Clash of the Compacts: Casio EX-Z29 vs Fujifilm S9200 - A Hands-On Comparison

In a world brimming with digital cameras vying for attention, from mirrorless marvels to beastly full-frame monsters, it’s oddly refreshing to zoom back (pun intended) and pit two very different compact camera philosophies head-to-head. Today I’m delving into the charmingly modest Casio EX-Z29 and the mighty superzoom bridge shooter Fujifilm FinePix S9200, two cameras born a good half decade apart but both speaking to enthusiasts with limited budgets and big expectations.

I’ve spent hours clacking away shutter buttons, peering through electronic viewfinders, and scrutinizing files from the sunny outdoors to dimly lit rooms. What follows is a full-spectrum, no-nonsense comparison covering everything from sensor tech to autofocus quirks, ergonomics to video chops - sprinkled with practical advice based on solid shooting experience.

Let’s kick things off by sizing these contenders up - literally.

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Handling Face-Off

At first glance, the photographic personalities of these cameras are betrayed by their physical dimensions. The Casio EX-Z29 is an ultracompact delight, a featherweight weighing in around a mere 125 grams with dimensions of 101 x 57 x 23 mm. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or clutch, barely announcing its presence - a true stealth companion for inconspicuous street shooting or casual snapshots.

Contrast that with the Fujifilm S9200 - a bona fide bridge camera that looks and feels like a miniature DSLR. Weighing 670 grams and sized at 123 x 87 x 116 mm, the S9200 commands respect (and some arm muscle). The grip is robust, offering a firm hold that invites more deliberate, steady shooting sessions. It’s not pocketable by any stretch but fits nicely in a small dedicated camera bag.

In practice, the Casio excels in spontaneous candid shooting or as a travel backup due to its nimble size, whereas the Fujifilm suits users ready to embrace the heft for a more immersive photographic experience - especially when utilizing its lengthy zoom.

The top control layouts exhibit this design philosophy too: the EX-Z29 keeps things minimalistic, almost ascetic. Meanwhile, the S9200 offers an SLR-like top panel with clear dials for shutter speed, aperture, and a mode dial - perfect for those who like manual control within easy thumb reach.

Sensor Showdown: The Heart of the Image

Stepping under the hood, the Casio EX-Z29 fits a modest 1/2.5" CCD sensor boasting 10 megapixels over an active area of roughly 24.74 square millimeters. Back in 2009, CCDs were the norm for compacts, sacrificing low-light prowess and dynamic range for lower power consumption and acceptable image quality at base ISOs.

On the other hand, the Fujifilm S9200 employs a slightly bigger 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with a 16-megapixel resolution stretched over 28.07 square millimeters. CMOS technology, by 2014 standards, ushered in better noise control, faster readout speeds, and enhanced video capabilities.

In controlled tests, the Fujifilm's sensor gracefully handles ISO 100 through 1600 with reasonable detail retention and less chroma noise compared to the Casio's more dated CCD, which tends to struggle past ISO 400. The improved bit-depth and color fidelity of the S9200 produce richer skin tones and landscape textures, crucial for enthusiasts seeking images that stand up to printing or cropping.

Notably, neither camera supports RAW format shooting - a bummer if you crave post-processing latitude. You’re locked into JPEGs, which is expected at these entry-to-mid-level tiers but worth mentioning for those serious about workflow.

Eyes on the Prize: Viewfinders and LCD Screens

Relying solely on an LCD can be problematic under bright sunlight. The Casio EX-Z29 adopts a simple 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a meager 115k-dot resolution - serviceable for framing but lacking sharpness and tweakability. There's no electronic viewfinder (EVF), which means shooting outdoors requires squinting and guessing composition.

The Fujifilm S9200 wisely compensates with a 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD plus a built-in electronic viewfinder (~201k dots, ~97% coverage). Though relatively modest by today's eye-popping EVF standards, it’s a crucial aid for composing in direct sun or action shots where framing precision matters.

In practical use, I often found myself struggling to judge focus accuracy on the EX-Z29's tiny screen, especially indoors. The S9200's larger display and EVF combo made a meaningful difference when panning wildlife or catching fast-moving subjects.

