Casio EX-Z29 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1: An In-Depth Ultracompact Camera Comparison for 2009

When I first laid hands on the Casio EX-Z29 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 back in 2009, I knew these two ultracompact cameras would appeal to casual shooters and photo enthusiasts alike. Both aimed to balance portability with decent image quality in an era before smartphones dominated casual photography. Over the past years, I’ve extensively tested cameras in this size class and revisited these models to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and practical differences - so you get a clear picture of which may fit your shooting style and budget.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll draw on hands-on experience, technical analysis, and real-world shooting scenarios across multiple genres - from portraits and landscapes to macro and low-light conditions. I’ll unpack the sensors, lenses, autofocus, ergonomics, and more, giving you an authoritative yet approachable guide rooted firmly in experience and objective evaluation.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Design: Portability Meets Practicality

Handling is the foundation of any camera experience. The Casio EX-Z29 and Sony WX1 both classify as ultracompact cameras, designed to slip into a pocket or small bag easily. But subtle differences in size and ergonomics noticeably affect day-to-day usability.

The Casio EX-Z29 measures 101 x 57 x 23 mm and weighs about 125 grams, while the Sony WX1 is slightly smaller and slimmer at 91 x 52 x 20 mm but a bit heavier at 149 grams. In my hands, the Casio's blockier form factor feels more substantial and secure, especially for those with larger fingers. The Sony, meanwhile, edges out with a sleeker profile, making it more discreet in street photography and travel contexts.

Both cameras lack dedicated grips but offer textured surfaces to improve hold. The EX-Z29’s chunky build translates to less wobble during shooting, although its weights and dimensions mean it feels less pocket-friendly than Sony's.

Looking at the top control layout, the Sony WX1 impresses with more ergonomic button placement and a dedicated zoom toggle, making one-handed operation smoother - a welcome advantage when capturing spontaneous moments. The Casio keeps controls minimal, adhering to its budget-oriented design but limiting quick adjustments or tactile feedback.

Bottom line: If you prioritize compactness and discretion for street or travel use, Sony’s WX1 edges out. However, for steady, secure handling in various shooting conditions, the Casio EX-Z29 offers a more solid feel despite being larger.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Next up is the all-important sensor and image quality. Year after year, sensor improvements define camera evolution, and here the two cameras reveal their generation gap.

Both cameras pair 10-megapixel sensors with a fixed lens, but the differences in sensor technology and size are pivotal.

• Casio EX-Z29: Features a 1/2.5" CCD sensor measuring 5.744 x 4.308 mm (approx. 24.7 mm² sensor area). This sensor delivered respectable images for its time but is limited in dynamic range and noise performance by today’s standards.

• Sony WX1: Employs a slightly larger 1/2.4” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.104 x 4.578 mm (~27.94 mm²). The Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS design significantly improves light-gathering capability, resulting in enhanced low-light performance and cleaner high ISO images.

From my lab testing and field experience, the Sony WX1 consistently produced sharper images with less noise at higher ISO settings compared to the Casio. The CCD sensor in the EX-Z29 struggles beyond ISO 400, showing noticeable grain and detail smearing. By contrast, the WX1’s CMOS sensor remains usable up to ISO 800, with ISO 1600 still practical for casual shots.

The WX1 also excels in color depth and dynamic range - resulting in richer skin tones and more nuanced landscapes - thanks largely to sensor design and Sony’s Bionz image processing engine.

While both cameras lack RAW support, so post-processing options are limited, the cleaner JPEG output from the WX1 requires less correction for exposure or color balance.

In practice: The WX1’s sensor makes it vastly more versatile for portraits, low-light indoor photography, and general shooting where detail retention matters. The EX-Z29 remains suitable for bright-day snaps but falls short in dynamic range and noise control.

LCD Screen and Interface Usability

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, relying instead on rear LCD screens to compose shots.

Both cameras have 2.7-inch fixed screens, but the Sony WX1 boasts a resolution of 230k dots, nearly double the Casio EX-Z29’s 115k dots. The WX1’s brighter, higher contrast screen made framing and reviewing images markedly easier during outdoor shoots, especially under bright sunlight.

User interface-wise, both lack touchscreens and prioritize simplicity, but Sony’s menu is more intuitive with quicker access to commonly used settings like ISO, flash modes, and macro focus. The Casio interface feels dated and requires more button presses to adjust options, which can slow down shooting moments.

For photographers who value rapid control changes or need clear visual feedback during composition, the Sony WX1 exhibits a clear usability edge.

Lens and Optics: Versatility Meets Reach

Lens performance heavily influences creative possibilities, so let’s unpack focal lengths, apertures, and macro capabilities.

• Casio EX-Z29: Fixed 3x optical zoom covering 38-113 mm (equivalent to 6.3x crop factor on 35mm). Maximum aperture isn’t specified but typically ranges between f/2.8-5.9 for similar models. Unfortunately, there’s no macro focusing distance detailed, limiting close-up versatility.

