Casio EX-Z29 vs Sony RX100 VI: A Tale of Two Compacts Across an Imaging Decade

When you set out to compare cameras like the Casio EX-Z29 and the Sony RX100 VI, you're basically juxtaposing worlds apart. One debuted in 2009 as a budget-friendly ultracompact aimed at casual shooters; the other arrived almost a decade later, packing cutting-edge tech into a premium large-sensor compact designed to rival entry-level DSLRs for enthusiasts and pros on the go.

Having spent years handling cameras from every size and category, I’ve found that comparisons like this are less about straightforward “which is better” but more about understanding which model shines for particular needs, photography styles, and budgets. So grab a coffee, and let’s dive deep - lens cap off - into these two machines, touching all corners from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus wizardry and practical shooting scenarios.

Size, Shape, and Feel: Handling the Compact Realm

Looking at these two, you might think they simply wear the “compact” badge with equal pride - but oh, no.

The Casio EX-Z29 is a petite ultracompact with a fixed 38-113mm (3×) zoom, weighing in at a featherlight 125 grams and measuring just 101x57x23mm. It fits tucked away in just about any pocket with barely a bulge - perfect for those quick snaps without the bulk. The downside here is ergonomic simplicity - no comfort grip, minimal controls, and a fixed screen.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 VI, almost triple the weight at 301 grams and roughly double the thickness (102x58x43mm), is still remarkably pocketable for a large-sensor camera. Its body feels far more substantial, with a pronounced handgrip and thoughtfully placed buttons for intuitive handling. The larger size accommodates advanced components and, crucially, offers better control feedback - a huge plus for enthusiasts wanting manual overrides without fumbling.

If you juggle cameras a lot or travel light, the Casio’s slimmer footprint appeals - you won't even notice it’s there. But for extended shoots or more deliberate composition, the RX100 VI's heft not only inspires confidence but reduces fatigue.

Top-Down: Controls and Interface Layout

Ergonomics extends beyond size into the user interface, which defines how effortlessly a camera translates your creative intent.

Starting with the EX-Z29, the control scheme is stripped down - mostly a simple mode dial and shutter button without dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed (more on that later). There’s no touchscreen or articulated screen, nor a viewfinder to frame precisely in bright light. It’s the “point, shoot, and hope for the best” approach favored at entry-level.

The RX100 VI, however, is a masterclass in compact control design with a top-speed zoom lever encircling the shutter button, a mode dial including manual modes, exposure compensation, and a dedicated video button - all complemented by a tilting touchscreen LCD and a high-res pop-up electronic viewfinder. This camera is built for serious photographers who want granular control on a small footprint.

In practical terms: while the Casio is fine for novice snapshots or vacation prints, the Sony’s layout allows fast switching between shooting modes and tweaks, ideal for dynamic conditions where every millisecond counts.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Does (Almost) Matter

At the heart of every camera is the sensor - and here is where the story becomes a chasm rather than a gap.

The Casio EX-Z29 houses a diminutive 1/2.5" CCD sensor with just 10 megapixels. While it was respectable for its 2009 vintage, this sensor size imposes significant limitations - particularly in noise control, dynamic range, and detail resolution. The effective sensor area is roughly 25mm², making it challenging to maintain image quality in challenging lighting.

The Sony RX100 VI sports a 1" backside-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring approximately 116mm² with a sharp 20.1 megapixels. This sensor size, four times larger by area, dramatically improves light gathering, noise performance, and dynamic range. Backside illumination enhances low-light efficiency, pushing usable ISO up to 12800 (and boosted up to 25600, for emergencies).

In plain speak: the RX100 VI’s images are sharper, better exposed, and have richer colors and far less noise even at night. The EX-Z29 will suffice for sunny day portraits or landscapes posted online but struggles quickly in any low light or where detail is king.

Looking Behind: Screens and Viewfinders

Comfort in composing an image often depends on your viewfinder or LCD screen experience.

Casio’s EX-Z29 features a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen with a disappointingly low resolution (115k dots). The lack of touch or articulation means awkward angles and little interactive feedback during shooting or playback. No EVF means you battle glare outdoors, squinting to frame shots. Welcome to a simpler time.

The Sony RX100 VI upgrades this experience dramatically with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen boasting a crisp 1.23 million dots. The touchscreen supports intuitive AF point selection and pinch-to-zoom playback. Add to that a built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder with roughly 2.36 million dots resolution and 100% coverage - ideal in bright sun or for precise framing.

For photography enthusiasts who crave compositional flexibility and confidence, the RX100’s superior screens and viewfinder remove obstacles that otherwise frustrate the shoot.

Autofocus: The Great Differentiator in Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus technology can make or break real-world shooting, especially for action, wildlife, or candid street photography.

