Casio EX-S200 vs Sony WX500: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera is an exciting but often overwhelming process. With so many models across years of innovation, it’s key to understand not just specifications on paper but how these translate into real-world performance for your photography pursuits. Today, we take a close look at two compact cameras from opposite ends of the technological timeline: the Casio EX-S200, a 2010 ultracompact camera, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500, a 2015 small sensor superzoom standout.

Together, they represent different priorities in travel-friendly photography - Casio’s early attempt at pocketable ease versus Sony’s feature-packed compact. Our deep dive covers how each fares technically, how their features play out across various photographic genres, and who should consider which system.

Let’s get started by placing these two cameras side by side to compare their physical designs.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs. Handling

Both cameras are compact, designed for portability - but their form factors reveal different user experiences.

• Casio EX-S200: Measuring a slim 100x55x18mm and weighing just 132g, the EX-S200 is truly pocket-friendly. Its ultracompact body suits casual point-and-shoot users, travelers who prioritize lightness, or anyone wanting a discreet everyday camera.
• Sony WX500: Slightly larger at 102x58x36mm and 236g, the WX500 sacrifices some pocketability for a more substantial grip and more robust control layout. Its slightly bigger footprint enables the inclusion of a longer zoom lens and a tilting screen, enhancing versatility.

While Casio’s slim design makes it easy to slip into pockets or small bags, the Sony provides better ergonomics for manual control and steadier shooting, especially for users who value more tactile feedback and extended zoom capabilities.

On control layout, the Sony WX500 offers exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, and customizable buttons absent in the Casio EX-S200, which lacks these advanced controls. If you want creative flexibility and easier operation on the fly, Sony has the edge here.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

A camera’s sensor is its heart. The more advanced and bigger it is (generally speaking), the better your image quality across dynamic range, noise control, and color depth.

• Casio EX-S200:

  • Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor
  • Resolution: 14 MP
  • ISO Range: 50-3200 (native)
  • Processor: Exilim Engine 5.0
  • No RAW support

• Sony WX500:

  • Type: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor
  • Resolution: 18 MP
  • ISO Range: 80-12800 (native)
  • Processor: Bionz X
  • No RAW support

While both feature the same 1/2.3" sensor size, the WX500’s BSI-CMOS sensor with newer Bionz X processor offers significant performance advantages, especially at higher ISO sensitivities and dynamic range. The EX-S200’s older CCD sensor tends to struggle more in low light, producing more noise and less tonal detail.

In practical shooting, you’ll notice the Sony WX500 delivers cleaner images with better color reproduction and detail in shadows and highlights. This also means the WX500 is better suited for challenging lighting conditions like indoor events, dimly lit streets, or night scenes.

LCD Screens and User Interface

An accessible, high-quality rear display can dramatically affect shooting comfort and framing accuracy.

• Casio EX-S200:

  • Fixed 2.7-inch screen
  • Low resolution: 230k dots
  • No touchscreen or articulating feature

• Sony WX500:

  • Tilting 3.0-inch screen
  • Higher resolution: 921k dots
  • Not touch-enabled but offers manual control via physical dials/buttons

Sony’s tilting screen is a huge help for creative shooting angles - overhead, low to the ground, selfies with inverting tips - but Casio’s smaller fixed LCD limits compositional flexibility.

The WX500’s higher resolution also makes checking focus critically and confirming detail much easier in bright or tricky outdoor scenarios.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now let’s explore how these two cameras perform in a range of photographic disciplines - from studio portraiture to wildlife, sports, and macro work.

Portrait Photography

Here, producing natural skin tones, smooth bokeh, and reliable eye autofocus come into focus.

• Casio EX-S200: The fixed zoom range (27-108mm equivalent) and slow aperture (f/3.2–5.9) mean portraits can feel flat with less subject separation and muted background blur. No face or eye detection autofocus limits sharpness on eyes in demanding scenes.
• Sony WX500: Features face detection autofocus with contrast detection AF for sharper portraits. The wider zoom range (24-720mm), although the aperture is similarly slow at f/3.5–6.4, gives you creative options, from environmental portraits to tightly framed headshots.

The WX500’s autofocus system shines here, especially when relying on face detection in candid or dynamic environments.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, sensor resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing are key.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so extra care is necessary outdoors in inclement conditions.

• Resolution: WX500 offers 18 MP vs EX-S200’s 14 MP - this additional resolution helps for large prints or cropping flexibility.
• Dynamic Range: Sony’s newer BSI CMOS sensor handles highlights and shadows better.
• Lens: Both feature small sensors with moderate zoom lenses, but neither offer wide primes. Sony is slightly wider (24mm vs 27mm equivalent) for landscapes.

You can push the WX500 farther for detailed landscapes with better tonal gradation, though neither camera targets serious landscape photographers needing ultra-wide optics or extensive weatherproofing.

Wildlife Photography

Success relies on autofocus speed, reach, and high frame rates.

• Casio EX-S200: Limited 4x zoom and single-shot autofocus with contrast detection only, plus no continuous shooting mode, make it unsuitable for dynamic wildlife photography.
• Sony WX500: Provides superzoom reach (30x, 24-720mm equivalent), continuous AF, AF tracking, and 10 fps burst shooting - features that allow you to track and capture fast-moving animals effectively.

While the WX500’s small sensor limits image quality compared to larger sensor superzooms, its autofocus system and zoom capability give it a clear advantage for casual wildlife photography.

Sports Photography

Here the speed of autofocus and continuous shooting dominate.

