Casio EX-Z35 vs. EX-ZR15: An Insider's Take on Practical Compact Cameras for 2024

As someone who has put thousands of cameras through their paces over the past 15 years, I know firsthand the value of a solid compact camera - especially in that sweet spot where budget-conscious enthusiasts and casual shooters intersect. Today, I’m diving deep into two Casio Exilim offerings from the early 2010s that still pop up in bargain bins, enthusiast forums, and sometimes even in the hands of newcomers looking for affordable, straightforward shooters: the Casio EX-Z35 (2010) and the EX-ZR15 (2012). Both are ultracompact/compact fixed-lens cameras aimed at everyday photography, but their evolutions and technical guts make for an interesting comparison.

In this comprehensive walkthrough, I’ll cover everything from sensor tech to real-world usability, across all major photo disciplines. My goal? Helping you, the reader, discern whether either of these cameras merits your dusty wallet or digital shelf space today. Spoiler: They both have quirks, and neither is a pro rig, but each offers specific advantages depending on your workflow and creative focus.

Let’s unpack these two, shall we?

First Impressions and Handling: Size and Ergonomics Matter

When selecting a compact camera, the physical feel and layout can make or break your experience. Having tested these models, the EX-Z35 is delightfully pocketable - truly a no-clubs-for-thumbs pocket ultracompact. It weighs in at a featherweight 124g and measures a slim 99 x 57 x 20 mm. The EX-ZR15 is chunkier at 176g and 102 x 59 x 27 mm, closer to a traditional compact camera than a pure ultraportable. Its slightly bigger chassis accommodates more features and a larger LCD.

Holding both, the EX-ZR15 feels reassuringly stable, but the EX-Z35’s smaller grip surprisingly suits those who prioritize stealth and pure portability, like street photographers or travel minimalists wanting zero bulge. Ergonomically, neither is designed for extended sessions (they are not DSLR or mirrorless replacements), but the EX-ZR15’s thicker body grants better button placement and a more natural finger wrap.

The control interface on the top also echoes this: the EX-ZR15’s better layout offers quicker access to modes and flash controls. The EX-Z35 keeps it simple but a tad cramped for any devout manual photographer.

Bottom line for ergonomics: If you want pocket stealth, go EX-Z35. For a more confident grip and handling, especially in varied lighting or action, EX-ZR15 wins.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both models use the same sensor size - a 1/2.3” type measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, targeting the compact sensor sweet spot for cost and convenience. But there the similarities stop.

• EX-Z35: CCD sensor with 12 MP resolution, F3.1-5.6 lens aperture
• EX-ZR15: CMOS sensor with bumped-up 16 MP, F3.0-5.9 aperture, plus sensor-shift stabilization

In practical testing, the CMOS sensor on the EX-ZR15 offers better noise management in higher ISOs thanks to more modern tech and sensor design. This matters when shooting indoors, twilight, or dimly lit events. The EX-Z35’s CCD is prone to grain and color shifts beyond ISO 400, so it’s best capped at base ISO settings.

Dynamic range, critical in landscape and portraiture, also favors the EX-ZR15. You’ll extract more details in shadows and highlights when editing RAW images - oh, wait, neither supports RAW capture. So, you’re stuck with JPG, making the quality margin narrower. Even so, the EX-ZR15’s higher native resolution and updated image processor (Exilim Engine 5.0) yield notably crisper and more vibrant output.

To illustrate, here are side-by-side sample images at ISO 400 and ISO 800:

Casio EX Z35 front Casio EX Z35 screen back Casio EX ZR15 front Casio EX ZR15 screen back

You’ll notice the EX-ZR15 holds details better with less noise and maintains more natural color fidelity - advantages for landscape and macro shooters.

Screen and Interface: What Do You See, What Do You Get?

Given the years and class of these cameras, don’t expect touchscreens or fancy articulating displays. However, the EX-ZR15 features a sizeable 3-inch Super Clear TFT color LCD with 461k dots, which is bright and color-accurate for framing and reviewing images in sunlight.

The EX-Z35 offers a more humble 2.5-inch fixed screen at 230k dots with no touchscreen features - adequate in shade but struggles outdoors.

