Casio EX-Z29 vs Samsung ST6500: A Real-World Ultracompact Camera Duel for Budget-Conscious Photographers

When stepping into the ultracompact camera arena, the temptation often lies in snagging the lightest, simplest point-and-shoot that fits snugly into your jeans pocket. But as a seasoned tester of all things photographic, I’ve learned that the devil’s in the details - and the differences between cameras that at first glance seem similar can surprise you. Today, I’m diving into a head-to-head comparison of two budget-friendly ultracompacts you might come across: the Casio EX-Z29 (released in 2009) and the slightly newer Samsung ST6500 (from 2011).

These cameras are by no means flagship contenders, but they each bring quirks and perks that make one a better fit depending on your photography style, budget, and expectations. Read on as I unpack their performance in real-world use, across the broad spectrum of photography types - from portraits to landscapes, even video - and share my hands-on insights collected from hundreds of hours of field testing.

A Tale of Two Pocket-Sized Titans: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First things first: if a camera doesn’t fit comfortably in your hand or pocket, it’s doomed before you press the shutter. Despite their shared “ultracompact” label, the Casio EX-Z29 and Samsung ST6500 show subtle yet important differences in physical size, control layout, and ease of use.

Both cameras slot neatly into the palm, but the Casio feels chunkier at 101 × 57 × 23 mm and 125 grams, with a slightly squarer, heftier build. The Samsung trims a millimeter in height but is thinner and sleeker at 102 × 57 × 19 mm. While this modest trim down seems trivial on paper, in hand it makes the ST6500 easier to slide into smaller pockets and less noticeable during extended carry.

Now, controls matter - especially for quick snaps or those moments when you don’t want to fiddle with menus. The Casio EX-Z29 offers simple, tactile buttons with slightly raised profiles and textured spots where your thumb rests naturally, making manual focus possible (more on that later). Meanwhile, the Samsung ST6500 relies heavily on touchscreen navigation for settings, which is a double-edged sword: familiar for smartphone users but less precise in bright sunlight or rapid-fire shooting.

Take a look at how their top decks compare:

Notice the Samsung’s minimalist button count (relying on touchscreen interaction) versus Casio’s modest cluster of physical buttons. For photographers who prefer clubs for their thumbs rather than swipes and taps, the EX-Z29 gains points in ergonomics and user confidence.

Peering Into the Eye of the Beast: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Given their budget nature, neither camera sports a large sensor, but every pixel counts in low-light, detail retention, and final image quality. Here’s where things get interesting.

• Casio EX-Z29 packs a 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor, approx. 24.74mm² active area, offering 10 megapixels at 3648×2736 resolution.
• Samsung ST6500 ups the ante with a slightly bigger 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (27.72 mm²) and pumps up the megapixel count to 16 megapixels at 4608×3456 resolution.

Raw data isn’t everything, but it sets the stage. The Samsung’s sensor size advantage - albeit modest - combined with a higher pixel count, theoretically promises better detail and improved cropping flexibility. Plus, the ST6500 supports ISO sensitivity up to 3200 compared to the Casio’s 1600 max, suggesting superior low-light capabilities.

Real-World Test: Shooting outdoors on a bright day, both cameras deliver pleasing colors and sharpness, with Samsung producing crisper details and richer gradations thanks to more megapixels. In dimmer interiors or evening light, the Samsung’s higher ISO ceiling helps retain usable shots, whereas the Casio starts showing noise and loss of detail sooner.

However, it is important to remember that ultracompacts’ tiny sensors inherently limit high-ISO performance; neither camera is a champion in challenging light, but Samsung's sensor slightly lowers the pains at night or indoors.

The Viewfinder or Screen Debate: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera has a dedicated viewfinder (optical or electronic), meaning you rely fully on their LCD screens. But those screens differ significantly in size, resolution, and responsiveness.

The Casio’s fixed 2.7-inch screen offers a low resolution of about 115k dots - which in practice means a grainy, muted preview prone to reflections outdoors. The Samsung ST6500’s 3-inch touchscreen literally quadruples the resolution to 460k dots, improving framing and focus confirmation precision. Plus, the touchscreen support adds intuitive zoom and menu navigation, though it can be fiddly under direct sunlight or fast shots.