• Casio EX-S200: No continuous autofocus or burst mode puts it out of the running.
• Sony WX500: With 10 fps continuous shooting and AF tracking, it enables capturing action sequences when lighting conditions are decent.

For serious sports shooters, neither camera is ideal - bigger sensor cameras reign. But for casual sports moments, Sony’s WX500 performs competently.

Street Photography

Discreetness, low light ability, and portability matter.

• Casio EX-S200: Smaller and lighter, better for those wanting minimal presence.
• Sony WX500: Slightly bigger but still pocketable, with better image quality in low light due to higher ISO flexibility and stabilization.

Here, the decision depends on your preference for ultimate portability (Casio) or improved image quality plus zoom flexibility (Sony).

Macro Photography

Successful macro shots need close focusing and stabilization.

• Casio EX-S200: No dedicated macro focus range or focus assist.
• Sony WX500: Macro capabilities begin at 5cm with optical stabilization to reduce blur.

Sony offers more precise focusing and is better suited for casual close-ups of flowers or small subjects.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO noise control and long exposure options are critical.

• Casio EX-S200: Limited ISO ceiling (3200 max) and older sensor technology lead to noisy results.
• Sony WX500: Higher ISO range (up to 12800) with better noise handling. Longer exposure capability down to 30s also aids night shooting.

Sony delivers cleaner night images and more exposure control, appealing to enthusiasts dabbling in starry skies or urban nightscapes.

Video Capabilities

Video quality and controls have become vital for hybrid shooters.

• Casio EX-S200: Captures HD 720p video at 20 fps, using Motion JPEG format with no manual exposure or focus controls.
• Sony WX500: Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, AVCHD and XAVC S formats, with manual exposure modes and continuous autofocus during video.

For vloggers or videographers, the WX500 provides significantly better video performance and control.

Travel Photography

Compactness, battery life, versatility, and storage matter most here.

While Casio wins on sheer portability, the WX500’s vastly superior zoom, better ergonomics, and wireless connectivity make it a versatile travel companion for a broad range of scenes and subjects.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither offers RAW support or pro-level builds.

• Workflow: Both output only JPEGs.
• Controls: Sony’s manual exposure modes and more complex autofocus provide better creative freedom.
• Reliability: Both lack weather sealing or ruggedness for professional, demanding assignments.

If you require professional-grade output and flexibility, these are entry-level options. However, the WX500 offers enough exposure control and image quality to be a useful secondary or travel camera for professionals.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so both warrant care in adverse conditions.

Sony’s WX500 has a plastic but solid build with a better grip, making prolonged use more comfortable, while Casio feels more delicate and minimalistic.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Sony takes the lead with an official rated battery life of 360 shots, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for image transfer, and support for SDXC cards. Casio only supports SD/SDHC internally with no wireless features and unspecified battery life, likely shorter.

USB 2.0 connectors on both cameras limit speed. Neither offers mic or headphone jacks for video creators.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Casio EX S200 front Casio EX S200 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Above you can see sample shots illustrating the WX500’s superior detail, tonal rendition, and zoom range versatility compared to the softer, less detailed Casio EX-S200 images.

Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s a side-by-side evaluation based on our hands-on testing of sensor, autofocus, ergonomics, features, and value:

Sony WX500 scores noticeably higher across image quality, autofocus capability, and user control, while Casio scores well in portability and basic snapshot convenience.

Genre-Specific Performance

This chart highlights which camera shines in each photographic discipline:

• Sony WX500 is clearly stronger in portraits, wildlife, sports, street, and night photography thanks to superior autofocus, zoom, and sensor tech.
• Casio EX-S200’s appeal is limited to casual travel and street photography primarily due to its size and simplicity.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Based on your needs, here are clear recommendations:

• Choose Casio EX-S200 if:

  • You want something ultra-light, slim, and pocketable.
  • Casual snapshots and everyday travel photography are your main priorities.
  • You don’t need advanced controls, fast focusing, or elaborate zoom options.
  • Budget or second-hand rarity makes it appealing.

• Choose Sony WX500 if:

  • You want a versatile compact with strong zoom to cover landscapes to wildlife.
  • You desire manual exposure control and more sophisticated autofocus.
  • Video and low-light performance matter.
  • Wireless sharing and a better user interface improve your workflow.
  • You want a solid all-around compact for travel, street, and hobbyist photography.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Eras in Compact Photography

The Casio EX-S200 reflects a snapshot of compact camera design from the early 2010s - ultraportable, basic but adequate in good light, targeting casual users. Its appeal lies in sheer convenience and simplicity.

The Sony WX500, five years later, incorporates the benefits of technological advancements - larger zoom, improved sensor design, and enhanced shooting flexibility. It offers many of the features that make modern compacts go beyond mere snapshots to enthusiastic photography tools.

If you’re a beginner or enthusiast looking for an accessible, all-around versatile compact with better image quality and room to grow your creative expression, the Sony WX500 is clearly the smarter choice. Meanwhile, the Casio can serve as a minimalist backup or an ultra-light travel camera when you absolutely need to pack light.

Next Steps in Your Camera Journey

• Check out these cameras in person if possible. Handling them yourself reveals ergonomics and user interface quirks that matter.
• Pair your camera choice with good lenses or accessories for enhanced capabilities - macro filters for close-ups or mini tripods for night photography.
• Explore online sample galleries and user reviews to get a feel for image quality in real-world scenarios.
• Consider investing in learning post-processing as even JPEG shooters can gain from optimizing exposure and color.

Whether you opt for the simplicity of Casio EX-S200 or the flexible excellence of Sony WX500, both can capture memories - but your style and needs will determine which unlocks your creative potential best.

Happy shooting!