This difference matters for street-photographers working fast or travellers reviewing shots on the fly. The EX-ZR15’s bigger screen coupled with a slightly faster user interface (live view autofocus is disabled, unfortunately, but face detection works) makes this model friendlier to those who like to preview and adjust frequently.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Quick Can They Lock and Fire?

Autofocus systems in these cameras feel worlds apart in agility and reliability:

• EX-Z35 has a simple contrast-detection single-point AF. No continuous, no tracking, no face detection. The focusing is slow and sometimes frustrating in low light.
• EX-ZR15 boasts improved contrast detection with AF tracking and face detection, which makes a tangible difference for shooting moving subjects or portraits.

Continuous shooting: EX-Z35 doesn't officially offer burst shooting, while the EX-ZR15 can manage 3 fps bursts - not blazing but sufficient for casual wildlife or street action.

For sports and fast-moving wildlife, neither camera is a club for you. But if you want a simple, pocketable travel snapper or portrait shooter, the EX-ZR15 will keep up better.

Professionalism and Shooting Modes: Manual Control Versus Point-and-Shoot

One recurring theme in these cameras is their deliberate market positioning as easy-to-use compacts. The EX-Z35 has no aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual modes. You get auto everything and some limited white balance adjustments.

The EX-ZR15 is a step up offering aperture priority mode (a rarity in budget compacts of its time), and more homemade white balance bracketing options.

If you’re a control freak or someone learning exposure basics, the EX-ZR15 wins hands down. But expect no full manual ISO-shutter-aperture trinity here.

Video and Audio: Do These Cameras Deliver Moving Pictures?

Video has become a must-have feature regardless of stills focus.

• EX-Z35 can do low-res videos maxing out at 848x480 at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. This is very limited even compared to smartphones in 2010, let alone today’s 4K norms.
• EX-ZR15 punches up to 1080p Full HD (1920x1080 30fps) with MPEG-4 H.264 compression, alongside options for 720p and various slow-motion modes up to 480fps - neat for quirky action slowdowns.

Neither camera has a microphone port or headphone jack, so audio monitoring and external mics are no-go.

If casual HD video with some slow-mo options appeals, EX-ZR15 is your pick. EX-Z35’s video is best seen as a last resort, very limited in flexibility.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: How Long and How Sync’d?

Generally, Casio Exilim cameras have decent efficiency given their sensor sizes and processors.

• EX-ZR15 offers approx 325 shots per charge (manufacturer rating), which is respectable for a compact, while the EX-Z35 does not specify battery life but uses a smaller NP-82 battery likely capped below 200 shots.
• Storage options: Both use SD/SDHC cards, but the EX-ZR15 also supports SDXC, allowing for larger memory cards, which is crucial if you want to store more continuous HD video or higher-res images.
• Connectivity-wise, both cameras fall short: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. The EX-ZR15 includes an HDMI port to hook up to external monitors or TVs for viewing, while the EX-Z35 is USB 2.0 only.

For modern users wanting quick social sharing and wireless backup, neither will impress, but the EX-ZR15 at least offers a digital video-out option.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Can You Take Them Outdoors?

Neither model features environmental sealing - not waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof.

• Both have plastic bodies with reasonable construction for their price and class.
• The EX-ZR15’s larger size and weight give a slightly more robust feel, but cautious users will want to protect either camera from moisture or rough use.

Landscape and travel photographers should pair them with weather-resistant bags and be mindful of conditions.

Genre-Specific Suitability: Where Do These Cameras Shine or Falter?

Here’s a breakdown by photography niche:

Portrait Photography

The EX-ZR15’s face detection and AF tracking outperform the EX-Z35’s fixed single-point AF. Bokeh will be limited on both due to their small sensors and maximum apertures (~F3.0-F5.9), but the EX-ZR15's 16 MP resolution helps with detail capture and cropping. Expect less flattering skin tones and stronger noise from the EX-Z35 in anything but bright light.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras share the same sensor size, so inherent noise and dynamic range suffer compared to larger-sensor cameras. The EX-ZR15’s sensor stabilization and higher megapixels give you marginally better image quality, with slightly deeper detail and pixel-peeping merriment. Neither are weather sealed, restricting harsh environments. The EX-Z35’s limited controls hinder creative exposure.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Honestly, neither is a great fit. Limited burst rates, slow autofocus, and modest telephoto reach restrict action capture. EX-ZR15’s longer zoom (28-196mm vs 36-107mm on EX-Z35) and AF tracking help with casual distant subjects but don’t expect pro-grade performance.

