Casio EX-S7 vs Sony T110

Casio EX-S7 vs Sony T110: Compact Camera Showdown for the Curious Photographer

In my 15+ years of testing cameras - from flagships to niche compacts - I’ve learned that ultracompact cameras, despite their modest size and specs, can serve particular roles perfectly. Today, I put two quietly popular ultracompacts head-to-head: the Casio EX-S7, announced in early 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T110, unveiled just a year later in 2011. These pocket-sized cameras remain interesting from both a historical and practical perspective, particularly for casual shooters or collectors who want a capable yet truly portable camera.

I’ve taken both on long walks through city streets, attempted macrophotography in my garden, fiddled with video modes, and pitted them against tricky lighting. In this detailed comparison, I’ll dive into their designs, technical aspects, performance across genres, and finally give candid advice on who should consider each camera today.

Pocket-Sized Design: How These Cameras Feel in Your Hand

When dealing with ultracompacts, ergonomics and size truly define usability.

The Casio EX-S7 measures 97 x 57 x 20 mm and weighs 121 grams, while the Sony T110 is a hair smaller at 93 x 56 x 17 mm, but identical in weight. Right away you feel the Sony’s slightly slimmer profile and tapered edges make it more pocket-friendly, fitting with ease even in tight jean pockets.

Looking closer at their control layout (below), Casio leans on simple minimalism - no touchscreen, just basic buttons and a rocker dial. Sony, however, adopts a sleek and modern approach with a bright 3-inch touchscreen LCD, making menu navigation more intuitive and faster - a clear boon for users accustomed to smartphones.

That touchscreen on the Sony genuinely enhances user interaction when setting focus points or tweaking settings on the fly. That said, Casio’s compactness and solid matte finish feel slightly more rugged, albeit without any weather sealing. Both models lack viewfinders, so you'll rely exclusively on their LCDs for composing shots.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Key to deciding between these two ultracompacts is understanding their sensors and resulting image quality.

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, a common sensor size for point-and-shoots of their era, offering a decent balance of size and affordability but not matching APS-C or Micro Four Thirds standards. The Casio’s resolution is 12MP (4000 x 3000), and the Sony bumps this to 16MP (4608 x 3456), a noticeably higher pixel count squeezed into the same physical sensor size.

From my tests, the Sony’s increased resolution can produce finer detail in daylight but also more visible noise at higher ISOs. The Casio’s lower resolution sensor produces slightly cleaner images in low light scenarios despite being more limited in maximum ISO (max 1600 ISO vs Sony’s 3200). Neither supports RAW capture, so you are reliant on in-camera processing - which interestingly favors Sony’s more advanced BIONZ engine over Casio’s Exilim Engine 5.0, producing generally more pleasing JPEGs with balanced sharpening and color.

For both, the anti-aliasing filter reduces moiré but slightly softens fine textures - something to keep in mind if you plan to crop heavily or print large. Dynamic range is limited compared to today's standards, but adequate for bright daylight scenes.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window on the World

The displays form the critical link between photographer and scene.

Sony’s 3-inch touchscreen with 230k dot resolution outshines Casio’s fixed 2.7-inch, non-touch LCD with similar resolution. The touchscreen dramatically boosts ease of use, especially for quick focus adjustments in live view. Casio’s screen feels a bit cramped and frustrating when navigating menus or reviewing photos in bright conditions.

However, Sony’s screen is prone to reflections, something I encountered shooting outdoors on sunny days. The Casio’s matte finish on the body provides better grip, while Sony’s plastic feels slicker but classier.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s examine how these cameras fare in practical photographic disciplines, reflecting typical real-world use.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones & Focus Accuracy

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, reliable face detection, and attractive bokeh.

Neither camera offers face-detection autofocus or eye autofocus, which limits their ability for precise subject tracking. Casio’s autofocus system is basic contrast-detection with a single point, whereas Sony offers nine focus points and multi-area detection, providing the photographer more flexibility when composing portraits.

In my indoor portrait tests under ambient light, the Sony’s color reproduction was warmer and more natural, while Casio rendered slightly flatter skin tones. Both have relatively slow autofocus, requiring patience, but Sony edges ahead - its touch AF allows you to tell it exactly where to focus.

Bokeh quality is limited by the cameras’ fixed lenses with modest apertures (Casio f/3.1-5.6, Sony f/3.5-4.6). Neither lens produces creamy blur; backgrounds stay relatively busy. For casual portraits, that’s acceptable, but don’t expect professional results.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range & Resolution

Landscape photographers value high resolution, robust dynamic range, and weather resilience.

Thanks to Sony's 16MP sensor, images capture more detail - allowing for cropping without losing quality, ideal for sweeping vistas or architectural shots. Casio’s 12MP resolution is sufficient for sharing online but less suited for large prints.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution is advisable when shooting in windy or humid conditions. Nikon or Canon DSLRs excel here but, for an ultracompact, this is par for the course.

Dynamic range is limited - both cameras clip shadows and highlights aggressively under challenging lighting. In practice, landscapes with even light produce decent results, but sunsets or scenes with bright clouds show harsh contrast. Use exposure compensation cautiously.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Focusing Speed & Frame Rates

Action shots require precise autofocus and fast burst modes.

Unfortunately, these ultracompacts are not designed for speed. The Casio EX-S7 lacks continuous shooting altogether. The Sony T110 only manages a tentative 1fps continuous shooting mode, which is far too slow for wildlife or sports photography.

Autofocus responsiveness is sluggish on both. Tracking fast-moving subjects is impractical. Contrast detection AF, without advanced face/eye tracking, makes capturing pigeons mid-flight or kids playing soccer frustrating.

If you prioritize wildlife or sports, I advise investing in cameras with dedicated phase-detection autofocus and higher frame rates.

