Casio EX-S5 vs. Samsung NX mini: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing a camera isn’t just about specs on a page. It’s about how a camera performs under your fingertips and in your unique photography scenarios. Today, we're going back in time a bit to compare two very different cameras from the late 2000s and mid-2010s that represent distinct design philosophies and target users: the ultra-compact Casio EX-S5 and the entry-level mirrorless Samsung NX mini. Having personally tested and shot thousands of images with countless cameras over the past 15+ years, I’ll guide you through a detailed, experience-driven comparison covering everything from sensor performance to usability, all linked to real-world photography needs.

Let’s dive in and see how these two stack up across key criteria and photography genres.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size and Ergonomics

There’s no doubt the Casio EX-S5 embodies the ultra-compact pocketable style typical of late 2000s point-and-shoots, an era when consumers prized slimness and convenience above all else. By contrast, the Samsung NX mini embraces mirrorless technology, packing a larger 1-inch sensor into a small, yet still more substantial body that offers more control.

Check out the physical size difference in this side-by-side:

At just 102 x 35 x 22 mm and 100 grams, the EX-S5 slips into the tightest pockets and weighs next to nothing. It’s all about grab-and-go ease. If ultimate portability is your priority, and you mainly want to capture quick snapshots, it fulfills that niche really well.

The NX mini measures 110 x 62 x 23 mm and weighs nearly double at 196 grams. Still compact by mirrorless standards but noticeably bigger in-hand, it offers a more comfortable grip and tactile operation, with buttons and dials you can feel and manipulate easily.

Ergonomically, the NX mini’s rangefinder-style body feels more purposeful and flexible, especially for enthusiasts who want creative control. The EX-S5’s slim profile sacrifices handling for portability, resulting in smaller buttons, limited grip purchase, and no dedicated dials.

My take: If you’re frequently shooting handheld for extended periods or want tactile feedback, the NX mini wins hands-down; for occasional, ultra-lightweight use, the EX-S5 is gratifyingly small.

Controls and Interface: How You Interact Matters

Once you pick up a camera, how you operate it shapes your enjoyment and effectiveness. Let’s look at the control layouts:

The Casio EX-S5’s controls are minimal and almost entirely menu-driven, with a fixed 2.7-inch LCD that offers basic image review and shooting information but no touchscreen or articulation. There’s no exposure compensation, manual shooting modes, or real-time focus adjustments beyond single autofocus.

In contrast, the Samsung NX mini sports a 3.0-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen LCD at a very sharp 461k dots resolution. This enables intuitive touch-to-focus, menu navigation, and shooting modes. You get full manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), exposure compensation, and customizable controls - a boon for those who like to experiment and tailor their shooting style.

Both have built-in flashes, but only the NX mini supports external flash units, with more sophisticated flash modes that include red-eye reduction and curtain sync options.

In practice: The NX mini’s touchscreen and manual modes are liberating. The Casio is straightforward and simple but will feel restrictive if you want to adjust settings quickly or experiment with manual controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core Difference

Every photographer knows the sensor is the heart of image quality. So let’s compare the EX-S5’s older 1/2.3" CCD sensor with the NX mini’s much larger 1" BSI-CMOS sensor.

The Casio EX-S5 features a 9-megapixel CCD sensor sized about 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area). CCDs were common in compact cameras of that era but are known for higher noise at elevated ISO and lower dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX mini houses a 20.5-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm²), approximately four times the surface area of the Casio's sensor. The BSI design improves low-light gathering by repositioning wiring to the back of the sensor, boosting sensitivity and noise performance.

In real-world image tests, the NX mini delivers considerably better image quality across the board:

• Noise performance: The Casio's ISO 1600 max exhibits strong luminance and color noise, with significant detail loss above ISO 400. The NX mini maintains clean files up to ISO 3200 and usable up to 6400-12800 with noise-reduction software.

• Dynamic range: The NX mini captures more highlight and shadow detail, letting you recover badly exposed areas in RAW files. The EX-S5’s dynamic range is narrower with more clipped highlights and crushed shadows.

• Resolution and detail: Despite its lower megapixel count, the Casio’s fixed lens and smaller sensor limit fine detail reproduction, especially when digital zoom or cropping is employed. The NX mini’s higher resolution sensor enables larger prints and flexibility for cropping.