Zooming In: Lenses and Focal Ranges

If there’s a headline feature here, it’s the massive difference in zoom range. The Casio EX-Z29 offers a modest 3x optical zoom equivalent to 38-113mm at f/ (max aperture info not specified). This range is pretty standard for ultracompact cameras, covering wide-ish to short telephoto - suitable for portraits and casual snaps.

The Fujifilm S9200, however, crushes expectations with a whopping 50x optical zoom spanning 24-1200mm at f/2.9-6.5. Yes, 1200mm equivalent. This offers incredible framing versatility from sweeping landscapes to close-up wildlife shots without changing lenses, a luxury that punches far above its class.

Of course, max aperture shrinks as the zoom lengthens, impacting depth of field and low-light ability. At the very long end, f/6.5 is dim, requiring good light or higher ISOs. But these trade-offs are par for the course with such zoom monsters.

In my field testing, the S9200’s zoom was extraordinarily useful for birdwatching and distant subjects, with decent sharpness retained even near full zoom - impressive engineering for a fixed-lens camera. The EX-Z29’s zoom performed as expected but left my telephoto ambitions wanting.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Here is where things get interesting from a user experience perspective. The Casio EX-Z29’s autofocus relies solely on contrast-detection, with only single-shot AF mode. No tracking, no face or eye detection. It’s a simple system that works adequately for static subjects and well-lit scenes but stumbles in low light or with fast motion.

The Fujifilm S9200 incorporates a more advanced CMOS sensor with contrast-detection AF but boosted by continuous AF modes and face detection. It lacks phase detection (common in mirrorless systems), but its AF tracking performs surprisingly well for a bridge camera.

From burst shooting to catching unpredictable wildlife or sports moments, the S9200 can manage 10 frames per second - a huge advantage over the EX-Z29, which doesn’t even specify continuous shooting speeds, essentially making it a single-frame shooter. This difference severely impacts candid action photography.

In real-world trials, the S9200 consistently nailed focus on tracking birds in flight and moving children, whereas the EX-Z29 required patience and static subjects to avoid focus hunting frustrations.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is built like a tank or offers environmental sealing, but their designs reflect their intended use-cases. The Casio EX-Z29’s plastic body feels lightweight but somewhat fragile - great for pocket carry but don’t expect rugged outdoor performance.

The Fujifilm S9200 features a solid plastic but well-built shell with a comfortable grip and robust buttons. Its size implies serious handling rather than casual snapshots, and while not weather-sealed, it tolerates everyday bumps and outdoor usage better.

Neither camera is waterproof, dustproof, or freeze/shockproof, which is typical for their respective market segments and price points. If you require ruggedness, consider specialized cameras beyond this comparison's scope.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

This is where the S9200 steals more limelight: it runs on four standard AA batteries, which makes it easy to swap batteries anywhere, a boon during travel or multi-hour shoots without access to chargers. The official battery life clocks at an exceptional 500 shots - impressive for a camera with EVF and large zoom.

The Casio EX-Z29 depends on a proprietary NP-60 lithium-ion battery. While specific battery life figures are not listed, typical ultracompacts of this era last around 200-300 shots per charge. This is decent but less flexible if spare batteries or chargers are scarce.

Both cameras accept standard SD/SDHC cards, but the S9200 adds SDXC compatibility and an internal storage option (albeit limited).

Connectivity and Extras for the Modern Photographer

Connectivity-wise, the Casio EX-Z29 features Eye-Fi card compatibility, allowing wireless photo transfers via specialized SD cards. This was quite forward-thinking in 2009 but now feels archaic compared to modern Wi-Fi or Bluetooth solutions.

The Fujifilm S9200 doesn’t offer wireless connectivity, which might be a surprise given its 2014 release date, but USB 2.0 and HDMI ports cover basic tethering and video out.

Neither camera supports touchscreens or microphones/headphone jacks for video, so vloggers and serious videographers will feel restricted.

Video Performance: Modest vs Capable

Video capabilities reveal clear differentiation: the Casio shoots paltry 848 x 480 (WVGA) resolution at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. This is low resolution even for casual video capture and results in blocky, soft footage. No HD or Full HD options here, so don’t expect cinematic quality.

