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Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro

Portability
97
Imaging
33
Features
17
Overall
26
Casio Exilim EX-Z33 front
 
Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro front
Portability
55
Imaging
44
Features
43
Overall
43

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro Key Specs

Casio EX-Z33
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 36-107mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
  • 106g - 95 x 56 x 18mm
  • Revealed August 2009
Fujifilm S5 Pro
(Full Review)
  • 6MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 920g - 147 x 113 x 74mm
  • Revealed July 2007
  • Old Model is Fujifilm S3 Pro
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

A Tale of Two Cameras: Casio EX-Z33 vs. Fujifilm S5 Pro – Picking Your Next Storyteller

Stepping into a detailed comparison between two vastly different cameras - the compact Casio EX-Z33 and the professional-grade Fujifilm S5 Pro - is a bit like comparing a nimble sports car to a heavyweight semi-truck. Each has its distinct strengths, challenges, and ideal applications. Having spent years testing hundreds of cameras across genres, I’m excited to walk you through how these two stack up in real-world use, from tiny street moments to arguably the most demanding studio and wildlife scenarios.

Whether you’re just starting to explore photography or looking to upgrade your pro kit, this article will unpack their technical silicon muscles, real-life performance quirks, and practical usability in various photography disciplines. Expect clear, evidence-based guidance that respects the unique value both cameras bring to the table.

When Size and Purpose Tell the First Story

Let’s start with a glance at their physicality and ergonomics - a vital factor for how a camera feels in your hands over a long day of shooting.

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro size comparison

The Casio EX-Z33 is an ultra-compact camera at just 95 x 56 x 18 mm and weighing a light 106 grams. Its pocketability means it’s always with you, ready for spontaneous snaps or travel moments that more cumbersome gear might miss. On the flip side, the Fujifilm S5 Pro tips the scales at a hefty 920 grams with dimensions (147 x 113 x 74 mm) that make it a substantial presence. This large DSLR body is designed for deliberate use, built for photographers who demand robustness and superior handling.

The EX-Z33’s slim profile comes with a fixed lens, meaning you get one zoom range, while the S5 Pro’s Nikon F mount puts an astounding 309 lenses at your disposal, stretching from macro to super-telephoto. Ergonomically, the S5 Pro’s handgrip, control layout, and sturdier build suit extended sessions, while the Casio wins in sheer convenience.

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro top view buttons comparison

Controls reinforce this difference. The EX-Z33 keeps it simple, which will appeal to casual users or those who prioritize point-and-shoot ease. The Fujifilm S5 Pro sports dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, reflecting its professional ambitions. Experienced users will appreciate the tactile, instant access to crucial settings, while beginners might find it daunting at first.

Sensor Size: A Giant Leap Forward

We all know sensor size matters tremendously in image quality. Let’s look under the hood.

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro sensor size comparison

The Casio EX-Z33 uses a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm; a tiny 28.07 mm² area that fits inside the compact chassis but imposes limits on image quality, dynamic range, and high-ISO performance. It packs 10 megapixels - impressive for its class and year (2009) - but the small sensor size means more noise creeping in even at modest ISO levels, and a less seamless bokeh effect.

By contrast, the Fujifilm S5 Pro employs a large APS-C-sized CCD sensor (23 x 15.5 mm), boasting a sensor area over twelve times bigger than Casio’s. The S5 Pro’s sensor shoots 6 megapixels but trades resolution for phenomenal color depth (21.6 bits) and an extraordinarily wide dynamic range (13.5 EV stops) thanks to Fuji's unique Super CCD SR technology. This sensor excels in retaining highlight and shadow detail, which benefits landscape and portrait photographers alike.

So while pixel count isn’t the only number that counts, the S5 Pro’s larger sensor physically collects more light, directly translating to superior low-light performance, better tonal gradation, and more creative control over depth of field.

Navigating the User Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Experiences

Now, how about framing and reviewing images? These daily interactions shape your photography flow.

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Both cameras have a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230k dots resolution, roughly standard for their era, but that’s where the similarity ends. The Casio EX-Z33 has a fixed, non-touchscreen display with limited viewing angle and relatively dim brightness compared to modern standards.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro also sports a fixed LCD, but it supplements this with an optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 95% coverage and 0.63x magnification - a big advantage in bright outdoor conditions and for precise manual focus, especially in action or studio settings. The absence of live view on the S5 Pro is a downside given its professional target, but back then, it was less common. The Casio’s lack of a viewfinder restricts you to composing solely via the LCD, which can be frustrating under harsh light.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Beauty

If you’re chasing the elusive perfect portrait with smooth skin tones and that creamy background blur, these cameras deliver very different experiences.

