Casio EX-S12 vs EX-Z90: Two Compact Contenders from 2009 Put to the Test

When you’re poking around the compact camera market from the late-2000s era, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of small sensor shooters with similar specs and modest ambitions. But the Casio EX-S12 and the EX-Z90, both launched in 2009, stand out as approachable entry-level cameras aimed at casual users and enthusiasts looking for affordable snap-and-go solutions.

As someone who has tested literally thousands of cameras across genres and price ranges over the years, I find these two Casios interesting case studies in how extra a few tweaks and upgrades can (or cannot) make a real difference in an otherwise basic compact line. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer - or a cheapskate like me - looking at compact cameras primarily for travel, casual portraits or daylight snapshots, stick with me. I’ll guide you through the nitty-gritty comparisons, from sensor tech and image quality to the inevitable usability compromises, with real-world insights that go beyond spec sheets.

Size and Handling: More Than Just Pocket Money

At a glance, both cameras are near pocketable and light enough to even forget you’re carrying them - but the EX-S12 tips the scales at 111 grams and measures 95×60×23 mm, while the EX-Z90 is a hair heavier at 121 grams but slightly slimmer at 90×52×19 mm. That subtle difference actually translates into distinct handling feels.

The EX-S12’s slightly chunkier form offers a bit more grip surface and a more confident hold, especially for users with larger hands. Though neither camera sports dedicated thumb rests or fancy rubberized grips (not surprising for sub-$150 cameras), the EX-S12 feels a tad more comfortable for extended use.

In contrast, the EX-Z90 is almost delicate, with a lower profile that fits more easily into ultra-slim pockets or small bags. That said, the streamlined build makes the controls a bit tighter and less intuitive to operate without looking - you won’t win any comfort contests here if you’re planning hours of street shooting or wildlife plinking, but it’s perfectly fine for lightweight travel or holiday snaps.

It’s clear Casio was hedging different user preferences with these ergonomics - the EX-S12 built a touch more robustly, the EX-Z90 favoring compactness and subtlety.

Top View and Control Layout: Clubs for Thumbs or Playful Dials?

Examining the top control decks tells a familiar story of cheap compacts, but there are some subtle differences worth pointing out.

Both lack the rings, dials, and buttons of enthusiast models; there’s no manual exposure, shutter, or aperture priority modes here. The EX-S12 offers a modest shutter button surrounded by a zoom toggle, with a dedicated power button comfortably placed to the side - easy enough to activate without fumbling.

The EX-Z90 omits separate zoom toggles in favor of a nursing lens barrel with built-in power toggling upon lens extension - an interesting choice that saves a button but adds a little startup delay. The shutter button remains similar.

Neither camera boasts customizable buttons or illuminated controls - it’s pretty basic, but functional for quick shooting.

The EX-Z90’s top layout strikes me as slightly less intuitive at first but more streamlined for point-and-shoot users. On the other hand, the EX-S12’s layout feels a bit more traditional and forgiving for those used to conventional compact cameras.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Camera

Both cameras share the same 1/2.3" 12-megapixel CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² effective area). This small sensor size is typical for compacts of this generation and price class, which means noise handling and dynamic range will be limited compared to APS-C or full-frame rivals.

However, CCD technology generally delivers good color rendition and detail under optimal lighting despite the sensor's inherent constraints.

Resolution and Detail

With a maximum image resolution of 4000×3000 pixels, both deliver images suitable for prints up to 8x10 inches without degradation and plenty of cropping room for casual use.

But number of pixels isn’t the whole story - lens sharpness and processing matter too. The EX-S12’s lens covers a 36-108 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range with an aperture of f/2.8-7.9, introducing reasonable low light capabilities at the wide end, but quickly getting slower in zoomed-in shots.

The EX-Z90 slightly shifts the range to 35-105 mm with a maximum aperture of f/3.1-5.9, moderately faster at the telephoto end, which should help with handheld sharpness.

Noise performance and ISO

Both cameras top out at ISO 1600 but neither provides RAW file support (a glaring weakness for enthusiasts who want post-processing flexibility). They rely on JPEG compression and in-camera noise reduction.

In my hands-on tests, noise at ISO 400 was quite manageable for casual viewing, but ISO 800 and above revealed grainy artifacts and muffled details, especially in shadows. The EX-Z90’s Digic 4 processor (borrowed from Canon’s lineage) provides slightly better noise reduction and color consistency compared to the EX-S12’s more basic processor (unnamed). However, the difference is subtle and mostly visible under magnification.

Color and Dynamic Range

Both use standard multi-segment metering and center-weighted exposure with no advanced HDR or bracketing.