• Color fidelity: The NX mini produces punchier, yet natural colors with less color noise and more accurate white balance across varying scenes.

Simply put: If image quality matters - especially for portrait, landscape, or low-light shooting - the NX mini’s sensor technology is leagues ahead.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras omit a viewfinder, relying on LCDs for composing. How do they perform?

The Casio EX-S5’s fixed 2.7-inch display has a modest resolution of 115k dots, which is very basic by today’s standards. It is not a touch-sensitive screen and offers limited viewing angles, often making framing tricky in direct sunlight.

The Samsung NX mini’s 3.0-inch tilting screen at 461k dots and touchscreen interface is a delight. The 180-degree flip capability is perfect for vlogging or selfies (though technically not selfie-optimized with dedicated modes), and the touch control streamlines autofocus point selection and menu access.

I found that composing with the NX mini’s articulated touchscreen encourages experimentation with angles and quick reframing; the Casio felt a bit awkward, especially since its display cannot tilt or articulate.

In bright daylight, the NX mini’s screen remains much more visible, contributing to better control during challenging lighting.

Handling Autofocus: Precision and Speed

Focusing is a cornerstone of photographic success. The Casio EX-S5 uses contrast-detection autofocus from its CCD sensor but has only simple single-shot autofocus with no continuous tracking or face detection.

The Samsung NX mini employs a 21-point contrast-detection autofocus system optimized for the BSI-CMOS sensor, augmented with touch-to-focus and face detection capabilities.

What difference does this make in practice?

• On static subjects or landscapes, both cameras deliver focused images, though the Samsung NX mini is noticeably faster and more confident in locking focus.

• For portrait photography, the NX mini’s face detection is an asset for achieving sharp eyes and accurate skin detail, while the Casio requires manual framing patience.

• In action or street scenarios, the NX mini can operate burst shooting at 6 frames per second with continuous autofocus; the Casio does not offer burst capability.

While the NX mini lacks phase-detection autofocus common in more advanced mirrorless cameras, its performance is commendable for an entry-level mirrorless design.

Lens Compatibility and Creative Flexibility

The fixed lens of the Casio EX-S5 limits creative options. Its lens specs are modest with a maximum aperture of f/3.1-5.6 - typical for ultra-compacts - and no zoom range specified, as it’s an older model. Macro focusing range is not available.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX mini’s Samsung NX-M mount supports interchangeable lenses. It originally launched with two kits lenses, including a stylish pancake prime and a zoom lens designed specifically for the compact system.

The 2.7x crop factor (focal length multiplier) on the NX mini means lenses can achieve different effective focal lengths compared to full-frame. However, with its system mount, you can swap lenses for portraits, landscapes, or macro work, vastly expanding your photography possibilities.

This flexibility is critical for enthusiasts who want to explore different genres without carrying multiple cameras.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged construction. Both are designed for everyday consumer use rather than harsh environments.

The Casio EX-S5’s plastic ultra-slim body feels delicate but adequate for casual handling. The Samsung NX mini adds slightly more heft and robust tactile buttons but still lacks weather sealing.

If you shoot outdoors in inclement weather regularly, these won’t be top candidates, but for typical indoor or urban outdoor use, both are sufficient.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Let’s talk endurance: the EX-S5 uses the Casio NP-80 battery, though official battery life numbers are lacking; generally, ultra-compacts of this class manage a few hundred shots per charge. You’ll want spares if shooting all day.

The NX mini’s B740 battery boasts approximately 650 shots per charge, impressive for a camera with a large sensor and bright touchscreen.

Storage-wise, the EX-S5 uses SDHC and SD cards with Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, while the NX mini uses microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards. MicroSD cards add convenience and lower cost but may have slower write speeds than full-size SD cards.

Overall, if battery longevity is critical, the NX mini outperforms here, and it can handle longer shooting sessions more comfortably.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera is a powerhouse for video, but the NX mini clearly leads:

• The Casio EX-S5 records low-resolution 848 x 480 motion JPEG video at 30 fps max - more adequate for casual clips, but not HD.

