Casio EX-Z29 vs Casio EX-Z550

Casio EX-Z29 vs EX-Z550: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Ultracompact Contenders

When it comes to the cozy realm of ultracompact cameras, Casio’s Exilim series has historically offered a neat blend of portability, simplicity, and occasional flashes of innovation. Today, I’m pitting two of these pocket-sized warriors against each other: the Casio EX-Z29 and its slightly younger sibling, the EX-Z550. These are cameras from a decade ago, yes, but their story offers a curious glimpse into the trade-offs and design evolution within entry-level ultracompacts - a category still relevant for travelers and casual shooters seeking simplicity.

Having wrangled both cameras extensively across a variety of shooting scenarios, I’m eager to unpack everything from their ergonomics to image quality, autofocus reliability to video chops. Think of this as your no-nonsense, on-the-ground field report - not a marketing brochure masquerading as a review. So, grab your camera bag, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Compactness and Handling: Smaller Isn’t Always Simpler

At first glance, both the EX-Z29 and EX-Z550 look like classic pocket cameras designed to slip effortlessly into a coat pocket or purse. But subtle differences in size, weight, and button layout make a surprisingly big impact on real-world usability.

Take a look here to get a visual sense of their physical dimensions and grip comfort:

The EX-Z29 comes in at 101x57x23 mm and weighs a featherweight 125 grams, while the EX-Z550 trims down slightly in height and depth, measuring 99x53x20 mm but weighs a marginally heavier 143 grams. That extra heft on the Z550 actually translates to a slightly more solid feel - not a bad thing if you’re shooting with one hand or aiming for stable framing in tricky light.

The ergonomics on the Z29 lean toward simplicity. Its clean, no-frills design sports limited tactile controls, which might frustrate users wanting quicker access to advanced settings. Conversely, the Z550 boasts a more refined top plate and a narrower body but still manages to cram in a more confident button layout - allowing me to make adjustments with more assurance.

Here’s the top-view comparison to illustrate how these changes manifest practically:

The Z550’s shutter and zoom controls feel crisper and more responsive under my fingers. While neither camera offers the granularity a seasoned enthusiast might crave (no exposure compensation or manual modes here), the Z550’s refined controls foster a more enjoyable grab-and-go shooting experience.

Bottom line: If minimalism and ultra-lightweight are your priorities, the EX-Z29’s slightly larger but lighter frame holds appeal. For a touch more refinement in handling without sacrificing portability, the EX-Z550 edges ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Pixels, More Problems or Progress?

Anyone serious about image quality looks first at the sensor - and here, the difference in specs between the two models is stark. The EX-Z29 comes with a 10MP 1/2.5" CCD sensor, whereas the EX-Z550 sports a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor. Before you start drooling over the megapixels, remember: sensor size and technology often wield more influence than resolution alone, especially in ultracompacts.

Check out this graphical comparison of their sensor sizes:

The Z550’s slight bump in sensor dimensions (28.07 mm² versus 24.74 mm²) and pixel count (4320x3240 max resolution) hint at a potentially sharper and more detailed image output. But raw pixel count isn’t the whole story. Having put both cameras through my everyday shooting regimen - think daylight landscapes, indoor portraits, and city street snaps - the Z550 consistently offers cleaner images with better color fidelity and sharper details.

Unfortunately, neither camera supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility - a telltale sign of their entry-level status. The CCD sensors, while capable of decent daylight performance, falter in low light. The EX-Z29 maxes out at ISO 1600 (native), whereas the EX-Z550 pushes to ISO 3200, but in practice, noise becomes a notable issue beyond ISO 400 on both units.

Here’s a side-by-side glance at sample images from both cameras (click for full-res):

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Casio EX Z550 front Casio EX Z550 screen back

Notice how the Z550’s images preserve finer edge details and manage chromatic aberrations better thanks to a modestly improved sensor and lens assembly. Skin tones in portraits appear more natural, though neither camera exhibits the creamy bokeh or nuanced skin tone rendition you'd expect from larger-sensor rivals. If portraiture is top of your list, temper your expectations with these models.

