Casio EX-S200 vs. Sony RX100 II: A Comprehensive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, ultracompact models and large-sensor compacts appeal to two distinct segments of photographers - those prioritizing portability and simplicity, and those demanding image quality and advanced features in a compact form. Today, we undertake a rigorous, hands-on comparison between two very different yet contemporaneous models: the Casio EX-S200, a 2010 ultracompact offering built for casual shooting, and the Sony RX100 II, a 2013 large sensor compact designed for more versatile photographic applications. Drawing from years of testing methodology and image quality benchmarks, this detailed comparison will illuminate each camera’s merits and limitations across multiple genres, technical domains, and real-world scenarios to help serious buyers make informed decisions.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

On initial inspection, the Casio EX-S200 and Sony RX100 II differ markedly in physical presence and interface design - differences that strongly influence usability, handling, and long-term shooting comfort.

The Casio EX-S200’s ultracompact build measures just 100 x 55 x 18 mm and weighs a scant 132 grams, reflecting a design priority on pocketability and unobtrusive carry. This thin, lightweight chassis is a double-edged sword: while it enables effortless portability - ideal for street photographers or casual users - it compromises on grip security and robust physical controls. The small fixed 2.7-inch, 230-kilopixel LCD is fixed-type, limiting flexibility when composing images from unconventional angles.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 II builds upon a relatively compact body but adds notable heft and depth, measuring 102 x 58 x 38 mm and weighing 281 grams. Though roughly twice the weight, its magnesium alloy chassis lends a durable feel with premium refinement. The ergonomics are also enhanced with tactileized control dials, a larger and brighter 3-inch tilting LCD with over 1200k pixels, and an optional electronic viewfinder module - an invaluable aid for outdoor shooting in bright conditions. The RX100 II offers more pronounced grips and customizable button layouts, facilitating better one-handed operation - a critical factor for enthusiasts and professionals seeking speed and responsiveness in the field.

While neither camera features environmental sealing, the RX100 II’s build quality considerably outpaces the EX-S200, supporting more demanding shooting conditions. For users valuing heft, control precision, and durability, the RX100 II’s ergonomics justify the added size and weight, whereas the EX-S200 suits those prioritizing absolute portability and casual snapshot convenience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The two cameras epitomize different sensor philosophies, which leads to profound differences in image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and low-light capability.

The Casio EX-S200 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a surface area of approximately 28.07 mm² and a resolution of 14 megapixels. In practical testing, the CCD sensor yields acceptable daylight image quality for casual prints or sharing on social media; however, limitations quickly emerge in high-contrast situations, low-light, and ISO sensitivity above the native 50–3200 range (max ISO 3200). The presence of an anti-aliasing filter helps to prevent moiré but slightly softens fine detail rendering. Moreover, the sensor’s relatively small physical size confines dynamic range and color gamut, leading to less nuanced gradations and increased susceptibility to noise.

In stark contrast, the Sony RX100 II features a much larger 1-inch CMOS sensor sized 13.2 x 8.8 mm (approx. 116.16 mm²), quadruple the surface area of the EX-S200’s sensor, packing 20 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter as well. This jump in sensor size translates directly into more light gathered per pixel, delivering superior dynamic range (DxO score 12.4), impressive low-light ISO performance with usable images up to ISO 12800 (boosted ISO 25600), and richer color depth (DxO color depth 22.5 bits). The CMOS sensor architecture also facilitates faster readout speeds, enabling advanced autofocus and video features inaccessible on the EX-S200.

The RX100 II’s sensor performance ranks it well above ultracompact point-and-shoots and dangerously close to entry-level mirrorless cameras in image quality - with details beautifully resolved in landscape vistas and subtle tonal transitions captured even in challenging lighting. For photographers valuing image fidelity and post-processing flexibility, the RX100 II provides a clear advantage that outweighs its slightly increased size and cost.

Focusing and Exposure Controls: Precision Matters

Autofocus (AF) capabilities and exposure options are crucial indicators of a camera's flexibility and suitability for diverse photographic tasks.