Color reproduction is decent but leans slightly toward oversaturation in bright lighting. Dynamic range is limited, with blown highlights and loss of shadow detail more common on the EX-S12.

While these cameras are fine for well-lit daytime snaps, they’re not great for challenging light conditions like sunset or backlit scenes.

LCD Screen and User Interface: No Touchscreens, No Problem?

Both models feature a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. This isn’t going to wow anyone with vivid brightness or fine detail, especially under bright sunlight.

The interface is straightforward but outdated by modern standards: menus with basic shooting modes and settings, no touch sensitivity, and no articulation for tilting or swiveling.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF), so you’ll have to rely on the LCD exclusively - a potential drawback in bright outdoor environments.

In practical use, the screen is sufficient for framing and quick composition. However, the lack of focus peaking or exposure warnings can make manual focusing or tricky lighting a challenge.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Shutterbugs Beware

The autofocus system on both cameras is contrast-detection-only - the standard for small sensor compacts - with single-point focus and no face or eye detection. You are limited to center-weighted autofocus, which requires decent subject contrast for sharp results.

There is no continuous AF or tracking modes, meaning moving subjects can easily drift out of focus before the shutter fires, especially with slower shutter speeds.

Moreover, neither camera offers burst shooting speeds worth writing home about - both models lack continuous shooting modes, making them ill-suited for sports, wildlife, or fast action photography. Get ready to embrace patience!

Lens Performance and Macro Capabilities: Getting Closer to Your Subject

Both cameras sport modest 3x zoom fixed lenses with roughly 35mm equivalents of 35-108 mm (EX-S12) and 35-105 mm (EX-Z90).

Aperture and Low Light

The EX-S12 shines a bit at the wide end with a brighter f/2.8 aperture, aiding low-light shots and background separation for portraits. The EX-Z90's maximum aperture of f/3.1-5.9 is slightly less forgiving.

Macro Shots

The EX-Z90 boasts a close macro focus range down to about 10 cm, allowing detailed close-ups of flowers or small subjects. Unfortunately, the EX-S12 does not list a macro focus distance, implying it is limited in this department.

Neither has lens stabilization, so handheld macro shots demand either steady hands or a tripod.

Flash and Stabilization: Lighting and Steadiness on a Budget

Both have built-in flashes, but the EX-Z90 supports five flash modes to accommodate various lighting situations (Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft), while the EX-S12 offers no flash modes beyond basic on/off.

Neither model has image stabilization - a crippling omission for handheld shooting in low light or at full zoom. Expect some blur unless you brace yourself or shoot in bright conditions.

Video Capabilities: Modest Motion Capture

Both cameras can record HD video at 1280x720 resolution at 24 fps, with additional lower-resolution modes (640x480 and 320x240). Video is encoded in Motion JPEG, resulting in large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.

No microphone or headphone jacks exist, nor are there advanced video features like slow motion, 4K, or log profiles.

In sum, video is usable for casual home movies or quick clips but won't satisfy content creators or serious videographers.

Connectivity and Storage: The Basics Covered

Both cameras accept SD and SDHC memory cards (EX-Z90 also supports MMC cards), and include internal storage for a handful of shots.

Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless photo transfer - a bit ahead of its time in 2009 but lost on most users today.

USB 2.0 ports allow simple tethering and file transfer; only the EX-S12 includes an HDMI output for TV viewing.

Battery Life and Practical Considerations

Both cameras use the NP-60 rechargeable lithium-ion battery. While officially rated for around 200 shots per charge (rough estimate from contemporaneous reviews), real-world usage will obviously vary.

Neither model has user-changeable batteries beyond swapping out the NP-60, and no USB charging (cameras rely on external chargers).

The EX-S12’s chunkier body offers slightly better battery compartment ergonomics for swapping batteries in the field.

Real-World Photography Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses in Key Genres

Let me share my hands-on impressions from putting both cameras through their paces across various popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras offer limited control over aperture and focus, making precise bokeh and sharp eye detection impossible. The EX-S12’s f/2.8 wide aperture helps create some background blur in close-ups, but softness and noise creep in quickly.

Skin tones render reasonably well under daylight, though both models struggle in mixed lighting.

Neither camera has face or eye-detection autofocus, so sharp portraits hinge on good technique.

Winner: EX-S12 for slightly better wide aperture and handling.

Landscape Photography

The small sensor restricts dynamic range, causing highlight clipping on bright skies or reflective surfaces. Resolution is decent but detail softens in shadows.

No weather sealing means you must be careful in adverse conditions.

