Casio EX-Z450 vs Ricoh WG-70: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Compact Cameras

In the shifting landscape of digital photography, compact cameras serve distinct roles - ranging from casual point-and-shoot conveniences to specialized rugged units designed for harsh environments. Today, we undertake a detailed comparative analysis of two notable compact cameras: the Casio EX-Z450, introduced in 2009, and the Ricoh WG-70, a rugged model launched in 2020. Despite similar sensor sizes, these cameras represent different eras, technologies, and user expectations.

Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing methodologies accumulated over 15 years, this article incisively evaluates both cameras across all relevant domains - from image quality and autofocus performance to build quality and practical usability for various photographic genres. We integrate detailed specifications, real-world performance insight, and suitability assessments for different user profiles.

Form and Function: Design and Ergonomics

Physical handling significantly affects the shooting experience - especially in compact cameras where controls and ergonomics are necessarily constrained.

Size, Weight, and Build Quality

The Casio EX-Z450 is a very compact and lightweight camera. Measuring 81 × 56 × 21 mm and weighing 128 grams, it fits comfortably in any pocket but understandably offers limited physical grip and no ruggedness. It is a classic compact from the late 2000s without environmental sealing or shock resistance features.

The Ricoh WG-70 is markedly more substantial, at 123 × 62 × 30 mm and 193 grams. This increment in size accompanies its ruggedized design. The WG-70 is built to withstand waterproof (up to 10m), dustproof, shockproof (1.5m drops), crushproof, and freezeproof conditions - making it a robust companion for adventure and travel photography where durability is paramount.

Control Layout and Interface

The Casio’s top control cluster is minimalistic, reflecting its entry-compact class with limited manual control. It lacks dedicated dials for exposure modes and relies on menu navigation for adjustments. The fixed 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD provides a basic live view experience without touch or articulation.

In contrast, the Ricoh WG-70, while still compact, integrates a carefully arranged button layout optimized for operation with gloves or wet hands. Its smaller 2.7-inch screen retains the same 230k-dot resolution, but Ricoh’s menu system competently supports quick access to key controls such as ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation - even if it eschews touchscreen capability.

Imaging Performance: Sensor and Optics

Sensor Technology and Resolution

Both cameras employ the industry-standard 1/2.3" sensor dimension (6.17 × 4.55 mm), but the underlying sensor technology and resolution differ notably.

• Casio EX-Z450: Utilizes a CCD sensor with 12 megapixels, capturing images up to 4000×3000 pixels.
• Ricoh WG-70: Features a BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, reaching a maximum resolution of 4608×3456 pixels.

The BSI-CMOS sensor in the WG-70 provides a technological leap over the older CCD in terms of light-gathering efficiency, noise control, and dynamic range - especially apparent at higher ISO levels. This makes the Ricoh notably better suited for varied lighting conditions and detail rendition.

Lens and Aperture Range

Optically, the Casio offers a 28-112mm equivalent zoom (4x optical zoom) with a maximum aperture range of f/2.6–5.8. Its wider initial aperture is advantageous for low-light or shallow depth-of-field effects at the wide end but quickly narrows as focal length extends.

The Ricoh WG-70 extends the zoom reach slightly to 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) with an aperture from f/3.5 to f/5.5. Although the aperture is smaller at the wide end, the lens versatility is enhanced by macro capability focusing down to 1cm - compared to Casio’s 10cm minimum focus. This supports specialized close-up photography, an area where the WG-70 can excel.

Focusing Systems and Speed

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system critically affects utility across genres - especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Autofocus Mechanisms and Accuracy

The Casio EX-Z450 employs contrast-detection autofocus only, restricted to single AF mode, without face or tracking detection, and no predefined AF points. This restricts the user to fixed-area focusing which can be slow or inaccurate during low-light or fast-action shooting.

In contrast, the Ricoh WG-70 possesses a much more advanced AF system with contrast-detection plus face detection, 9 autofocus points, and an AF tracking mode, alongside continuous autofocus options. This translates to higher accuracy and reliability, particularly for moving subjects or unpredictable scenes.

Continuous and Burst Shooting

The Casio supports a commendable continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second but only in a limited buffer capacity without continuous AF. The WG-70 lacks an official burst rate but supports continuous AF modes, generally favoring tracking over raw speed.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Stabilization Technologies

One significant feature where the Ricoh WG-70 outperforms the Casio is its digital image stabilization system. While not as effective as optical stabilization, it helps reduce blur in handheld shots or video.

The Casio EX-Z450 has no stabilization features, increasing the risk of blurring from camera shake, especially at telephoto zoom or slow shutter speeds.

ISO Range and Noise Handling

The Casio’s ISO range extends from 64 to 1600, while the Ricoh offers a broader native ISO from 125 to 6400, allowing more flexibility in dim environments. Though neither camera excels in high ISO image quality given their sensor class, the WG-70's newer sensor and processing deliver cleaner images at ISO 800 and above.

Video Recording Capabilities

Videographers seeking compact camera solutions will find distinct differences:

• Casio EX-Z450 records HD video at up to 1280×720 pixels at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format. This format results in larger file sizes and less efficient compression.
• Ricoh WG-70 supports Full HD 1920×1080 at 30 fps with H.264/MPEG-4 encoding, plus slow-motion HD options at 720p 120fps. These advanced codecs are more efficient and provide better video quality.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control.

