Casio EX-Z35 vs Kodak EasyShare M380: An Expert Comparison of Two Ultracompact Cameras for the Practical Photographer

In a world where smartphones have largely claimed the everyday snapshot territory, ultracompact cameras often face an uphill battle to stay relevant. Yet, for photography enthusiasts valuing optical zoom and tactile control over smartphone banality, compact cameras remain a niche staple. Today, I’m putting two veteran ultracompacts head-to-head: the Casio EX-Z35 and the Kodak EasyShare M380. Both hail from the late 2000s and early 2010s compact wave, offered at budget-friendly prices during their time. But how do they stack up technically and practically for various photographic disciplines?

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’m eager to dig deep beyond spec sheets and marketing blurbs to compare these two cameras from sensor technology to ergonomics to real-world usability. I’ll walk you through strengths and pain points for each, and highlight which kind of user might get the most mileage. Whether you’re into portraits, landscapes, travel, or casual shooting, this comprehensive comparison covers all you need.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs Control

First impressions matter, especially in the pocket camera universe. Both the Casio EX-Z35 and Kodak M380 aim for an unobtrusive profile, but subtle size and handling differences can significantly impact shooting comfort.

• Casio EX-Z35: At 99 x 57 x 20 mm and weighing a mere 124g, this camera is delightfully compact and lightweight. Its slim body fits comfortably in smaller pockets and smaller hands without any bulk. This translates to convenient carry during travel or street photography where discretion and speed matter. The EX-Z35’s edges are gently rounded, minimizing snagging in bags or pockets.

• Kodak M380: Slightly larger at 100 x 60 x 20 mm and heavier with a 155g body, the M380 maintains compactness but trades a bit of nimbleness for extra lens reach. The ergonomics lean towards a grip that feels more substantial - a plus for longer shooting sessions, but the incremental size difference is noticeable. For those who value a bit of heft as an anchor for stability, this might be preferable.

Both cameras lack traditional viewfinders or any electronic ones, instead relying on their rear LCDs for composition. More on that shortly.

Ergonomically, neither camera features advanced customizable buttons or tactile dials - as expected at this price point - but essential controls like shutter release and zoom toggles are logically placed. Their buttons are not illuminated, which can hamper usability in dim situations.

In sum, Casio edges out for ultra-compact portability, while Kodak offers a slightly more substantial grip but at the cost of size and weight.

Control Layout and Top-Down Usability: Quick Access in the Field

Examining the top control surfaces reveals just how each manufacturer approached user interaction.

The EX-Z35 employs a modest top plate with a largely minimalist approach. It integrates a zoom rocker ring around the shutter button, a power toggle, and a modest flash pop-up mechanism distinctively placed. The simplicity aids quick startup and straightforward shooting without menu diving. However, the lack of dedicated modes like aperture priority or ISO adjustment reflects the camera’s consumer-oriented design.

The M380 expounds on this by offering similarly minimal controls but adds a dedicated playback button and mode dial to switch between scene presets, which might appeal to novices. However, the tighter button layout feels cramped, and the slightly larger body makes finger placement less intuitive for smaller hands.

Neither camera supports manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority - limiting creative control but also simplifying the experience for casual users.

From a professional perspective, these cameras are utility toolkits - more about capturing memories than artistic experimentation.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Resolution: The Heart of the Capture

Both cameras wield the standard compact format sensor typical of their generation: a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28 mm² area). This size inherently limits low-light performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

Resolution and Native ISO

• Casio EX-Z35: Packs a 12-megapixel sensor with a top native ISO of 3200 (though ISO 3200 images will be noisy). It offers output up to 4000 x 3000 pixels.

• Kodak M380: Offers a slightly lower 10-megapixel sensor with a max ISO of 1600 and maximum resolution of 3648 x 2736 pixels.

Image Processing and Detail

The Casio’s Exilim Engine 5.0 processor aims to optimize image sharpness and color reproduction, but noise becomes a challenge above ISO 400 in real shooting conditions. Kodak’s image processing is more conservative, yielding comparatively smoother but softer images.

