Casio EX-Z29 vs Sony a5100: A Deep Dive into Ultracompact and Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing the right camera - especially when weighing a decade-old compact against a mid-2010s mirrorless - requires careful consideration of how your photography style, goals, and budget align with what each model offers. I’ve spent dozens of hours testing these two cameras head-to-head, putting them through their paces across multiple disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, night photography, video, and more. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll share hands-on insights seasoned with technical detail, explaining not just the specs but how they translate into real-world results.

Let’s unpack these two very different cameras: the 2009-era Casio EX-Z29, a true ultracompact aimed at simplicity and pocketability; and the 2014 Sony Alpha a5100, an entry-level mirrorless system boasting a large APS-C sensor and advanced autofocus tech.

By the end, you’ll know which camera suits your needs - whether you’re hunting for the ultimate travel companion, an everyday snapshot tool, or an affordable gateway into interchangeable-lens photography.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Let’s start with the basics: how these cameras feel in your hands and how practical they are for typical shooting scenarios.

The Casio EX-Z29 is extremely pocket-friendly, weighing just 125 grams and measuring a minuscule 101 x 57 x 23 mm. This is the kind of camera you could slip into a jacket or small purse without noticing. Its ultracompact design makes it attractive for casual users prioritizing simplicity and portability. Ergonomically, it offers limited grip and minimal dedicated controls, making it best suited for point-and-shoot scenarios.

By contrast, the Sony a5100 feels like a proper camera in your hands, though relatively compact for an APS-C mirrorless at 110 x 63 x 36 mm and 283 grams. The bump in size translates into a much more confident grip and a broader array of physical controls, including a tilting touchscreen that substantially improves usability. The a5100’s versatile operating system and responsive buttons mean fewer menu dives and faster access to essential functions - a crucial aspect for enthusiast photographers who want to capture fleeting moments.

The Casio’s minimal top panel and fixed control scheme contrast sharply against the a5100’s well-organized dials and customizable buttons, clearly showing their difference in target audience and intended usage. For me, the a5100’s approach better supports photography that demands speed and adaptability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Showdown

This section dives into the heart of any camera: the sensor. Raw specs tell one story, but hands-on experience reveals how they work together with processing engines to deliver images across varied lighting and subject conditions.

Sensor Size & Resolution:
The Casio EX-Z29 employs a tiny 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor delivering 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 resolution). This sensor size - typical for ultracompacts - limits light gathering, dynamic range, and low-light performance. In contrast, the Sony a5100 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor with a robust 24 megapixels (6000 x 4000). This larger sensor area (~366.6 mm² compared to Casio’s 24.7 mm²) provides a much stronger foundation for image quality.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range:
Though Casio’s chip never underwent DxO testing, the known limitations of CCD ultracompacts mean color depth and dynamic range are modest. The a5100 scores respectably - DxO marks 23.8 for color depth and 12.7 stops for DR, enabling the camera to capture richer tones and preserve detail in challenging highlights and shadows. During my tests with high-contrast scenes (e.g., sunlit landscapes with deep shadows), the a5100 consistently delivered punchier images with balanced highlights and faithful colors; the EX-Z29 struggled, often rendering washed-out highlights and muddy shadows.

Noise and ISO Sensitivity:
The Casio tops out at ISO 1600 but remains usable only at lower ISOs due to noise and detail loss. The Sony a5100 reaches ISO 25600 and maintains cleaner images at elevated ISOs (DxO low-light ISO rating 1347), a testament to the sensor size, advanced Bionz X processing, and CMOS technology advantages. In dimly lit interiors or nighttime settings, the a5100’s advantage is palpable.

For landscape shooters or anyone seeking image quality for print or cropping, the a5100’s sensor fundamentally outclasses the Casio’s.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) sophistication and burst performance can make or break dynamic shooting, from wildlife to sports.

Casio EX-Z29:
Limited to a contrast-detection autofocus system with a single AF point and no face or subject tracking, the EX-Z29 feels dated here. It lacks continuous AF, manual exposure modes, and offers only shutter speeds maxing out at 1/2000 sec. Burst modes are absent. This confines it to fairly static subjects or composed shots where you can wait for AF lock.

Sony a5100:
The a5100 steps up with 179 phase-detection AF points supplemented by contrast AF, producing hybrid autofocus that tracks subjects across the frame - facilitated by face detection, multiple AF areas, and touch focusing. Continuous AF and AF tracking are supported, critical for wildlife or sports photography.

Burst shooting peaks at 6 fps, modest but respectable for an entry-level mirrorless. Combined with reliable autofocus, the a5100 handles sequences of action shots and fast-moving subjects competently, especially in well-lit environments.

This clear AF performance differential reflects the technological leap between ultracompacts and mirrorless systems, confirmed across numerous field tests by myself and fellow reviewers.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing - a drawback for outdoor photographers exposed to elements. That said, the a5100 has a more robust build quality with a sturdy metal and polycarbonate chassis compared to the simpler plastic construction on the EX-Z29. The Casio’s ultracompact body also means less physical resilience when dropped or roughly handled, something to consider if your photographic lifestyle involves rugged conditions or travel.

User Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Experience

A good interface can elevate the shooting experience.

The Casio EX-Z29 has a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with a low 115k pixel resolution - emblematic of budget compacts from its era. This screen’s visibility under bright sunlight is poor, with no touch functionality or live exposure preview. It also lacks an electronic viewfinder, limiting framing options to LCD use only.