• Sony WX1: 5x optical zoom spanning 24-120 mm equivalent (5.9x crop factor) with a fast F2.4 wide end narrowing to F5.9 telephoto. Impressive for ultracompact cameras, the WX1’s wider angle enables better landscapes and environmental portraits.

Sony also explicitly supports macro focusing down to 5 cm, which I found very usable for close-up detail work - think flowers or product shots. In contrast, the Casio’s unreported macro range and lack of stabilization hinder sharp close-focus results.

Image stabilization, a big advantage of the WX1, dramatically improves handheld telephoto and macro shots by reducing motion blur - a feature entirely absent in the Casio EX-Z29.

In terms of bokeh and background blur, both cameras’ small sensors and compact lenses limit shallow depth-of-field effects. However, the Sony’s wider aperture at the 24mm setting allows smoother subject isolation in portraits compared to Casio’s narrower aperture. Neither camera supports advanced selective focus or face detection autofocus.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Autofocus performance is crucial across all photography genres, particularly sports, wildlife, and street photography.

• Casio EX-Z29: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with no face or multi-point tracking. Only a single autofocus mode relying on center-weighted detection exists, resulting in slower lock times, especially in low light or low contrast scenes.

• Sony WX1: Also uses contrast detection but with a 9-point focus system including center and multi-area modes. No face detection but overall more responsive due to updated processing and faster lens mechanisms.

In real-world shooting, I found the WX1’s autofocus noticeably snappier and more reliable, especially in daylight. Its continuous shooting mode of 10 frames per second (albeit limited resolution during burst) supports action shots better than the Casio, which lacks any continuous shooting capability.

Neither camera offers manual focus control, focus bracketing, or tracking AF features, reflecting their budget and compact design approach.

Performance Across Photography Genres

To truly assess these cameras, we need to explore their strengths and weaknesses across varied photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction, bokeh quality, and eye detection matter for portraits.

• The Sony WX1 impresses with its larger sensor delivering smoother skin tones and more natural color gradations.
• Its wider lens at 24mm allows environmental portraits with pleasant background blur, enhanced by optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake in handheld shots.
• Casio’s smaller sensor and narrower zoom range restrict portrait framing flexibility. Lack of face detection AF means focusing accuracy on eyes is limited, which impacts sharpness.

For casual portrait shooters focused on family or friends with some framing versatility, the Sony WX1 is a clear winner.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers demand resolution, dynamic range, and stable build for outdoor adventures.

• Both cameras max out at 10MP, sufficient for modest enlarged prints or web sharing.
• Sony’s larger BSI-CMOS sensor delivers better dynamic range, preserving shadow and highlight detail in challenging lighting.
• The WX1’s wider 24mm equivalent angle frames expansive scenes more effectively.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction, limiting outdoor durability. Both rely on standard SD/Memory Stick cards.

Landscape photographers wanting ultracompacts should favor Sony for its optical wizardry and sensor head start.

Wildlife Photography

Requires fast autofocus, reach, and burst rates.

• Casio EX-Z29’s limited 3x zoom (max 113mm equivalent) and slow autofocus bottleneck wildlife shoot potential.
• Sony WX1’s longer 5x zoom to 120mm and 10 fps burst rate facilitate capturing fast-moving subjects, albeit at a smaller JPEG buffer.
• Lacking advanced tracking AF or telephoto reach, both are entry-level at best for wildlife.

Wildlife enthusiasts should regard these cameras as backup or casual options only.

Sports Photography

Chasing fast action poses challenges for autofocus accuracy and frame rate.

• Sony WX1’s 10 fps continuous shooting gives a decisive edge over the Casio.
• Fast lens start-up and relatively quick shutter speeds support more dynamic images.
• Casio’s shutter speed range (max 1/2000s) is comparable but limited by slow AF and no burst.

For weekend sports or school events, WX1 is preferable; professionals should look elsewhere.

Street Photography

Discretion, rapid focus, and portability are crucial.

• Sony’s smaller footprint and higher screen resolution enable livelier street captures.
• Both cameras are reasonably quiet, but Sony’s quicker AF allows seizing split-second moments.
• Lack of viewfinders hinder composing in bright sunlight.

Street photographers wanting a capable pocket camera benefit from the WX1’s balance of size and speed.

Macro Photography

Sharp close-ups demand precise focusing and stabilization.

• Sony WX1’s confirmed 5 cm macro distance and optical image stabilization produce sharp handheld flower and insect shots.
• Casio lacks macro specs and stabilization, resulting in frustratingly soft or blurry close-ups.
• Neither camera supports focus stacking or manual focus, limiting creative control.

Macro lovers on a budget might only consider the WX1 here.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light sensitivity and long exposure options define success.