The Casio EX-Z29 uses contrast-detection autofocus - standard fare back then but inherently slower and less precise than modern hybrids. Even the basic single AF system in EX-Z29 can feel sluggish; it lacks face detection or tracking, which means you’re often guessing and waiting for it to lock. Manual focus is present, but without critical magnification assistance, dialing it in is a challenge.

The Sony RX100 VI boasts a sophisticated hybrid AF with 315 focus points - covering a wide area with phase-detection points allied to contrast detection for fast, reliable focusing. It features continuous AF, eye detection, tracking, and selectable AF areas. In practice, this translates to lightning-quick, confident focus acquisition - even on moving wildlife or athletes. Shooting bursts at 24fps with autofocus tracking is realistic rather than a hopeful dream.

This gap profoundly affects sports, wildlife, and street photographers who need to nail fleeting moments. The RX100 VI leaves the EX-Z29 in its dust here.

Versatility of the Lens: Focal Range and Aperture

Ever notice how a camera’s physical dimensions often predict its zoom and aperture power?

The EX-Z29's fixed zoom covers 38-113mm equivalent - a mild telephoto reach but nothing dramatic. Unfortunately, Casio does not publish aperture specs but given the sensor and era, the lens likely maxes out around f/2.8-f/5.6 toward the long end. This limits its background blur capacity and low-light ray-gathering.

The Sony RX100 VI zings with an 8.3× zoom lens ranging from 24mm ultra-wide to 200mm telephoto equivalent, covering everything from sweeping landscapes to distant details without changing glass. Aperture ranges from a bright F2.8 at wide angle to a moderate F4.5 at telephoto. It’s not the fastest lens jungle-wide, but combined with image stabilization and a large sensor, it’s a versatile performer.

The RX100 VI’s lens flexibility makes it suitable across genres - travel, portraits with creamy bokeh, wildlife at moderate distances - while the EX-Z29's restricted zoom and aperture invite compromise.

Shooting Performance: Frame Rates, Shutter Speeds, and Stabilization

The EX-Z29 maxes out shutter speed at 1/2000s, with no electronic shutter or silent mode. Its shooting speed specs are vague, and continuous shooting is unavailable. Imagine wielding a spray-and-pray style camera in a fast-paced setting - not ideal. Also, it lacks image stabilization, shifting the burden to your hands’ steadiness.

Conversely, the RX100 VI stretches shutter speeds from 30 seconds down to an astounding 1/32000s electronic shutter, perfect for blazing action or bright daylight shots at wide apertures. Continuous shooting is a blistering 24fps with AF/AE tracking, enabling multiple keeps in sports or wildlife sessions. Optical image stabilization paired with lens and sensor shift counters shake impressively - a godsend in low light or telephoto shots.

This makes RX100 VI incredibly nimble - tackling sports arenas, bird-in-flight sequences, or nighttime cityscapes with confidence. The EX-Z29’s specs are more aligned with casual snapshots.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered on the Road

For traveler photographers or event shooters, battery life and storage options impact productivity.

The Casio EX-Z29 uses the NP-60 battery - its discharge rate isn’t published, but my experience with similar cameras suggests a modest lifespan, potentially under 200 shots per charge. Storage via a single SD/SDHC card slot keeps things simple.

The RX100 VI is powered by the NP-BX1 battery with official CIPA ratings around 240 shots per charge. Real-world usage with intermittent standby and improved power management sometimes pushes this higher. It supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony Memory Stick cards, catering to various media workflows.

Neither camera supports in-body USB charging; carrying spare batteries is prudent, especially for a day’s shoot. Sony’s overall power management and charging ecosystem are more modern and practical.

Connectivity and Extras: From Wi-Fi to Video

In an increasingly connected world, wireless features and multimedia capabilities can't be ignored.

The EX-Z29, quite vintage, offers basic Eye-Fi card compatibility for rudimentary wireless image transfer - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS onboard. Video tops out at lowly 848×480 resolution at 30 fps, shot in Motion JPEG. Roughly, it’s a digital camera stuck in a pre-smartphone era.

The RX100 VI is more of a multimedia powerhouse boasting built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for seamless image sharing and remote control. Video shoots in 4K UHD 3840×2160 at 30fps with clean HDMI output and XAVC S codec support. While there’s no mic or headphone jack, internal stereo mics yield respectable audio, and downloadable apps add interval recording for timelapse - a nod to creative video shooters.

This makes the RX100 VI a genuine hybrid for photo and video creativity, whereas the EX-Z29 handles video as an afterthought.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera in this pair is weather sealed, waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof - both rely on careful handling. However, the RX100 VI’s build exudes a solid, premium feel with aluminum alloy construction, while the Casio EX-Z29 leans on plastic bodies typical of budget ultracompacts.

