Two Casio Compacts, Worlds Apart: In-Depth Comparison of the EX-Z29 and EX-ZR15

When diving into the expansive universe of compact cameras, Casio carved a niche with its Exilim line, known for blending pocketability with decent imaging chops - at least for their era. Today, we’re unpacking two distinctly different cameras from this family: the Casio EX-Z29 (introduced in early 2009) and the Casio EX-ZR15 (released in 2012). While both share a brand and lineage, their design philosophies and technical approaches differ markedly. I’ve spent ample hours pushing both through real-world use and rigorous examination to unpack what each offers - and where they falter - helping you decide which might suit your photography style and needs.

Let’s embark on this detailed journey and contrast these cameramen’s tools side-by-side.

Size and Handling: A Tale of Two Ergonomics

First impressions matter, especially when carrying your camera all day long. The EX-Z29 boasts an ultracompact body, weighing a light 125 grams with dimensions roughly 101×57×23 mm. In contrast, the EX-ZR15 beefs up to 176 grams, measuring 102×59×27 mm - noticeably thicker and heavier.

In my hands, the EX-Z29 feels like a sleek, unobtrusive pocket companion. The smaller grip means it’s perfect for street photography or as a secondary camera when weight is critical. However, that small size comes at the cost of ergonomic finesse; its thin, rectangular body lacks substantial grip or textured surfaces, which can lead to slips during prolonged shooting.

The EX-ZR15, while bulkier, benefits from a deeper grip and a more robust build. Despite its small sensor compact category, it handles more like a mini travel camera, offering comfort during extended use and improved button placement for quick adjustments.

Looking from above, you’ll notice the layout differences are telling.

The EX-ZR15 provides more tactile buttons and a clear exposure priority mode (Aperture Priority), which is surprisingly rare in this price bracket, whereas the EX-Z29 keeps it super simple with fewer controls and no manual exposure capabilities.

For photographers who prize discretion and pocketability, the EX-Z29’s ultra-compact body still holds some charm. But for those wanting more intuitive control and improved handling, the EX-ZR15 is the clear frontrunner.

Sensor and Image Quality: Revisiting the Heart of the Camera

In every camera, sensor technology defines how much light is captured, the fidelity of color, and overall image quality. The EX-Z29 comes equipped with a 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor offering 10 megapixels. The EX-ZR15 steps up sensor size to a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels.

While the physical difference in sensor dimensions (24.74 mm² vs 28.07 mm²) might seem modest, this roughly 13% increase in sensor area - and the switch from CCD to CMOS - brings palpable benefits. CMOS sensors have matured considerably in noise handling and dynamic range, especially by the time the EX-ZR15 launched.

I ran both cameras through standardized chart tests and real-world shooting at various ISOs. The EX-Z29’s images show acceptable detail at base ISO 100 but degrade quickly when pushed toward its ISO 1600 ceiling, with noticeable noise and reduced contrast. The CCD sensor’s analog nature introduces a distinctive grain pattern, reminiscent of early digital compact cameras.

The EX-ZR15 produces noticeably cleaner images at its expanded ISO range (80–3200 native). It also shows better color depth and improved dynamic range, thanks partly to newer Exilim Engine 5.0 processing. I was especially impressed by its performance in shadow recovery and highlight retention during harsh lighting - landscape photographers will appreciate this.

However, neither camera supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility. If you’re a pro or serious enthusiast, this might be a dealbreaker.

Screen and User Interface: Windows to the Image

Both cameras eschew viewfinders, relying solely on their rear LCDs for composing and reviewing images.

The EX-Z29’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 115k dots feels severely underwhelming by today’s (or even 2012’s) standards.

When compared directly to the EX-ZR15’s 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD with 461k dots, the latter provides a much brighter, sharper, and more color-accurate display. Using the EX-Z29 under bright sunlight proved challenging with frequent reflections obscuring the small, low-resolution panel.

The EX-ZR15’s screen, by comparison, afforded more flexibility and confidence in framing and reviewing images. Unfortunately, neither camera offers touchscreen control or articulated displays, which would have been welcome additions to ease navigation and shooting from unconventional angles.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: From Standstill to Action

Moving on to autofocus systems - a linchpin for fast and accurate capturing.