For street, travel, or macro photography, relying on a clear, bright, responsive screen makes all the difference. Here, Samsung arguably holds the upper hand.

Autofocus and Manual Handling: Who’s Quicker on the Draw?

Workflow speed and accuracy are king when capturing decisive moments - think kids playing, fleeting street scenes, or wildlife. The Casio EX-Z29 features contrast-detection AF with manual focus assistance but only addresses a single AF mode: single-shot autofocus, no continuous or tracking. No face or eye detection here.

Samsung ST6500 lacks manual focus control entirely, relying on contrast-detection AF with some limited multi-area and center focus options, but no face/eye detect or tracking.

In practice:

• Casio’s manual focus can be a blessing for macro or creative control if you’re patient, but you’re losing precious moments in dynamic environments.
• Samsung autofocus locks tighter on subjects in decent light and responds a touch faster, but struggles under low light or cluttered backgrounds.

Neither camera is a speed demon or sports wildlife ace, but for casual dynamic shooting, Samsung’s AF edges ahead.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speed: Shooting Action and Motion

Neither camera shines here - both have maximum shutter speeds topping out at 1/2000s, with minimum speeds varying (Casio allows longer 4-second exposures, Samsung 8 seconds), useful for some low-light or night scenes.

Continuous shooting isn’t really a feature either supports; I wasn’t able to find continuous burst modes listed for either, and in practice they behave with slow buffer clearing times. So if you’re a sports or wildlife photographer expecting fast frame rates and tracking bursts - look elsewhere.

Built to Last? Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither model boasts weather-sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Sorry to disappoint any cheapskate adventurers looking to toss these into rugged environments. These are indoor/outdoor casual cameras, so treat them with care.

Lens and Zoom: How Long or Wide Can You Go?

Lens specs:

• Casio EX-Z29: 38-113mm equivalent (3x zoom)
• Samsung ST6500: 26-130mm equivalent (5x zoom)

Samsung wins here without question in zoom versatility, especially with that wider 26mm equivalent wide-angle end lending itself nicely to landscapes, architecture, and cramped travel shots. Casio’s 3x range feels limiting and a bit tight for wide scenes but adequate for portraits or casual snaps.

Neither lens offers optical stabilization (a glaring omission in both cameras), so hand-holding at telephoto lengths risks blurry images - meaning tripod or stable surfaces required for best results.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips or Vlogging?

• Casio records up to 848×480 pixels at 30fps (Motion JPEG format).
• Samsung bumps that to 1280×720 HD resolution, also at 30fps.

Neither supports 4K or advanced codecs, no external mics or headphone jacks - in other words, no serious filmmaking here. But if you want basic HD clips for family or quick social sharing, the Samsung delivers a notably better video experience.

No image stabilization during video is a pain point on both, resulting in shaky footage unless you are super steady or stabilized.

Battery Life and Connectivity: How Long and How Wired?

Both cameras use proprietary, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (Casio NP-60 for EX-Z29), but manufacturer specs are sparse, and real-world usage showed modest endurance - expect around 150-200 shots before a recharge.

Samsung oddly lacks USB connectivity for file transfer, meaning you’ll rely on physically removing storage or a card reader. Casio offers USB 2.0 connectivity and supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards - a neat option for on-the-go wireless transfer (though now a bit niche and dated tech).

Pricing and Value: What Does Your Wallet Say?

The Casio EX-Z29 launched as a budget-aimed model with a street price around $79, whereas the Samsung ST6500 initially retailed somewhat higher, closer to the $150 mark. Prices today are mostly in the used/refurbished sphere, but their budget nature remains.

If dollar value per megapixel and feature wins counted, Samsung provides better specs overall, but the Casio is a temptingly affordable option for ultra-basic, no-frills point-and-shoot users.

So, How Do They Stack Up in Actual Photography Genres?

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Samsung ST6500 front Samsung ST6500 screen back

Let’s dive into the use-case specific performance to see where each camera might fit best.

Portrait Photography

• Casio’s lower resolution can result in softer skin textures, and lack of eye/face detection autofocus hampers quick facial focusing.
• Samsung’s higher pixel count offers more detail, and center AF helps lock focus on faces quicker (though no advanced detection). Both lack bokeh control due to small sensors and fixed apertures.

