Casio EX-Z800 vs Sigma Quattro
96 Imaging
36 Features
25 Overall
31


63 Imaging
68 Features
56 Overall
63
Casio EX-Z800 vs Sigma Quattro Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 50 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 27-108mm (F3.2-5.9) lens
- 124g - 91 x 52 x 20mm
- Released August 2010
(Full Review)
- 29MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sigma SA Mount
- 625g - 147 x 95 x 91mm
- Launched February 2016

Casio EX-Z800 vs Sigma sd Quattro: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Photography Worlds
Choosing your next camera is a pivotal moment - it's about matching your creative vision with gear that delivers the capabilities and experience you need. Today, we’re putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the compact, entry-level Casio EX-Z800 versus the advanced mirrorless Sigma sd Quattro. These models cater to vastly different users, styles, and photographic disciplines, yet both promise to unlock creative potential.
Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll guide you through their design, performance, optics, and suitability for various shooting scenarios. We'll also apply a thorough technical comparison rooted in real-world experience to help you make a confident choice.
First Impressions: Size, Build and Handling
When you pick up a camera, ergonomics often make or break the experience. The Casio EX-Z800 is ultra-compact and designed for effortless portability, whereas the Sigma sd Quattro embodies a more serious photographic tool in a mirrorless, rangefinder-style design.
Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics
Feature | Casio EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (mm) | 91 x 52 x 20 | 147 x 95 x 91 |
Weight (grams) | 124 | 625 |
Body Type | Ultra-compact point & shoot | Advanced mirrorless (rangefinder style) |
Build Quality | Lightweight plastic shell | Sturdy magnesium alloy with weather sealing |
What this means: The EX-Z800 slips easily into your pocket and is perfect for quick snaps, street photography, or travel where minimum bulk is essential. It’s a no-fuss companion for casual shooting. On the other hand, the Sigma feels substantial in your hands, with solid grip surfaces and extensive manual controls built for deliberate, thoughtful photography sessions where precision matters.
Controls and Interface
The EX-Z800 offers limited physical controls with a simple button layout intended for straightforward point-and-shoot use. Its 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen is low resolution and non-touch, focusing on basic framing and playback rather than extensive in-camera adjustments.
Conversely, the Sigma’s top plate introduces dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation, alongside a 3-inch high-res LCD and an electronic viewfinder with 0.73x magnification that covers 100% of the frame.
In practice: If you favor spontaneity and ease of use, the Casio’s simplicity is an advantage. For enthusiasts who crave tactile control and a more immersive shooting experience - critical in manual modes and precise focusing - the Sigma stands out.
Sensor and Image Quality: From Casual to Professional
Sensor technology massively influences your final image quality, affecting everything from resolution and dynamic range to low-light capability.
Sensor Specs at a Glance
Specification | Casio EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | CCD | Foveon X3 CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" (~6.17 x 4.55 mm) | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor Area (mm²) | 28.07 | 366.60 |
Megapixels | 14 | 29 |
Aspect Ratios | 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
Max Native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Raw Support | No | Yes |
What sets them apart: The Casio uses a conventional CCD smaller sensor typical of compact cameras from its era, suited for well-lit, casual shooting but limited in dynamic range and noise control. The Sigma employs the innovative Foveon X3 sensor that captures color in three layers (red, green, blue) per pixel site, resulting in extraordinarily rich colors and remarkable detail resolution for an APS-C sensor.
Real-world Image Quality
- Casio EX-Z800: Images appear good in daylight with decent sharpness and color. However, the sensor’s size and technology limit low-light performance, and noise becomes noticeable above ISO 400. Dynamic range is restricted, causing highlights to clip in high-contrast scenes.
- Sigma sd Quattro: The Foveon sensor’s influence shines in nuanced color reproduction, particularly in skin tones and landscapes. Detail retention is superb even at base ISO. Low-light handling is better than the Casio but somewhat constrained by the older sensor generation’s lower high-ISO performance compared to newer CMOS sensors.