The EX-Z29 offers only single contrast-detection autofocus, with a fixed center area focus point and no face detection or tracking. Focusing can be sluggish, especially in low light, often requiring a manual nudge due to its lack of continuous AF or tracking capabilities.

By contrast, the EX-ZR15 introduces continuous autofocus and autofocus tracking features, along with face detection, vastly improving success rates in dynamic scenes. The EX-ZR15’s more sophisticated AF system shines when photographing moving subjects like pets on the run or busy street scenes.

Now, the EX-ZR15 caps continuous shooting at 3fps - not blazing fast, but solid for its class. The EX-Z29 offers no continuous burst shooting, essentially locking it to single-frame capture modes.

In wildlife or sports situations demanding rapid capture, neither camera is a specialist - both lack the speed, buffer, and precise system that DSLRs or mirrorless bodies bring. Yet in casual settings, the EX-ZR15 noticeably performs better.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility for Varying Needs

Both cameras come only with fixed, non-interchangeable lenses but exhibit different zoom ranges and flexibility.

• EX-Z29: 38-113mm equivalent focal length (3× zoom), maximum aperture unspecified but likely typical of ultracompacts.
• EX-ZR15: 28-196mm equivalent (7× zoom), f/3.0-5.9 aperture.

The EX-ZR15 doubles the zoom range, allowing expansive wide-angle shots (28mm) ideal for landscapes and interiors while enabling mild telephoto reaches for portraits or distant subjects. The EX-Z29’s range starts at 38mm, missing true wide-angle capability and restricting framing options.

Furthermore, the EX-ZR15 has a minimal macro focusing distance of just 2 cm, enabling detailed close-ups, a key feature absent on the EX-Z29.

The addition of optical image stabilization (sensor-shift) in the EX-ZR15 makes handheld shots across the zoom range more bearable, especially in lower light. The EX-Z29 lacks any form of stabilization, requiring higher ISOs or support for sharp pictures.

Flash and Low-Light Use: Shedding Light on Limitations

Both cameras include a built-in flash with differing reach and operation modes.

The EX-Z29’s flash is somewhat paltry, rated at a 2.8m range. It cycles through basic Auto, On, Off, and Red Eye Reduction modes.

The EX-ZR15’s flash extends reach to 5.2m, more than enough for typical tabletop or event photography in small venues.

Despite built-in flashes, neither camera supports external flash units, nor offers advanced flash control or sync options, limiting creative lighting setups. If you’re after more sophisticated flash work, these cameras will feel constraining.

Video Capabilities: Stepping Beyond Still Images

Video took leaps forward in the years separating these models.

The EX-Z29 records rather modest Motion JPEG clips capped at 848×480 at 30fps, with very limited control or quality, resulting in blocky and noisy footage with mediocre audio.

The EX-ZR15 upgrades to Full HD (1920×1080) 30fps video in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, hallmark improvements in compression and image clarity. Additionally, the EX-ZR15 includes slow-motion options with frame rates up to 480fps (at small resolutions), a fun albeit gimmicky feature for casual users.

Unfortunately, neither camera sports microphone or headphone ports, restricting audio quality adjustments.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Usability Details

In day-long shooting scenarios, the EX-ZR15’s battery life claims roughly 325 shots per charge (NP-110 battery), quite respectable for a compact. In contrast, detailed battery life data for the EX-Z29’s NP-60 battery is unavailable, but my testing suggests a significantly shorter lifespan, likely under 200 shots.

Storage-wise, both share single SD memory card slots, but the EX-ZR15 supports SDXC cards, an advantage for longer shooting on high-resolution files or full HD videos.

Wireless options are sparse: the EX-Z29 supports “Eye-Fi Connected” for wireless card compatibility - quite niche and dated now - while the EX-ZR15 drops wireless features altogether, relying on USB and HDMI connections.

Build Quality and Reliability: Lifespan and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed, shockproof, or ruggedized. These are purely consumer-grade compacts designed for everyday use without professional durability requirements.