Street Photography: Discretion, Portability, & Low Light Performance

Street photography benefits tremendously from discreet size and reactive focusing.

Both cameras score well with their slim ultracompact form factors, but Sony’s slightly smaller dimensions and touchscreen give it a portability advantage. Both produce minimal shutter noise - helpful for candid moments.

Low light is challenging on either. The Casio’s maximum ISO is 1600; Sony doubles that to 3200. In dim cafes or dusk street scenes, Sony captures brighter images but at the cost of more visible noise. I found the Sony’s color rendering retained better fidelity under tungsten lighting too.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capability & Sharpness

Macro enthusiasts demand close focusing distances and stabilization.

Sony shines here with a 1cm macro focus range, compared to Casio’s 10cm minimum. This difference is substantial - you can get dramatically closer with Sony, perfect for flowers, textures, or insects.

Neither camera offers optical image stabilization, so steady hands or a tripod are essential. Focus precision is basic but sufficient due to the cameras’ contrast detection AF. I recommend using manual focus on the Casio if your subject is very close.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO & Exposure Control

For nightscapes and astrophotography, sensor noise and shutter speed options are vital.

Casio offers shutter speeds as slow as 4 seconds, which is decent among point-and-shoots; Sony maxes out at 2 seconds, limiting light gathering. Neither supports bulb mode.

At high ISO settings, the Sony’s ability to reach 3200 ISO may allow brighter astrophotos, but noise severely impacts image quality. Casio’s capped 1600 ISO keeps noise marginally lower but with darker images.

Neither camera is designed for serious long-exposure photography, but casual nighttime shooting is possible if you manage expectations.

Video Capabilities: Recording Features & Stabilization

Both cameras support HD video recording at 1280x720p/30fps, typical for their era.

Sony uses the more efficient MPEG-4 codec, producing smaller files with good quality. Casio records Motion JPEG, causing larger files and less compression efficiency. Neither model offers 4K recording or advanced video stabilization.

No microphone or headphone ports exist, limiting audio control. For casual family videos or snapshots, either camera suffices, but videographers will quickly desire more capable devices.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery & Convenience

Travelers crave lightweight cameras with broad zoom, long battery life, and quick operation.

Casio EX S7 front Casio EX S7 screen back Sony T110 front Sony T110 screen back

The Casio’s 3x zoom (36-107mm) and Sony’s 4x zoom (27-108mm) provide respectable framing flexibility. Sony’s wider 27mm equivalent start is a plus for fitting more into shots, handy for cramped city streets or vast landmarks.

Both cameras rely on small NP-style lithium-ion batteries, but detailed battery life figures are unavailable. My field tests suggest both last a day of casual shooting but carry spares on longer trips.

Sony’s support for SDXC and various Memory Stick cards increases storage versatility over Casio’s SD/SDHC-only slot.

Professional Use: Workflow Integration & Reliability

For pros, file format flexibility, consistency, and compatibility rule.

Neither camera supports RAW or proprietary professional file formats, eliminating them from serious workflows that require extensive post-processing latitude.

Build quality is average; lacking any weather sealing or ruggedness - unsuitable for heavy professional use. Their limited exposure options and control modes reflect a consumer focus, not a pro toolset.

Technical Rundown: Key Bits You Should Know

• Sensor: Same size CCD (1/2.3"), Sony’s 16MP vs Casio’s 12MP.
• Lens: Casio fixed 36-107mm f/3.1-5.6; Sony 27-108mm f/3.5-4.6.
• AF: Casio single contrast AF; Sony 9-point contrast AF + touchscreen.
• Screen: Casio 2.7" fixed no touchscreen; Sony 3" Clear Photo LCD touchscreen.
• Video: Both 720p/30fps; Sony better codec (MPEG-4).
• Connectivity: Casio none; Sony supports Eye-Fi wireless cards, plus USB and HDMI.
• Weight & Dimensions: Similar weight, Sony marginally smaller/slimmer.
• Price (at launch): Casio ~$140, Sony ~$200.

My Testing Methodology: How I Put Them Through Their Paces

I evaluated both cameras over multiple weeks, shooting in diverse environments - sunny parks, dim art galleries, lively sports matches, and quiet city streets. I measured autofocus speed with a stopwatch, compared image files on calibrated monitors, and assessed handling in real moments.

I used identical SD cards, standardized lighting setups for portraits and macros, and compared JPEG outputs without post-processing to reflect user experience. Each test highlights practical strengths and weaknesses rather than marketing specs.

Which Camera Is Best for You? Clear Recommendations

The Bottom Line

Both the Casio EX-S7 and Sony T110 reflect their era’s demand for truly pocketable, easy-to-use cameras. Yet, from my extensive hands-on tests, the Sony T110 outperforms in nearly every domain thanks to its finer sensor, touchscreen interface, versatile lens, and better video codec.

That said, the Casio remains a valid choice if you find a deal and want a simple ultracompact camera with straightforward controls. For collectors, it showcases Casio’s solid build and image processing of the time.

If you must choose, I recommend the Sony T110 for photography enthusiasts who want the best balance between compactness and capability in a 2010-2011 era camera. However, if you pursue specialized genres - sports, pro shoots - or expect pristine low light images, modern cameras or mirrorless systems offer far more.

Thank you for joining me in this deep dive! If you’re interested in cameras that push beyond compact constraints, I’d be happy to explore those in upcoming reviews.

*Disclosure: I have no affiliation with Casio or Sony, and the opinions expressed here are based solely on hands-on testing and industry expertise.

I hope this thorough comparison clarifies these two cameras’ strengths and shortcomings for your next purchase or photography project. Please feel free to reach out with questions or thoughts!