The Casio’s small sensor and limited maximum aperture (f/3.1 at wide, f/5.6 at telephoto) mean backgrounds will generally remain more in focus, producing a flatter feel typical of many compacts. Skin rendering is decent but can suffer from noise and compression artifacts at higher ISOs or in shadowed areas due to the sensor’s limited dynamic range and a lack of raw image capture.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro shines here; its APS-C sensor paired with fast Nikon lenses lets you isolate your subject with beautiful, natural bokeh. Fuji’s Super CCD also produces exceptional natural skin tones straight out of camera, especially in daylight and studio lighting. Plus, raw support on the S5 Pro opens doors for nuanced retouching and color grading in post.

Note the absence of face or eye-detection autofocus on both cameras, unsurprising given their age. You’ll rely on manual focus or center-point AF precision, where the S5’s DSLR autofocus system, with phase detection, generally outperforms Casio’s contrast-detection AF, especially in challenging light.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

Landscape photography demands rich tonal gradation, high resolution, and, ideally, weather-resistant construction. How do these cameras stack?

The Casio reaches a respectable 10 MP resolution but, again, its sensor size limits the dynamic range. You’ll find highlight recovery difficult if shooting directly towards the sun or capturing scenes with both deep shadows and bright skies. Its tiny fixed lens’s 36–107mm range (equivalent to ~200–620mm due to crop factor 5.8x) is not wide enough to capture sweeping vistas without panorama stitching.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro offers ample resolution for large prints and superb highlight/shadow retention thanks to its dynamic range exceeding 13 stops - outperforming many DSLRs of its generation. Combined with the versatile Nikon F-mount, you can attach ultra-wide lenses perfect for dramatic landscapes. Unfortunately, neither camera offers environmental sealing or weatherproofing, so caution is warranted when shooting in harsh outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: AF, Burst Rates, and Telephoto Power

Fast, accurate autofocus, high burst speeds, and telephoto reach are non-negotiable when chasing unpredictable wildlife or fast-action sports.

The Casio EX-Z33’s autofocus is a sluggish, single-point contrast-detection system without continuous tracking or servo AF, insufficient for fast-moving subjects. The modest 3x zoom lens and lack of extended telephoto options further limit wildlife photography effectiveness. Continuous shooting mode is not available, so capturing rapid sequences is out of the question.

Conversely, the Fujifilm S5 Pro features a 11-point Nikon autofocus system with phase detection and supports continuous AF, giving a better chance to lock focus on fleeting moments. However, continuous shooting speed isn’t truly rapid for modern standards - burst mode is limited. The real advantage lies in the lens ecosystem; you can mount super-telephoto lenses, critical for birds, sports fields, or distant subjects.

Street Photography: Discreet, Quick, and Lightweight

Street photography values discretion, fast responsiveness, and portability.

Here, the Casio EX-Z33 shines due to its incredibly compact form factor and silent operation. You can slip it in a pocket and be ready for candid shots without drawing attention. Its quiet shutter and simple controls support spontaneous shooting.

The Lenovo Fujifilm S5 Pro is bulky and loud by street standards, with a prominent DSLR silhouette that may alter candid moments or intimidate street subjects. Its slower AF and shutter noise make it less ideal for this genre where subtlety counts.

Macro and Close-up Work: Magnification and Precision

Macro photography needs precise focusing at very close distances and often benefits from image stabilization and specialized lenses - not features Casio or Fujifilm cameras offer natively.

The Casio points to a minimum macro focus of 10 centimeters, allowing you to capture small objects reasonably close, though limited by a variable aperture and no stabilization, increasing the risk of blur.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro’s advantage is solely through the professional lens selection - the Nikon F mount supports dedicated macro lenses that dramatically outperform compact camera optics. Combined with the DSLR’s more accurate phase-detection AF and manual focus aids, it’s clearly the choice for macro enthusiasts.

Assessing Low-Light and Night Photography

Low-light performance is a tough test for any shooter, particularly given the age and sensor technology here.

The Casio EX-Z33 maxes out at ISO 1600 but noise rises visibly even at ISO 400, thanks to the cramped sensor size. Lack of image stabilization and a slower lens hampers hand-held low-light work. The absence of manual exposure modes limits creative control.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro can shoot up to ISO 3200 and benefits from a larger sensor with better signal-to-noise. Its broad dynamic range is a great asset for night scenes with varied brightness. While it doesn’t offer live view or electronic shutter to aid long exposures, its manual controls and sturdy tripod compatibility open doors for astrophotography and environmental night shots.

Video Capabilities: Minimal vs. Non-Existent

Video might be secondary for serious photographers, but it’s increasingly important.

The Casio EX-Z33 offers crude video with a max resolution of 848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format. It lacks any stabilization or audio inputs, so video quality is basic at best.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro doesn’t record video at all - reflecting its era and design focus.