Sample Images for Reference
To truly appreciate the difference, observe this gallery with images shot under diverse conditions, spanning daylight portraits, landscapes, and shadow-rich interiors.
Autofocus and Manual Control: Precision vs Simplicity
Autofocus capabilities differ profoundly between these cameras, influencing your ability to capture action or fine detail reliably.
Autofocus Feature | Casio EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
---|---|---|
AF Type | Contrast detection only | Hybrid (Contrast + Phase Detection) |
AF Points | Unknown, single-point | 9 AF points |
Face Detection | No | Yes |
Eye/Animal AF | No | No |
Manual Focus | Yes | Yes |
Continuous AF | No | Yes |
The EX-Z800 depends on contrast detection autofocus, limited in speed and subject tracking. It’s best for static subjects or scenes where you can frame carefully. There is no eye or face detection assistance, so portraits require patience.
The Sigma’s hybrid AF improves focus accuracy and speed, essential for photographing moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Face detection further aids portrait shooting, helping retain sharpness in eyes - a critical focal point.
For manual focus enthusiasts, both cameras offer focus ring control, though the Sigma’s manual focus performance is enhanced by focus peaking and magnification in its EVF, not available on the Casio.
Shooting Experience Across Genres
Let's break down how each camera performs in major photography disciplines:
Portrait Photography
- Casio EX-Z800: Limited manual controls and no face or eye AF make portraits challenging but possible with controlled lighting. The small sensor restricts shallow depth-of-field effects, limiting creamy bokeh. Skin tones are decent but can be flat due to the CCD sensor.
- Sigma sd Quattro: Superb for portraits with Foveon sensor richness in color and detail. Face detection autofocus assists accurate focus on eyes. Full aperture priority and manual modes let you control depth of field for pleasing backgrounds.
Landscape Photography
- Casio EX-Z800: Compactness favors travel, but limited dynamic range impairs capture of shadow and highlight detail. The 4x optical zoom provides some framing flexibility.
- Sigma sd Quattro: The camera excels here; large APS-C sensor and high resolution capture textures and tones with depth. Weather-sealed body protects your shoot in varied environments.
Wildlife and Sports Photography
- Casio EX-Z800: Poor fit due to sluggish AF and no continuous shooting.
- Sigma sd Quattro: Decent continuous shooting at 3.8 fps combined with reliable tracking AF points aids action capture, though frame rate won’t satisfy intensive sports shooters.
Street Photography
- Casio EX-Z800: Ultra-compact and discreet, perfect for candid moments, with silent shutter capabilities absent.
- Sigma sd Quattro: Larger and heavier, more conspicuous but offers precision controls needed for deliberate street portraits or urban landscapes.
Macro Photography
- Both cameras lack dedicated macro capabilities or advanced focus bracketing/stacking, but manual focus on the Sigma allows more control over close-ups.
Night and Astro Photography
- Neither is engineered specifically for astro; low-light noise is a challenge on Casio due to sensor. Sigma’s lower base ISO and precise manual controls provide some advantage.
Video Capabilities
- Casio EX-Z800: Offers basic HD video (1280x720 @ 20fps), suitable for casual use.
- Sigma sd Quattro: No video recording.
Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life
Feature | Casio EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
---|---|---|
Weather sealing | No | Yes |
Material | Plastic | Magnesium alloy |
Battery Model | NP-120 | BP-61 |
Battery Life | Limited due to compact size | Moderate for mirrorless cameras |
The Sigma’s weather sealing is a distinct advantage for professional or outdoor use, providing confidence in harsh conditions. Casio’s lightweight plastic shell is vulnerable to elements and physical stress but aligns with its casual-use intent.
Lens Ecosystem and Expandability
- Casio EX-Z800: Fixed 27-108mm f/3.2-5.9 lens with 4x zoom; no interchangeable lenses.
- Sigma sd Quattro: Compatible with 76 Sigma SA-mount lenses ranging from fast primes to telephotos and macro optics, opening vast creative options.
This difference is crucial. If lens versatility is on your checklist, the Sigma is the clear choice.
Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow Integration
- Casio EX-Z800: Basic USB 2.0 port, no wireless connectivity. Storage via SD/SDHC cards.
- Sigma sd Quattro: USB 3.0 support enabling faster data transfer, HDMI output for tethered shooting, external flash support, but still no wireless features.
The Sigma supports RAW capture - a key advantage for professionals who want maximum post-processing latitude. The Casio is limited to JPEG only.
Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy Which?
Aspect | Casio EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
---|---|---|
Launch Price (USD) | ~$150 | ~$738 |
Ideal User | Beginners, casual shooters, travelers | Advanced enthusiasts, professionals, fine art photographers |
Strengths | Portability, ease of use, affordability | Image quality, manual control, lens ecosystem, build quality |
Limitations | Limited image quality, no RAW, slow AF | Bulkier, no video, slower FPS |
Final Thoughts: Matching Your Creative Goals
If you want a grab-and-go camera that fits in your pocket for travel or everyday snapshots, the Casio EX-Z800 delivers simplicity at a budget-friendly price. It’s a straightforward point-and-shoot best suited for new users or as a secondary backup camera.
In contrast, the Sigma sd Quattro is a powerful tool for photographers who demand high-quality images with nuanced color rendition, and who enjoy controlling every exposure setting manually. It’s excellent for portraits, landscapes, and studio work but doesn’t cater to video creators or high-speed action shooters.
For a detailed breakdown of each camera’s strengths per genre:
Getting Hands-On: Our Testing Approach
Our team rigorously tested both cameras across simulated real-world environments - studio portraits for color accuracy, outdoor landscapes for dynamic range, low-light interiors for ISO sensitivity, and motion tracking for autofocus precision. We also evaluated battery endurance under typical use and assessed workflow integration, including file handling and tethering.
Recommendations: Finding Your Perfect Match
-
Choose Casio EX-Z800 if:
- You want an affordable, ultra-compact camera for casual use.
- Portability and ease of operation outweigh demanding image quality.
- You mainly shoot JPEGs and don’t need interchangeable lenses or professional controls.
-
Choose Sigma sd Quattro if:
- You are a serious enthusiast or professional seeking exquisite color fidelity.
- You prefer manual focus and exposure control and shoot RAW.
- Your work includes studio, portraits, landscapes, or fine art photography.
- You appreciate the Sigma SA-mount lens system and plan to expand it.
Next Steps: Explore, Experiment, and Create
Regardless of your choice, photography is about expression and storytelling. I encourage you to get hands-on experience with these cameras. Check out local camera stores or rental services to feel their ergonomics and test their responsiveness. Explore compatible lenses and accessories to tailor your setup.
Photography gear evolves rapidly, but the right camera will empower your vision, not complicate it. Both the Casio EX-Z800 and Sigma sd Quattro have unique places to serve your creative journey - pick what fits your style and budget best, then get out there and create stunning images.
Thank you for joining me on this detailed comparison. For further questions or gear advice, feel free to reach out or follow our site for more expert insights. Happy shooting!
Casio EX-Z800 vs Sigma Quattro Specifications
Casio Exilim EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Casio | Sigma |
Model type | Casio Exilim EX-Z800 | Sigma sd Quattro |
Class | Ultracompact | Advanced Mirrorless |
Released | 2010-08-03 | 2016-02-23 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Exilim Engine 5.0 | Dual TRUE III |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 29 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 5424 x 3616 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 50 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | Sigma SA |
Lens zoom range | 27-108mm (4.0x) | - |
Max aperture | f/3.2-5.9 | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 76 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 230 thousand dot | 1,620 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,360 thousand dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 3.8fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, flash off, flash on, red eye reduction | no built-in flash |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 × 720 (20 fps), 640 x 480 (30 f ps) | - |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | - |
Video format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 124g (0.27 pounds) | 625g (1.38 pounds) |
Dimensions | 91 x 52 x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") | 147 x 95 x 91mm (5.8" x 3.7" x 3.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery ID | NP-120 | BP-61 |
Self timer | Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer) | Yes |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at release | $150 | $738 |