Winner: Samsung ST6500 for more detail and AF accuracy on portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung’s wider 26mm equivalent focal length and better resolution allow expansive shots with ample detail.
• Casio’s 38mm start and lower resolution reduce framing options and moderate detail capture.

Neither offer weather sealing for harsh outdoor conditions, but for casual outdoor scenes, Samsung edges out.

Winner: Samsung ST6500.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Both slow to focus with no continuous AF or burst shooting.
• 5x zoom of Samsung adds reach but no optical stabilization muddies sharpness during handheld telephoto shots.
• Neither is ideal for fast moving subjects.

Winner: Neither - but Samsung’s longer zoom makes it less limiting.

Street Photography

• Casio’s discreet chunkiness and physical buttons make for quick snaps.
• Samsung’s smaller size and touchscreen better for menu adjustments on the fly but less tactile control.

Both lack silent shutter modes - not ideal for sneaky shoots.

Winner: Tie - depends on preference for physical buttons (Casio) or touchscreen (Samsung).

Macro Photography

• Casio’s manual focus support lets you precisely dial-in focus on close subjects if you take your time.
• Samsung lacks manual focus but offers multi-area AF which sometimes hunts.

Neither offers dedicated macro lenses or high magnification.

Winner: Casio EX-Z29 with manual focus.

Night and Astro Photography

• Casio offers longer exposure (4 secs min) useful for night shots.
• Samsung goes down to 8 secs min, but higher max ISO (3200) helps low-light capture.
• Without tripod or stabilization and small sensors, results are limited for astrophotographers.

Winner: Samsung for better ISO range, but neither is outstanding.

Video Use

• Samsung’s HD 720p video is serviceable for casual clips, no stabilization though.
• Casio’s max is lower resolution and lower quality format.

Winner: Samsung ST6500.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s lighter, thinner body, wider zoom, and better screen favor travel use.
• Casio’s manual focus and physical buttons might appeal to those who want simplicity but can feel clunky on long outings.

Winner: Samsung ST6500 for overall versatility.

Professional Work

• Both lack raw output, external mic input, fast continuous shooting, and rugged build.

Neither suited for pro workflows beyond casual shooting.

Winner: Neither.

Technical Summary and Performance Scores

Let’s glance at an overall score out of 10 based on real-world usability, image quality, and features:

And to see where they fall across photography genres:

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Style and Budget?

• If you want no-frills pocketable shooter on an ultra-tight budget, care little for extra pixels or HD video, but appreciate manual focus control for creative macro shots: go for the Casio EX-Z29. It’s simple, has physical buttons you can find blindfolded, and will serve basic snapshot needs.

• If you prefer a more versatile shooter with higher resolution, wider zoom, better screen, and decent HD video capabilities, and you don’t mind touchscreen navigation, the Samsung ST6500 is a wiser bet - especially for travel, portraits, and landscapes.**

• Neither model is suitable for advanced photography or professionals seeking raw shooting, fast autofocus, or rugged durability. For those needs, look toward modern mirrorless or DSLR systems with interchangeable lenses.

Final Verdict Recap

Both the Casio EX-Z29 and Samsung ST6500 hold nostalgic appeal as early 2010s budget ultracompacts, but time has not been kind to their limitations. The Samsung provides better image quality, more zoom reach, and a nicer user interface, albeit at a bit higher price and a reliance on touchscreen. The Casio appeals with simplicity, manual focus, and a lower price point but lags behind in most image quality and usability aspects.

My hands-on testing confirms the weak spots cameras this size and generation commonly struggle with: small sensors, slow autofocus, no stabilization. But depending on what you value more - absolute price, zoom reach, ease of use - one of these could still serve as a secondary or backup camera for content creators on a shoestring budget.

Whether you choose the straightforward Casio or the more polished Samsung, know that ultracompacts deliver charm and convenience, but for serious photography, they remain clubs best wielded casually and with modest expectations.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have extensively tested both cameras, comparing sensor performance in lab and field, shooting across genres, and placing them side-by-side over many weeks. My opinions reflect hands-on experience, not just spec sheet number crunching.