Professional Workflows: Raw, Reliability, and Connectivity

The Fujifilm S5 Pro caters to professionals’ needs with raw format support, higher-quality files, and a rugged build designed for demanding shoots. It uses Compact Flash cards and retains compatibility with Nikon’s extensive lighting and accessory ecosystem.

The Casio EX-Z33 records only JPEG files with minimal manual control, less suited to post-processing or professional-grade workflows. It supports Eye-Fi wireless cards, a handy feature for instant image transfer - a nod towards casual, social sharing.

Neither camera sports wireless connectivity like Bluetooth or NFC, nor GPS, so wireless tethered shooting and geotagging are not options.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life specifics aren’t provided for either camera, but based on similar models tested, the DSLR’s larger battery and power management typically outperform compact counterparts, especially under heavy use.

Storage-wise, the EX-Z33 uses SD/SDHC cards (readily available and affordable), while the S5 Pro uses Compact Flash cards, still reliable but less common today and potentially pricier.

Price-to-Performance Overview

The Casio EX-Z33’s current market price (~$120) indicates a budget-friendly, entry-level compact ideal for casual photography or as a secondary/snapshot camera.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro, around $548, sits in the prosumer bracket, offering specialized image quality features that justify the premium for enthusiasts or professionals prioritizing image fidelity and workflow control.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Genres

If you’re a genre specialist, here’s how these cameras fare:

  • Portraits: S5 Pro dominates with natural skin tones and bokeh. EX-Z33 keeps things basic.
  • Landscape: The S5 Pro’s dynamic range and wide lenses make it far superior.
  • Wildlife: S5 Pro is the only viable option thanks to telephoto lens support and AF.
  • Sports: Neither excels, but S5 Pro’s phase-detect AF offers an edge.
  • Street: EX-Z33 is friendly and discreet - your pocket companion.
  • Macro: S5 Pro shines with dedicated lenses.
  • Night/Astro: S5 Pro’s low-noise sensor and manual control win.
  • Video: EX-Z33 offers basic video; S5 Pro none.
  • Travel: EX-Z33’s size and convenience earn it points.
  • Professional: S5 Pro is built for this realm, from RAW to lens options.

Real-World Shooting: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Here’s a visual taste to ground this discussion. Notice the color rendition, sharpness, and background separation differences in these shots:

The Fujifilm images display richer tonality and finer detail, while Casio images are sharp and sufficient for casual sharing but lack the depth and clarity suited for enlargements or professional use.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

If you want straightforward point-and-shoot ease, highly portable design, and a budget-friendly option for travel, street, or casual family photography, the Casio EX-Z33 is a solid pick. It excels in convenience but expect performance constrained by its small sensor and limited controls.

On the other hand, if you crave superior image quality, dynamic range, full manual control, and access to a vast lens ecosystem for serious portraits, landscapes, or professional projects, the Fujifilm S5 Pro remains a compelling choice despite its age and bulk. Handling and AF speed may show their vintage, but image fidelity and file quality rank well in the DSLR segment of its time.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between the Casio EX-Z33 and Fujifilm S5 Pro ultimately boils down to your photography ambitions. Casual shooter or pro workflow architect? Pocketable snapshotper or comprehensive image craftsman? The EX-Z33 and S5 Pro cater to these distinct tribes with competence.

In my years of testing, nothing substitutes using the camera in your intended environment. So if possible, put hands on both, see which fits your style and needs best. Either way, knowing what each offers ensures a choice you’ll feel confident making.

Dear camera lovers, I hope this detailed walkthrough helps illuminate the right path for your next photographic storytelling tool. Happy shooting!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing and comprehensive technical evaluation to ensure practical insights you can trust.

Casio EX-Z33 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Casio EX-Z33 and Fujifilm S5 Pro
 Casio Exilim EX-Z33Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
General Information
Make Casio FujiFilm
Model type Casio Exilim EX-Z33 Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
Category Small Sensor Compact Pro DSLR
Revealed 2009-08-31 2007-07-05
Body design Compact Large SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 23 x 15.5mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 356.5mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 6 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Full resolution 3648 x 2736 4256 x 2848
Max native ISO 1600 3200
Lowest native ISO 64 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Nikon F
Lens zoom range 36-107mm (3.0x) -
Largest aperture f/3.1-5.6 -
Macro focusing distance 10cm -
Available lenses - 309
Crop factor 5.8 1.6
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 2.5" 2.5"
Resolution of display 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 95 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.63x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/8000 secs
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 2.80 m 12.00 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash sync - 1/250 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) -
Max video resolution 640x480 None
Video data format Motion JPEG -
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 106g (0.23 pounds) 920g (2.03 pounds)
Dimensions 95 x 56 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") 147 x 113 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 65
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 21.6
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 448
Other
Battery ID NP-82 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Triple) Yes (2 to 20 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC card, Internal Compact Flash (Type I or II)
Storage slots One One
Cost at launch $120 $548