The Casio EX-S200, typical of early-generation ultracompacts, relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with a single focus mode and unknown focus point configuration. It lacks face detection, eye detection, or tracking capabilities, and autofocus performance is comparatively slow and less reliable in low-contrast or low-light situations. Manual focus is available but limited in user experience due to the small fixed LCD and minimal exposure control options. There are no aperture priority or shutter priority modes, nor manual exposure control options, restricting creative control.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 II offers a sophisticated array of AF modes, including continuous AF, face detection, center-weighted, multi-area AF with 25 focus points, and selective AF points, allowing for precise subject tracking and eye-detection in stills. Real-world testing reveals that the RX100 II locks focus quickly and confidently, even under challenging or dynamic conditions such as street shooting or wildlife capture, enabling photographers to seize decisive moments with certainty. The camera supports manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority exposure modes, with exposure compensation, custom white balance, and an extensive bracketing arsenal - all vital tools for professional workflow integration and creative experimentation.

The shutter speed range on both starts at 1/2000s max, but the Casio lacks longer exposure abilities (longest is 4 seconds), whereas the RX100 II extends to 30 seconds, complemented by bulb mode capabilities via compatible remote accessories. These differences affect night photography, astro imaging, and long exposure creativity, where the RX100 II clearly excels.

Lens and Stabilization: Versatility and Optical Excellence

While neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, each sports a fixed zoom lens tailored to its sensor and target audience, influencing framing flexibility and image quality.

The Casio EX-S200’s 27-108 mm equivalent zoom at f/3.2 to f/5.9 covers a useful but limited focal range with modest maximum aperture, offering average low-light performance and background separation. Its sensor-shift (sensor-shift) image stabilization mitigates camera shake during handheld shooting but cannot compensate fully for slower shutter speeds needed in low-light without increased ISO. Macro performance details are unavailable, highlighting a general lack of specialized close-up capabilities.

In contrast, the RX100 II boasts a faster 28-100 mm equivalent lens with a more generous maximum aperture ranging from f/1.8 to f/4.9. The wide f/1.8 aperture at the wide end enhances low-light shooting and depth-of-field control, resulting in pleasing bokeh and subject isolation - attributes well-appreciated in portrait and macro work. The optical image stabilization system helps maintain sharpness for handheld shots across the zoom range, doubling the effectiveness compared to sensor-based systems in ultracompacts. Additionally, the RX100 II supports close focusing down to 5 cm, enabling detailed macro compositions with excellent focusing precision.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Considering composition and review, the user interface significantly affects workflow and shooting enjoyment.

The Casio EX-S200 features a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with low resolution (230k pixels), lacking touchscreen functionality or tilting options. This restricts shooting from low or high angles, as well as self-portraits or vlogging. The absence of any type of viewfinder necessitates relying entirely on the rear LCD, which becomes problematic in bright sunlight.

The Sony RX100 II integrates a 3-inch tilting Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD with substantially higher resolution (1229k pixels), enhancing visibility, detail verification, and intuitive menu navigation. Although the built-in electronic viewfinder is optional (sold separately), the camera supports its attachment, affording an eye-level view with improved stability and exposure accuracy - especially useful in bright environments or for action photography.

Together, these interface distinctions contribute to the RX100 II’s superior usability across broad shooting situations and professional workflows, while the EX-S200 may frustrate users with limited framing versatility.

Image Quality in Practice: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and More

The ultimate test lies in real-world performance across key photographic disciplines. Here, sample galleries and genre-specific scores help illustrate each model’s strengths and weaknesses.

Casio EX S200 front Casio EX S200 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tones rendered by the EX-S200 appear flatter with less color gradation and occasional noise at moderate ISO levels, impairing subtlety essential in portraiture. Bokeh is limited by the small sensor’s depth-of-field constraints and slow lens aperture, resulting in less subject separation.

The RX100 II excels with its large sensor and bright f/1.8 aperture, producing creamy bokeh and yielding natural, flattering skin tones. Face detection and eye AF ensure sharp focus on critical facial features, a major boon for portrait shooters.

Landscape Photography

The Casio’s limited dynamic range results in blown-out highlights and compressed shadow details under high-contrast scenes, detracting from landscape shots. Meanwhile, the RX100 II’s wide latitude and superior resolution capture fine textures and tonal breadth, rendering immersive and vibrant landscapes even in challenging lighting conditions. Despite lacking weather sealing, the RX100 II’s build quality and image quality make it a credible lightweight alternative to bulkier DSLRs for travel landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera targets professional action sports or distant wildlife photographers, but the RX100 II’s faster AF system, burst rate of 10 fps, and effective image stabilization allow for more reliable capture of moving subjects than the EX-S200, which lacks continuous AF and burst shooting functionality. The EX-S200 struggles with focus hunting and motion blur in fast scenes.