I’d recommend both cameras be shielded from harsh environments; the RX100 VI’s sturdier build fares better against the rigors of travel and occasional rough use.

Putting It All Together: Use Cases Across Genres

Let’s consider practical shooting scenarios and how each fares.

• Portrait Photography: The RX100 VI’s larger sensor, bright zoom lens, and eye-detection AF deliver flattering skin tones, beautiful bokeh, and tack-sharp focus. EX-Z29 can manage decent outdoor portraits but falls short in low light and lacks AF sophistication.

• Landscape Photography: RX100 VI’s wide-angle 24mm start, high resolution, and dynamic range produce detailed, vibrant landscapes. The EX-Z29’s narrower zoom and smaller sensor struggle to capture the same nuance.

• Wildlife Photography: With 200mm max zoom, high burst rates, and tracking AF, RX100 VI can snag wildlife in action at moderate distances. The EX-Z29 isn’t designed for this genre; slow AF and short zoom hamper usability.

• Sports Photography: The RX100 VI shines here with 24fps shooting and reliable autofocus tracking. EX-Z29’s lack of continuous shooting or AF tracking makes it unsuitable.

• Street Photography: EX-Z29’s tiny size aids discretion but limits creative control. RX100 VI is bulkier but still pocketable with silent shutter mode (electronic shutter) enabling respectful, quiet captures.

• Macro Photography: RX100 VI can focus as close as 8cm, useful for flowers and details, whereas EX-Z29’s macro specs are unclear but likely limited.

• Night/Astro Photography: RX100 VI’s larger sensor, high ISO performance, long exposure up to 30 secs, and stable tripod compatibility give it a clear edge.

• Video Capabilities: RX100 VI provides 4K video, image stabilization, and advanced codecs perfect for casual filmmaking; EX-Z29 offers poor VGA-quality video.

• Travel Photography: RX100 VI balances size, functionality, and power to be a versatile traveler’s companion. EX-Z29 can act as a backup or secondary snapshot device.

• Professional Work: RX100 VI supports RAW capture, manual controls, and integrate well into workflows; EX-Z29’s JPEG only and limited controls prevent professional use.

Sample Images and Real-World Look

Don’t take specs at face value; images speak volumes.

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

From my tests, RX100 VI samples exhibit sharp, noise-free images with accurate color reproduction across lighting conditions, subtle bokeh gradients, and rich details. The EX-Z29’s photos are softer, prone to noise at ISO 400+, and color accuracy varies, especially indoors or in shadow.

Scores and Summaries: Objective Meets Subjective

Let’s see how these two stack up numerically in various performance aspects.

Parameters like image quality, autofocus speed, build, ergonomics, and video heavily favor the RX100 VI.

Unsurprisingly, RX100 VI scores highly across virtually all genres except, perhaps, for absolute macro specialists, where dedicated lenses outperform even it. The EX-Z29 sits low but acceptable for casual casual shooting.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy What?

• Choose the Casio EX-Z29 if:

  • You want the cheapest, simplest ultracompact for casual daytime snaps.
  • Budget is your hard boundary and you need something pocketable with acceptable daylight results.
  • Photography is a pastime, and you want zero fuss or complexity.
  • You’re replacing a basic point-and-shoot from the early 2000s.

• Choose the Sony RX100 VI if:

  • You need a premium compact capable of professional-level image quality.
  • You shoot varied subjects: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, street, or travel, and require speed and control.
  • Portability is crucial but you want DSLR-like features without changing lenses.
  • Video shooting is a serious consideration.
  • RAW capture and advanced workflows matter.

Final Reflections

While cameras like the Casio EX-Z29 once dominated the family snapshots zone, the flood of smartphones and advances in sensor tech make them borderline obsolete for enthusiasts.

The Sony RX100 VI, meanwhile, exemplifies how much imaging has leapt forward - packing DSLR-caliber tech into a pocket-friendly frame. It’s not inexpensive, but for those who demand flexibility, speed, and serious quality from a compact, it offers massive value.

Yet, we shouldn’t dismiss cameras like the EX-Z29 outright. They meet a niche need: no-fuss, compact, affordable digital photography for casual users who don’t crave manual control or raw files.

In my experience - having pocketed both rigs - I always reach for the RX100 VI when the moment counts. But I keep a simple camera in the car or bag for carefree snaps, where convenience trumps all.

One thing’s for sure: both these cameras tell the story of digital photography’s evolution - from the basics of yesterday to the precision tools of today.

For more detailed test images, EXIF comparisons, and price trackers, be sure to check the latest reviews from trusted sources. Happy shooting!