Color and Dynamic Range

Neither camera’s sensor nor processor is groundbreaking. Both struggle with dynamic range, clipping skies and losing detail in shadows during high contrast scenes - common in landscape work. Color reproduction is serviceable but leans toward the cooler tones on the Kodak, which may require post-processing tweaks.

Macro and Close-Up

Both cameras focus as close as 10 cm, but neither offers optical image stabilization, making handheld macros challenging under low light without introducing blur.

Real-world verdict: At base ISO and well-lit conditions, the Casio EX-Z35 has a slight edge in resolution and image detail, but both cameras produce soft-edged images characteristic of compact CCD sensors of their era.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Framing and Reviewing Shots

Relying solely on rear LCDs for composition is standard here.

• Casio EX-Z35: Uses a 2.5-inch fixed, non-touch screen with a resolution of 230k dots. The screen is bright enough under moderate lighting but struggles in direct sunlight, limiting outdoor usability.

• Kodak M380: Offers a larger 3-inch fixed screen with the same 230k dot resolution. The slightly bigger display enhances viewing comfort for framing and reviewing, although it shares the same visibility limitations outdoors.

User interfaces on both cameras are basic but functional. The EX-Z35 includes some customizable white balance options, which is a nice touch, whereas the Kodak lacks this feature, relying solely on automatic white balance.

Neither screen has touchscreen capabilities or articulation, reducing usability for varied shooting angles - a downside for macro or low-angle work.

Autofocus and Speed: Precision when it Counts

The autofocus (AF) system differentiates compact cameras significantly in handling spontaneous scenes.

Autofocus Mechanisms

Neither camera has phase-detection autofocus, relying instead exclusively on contrast-detection AF, which is slower and less reliable in low contrast or dim environments.

• Casio EX-Z35: Offers a single autofocus mode (AF Single), no continuous AF or tracking, limiting usability for moving subjects (sports, wildlife). It also lacks face detection or any advanced AF area selection, essentially focusing at center-weighted points.

• Kodak M380: Features 25 autofocus points clustered centrally, offering single and continuous AF modes. Continuous AF support is notable at this price and time, allowing modest focus adjustment during burst shooting - helpful for basic action photography. However, the camera does not include face or eye detection.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speed

Both models sport slow maximum shutter speeds (Casio max 1/2000s; Kodak max 1/1448s) and no silent shutters. Neither supports high-speed burst shooting, severely limiting sports and wildlife usability.

In real tests, Kodak’s autofocus “felt” marginally quicker and more accurate thanks to more AF points and continuous mode, especially in good lighting. Casio’s contrast-based single AF occasionally hunts, frustrating candid shots.

Lens Ranges and Optical Performance: Zoom Versus Sharpness

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses but with distinct focal ranges and capabilities.

• Casio EX-Z35: 36-107 mm equivalent (3x zoom), f/3.1 to f/5.6 aperture. Modest reach but relatively bright at the wide-angle end, supporting versatile street or casual portraiture.

• Kodak M380: 38-190 mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/3.1 to f/5.6 aperture. The 5x telephoto reach is impressive for an ultracompact, useful for wildlife-like distant subjects or portrait compression.

Lens sharpness on both is average but shows softness and vignetting at extremes - especially beyond 100 mm on Kodak’s lens. Both cameras lack optical image stabilization, which is unfortunate given the long zooms’ susceptibility to handshake blur.

Imaging Disciplines: How Do They Perform Across Genres?

Having assessed core specifications and systems, let’s see their varied photographic roles.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras struggle to produce creamy bokeh and nuanced skin tones due to small sensors and narrow apertures.

• Casio EX-Z35: The shorter zoom and slightly wider optics favor close portraits but produce relatively flat images with limited subject-background separation.

• Kodak M380: Its 190mm reach allows tighter framing and compression effects appreciated in portraiture, but the narrow aperture and lack of focus tracking limit creative possibilities. Both cameras lack eye detection, causing focus uncertainty on eyes.

Neither excels in natural skin tone rendition, often leaning cooler or washed out in mixed lighting.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are critical here.

The Casio’s 12 MP sensor yields slightly more resolution for detail-rich landscapes, but both cameras show clipping in highlights and murky shadow detail. The Kodak’s longer lens doesn’t benefit wide vistas.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, restricting outdoor shooting in demanding environments. Given their size, neither is robust enough for rugged adventures.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres require fast AF, high burst rates, and reach.