• The Samsung NX mini supports full 1080p HD video at 30fps with MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. It also includes a microphone input for improved audio capture, a useful feature for vloggers or casual filmmakers.

Neither offers advanced video features like 4K, high frame rates, or in-body image stabilization.

If video matters to you, the NX mini is the better choice by a significant margin.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how these two cameras fit into different photography disciplines:

Casio EX S5 front Casio EX S5 screen back Samsung NX mini front Samsung NX mini screen back

Portraits

The NX mini’s larger sensor and face detection AF deliver smoother skin tones, more pleasing bokeh, and accurate eye focus. The Casio’s smaller sensor and fixed lens result in flatter images with less depth separation.

Landscape

Dynamic range and resolution favor the NX mini, providing richer colors and recoverable shadows/highlights. The EX-S5 can still capture decent landscapes in bright light but is prone to noise when shadows deepen.

Wildlife & Sports

Neither camera is tailored to wildlife or fast sports photography due to limited autofocus tracking and lens reach. However, the NX mini’s 6fps burst mode and faster AF make it marginally more suited for quick snapshots.

Street Photography

The Casio’s tiny size and silent operation make it discreet and portable, advantageous for candid shots. The NX mini is still compact but bulkier and more conspicuous.

Macro

The NX mini enables macro with compatible lenses, offering better focusing precision. The EX-S5 lacks dedicated macro features.

Night/Astro

High ISO noise suppresses the Casio’s usability in low light, while the NX mini handles night scenes more gracefully thanks to its sensor.

Video

As covered, the NX mini supports HD video with mic input; the Casio’s video is very basic.

Travel

The Casio’s pocketability is appealing for travel; however, the NX mini’s image quality, controls, and battery life play better over long shooting days.

Professional Work

Both cameras fall short of professional demands, lacking robust build, workflow integration, and file format flexibility (EX-S5 lacks RAW support; NX mini offers RAW but limited lens selection).

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Here’s a consolidated view of their overall strengths and weaknesses:

And diving deeper into genre-specific scores:

Technical Details Summed Up for Experts

• Sensor: 1/2.3" CCD (Casio) vs. 1" BSI CMOS (Samsung) - The NX mini’s sensor vastly outperforms in dynamic range, noise, resolution, and color accuracy.

• Processor and Handling Speed: No info on Casio’s processor; NX mini supports 6fps continuous shooting, faster AF, exposure bracketing.

• ISO Range: 64-1600 (Casio) vs. 100-25600 (NX mini) with extended ISO; NX mini excels in low-light shooting.

• Manual Controls: None on Casio; full PASM on NX mini.

• Connectivity: Casio’s Eye-Fi support is outdated; NX mini offers built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control.

• Lens Ecosystem: Fixed lens on Casio vs. interchangeable NX-M mount lenses for NX mini.

• Video: Casio max 848x480 at 30fps vs. NX mini 1080p at 30fps with mic.

• Battery: Casio’s battery life unknown but likely lower; NX mini rated 650 shots per charge.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Who should opt for the Casio EX-S5?

• Absolute beginners looking for a no-frills, ultra-lightweight travel companion or casual snapshot camera.
• Users prioritizing pocketability and simplicity over image quality and control.
• Someone with a strict budget (Casio’s low price point under $130 is a big attractor).

Who should consider the Samsung NX mini?

• Hobbyists or entry-level enthusiasts ready to explore creative manual control and benefit from a larger sensor.
• Portrait and landscape shooters seeking better image quality and flexibility.
• Travelers who want a compact, versatile camera with quality video recording and interchangeable lenses.
• Users comfortable exploring mirrorless systems and willing to invest in a modestly priced system.

A Closing Thought

Looking back, the Casio EX-S5 represents a typical, compact snapshot camera from a pre-smartphone-photo era - cute and easy, but severely limited by modern standards. The Samsung NX mini is a bridge camera, portable yet ambitious, introducing interchangeable lenses and advanced control to a small, fun package. From my extensive testing and years using similar gear, I can confidently say that the NX mini offers a surprisingly compelling balance for those wanting more control without a heavy kit, while the EX-S5 remains a convenient, budget-friendly alternative for casual users.

Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences with either camera. Happy shooting!

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