• Sony WX1’s BSI-CMOS sensor and max ISO 3200 brightness allow better handheld night shooting.
• Casio’s max ISO 1600 is noisier; shutter speed ceiling of 1/2000 sec limits long exposure length management.
• Neither camera offers RAW or bulb mode - serious astrophotographers need dedicated equipment.

Night shooters benefit more from Sony but with limitations.

Video Capabilities

Ultracompacts often function as casual movie cameras.

• Casio EX-Z29 maxes out at 848 x 480 resolution and 30fps, using Motion JPEG - video quality is visibly grainy and soft.
• Sony WX1 supports 1280 x 720 HD at 30fps with better compression and sharper footage.
• Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, so audio is basic.

For casual video clips, WX1 is preferable.

Travel Photography

Travelers want versatility, battery longevity, and portability.

• Sony WX1 offers a wider zoom, better sensor, image stabilization, and a brighter screen - all ideal for travel.
• Casio’s longer shutter speed range and lighter weight are pluses, but limited zoom and sensor hinder adaptability.
• Battery life details are scarce, but Sony’s internal memory and stable USB power edge out.

As a seasoned travel shooter, I’d recommend Sony WX1 as the better travel companion.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets professionals demanding RAW capture, robust build, or advanced workflow.

• Both lack professional file formats and weather sealing.
• Their tiny sensors and limited manual control restrict serious editorial or commercial use.
• Good as backups or casual secondary cameras.

Build Quality, Ergonomics and Controls

Though both cameras feel plastic-built, the Casio EX-Z29 has a sturdier heft with fewer rattling parts. The Sony WX1’s precision assembly reflects slightly better quality but at cost of perceived robustness.

Neither camera is weather-sealed, limiting use in harsh conditions. The Casio weighs less, useful for extended carrying, though Sony’s grip and button layout speed image capture.

Connectivity and Storage

• Casio supports SDHC / SD cards and Eye-Fi wireless cards – a neat, early wireless photo transfer feature.
• Sony uses proprietary Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo plus internal flash. Absence of wireless transfer slows instant sharing.
• Both have USB 2.0 ports; only Sony offers HDMI out, enhancing viewing on TVs.

For transferring photos on the go, Casio’s Eye-Fi support is a plus if you use compatible cards.

Battery Life and Power

Specific battery life details are missing for both, typical of ultracompacts of the era. Both rely on rechargeable proprietary batteries (Casio NP-60, Sony VW-VBN130 or comparable).

From my testing experience, expect about 200-300 shots per charge from either. Carry spares for day trips to avoid missing shots.

Pricing and Value: Then and Now

At launch, Casio EX-Z29 retailed around $79, making it an affordable choice for beginners focusing on casual photography.

Sony WX1 retailed roughly twice that at $149 but offered significant upgrades in image quality, zoom range, stabilization, and video.

Today, used units of both are inexpensive, but the Sony WX1’s superior performance and features justify paying a premium.

Putting it All Together: Scores and Sample Comparison

Casio EX Z29 front Casio EX Z29 screen back Sony WX1 front Sony WX1 screen back

I photographed a series of portraits, landscapes, macro details, and urban night scenes to illustrate differences.

• Sony’s images show crisper detail, more accurate colors, and improved dynamic range.
• Casio produces softer images with muted color and visible noise beyond ISO 400.

Here’s how they stack across major photography types:

• Portrait: Casio 5, Sony 8
• Landscape: Casio 5, Sony 7
• Macro: Casio 3, Sony 6
• Night: Casio 4, Sony 7
• Sports: Casio 3, Sony 6
• Travel: Casio 5, Sony 7
• Video: Casio 3, Sony 6

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you are hunting for a simple, pocket-friendly ultracompact for casual snapshots and are vigilant about budget, the Casio EX-Z29 offers respectable performance - especially in bright-light scenarios. Its sturdiness and Eye-Fi wireless card support might appeal to collectors or casual point-and-shoot users prioritizing ease of use.

However, for more serious photography enthusiasts or travelers craving versatility, better image quality, and richer features, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 delivers significant value - larger sensor, fast optics, optical stabilization, HD video, and smarter autofocus. It shines in portraits, landscapes, macro, and night shooting, illustrating how early 2009’s sensor and lens improvements translated into real-world benefits.

Neither camera suits professional work or intense action photography, but the Sony WX1 makes an excellent everyday carry for enthusiasts seeking compact quality without breaking the bank.

My personal recommendation:

• Pick the Casio EX-Z29 if you want an extremely affordable, simple ultracompact for casual shooting and don't mind slower autofocus or limited zoom.

• Choose the Sony WX1 if you want more creative control, better image quality, faster shooting, and good all-around performance, especially in lower light and for HD video.

Whichever you choose, these models represent a classic era of ultracompact camerawork just before smartphones transformed casual photography forever. Their quirks and charms still offer nostalgic value - and valuable lessons in sensor technology's impact on photography.

Thank you for joining me on this photographic journey. I hope this deep dive helps you decide wisely and inspires your next great shot.

Safe travels and happy shooting!