The EX-ZR15 shows slightly more robust construction with reinforced buttons and a plasticky but solid-feeling chassis. The EX-Z29’s ultra-compact shell feels more delicate, prone to scuffs if not carefully handled.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s parse how each stands against photography discipline demands:

• Portrait Photography: EX-ZR15 edges out with higher resolution, better color rendition, face detection AF, and wider aperture lens at the wide end. The EX-Z29’s limited zoom and lack of AF sophistication restricts portrait potential.

• Landscape: The EX-ZR15’s wider focal length and dynamic range improvements offer better framing and detail capture. EX-Z29’s limited wide-angle and lower sensor performance limit landscape suitability.

• Wildlife: Neither is ideal; fast focusing telephoto isn’t their strength. But EX-ZR15 with 196mm zoom and AF tracking is marginally better.

• Sports: The modest 3fps burst on EX-ZR15 is workable for casual sports; EX-Z29’s lack of burst rules it out.

• Street Photography: EX-Z29’s pocketability and discreetness shine, though slow AF might frustrate street candids. EX-ZR15 is bigger but faster focusing.

• Macro: EX-ZR15’s 2cm macro and stabilization make it the better choice; EX-Z29 lacks macro support.

• Night/Astro: Neither excels in low light. The EX-ZR15 benefits from higher ISO and stabilization but remains limited by sensor size and lens aperture.

• Video: EX-ZR15 wins handily with Full HD, better compression, and slow motion.

• Travel: EX-Z29 is ultra-light and pocketable but limited in versatility and battery. EX-ZR15 is a bulkier yet more capable travel companion.

• Professional Use: Both cameras fall short, lacking RAW, manual modes, and durability. Useful only as emergency backups.

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Casio EX ZR15 front Casio EX ZR15 screen back

Price and Value: What’s Your Dollar Saying?

With a street price of approximately $79 for the EX-Z29 (when available) and $249 for the EX-ZR15, there is a stark performance-to-price gap.

The EX-ZR15 commands over three times the investment, but this premium delivers improvements in sensor size, zoom versatility, video quality, image stabilization, and autofocus. If you’re on a strict budget or want a secondary ultra-pocketable device, the EX-Z29 can suffice for snapshots and casual use.

However, the EX-ZR15’s broader feature set, superior image quality, and video make it a logical choice for enthusiasts requiring more creative flexibility.

Summarizing Performance: Numbers Don’t Lie

Putting the cameras through independent scoring metrics (notably DxO Mark was not performed on either, but scoring is relative):

And drilling down by photographic genre:

These illustrate the EX-ZR15’s measurable advantage in nearly every category - from low light to zoom range and video capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Which Casio Suits Your Shooting?

Having tested and analyzed these two cameras, my verdict is nuanced.

• If you prioritize compactness, lightness, and an ultra-simple user experience for casual use or backup, the Casio EX-Z29 makes sense. You’ll sacrifice speed, image quality, and versatility, but get an unobtrusive point-and-shoot.

• For a more versatile, future-proof small compact with superior image quality, autofocus, zoom range, macro, and video capabilities, the Casio EX-ZR15 is a clear winner by a wide margin.

Neither is a professional workhorse, and both show their age now. But if forced to recommend, it would depend on your shooting priorities and budget constraints.

As a photography enthusiast with years of hands-on experience from street to landscape, I’d lean heavily toward the EX-ZR15 for meaningful image creation. Its better sensor and feature set make it a more satisfying and flexible tool.

Additional Images and Visual References

Throughout this comparison, I’ve integrated key visual aids to support these observations:

• Size and handling comparisons to highlight ergonomics
• Control layout views revealing operating philosophies
• Sensor visualizations disclosing technical advantages
• Back screen clarity contrasts underscoring usability
• Image samples demonstrating practical output differences
• Aggregate scorecards backing performance assessments
• Genre ratings showing where each camera shines or falls short

I encourage readers to weigh these alongside personal needs rather than marketing hype or specs alone.

So, ready to let go of yesterday’s pocket camera nostalgia and step into a slightly more capable compact world? The EX-ZR15 awaits your tap.

Happy shooting!