rounded edges and textured grip area provide a secure hold despite the slim profile.

Samsung WB850F: Slightly larger and heavier at 250 grams and 109×62×25 mm, the WB850F remains compact but has a chunkier feel that adds a sense of robustness. It uses a flat-top design and boasts a more polished finish.

Control Layout: Finding Your Sweet Spot

The Casio opts for a straightforward button arrangement. Essential controls like exposure compensation, aperture, and shutter priority modes are quick to access but lack dedicated dials. The menu system is navigated mostly via directional pads.

Samsung’s WB850F offers a similar button set but integrates slightly better tactile feedback and more multifunctional buttons, aiding faster adjustments during shooting. However, neither camera features touchscreen or fully customizable controls - common limitations for compact cameras of their era.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a lighter travel camera that you barely notice in your hands, the Casio’s smaller size may appeal. For a sturdier grip and slightly improved controls, Samsung edges ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality: Decoding What 1/2.3-Inch Really Means

An identical sensor size (1/2.3 inch) and resolution (16MP) might suggest parity, but technology and sensor design impact final image quality significantly.

• Casio EX-H30 uses a CCD sensor known for delivering vibrant colors but generally struggles with noise at higher ISOs.
• Samsung WB850F boasts a BSI-CMOS sensor (Back-Side Illuminated), which excels in gathering light efficiently - promising cleaner images in low-light scenarios.
• Both cameras employ anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré patterns but slightly soften fine details.

Resolution and Raw Support

Both models output a maximum resolution of 4608x3456 pixels suitable for printed enlargements up to 16x20 inches. Neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - something important for pros but less critical for casual shooters.

Image Processor and Noise Control

The Casio’s Exilim Engine 5.0 handles image processing with a focus on maintaining color fidelity but introduces some softness and noise beginning at ISO 400. In contrast, Samsung’s processor leverages the CMOS advantages to minimize noise and retain detail at ISO 800, producing cleaner results in dimmer conditions.

Bottom Line: For crisp landscapes or portraits - where noise reduction and dynamic range count - the Samsung WB850F holds a technical advantage. However, if you prioritize vibrant color straight from the camera and moderate lighting, Casio remains respectable.

Viewing Experience: Screens and Composition Tools

A good LCD screen and viewfinder setup can dictate how comfortably you frame shots in varying light.

• Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch display, but the Casio EX-H30’s Super Clear TFT LCD has a modest resolution of 461k dots.
• Samsung’s AMOLED display shines with a higher resolution (614k dots), delivering brighter images with better contrast and viewing angles.
• Neither has an electronic viewfinder, which means composing under bright sunlight can be tricky for both.

Samsung also integrates face detection autofocus, helpful during live view compositions, whereas Casio lacks this feature.

Bottom Line: Samsung’s brighter, more detailed screen helps you compose and review better in challenging lighting conditions.

Zoom, Lens, and Autofocus: From Wide-Angle to Distant Subjects

An excellent superzoom is the heart of these cameras. Let’s look closely.

Zoom Power and Aperture

Samsung’s significantly longer focal length range (483mm vs 300mm) dramatically broadens reach - especially advantageous for wildlife and sports. The wider f/2.8 aperture at the wide end also allows more light in, improving low-light shooting and depth-of-field control.

Casio’s lens aperture is a bit slower but excels at macro photography with focus distances down to 1 cm versus Samsung’s 5 cm minimum - better for capturing tiny details up close.

Stabilization and Focus

Samsung’s optical image stabilization counters hand-shake effectively during telephoto shots, a real help at long focal lengths. Casio relies on sensor-shift stabilization, which is effective but generally less robust than optical.

Autofocus on the Samsung offers face detection and selective area focusing capabilities, making focusing on people or subjects easier. Casio’s simpler contrast-detection AF lacks face detection, so you may need to manually confirm focus more frequently.

Shooting Speed and Video: Capturing Action and Motion

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes, but what about speed and video?

• Casio EX-H30

  • Continuous shooting capabilities are limited - no burst shooting noted.
  • Videos max at 1280x720 (HD) at 30 fps.
  • No microphone or HDMI ports.

• Samsung WB850F

  • Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps perfect for sports or action bursts.
  • Full HD 1920x1080 at 30 fps video recording.
  • HDMI output and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for quick transfer.
  • Slow-motion modes at low resolutions (240fps, 480fps).

This makes the Samsung considerably more versatile for video enthusiasts and those photographing fast-moving subjects.

Battery Life and Storage

Both require specific proprietary batteries:

• Casio uses NP-130
• Samsung uses SLB-10A

Neither manufacturer quotes official battery life figures here, but compact superzooms typically deliver around 200-300 shots per charge under average use.

For storage, Casio’s details are missing, but Samsung supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - a standard widely used and easy to swap.

Samsung also adds built-in GPS - a bonus for travel enthusiasts keen on geotagging.

Putting Them Through the Real-World Paces of Photography Styles

Let’s get specific about where each model shines or falls short across popular genres.