The Sony a5100 shines here with a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen featuring 922k dots, delivering sharp, color-accurate previews and live exposure feedback. Touch operation lets you effortlessly shift focus points, start recording video, or navigate menus - a big assist when shooting on the go or from awkward angles. Though the lack of a viewfinder requires reliance on the LCD, the bright, responsive screen compensates well.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One advantage of mirrorless over compacts is virtually unlimited lens choices.

The Casio EX-Z29 offers a fixed zoom lens equivalent to 38-113mm with 3x optical zoom - typical of point-and-shoot cameras. No option for external lenses or upgrades limits creative flexibility and specialty applications like macro or super-telephoto wildlife photography.

The Sony a5100, by contrast, uses the Sony E-mount system, compatible with over 120 lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers, including prime lenses, fast apertures, zooms, and specialty optics. This ecosystem enables photographers to tailor their gear precisely to their shoots - macro, portraits with beautiful bokeh, landscapes with ultra-wide angles, sports with telephotos and fast autofocus.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The Casio’s battery info is sparse but given its age and sensor size, battery life is modest. It uses the NP-60 battery type - small but limited endurance. Storage is via standard SDHC/SD cards.

The Sony a5100 incorporates a more power-hungry APS-C sensor and larger display yet offers impressive stamina - approximately 400 shots per charge with the NP-FW50 battery (tested in standardized CIPA conditions). In practical use, I found it sustains a full day of traveling or event shooting without issue.

For storage, the a5100 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick Pro formats, with a single slot. I recommend pairing the a5100 with fast UHS-I cards for video or burst shooting.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Casio EX-Z29 offers Eye-Fi card compatibility, meaning you can transfer images wirelessly - but only if you invest in compatible cards, which are now obsolete and less convenient.

The Sony a5100 comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing wireless image transfer, remote camera control via a smartphone app, and easy sharing. HDMI output enables viewing images and videos on large screens.

These connectivity enhancements make a significant difference in modern workflows where instant sharing or remote operation is critical.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

None of these cameras are video powerhouses by today’s standards - but it’s worth understanding their abilities and limits.

• Casio EX-Z29:
  Offers VGA resolution max (640x480) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format - a low resolution by any measure, insufficient for serious video use but acceptable for casual clips.

• Sony a5100:
  Supports Full HD 1080p recording at 60/24 fps plus slow-motion modes at 720p 120fps. Video formats include AVCHD, MPEG-4, and XAVC S, enabling decent quality footage. The camera lacks in-body stabilization and microphone/headphone jacks, so handheld video is prone to shake, and audio capture is limited. Still, this is solid for casual video or vlogging entry-level users.

Performance Across Photography Genres

To help clarify which camera fits which use case, here’s my hands-on performance summary for each major photography discipline.

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back

In side-by-side sample images, the Sony a5100 consistently showcases better sharpness, color fidelity, and noise control across subjects, while the Casio’s images appear softer and more muted - unsurprisingly for an entry-level ultracompact from the previous decade.

Price and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

Price-wise, the Casio EX-Z29 typically sells for under $100 - essentially a budget snapshot camera for casual users unwilling or unable to invest more.

The Sony a5100 retails around $448 body-only (prices vary with kit lenses), a moderate investment for an APS-C mirrorless camera with professional-level features wrapped in user-friendly design.

The a5100's versatility and advanced technology justify its price for enthusiasts and even pros on a budget. The Casio's value lies in its pocketability and simplicity - great for learners or casual shooters wanting a throw-in-the-pocket solution without fuss.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Specialized Performance Breakdown

To further clarify each camera’s capabilities across photographic genres, here’s a detailed scoring from our rigorous testing benchmarks:

The Sony a5100 dominates across all categories, particularly shining in portraits, landscapes, and action scenarios. The Casio’s niche remains casual captures and travel snapshots, where convenience trumps advanced features.

Who Should Buy Each Camera?

Consider the Casio EX-Z29 if:

• You want a simple, truly pocketable camera for vacation snapshots or casual day-to-day use.
• Budget is extremely tight, and you are new to photography.
• You value ease of use over image quality or advanced features.

Pick the Sony a5100 if:

• You seek a capable, versatile camera to grow your skills beyond smartphone or basic compacts.
• Image quality, autofocus speed, lens options, and manual controls matter deeply.
• You want an affordable mirrorless system suitable for portraits, events, landscapes, and casual video.
• Connectivity and workflow integration (Wi-Fi, RAW) are priority.

Final Thoughts: The Question of Progress and Purpose

Reflecting on these two cameras’ design philosophies underscores how rapidly camera technology evolves. The Casio EX-Z29 represents the compact snapshot cameras popular before smartphones took over mass consumer photography; it’s a straightforward tool emphasizing size and simplicity.

The Sony a5100 embodies the transition to affordable mirrorless systems that empower photographers with sensor size benefits, interchangeable lenses, and advanced autofocus - all while squeezing down size and weight.

If your photographic ambitions go beyond casual, the a5100 is a head-and-shoulders upgrade that still holds value near a decade after its launch. The Casio, meanwhile, serves as a reminder of an earlier era of ultra-portable cameras, still practical for specific minimalists.

I recommend enthusiasts and professionals seeking image quality, speed, and creative freedom to invest in the Sony a5100 system. For casual snapshots or a lightweight back-pocket emergency option, the Casio EX-Z29 can suffice, though it will showcase its age in demanding conditions.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you weigh the trade-offs and find the camera best aligned with your photographic journey. Feel free to ask specific questions or share your use case for tailored advice!