User Interface and Handling Features

Screen and Viewfinder

Both cameras lack electronic or optical viewfinders - relying solely on fixed rear LCDs. The Casio EX-Z450’s 3.0-inch display edges out in size, albeit with the same 230k-dot resolution as Ricoh’s 2.7-inch screen, both lacking touch functionality.

Handling practices must account for the absence of touch or articulated screens, impacting usability in dynamic shooting scenarios where flexibility is key.

Menu Navigation and Customization

Casio’s older UI leans heavily on directional button menus with limited customization. The Ricoh WG-70’s menu is more modern and better organized for quick access, including bracketing options (AE bracketing enabled), a useful feature absent in the Casio.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

The defining divergent characteristic:

• The Casio EX-Z450 is a lightweight consumer compact with no weather sealing or ruggedness.
• The Ricoh WG-70 is a true rugged compact designed for outdoor use, offering comprehensive sealing and impact protection.

This makes the WG-70 suitable for underwater exploration, fieldwork, hiking, and adventure photography without external protection.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Storage Options

Both utilize SD and SDHC cards, with Ricoh also supporting SDXC. The Ricoh WG-70 includes internal memory as backup.

Battery Capacity and Endurance

Only the Ricoh WG-70 specifies battery life at approximately 300 shots per charge, using a proprietary rechargeable battery pack. The Casio’s battery performance is undocumented in specifications, but experience suggests modest endurance due to small battery size.

Connectivity

The Casio supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer but lacks Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC features.

The Ricoh WG-70 offers built-in wireless connectivity, albeit without Bluetooth or NFC, enabling convenient image offloading.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Evaluating the cameras’ capabilities relative to photography demands:

Portrait Photography

• Casio EX-Z450: Limited AF modes (no face detection), fixed focal lengths, and smaller sensor reduce image quality and subject isolation.
• Ricoh WG-70: AF face detection, slightly higher resolution, and a usable telephoto zoom improve portrait framing and focus accuracy. However, neither camera produces shallow depth-of-field effects comparable to larger sensor models.

Landscape Photography

• Casio’s wider aperture at the wide-angle end aids low-light handheld shots, but lack of weather sealing limits outdoor versatile use.
• Ricoh’s rugged body and higher resolution sensor make it superior for landscape shooting in challenging environments, though lens sharpness is modest.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is primarily designed for high-speed capture. The Casio’s 10fps burst is attractive but is handicapped by fixed single AF. Ricoh’s AF tracking and face detection provide more reliable automatic focusing on moving subjects, despite slower burst rates.

Street Photography

The Casio’s small size and lightweight body favor inconspicuous shooting. Ricoh’s bulkier frame and ruggedness, while durable, may hinder discrete capture. Both have limited low-light AF performance, restricting handheld night street shots.

Macro Photography

Ricoh excels here with focusing as close as 1cm combined with image stabilization, aiding fine detail shots. Casio is less capable with a 10cm minimum focus and no stabilization.

Night and Astro Photography

The Ricoh WG-70’s broader ISO range and digital stabilization marginally favor night scenes. Neither camera supports manual exposure modes or long exposure control for astrophotography.

Video Use

Ricoh WG-70’s Full HD and slow-motion capture is markedly superior. Casio’s limited HD 720p at 24fps and older codec constrains video quality.

Travel Photography

The Casio’s size and weight make it ideal for casual carry, but fragility and lack of features pose risks.

Ricoh’s ruggedness supports travel in harsh conditions with dependable weatherproofing and versatile zoom - but at the cost of size and weight.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professional requirements. No RAW support, limited manual controls, and sensor quality restrict suitability for high-end workflow.

Image Quality Samples and Comparative Scores

Visual analysis from test galleries highlights the notable difference in detail retention, color accuracy, and noise across ISO ranges. The Ricoh WG-70 generally delivers cleaner images with more versatile zoom framing.

Casio EX Z450 front Casio EX Z450 screen back Ricoh WG 70 front Ricoh WG 70 screen back

Final Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Based on hands-on testing parameters, including image quality, autofocus, handling, and feature set, the Ricoh WG-70 scores consistently higher across most metrics than the Casio EX-Z450.

When broken down into photographic disciplines, strengths and weaknesses become clearer:

Conclusion: Recommendations and Use-Case Alignment

Who Should Consider the Casio EX-Z450?

• Casual users or collectors preferring lightweight, pocketable cameras.
• Indoor, daylight snapshots with basic operation.
• Those on a limited budget valuing simplicity over advanced features.

Despite its dated sensor and lack of stabilization or ruggedness, the Casio EX-Z450 maintains a niche among minimalistic compacts for easy everyday shooting when high-end quality is not paramount.

Who Should Buy the Ricoh WG-70?

• Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and adventure photographers needing durability.
• Users wanting robust autofocus with face tracking.
• Photographers seeking macro capabilities with decent video options.
• Anyone requiring weatherproof, shockproof camera that tolerates harsh conditions.

The WG-70’s blend of solid sensor technology, rugged construction, and flexible zoom places it as the superior compact for a broader range of real-world photographic tasks.

Summary Table

This comparison underscores that even within the compact form factor, the digital camera market offers stark differences shaped by intended user needs and technological advances. The Casio EX-Z450 is a typical budget-era compact prioritizing portability, whereas the Ricoh WG-70 is a highly specialized rugged camera catering to active and adventurous photographers demanding resilience and superior autofocus performance.

Prospective buyers must rigorously evaluate their shooting contexts and feature priorities to select the camera best aligned with their practical requirements.