1. Portrait Photography: Capturing Skin Tones and Eyes

• Samsung WB850F: Face detection autofocus locks firmly on subjects’ eyes and faces. The sharper lens aperture at f/2.8 wide-angle and bokeh-friendly zoom values produces pleasantly smooth backgrounds. The AMOLED screen aids in previewing skin tones accurately.

• Casio EX-H30: No face detection means focusing precisely on eyes requires more effort. Macro capability down to 1 cm allows impressive closeups - great for detail portraits (think textures, eyelashes). Skin tones are warm but sometimes overly saturated.

Photography Tips: If portrait work dominates your use, Samsung’s superior AF and lens trump the Casio for ease and image quality.

2. Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both cameras share 16MP resolution, but sensor design influences dynamic range.

• Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor better captures shadow detail and controls noise when shooting scenic vistas, especially at ISO 100–200.
• Casio’s CCD often results in punchy colors but a narrower dynamic range, risking blown highlights on bright skies.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, cautioning against harsh conditions during outdoor shoots.

Verdict: Samsung edges ahead for high-quality landscapes.

3. Wildlife Photography: Zoom Reach and Autofocus Speed

Zoom is king here.

• Samsung’s massive 483 mm equivalent zoom allows you to photograph distant subjects without heavy gear.
• The 10 fps continuous shooting rate captures fleeting wildlife moments.
• Face detection might not help animals, but AF tracking helps keep moving subjects sharp.

Casio’s limited 300 mm zoom restricts distant shots, and slower autofocus can miss action.

Recommendation: For nature lovers needing reach, Samsung’s WB850F is a clear fit.

4. Sports Photography: Tracking and Frame Rates

Sports require fast AF and burst speed.

Samsung allows 10 fps bursts, excellent for capturing fast-moving players or vehicles. Casio doesn’t offer burst shooting.

Samsung also benefits from Optical IS, aiding sharpness during handheld fast action shots.

Casio’s slower AF and no burst limit candid captures in fast-paced sports.

5. Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

Both compact sizes suit street shooting.

• Casio’s slightly smaller dimensions and lighter weight aid discreet handling.
• Samsung’s AMOLED screen helps frame shots quickly under various lighting.
• Neither camera offers silent shutter modes or EVFs, which can hinder candid shooting.

6. Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing

Casio excels here with 1cm macro focus distance - outperforming most compacts.

Samsung has a respectable close focusing length but not as tight.

Still, Casio’s slower lens aperture can limit bokeh quality in extreme closeups.

7. Night & Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

• Samsung’s better high ISO control and full HD video make it more versatile under low light.
• Both cameras lack specialized astro modes or in-camera noise reduction for long exposures.
• Maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/2000 second on both.

8. Video Capabilities: Recording and Stabilization

Samsung shoots crisp 1080p at 30fps with MPEG-4/H.264, features optical stabilization and has HDMI output - ideal for casual video production.

Casio limits to 720p HD, lacks HD video connectivity.

9. Travel Photography: Battery Life, GPS, and Versatility

Samsung’s built-in GPS offers geo-tagging, a boon for travelers logging photos.

Its longer zoom and better battery performance suit travel flexibility.

Casio’s lightweight form is attractive for minimalists.

10. Professional Work: File Quality and Workflow

Neither supports RAW, limiting professional workflow integration.

Samsung’s superior sensor technology and video features offer a better baseline but still can’t replace higher-end pro gear.

Visual Samples: See the Cameras in Action

Casio EX H30 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

Our sample gallery illustrates Samsung’s sharper telephoto reach and better dynamic range on landscape scenes. Casio impresses with macro detail but struggles with low-light noise.

Scores & Side-By-Side Ratings

Performance Across Photography Types

• Portraits: Samsung leads with face detection.
• Landscapes: Small advantage Samsung.
• Wildlife & Sports: Samsung dominant due to zoom and speed.
• Street: Slight edge to Casio for transportability.
• Macro: Casio king here.
• Low Light/Night: Samsung wins.
• Video: Samsung favored.
• Travel: Samsung offers more versatility.
• Pro Use: Neither ideal, Samsung better base.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps in the Superzoom Journey

Both the Casio EX-H30 and Samsung WB850F offer compelling superzoom capabilities in compact bodies, but their strengths appeal to different types of photographers.

• If your priority is versatility, speed, and superior image quality with a keen eye on video features and zoom reach, the Samsung WB850F is clearly the better choice.
• On the other hand, if macro photography and ultra-close detail capture excite you, or you want an exceptionally lightweight, pocket-friendly camera, the Casio EX-H30 deserves your consideration.

While these compact models won’t replace interchangeable-lens cameras for professional demands, they excel as travel companions, beginner upgrades, or secondary cameras with respectable results and user-friendly features.

Ready to find your perfect fit? I recommend trying these cameras in-store if possible, testing ergonomics and UI firsthand. Checking out latest pricing online and seeing sample images yourself will help validate your choice.

Don’t forget to pair your camera with the right accessories, from quality SD cards to sturdy cases - small investments that pay big dividends for your shooting experience.

Whatever you pick, embrace the journey of making creative images - a superzoom camera is an excellent partner for exploring your vision.

Happy shooting!

If you enjoyed this comprehensive comparison, check out our other gear reviews and tutorials to keep sharpening your photography skills.