Street and Travel Photography

The EX-S200’s ultra-compact form factor and low weight favor street photography enthusiasts who need discretion and pocketability. However, its weak high-ISO performance and frustrating interface may limit shooting flexibility after dusk.

The RX100 II balances reasonable compactness with outstanding image quality, making it a favored travel camera for enthusiasts and professional photojournalists needing a versatile, all-around performer without the burden of larger gear. Its reliable autofocus, tilting screen, and wireless connectivity streamline shooting workflows on the move.

Macro, Night, and Astro Photography

The lack of true macro support on the EX-S200, combined with limited shutter range, reduces its utility for close-up or low-light artistic disciplines.

The RX100 II’s 5 cm close-focusing ability, combined with long exposure capacity and excellent ISO noise control, makes it adept at capturing intricate macro subjects and celestial scenes under dark skies.

Video Capabilities

Video functionality on the EX-S200 is confined to low-resolution VGA and 720p at low frame rates (20 fps max), recorded as Motion JPEG, which results in bulky files and modest quality.

The RX100 II can record full HD 1080p video at 60 fps in multiple formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD), delivering better compression, detail, and frame rates for smooth clips. Optical image stabilization during video helps produce steady footage. Though lacking microphone and headphone ports limits external audio upgrades, the RX100 II remains a strong choice for casual filmmakers and vloggers.

Workflow, Connectivity, and Storage

Connectivity and storage play vital roles in modern photographic workflows.

The Casio EX-S200 is comparatively basic, with USB 2.0 connectivity only and no wireless options. Storage relies on SD/SDHC cards with a single slot. Battery life specifications are modest and unspecified but generally limited by low capacity small batteries.

Sony’s RX100 II incorporates built-in wireless connectivity and NFC, facilitating quick image transfers and remote control via smartphone apps - a feature increasingly important in professional workflows. The camera supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick cards, accommodating larger-capacity cards necessary for high-resolution RAW files and HD video. Its NP-BX1 battery affords approximately 350 shots per charge, suitable for day-long shooting with battery-saving modes.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Who Should Choose Which?

The Casio EX-S200 remains an interesting case study in early ultracompact cameras, providing a lightweight, no-frills solution with adequate image quality for casual shooters whose priorities lie in portability and simplicity, with an entry-level budget constraint. It may serve well as a backup or travel camera where minimum weight and space are paramount, and advanced features unnecessary.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 II caters to discerning enthusiasts and semi-professionals requiring a highly capable travel companion or secondary camera. It strikes an exceptional balance between premium image quality, speed, and compactness, outperforming many rivals in its class. For portrait, landscape, macro, night, and street photographers valuing control and reliability - even video creators in a pinch - the RX100 II justifies its mid-tier price point as a compact powerhouse.

Summary: A Tale of Two Compacts

Final Thoughts

In our exhaustive comparative analysis supported by both technical benchmarks and real-world user experience, the Sony RX100 II clearly outclasses the Casio EX-S200 in almost every meaningful photographic metric: superior sensor size and technology, wider aperture lens, advanced autofocus capabilities, extensive exposure controls, versatile video functions, and robust build quality. These advantages justify the RX100 II’s higher price and slightly larger dimensions for serious hobbyists and professionals seeking a truly portable yet high-performance camera.

Conversely, while the Casio EX-S200 fits niche cases emphasizing extreme portability and casual snapshot simplicity, its technical and operational compromises limit its appeal among photographers demanding creative control and image quality.

For buyers who must choose between these two at present, the decision hinges on your priorities: ease and inconspicuousness with modest quality (EX-S200) or premium compact performance with more substantial investment (RX100 II). Photography enthusiasts and professionals - especially those who produce work beyond casual family photos - will find the RX100 II a far more capable tool, embodying the “large sensor compact” ideal that has inspired many following designs.

This comparative review is grounded in extensive hands-on testing of both cameras, cross-referenced with authoritative industry measurements, to provide photographers with the detailed, practical insight required for confident purchasing decisions.