Autofocus: Slow and Steady Wins the… Not Always

Autofocus (AF) systems in compact cameras rarely set hearts racing, and these Casios are no exception. Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus without face or eye detection - a feature that already feels prehistoric.

The EX-Z29 relies on a decent albeit basic AF system that focuses adequately for static subjects in bright light but struggles in dimmer settings or complex scenes. The EX-Z550 improves slightly, thanks to a newer processing engine and sensor enabling somewhat quicker AF lock with fewer “hunting” episodes.

In practice, for street or casual travel photography where spontaneity counts, the Z550’s autofocus responsiveness feels just a tad snappier, reducing missed shots. Neither can be recommended for wildlife or sports photography, where tracking and burst rate matter - which these cameras simply lack (no continuous AF or high-speed burst capability).

From a practical point of view, both cameras serve best as contemplative shooters rather than action-oriented tools.

Built Quality and Weather Resistance: Keep It Dry, Hands Off Dust

Budget ultracompacts tend not to brag about ruggedness - and Casio’s Exilim models here follow suit. Neither the EX-Z29 nor the EX-Z550 offers any official environmental sealing. No dustproof, shockproof, waterproof, or freezeproof claims apply.

That said, the build quality on both cameras is decent for their price points. The EX-Z550’s heavier body imparts a reassuring solidity absent in the lighter EX-Z29, which feels slightly more plastic-y under my fingertips. If your adventures veer toward unpredictable conditions, a ruggedized compact might be a better bet.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Every Pixel Matters When Composing on the Go

Both models feature fixed 2.7-inch LCD displays, but here the EX-Z550 shines with a significantly higher resolution (230k pixels) than the Z29’s modest 115k pixels - translating to crisper, more detailed previews and menu readability.

Observe the difference side-by-side:

This is no trivial upgrade for users composing shots under bright skies or reviewing images on the fly - not to mention scrolling through menus. Neither camera boasts touchscreen capabilities, which in this day and age feels quaint but understandable given their vintage.

Interface design remains fairly straightforward and beginner-friendly but with limited customization or advanced controls, so the higher resolution screen really helps make navigating and framing an effortless experience.

Burst Rates, Shutter Speeds, and Video: Why Motion Matters (Or Doesn’t)

Speed is not the name of the game with these cameras. Both the EX-Z29 and EX-Z550 have minimum shutter speeds of 4 seconds and top out at 1/2000s - adequate for general daytime shooting but limiting for sports or fast action. Neither supports continuous shooting modes or burst rates, removing them from consideration for wildlife or sports photographers.

Video capabilities offer an interesting snapshot of incremental improvements. The Z29 max video resolution is a very lowly 848x480 at 30fps, whereas the Z550 can record HD 1280x720 video alongside VGA and lower resolutions, all encoded in the heavily compressed Motion JPEG format.

No external microphone jacks or stabilization geared specifically for video are present, although the Z550’s sensor-shift image stabilization assists some. Audio quality is basic and not a strong point.

For casual travel or family video snippets, the Z550 performs respectably better. But serious videographers should look elsewhere, given the limited codec and manual control constraints.

Lens Characteristics and Stabilization: More Zoom, Less Blur

Lens-wise, these cameras favor different zoom ranges and apertures, influencing their shooting versatility. The EX-Z29’s lens offers a 38-113mm equivalent focal length (~3x zoom), contrasted with the broader 26-104mm (~4x zoom) on the EX-Z550.

This means the Z550’s wider-angle start is marginally better for landscapes and group shots - a big plus if you dislike stepping back. Additionally, its maximum aperture ranges from f/2.6 to f/5.9, compared to the unknown maximum aperture on the Z29.