• Kodak M380’s 5x zoom gives it a notable advantage over Casio’s 3x for distant subjects.

• Kodak’s continuous autofocus and more AF points aid tracking action moderately.

• Both cameras suffer from slow and limited burst modes, so rapid sequences are out.

For serious wildlife or sports use, these cameras fall well short but might suffice for casual shooters.

Street Photography

Discretion and speed define successful street shooting.

• The Casio’s smaller size and lighter weight make it a stealthier companion.

• Quick startup and minimal controls reduce distractions.

• The Kodak’s longer zoom can be cumbersome for quick candid shots.

For street photographers valuing portability and speed, Casio is the better tool here.

Macro Photography

Close focusing down to 10 cm is equal on both, but absence of optical stabilization hurts handheld sharpness.

Neither has focus stacking or post-focus features, frustrating for macro enthusiasts.

Lens aperture and sensor size again limit shallow depth-of-field effects in macro.

Night and Astro Photography

CCD sensors typically struggle at high ISO, and small sensors mean noise dominates.

• Casio EX-Z35 offers max ISO 3200 but noise is awful beyond ISO 400.

• Kodak M380’s max ISO 1600 offers cleaner results comparatively, but still noisy.

Neither camera offers bulb mode, intervalometer, or advanced exposure options for astro.

Video Capabilities

Both record only VGA-quality motion JPEG video (640x480 at 30 fps). No HD, 4K, or stabilization.

No microphone or headphone ports limit audio control.

For casual clips only, video is an afterthought here.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or rugged protections. Their plastic bodies feel adequate but lack the durable heft of pro compacts.

The Casio’s slick surface and smaller size make it easier to wield but potentially more fragile.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

USB 2.0 ports enable image transfer; no wireless or Bluetooth features. Both accept SD/SDHC cards.

Battery life is modest given compact batteries (Casio NP-82, Kodak KLIC-7003), but neither manufacturer sets expectations for marathon shooting. You'll need spares for extended trips.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Given the above, we rank their overall abilities and niche strengths:

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

• Choose the Casio EX-Z35 if:

  • You want a pocketable everyday ultracompact emphasizing portability and easy shooting.
  • You primarily shoot portraits, street photography, or casual landscapes in good light.
  • You appreciate slightly higher resolution for printing or cropping.
  • Budget constraints favor the lower price tag (~$99).

• Choose the Kodak EasyShare M380 if:

  • You require longer zoom range (5x) for reaching distant subjects casually.
  • You want faster autofocus with continuous AF capability for mild action.
  • You prefer a larger screen and more dedicated controls.
  • Slightly bulkier form factor and higher price (~$160) are acceptable trade-offs.

Neither camera transcends its era or competing smartphones in tech but can serve basic photographic roles for beginners or collectors seeking affordable ultracompacts with optical zoom.

Wrapping Up: Contextualizing These Cameras Today

The Casio EX-Z35 and Kodak M380 embody the last generation of affordable ultracompacts before smartphones reshaped casual photography. Their specs and performance reflect a simpler time - no raw files, no 4K video, no advanced autofocus tracking. Yet, I have a soft spot for such gear that democratized point-and-shoot photography with minimal complexity.

If you’re a collector or learning photographer looking for a simple tool to explore framing, zoom, and LCD composition, either camera could be a fun, inexpensive choice.

If modern compact photography excites you, however, consider stepping up to newer cameras with larger sensors, faster AF, and modern connectivity - you’ll find vastly improved image quality and flexibility.

For practical use today, weigh these cameras’ simplicity and retro charm against their clear technical and performance limitations.

Casio EX Z35 front Casio EX Z35 screen back Kodak M380 front Kodak M380 screen back

Here are representative photos from both cameras illustrating their output style and quality for direct comparison.

Expert photographers and enthusiasts: I encourage you to consider these insights alongside hands-on testing if possible. Aim for cameras matching your priorities - optical zoom, portability, speed, image quality - and embrace the tools that fit your unique photographic vision.

Good shooting!

End of article.