Street Photography

The EX-Z35’s tiny size and weight suit inconspicuous street shooting. However, its slow AF and lower-res screen make framing a challenge. The EX-ZR15 is bulkier but faster AF and better screen aid quick candid shots. Noise performance on both in low light is mediocre - EX-ZR15 is preferable for evening strolls.

Macro Photography

Both offer macro focus with the EX-ZR15 hitting 2 cm minimum focus distance (very close), so it can capture fine detail better. But absence of focus stacking or bracketing options limits extended macro creativity.

Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera excels here due to small sensor size, lack of RAW file output, and limited manual exposure controls. Long exposure capability peaks at 4 seconds, fine for basic night shots but challenging for stars. The EX-ZR15's sensor stabilization may help with handheld shots but not replace tripod needs.

Video Work

The EX-ZR15’s Full HD and slow motion feature place it ahead for casual videography. Lack of mic input and stabilization restricts usability for serious projects. The EX-Z35’s outdated VGA-level video is almost unusable today, relegating it to occasional novelty clips.

Travel Photography

Here, size, weight, and versatility matter most.

• EX-Z35 is light and pocket-friendly, excellent for light packing, city wanderers, or budget travelers.
• EX-ZR15, though heavier, has longer zoom, better control options, and higher image/video quality, ideal for people who mind a bit more luggage in favor of flexibility.

Professional Use

Neither camera is professional-grade. Lack of RAW format, limited ISO ranges, absence of hotshoe or external flash support, and no advanced autofocus systems make them no match for pros. They might serve as simple backup cameras but are limited for serious projects.

Price to Performance: Is Either Worth Your Money in 2024?

• EX-Z35 retailing around $99 is a no-brainer for a backup or tourist budget cam but expect basic, old-school experiences.
• EX-ZR15 at ~$249 delivers value via improved sensor, better zoom, image stabilization, and HD video - more justified for enthusiasts wanting some control and quality without breaking the bank.

These performance scores reflect the practical advantages I found: EX-ZR15 beats EX-Z35 hands down in flexibility, image quality, and feature set.

The Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so flexibility relies on in-body zoom ranges:

• EX-Z35: 36-107mm equivalent (3x zoom)
• EX-ZR15: 28-196mm equivalent (7x zoom)

The EX-ZR15’s broad zoom is a standout for travel and general-purpose use. Lack of external lens support isn’t unusual in this class, but something to note if you want system growth.

Wrap-Up: Who Should Buy Which?

If you are a cheapskate or casual snapper who wants a pocket-friendly, ultra-simple camera for daylight, vacations, or impromptu shots:

• Go for the Casio EX-Z35. It delivers decent daylight image quality and is so pocketable you’ll always have it.

If you want a budget-friendly compact with better image quality, higher resolution, full HD video, longer zoom, aperture priority mode, and faces detection that works for casual portraits and travel:

• Get the Casio EX-ZR15. You’ll appreciate the features and image quality improvements in real use.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Having used both cameras over multiple shooting sessions - urban walks, family events, and some daylight nature photography - the improvements in the EX-ZR15 feel like leaps in user experience and output. The older EX-Z35 is cute and handy but shows its age in speed and image quality. Its CCD sensor, modest zoom, and minimal controls feel sealed in 2010’s past.

At the end of the day, if your budget restricts you to these two in 2024, assess your priorities first. Are you after pure portability and minimal fiddling? Or do you want a compact camera that can stretch its legs a bit and grow with your skills? The EX-ZR15 ticks more boxes for enthusiasts, while the EX-Z35 remains a nifty thrift store find for the ultra-budget traveler.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide with clarity and confidence - brand spanking new or secondhand, know your camera before you shoot!

Cheers to many great shots ahead!

• Your Hands-On Camera Guy