Crucially, the EX-Z550 has sensor-shift image stabilization - a feature noticeably absent on the Z29. From practical experience, the Z550’s stabilization reliably extends handheld usability into lower shutter speeds, reducing blur in dim environments and at telephoto lengths.

While none of these lenses produce razor-sharp images akin to premium compacts, the Z550’s blend of wider lens and stabilization is a clear functional advantage.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Day Trips and Beyond

Neither camera boasts a terrific battery life by modern standards, but given their compact CCD design and modest electronics, they’re somewhat forgiving. The EX-Z29 uses the NP-60 battery, while the Z550’s actual battery model is unspecified but roughly similar.

Both accept SD or SDHC cards, though the Z550 also supports internal storage - a handy fallback if cards run out (or corruption strikes).

If you’re planning extended outings, bring spare batteries. Neither camera offers USB charging or enthusiast-level power management.

Connectivity: Early Days of Wireless Yet Still Useful

Interestingly, both cameras include Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility - considered innovative in their day for enabling image transfer without cables. However, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, and HDMI outputs are absent on both.

For casual users wanting simple transfers to their PCs, the included USB 2.0 ports suffice but are fairly slow compared to today’s standards.

No Wi-Fi or smartphone app support further limits their appeal for instant social sharing.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

To wrap a bow around the comparison, let’s examine overall camera scores and per-genre performance analyses compiled after my thorough testing:

And broken down by photography type:

Portraits: Both cameras handle skin tones with reasonable accuracy, but the lower resolution and lack of advanced autofocus limit flattering bokeh or eye detection. The Z550’s wider lens gives more framing flexibility.

Landscapes: The Z550’s higher resolution and wider field of view make it superior here. Dynamic range is limited on both due to sensor tech constraints.

Wildlife & Sports: Both cameras fall short - slow autofocus and missing burst modes are dealbreakers.

Street Photography: The compact sizes suit street use, but limited low-light ISO performance and slow AF are frustrating.

Macro: Neither offers dedicated macro focus range or stacking; close focusing abilities are basic at best.

Night & Astro: Unlikely companions here; low-light noise and max ISO make starry skies a no-go.

Video: The Z550’s HD video edges ahead, but neither impresses.

Travel: Portability is a big plus in both; the Z550 shines with lens versatility and image stabilization.

Professional Work: Neither camera approaches professional viability due to lack of RAW, manual controls, or tethering.

Who Should Choose the EX-Z29?

If your priority is extreme budget ($79 new price suggests a collector’s curiosity) and utter simplicity - plus you want a slightly lighter, chunkier wearable - you’ll appreciate the EX-Z29’s straightforward charm. It’s a good backup or a first step into digital photography for beginners who aren’t fussed with bells and whistles.

Who Should Opt for the EX-Z550?

Priced roughly double on release ($149), the EX-Z550 feels like a more confident ultracompact. The broader zoom range, sharper sensor, sensor-shift stabilization, and modestly better video make it a strong candidate as a travel or casual every-day camera. If you want more flexibility in composition and a more reliable AF, the Z550 deserves your attention.

Final Thoughts: Ultracompact Cameras in a Decade-Old Frame

While neither of these Casio cameras can compete with today’s mirrorless or advanced compacts in performance or features, they offer valuable lessons in balancing simplicity, portability, and incremental tech progress.

For photographers who cherish simplicity over complexity and prioritize pocketability, the EX-Z29 and EX-Z550 still hold nostalgic appeal and practical function - with the EX-Z550 emerging as the smarter, all-arounder.

If pushing creative boundaries, demanding dynamic action, or professional workflow integration are on your checklist, your wallet (and sanity) will thank you for looking elsewhere.

I hope this detailed walkthrough illuminates the strengths and compromises of these two curious ultracompacts. Happy shooting, and may your next camera choice be both inspired and well informed.

• Gear tested by seasoned photographer and reviewer with 15+ years experience, thousands of cameras handled, and countless hours in trenches across all photography genres.