No manual exposure modes limit control for sunsets or tricky scenes.

Winner: Slight edge to EX-Z90 thanks to a slightly better lens aperture balance and macro capability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

With contrast-detect autofocus, no high frame rate burst mode, and no tracking, neither camera is fit for action or wildlife.

Telephoto zoom is modest at best.

You’ll be better off with a smartphone or dedicated camera.

Winner: Neither.

Street Photography

EX-Z90’s compact and slim design lends itself better for discreet street shooting.

Limited low-light autofocus and slow startup remain bottlenecks.

No silent shutter options limit stealth.

Winner: EX-Z90 for portability.

Macro Photography

EX-Z90’s 10cm macro focus is a real advantage, enabling some rewarding close-ups if you have steady hands.

EX-S12’s absence of close focusing limits macro shots.

Winner: EX-Z90.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle with noise beyond ISO 400; slow maximum shutter speeds up to 1/2 to 4 seconds limit startrail or astrophotography options.

No bulb or manual shutter modes to speak of.

Winner: Neither practical for serious night shooting.

Video Work

Both provide 720p 24 fps video, typical for 2009, but lack modern features.

No image stabilization or external audio inputs limit video quality.

Winner: Tie.

Travel Photography

For casual travel use, the EX-Z90’s slim, lightweight body and macro capabilities make it more versatile.

EX-S12’s chunkier grip and slightly faster lens aperture provide better comfort and some low-light punch.

Both have limited battery life and basic interfaces but are cheap backup cameras.

Winner: EX-Z90 for form factor; EX-S12 for shooting comfort.

Professional Use

Neither camera supports RAW, full manual modes, or advanced workflows.

File formats and control limits exclude serious professional use beyond snapshots.

Winner: Neither suitable.

Technical Deep Dive: Breakdown of Vital Specs

Feature	Casio EX-S12	Casio EX-Z90
Sensor	1/2.3" 12MP CCD	1/2.3" 12MP CCD
Max Aperture	f/2.8 - f/7.9	f/3.1 - f/5.9
Lens Zoom	3x Optical (36-108 mm equiv.)	3x Optical (35-105 mm equiv.)
Macro Focus Distance	Not specified	10 cm
Image Stabilization	No	No
Autofocus	Contrast detection, single AF	Contrast detection, single AF
Video Resolution	720p @ 24fps	720p @ 24fps
Weight	111 grams	121 grams
Dimensions (mm)	95 x 60 x 23	90 x 52 x 19
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Compatible	Eye-Fi Compatible
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Price at Launch	~$119	~$150

Who Should Choose Which? Real-World Recommendations

If you’re a photography enthusiast or pro researching compact cameras for casual use or light travels on a tight budget, here’s how I would advise:

• Choose the Casio EX-S12 if:

  • You prioritize slightly better grip and handling over pocketability.
  • You want the wider aperture (f/2.8) for vaguely better low light and portrait bokeh.
  • You value HDMI output for easy TV playback.
  • You’re content with basic controls, no video advanced features.
  • Your budget is strait-laced closer to $100-$120.

• Choose the Casio EX-Z90 if:

  • You need ultra-compact size for street or travel stealth.
  • Macro photography interests you; its 10 cm close focusing shines here.
  • You don’t mind minimal grip for extra pocketability.
  • You sometimes use flash creatively with more modes.
  • You can stretch to the $140-$150 price range.

Neither camera is a powerhouse; both are entry-level with constraints typical for their era. If your budget allows, I’d recommend looking to more recent compacts or mirrorless models for serious quality gains and usability today. But if you want a straightforward, cheap compact for casual snaps or as a collector's curiosity, these cameras make a decent case.

Final Verdict: Two Tiny Cameras with Different Personalities

While both the Casio EX-S12 and EX-Z90 come from the same 2009 compact camera family, they target subtly different users. The EX-S12 appeals with better handling and a somewhat wider lens aperture, good for portraits and casual travel. The EX-Z90 impresses with its compactness and macro prowess but struggles in low light and grip.

Neither model is a serious contender for advanced photography disciplines but both deliver reasonable image quality for well-lit snapshots and occasional creative close-ups.

If you’re a budget-conscious buyer or an enthusiast collector fascinated by the quirks of late-2000s compacts, both Casio cameras offer unique traits and easy usability in a pocket-sized package. Just temper expectations - this era’s small sensor compacts don’t deliver wonders, but do deliver memories.

Happy shooting!

This detailed comparison reflects my direct hands-on experiences testing these cameras, supplemented by deep technical analysis and field testing across key photographic genres.