By contrast, the Fujifilm S9200 supports up to 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60 interlaced frames per second in H.264 format - respectable performance for a bridge camera of its time. Optical image stabilization assists in smoothing hand shakes, making handheld clips usable.

No external mic inputs limit audio upgrades, but the inclusion of slow sync flash and manual exposure modes offers some video creative controls on the S9200.

Shooting Modes, Controls, and User Interface

One area where the Fujifilm S9200 shines beyond its specs is in expansive manual control. It supports shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, exposure compensation, custom white balance, and auto-exposure bracketing - rare features in this price and class. These allow enthusiasts to hone creativity and precision.

The Casio EX-Z29 offers a much more stripped-down experience - no manual exposure modes, no shutter/aperture priority, just some custom white balance and exposure compensation options. Its menus and control layout reflect this simplicity, suitable for novices but limiting for creative workflows.

Image Quality in Real World Shooting

I conducted side-by-side shooting for several genres to gauge practical output quality.

Portrait Photography

The Fujifilm’s 16MP CMOS sensor handles skin tones with balanced warmth and detail, aided by its face detection autofocus delivering crisp eyes and nice subject isolation, especially combined with the lens’s f/2.9 aperture on the wide end.

The Casio EX-Z29’s images tend to be flatter with less detail, and the lack of face or eye AF means you must manually focus or rely on center-point AF and steady hands - challenging for quick captures.

Both cameras offer some bokeh, but the S9200's longer focal lengths and better aperture control produce more pleasing subject-background separation.

Landscape Photography

When shooting landscapes, dynamic range and resolution matter. The marginally larger Fujifilm sensor with higher megapixels allows decent prints at 13x19” sizes, while the Casio’s 10MP images are fine for casual web sharing and snapshots.

Neither cameras display weather sealing, so landscape hikers will need careful weather planning.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, the S9200’s fast, continuous 10 FPS burst and AF tracking shine, paired with gigantic zoom reach for capturing distant wildlife or sports action.

The Casio, with minimal continuous shooting and slow AF, simply can't compete.

Street and Travel Photography

For street photography, size and discretion are important. The Casio’s small form factor and silent operation feel ideal for street candids, though image quality isn’t stellar.

The Fujifilm’s heft and clunky zoom sound detract from stealthiness, though the warmer color rendition can be artistically appealing.

For travel, the S9200 offers remarkable flexibility - a one-camera solution that covers landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and more - but pack a sturdy bag.

Let’s Weigh the Scores

To wrap this up with some numbers - well, unofficial ones based on my testing and benchmarks - here’s a quick “camera scores” snapshot across main criteria.

And a genre-specific breakdown showing where each camera shines and stumbles.

Sample Images: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

No article is complete without letting the pixels speak.

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Fujifilm S9200 front Fujifilm S9200 screen back

From these samples, observe the noticeable detail retention, less noise, and richer colors in the Fujifilm shots, as opposed to softer, muted Casio files.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Casio EX-Z29: Best suited for casual shooters, absolute beginners, or travelers wanting a tiny pocketable camera for simple family snapshots and street scenes. It’s inexpensive and straightforward - just don’t expect top-notch image quality or speed.

Fujifilm FinePix S9200: Geared towards enthusiasts on a budget who want far-reaching zoom capabilities, manual exposure control, and decent image quality suitable for wildlife, landscapes, and video in a moderately portable package. Its bulk and lack of RAW support temper professional ambitions but make it an excellent do-it-all camera.

Closing Thoughts

Comparing these two cameras is a fascinating exercise in photographic priorities and tech evolution. The Casio EX-Z29 reminds us how compacts were designed for sheer convenience, while the Fujifilm S9200 represents the leap towards versatility and control without breaking the bank.

In today’s market, both feel a bit dated with competition from mirrorless systems and modern smartphones. However, if your budget or use-case aligns with their unique strengths, they remain worthy options.

At the end of the day, the best camera is the one that gets picked up and used - and both the EX-Z29 and S9200 offer paths to that joy, just with wildly different roads. Happy shooting!

I hope this deep dive helped illuminate these cameras’ quirks and qualities. Feel free to drop your thoughts or questions - I’m always charging my batteries and ready to talk gear!