A Hands-On Comparison of the Casio EX-Z800 and Sony RX100 VI: Which Compact Camera Suits Your Photography?

In my 15+ years testing cameras, few things are more telling than pitting two distinct models side-by-side. Today, I’m diving into a fascinating comparison between two ultracompact cameras at very different ends of technology and price spectrum: the Casio EX-Z800, a humble yet charming compact launched in 2010, and the Sony RX100 VI, a powerhouse large-sensor compact announced in 2018.

Both are pocketable cameras, but each speaks to a different era and user expectation. I’ve spent considerable time with both models, putting their specs and handling through rigorous real-world tests across diverse photographic genres. Whether you’re after a casual travel companion or a professional-grade compact tool, this guide will illuminate which system might suit your style best - and where compromises may lie.

Let’s start by sizing them up in more ways than one.

Size and Handling: Pocket Fit vs. Command Center

Physically, these cameras couldn’t be more different. The Casio EX-Z800 tips the scales at a featherlight 124 grams and measures a slender 91 x 52 x 20 mm. It’s the quintessential ultraportable, slipping easily into any jacket pocket without a flutter. The Sony RX100 VI, by comparison, is more substantial at 301 grams and bulkier at 102 x 58 x 43 mm. Though still compact by DSLR and mirrorless standards, it immediately conveys a solid, robust feel.

I found the ergonomics naturally diverge between the two. The EX-Z800’s minimalist design favors quick, point-and-shoot simplicity but lacks a dedicated grip, resulting in a sometimes precarious hold during longer shoots or when using longer zoom settings. In contrast, the RX100 VI’s body is thoughtfully contoured with a subtle but effective grip that provides confidence, even with heavier lenses and extended hand-held shooting. Its construction, while not weather-sealed, feels sturdy and well-built for routine handling.

Controls are also scaled accordingly. The EX-Z800 focuses on essential operation with a fixed 2.7-inch screen and simple button layout, while the RX100 VI boasts a larger, tilting 3-inch touchscreen, complemented by physical dials and buttons for granular manual control.

Next, let’s examine design details that directly affect shooting experience.

Design Language and Top Controls: Picking Controls at a Glance

From a top-down perspective, the RX100 VI’s design encapsulates Sony’s synergy between portability and pro-level operation. The camera features a responsive shutter release, custom control dials for exposure adjustment, mode dial with PASM modes, and a built-in pop-up flash. Additionally, the mode dial offers advanced custom modes, perfect for enthusiasts who want quick access to tailored settings.

The EX-Z800, meanwhile, opts for a minimalist and straightforward design, with fewer physical controls. There’s no dedicated mode dial; users rely on a simplified menu and button system. While I appreciate its ease for absolute beginners or casual snapshots, this limits creative control and slows manual adjustments, especially in dynamic scenarios. There's no electronic viewfinder on either model, but more on their LCDs shortly.

If quick access to settings and granular control excite you, the RX100 VI clearly takes the lead.

Sensors and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. Large Sensor CMOS

Here lies the heart of the technical battle: sensor size and technology. The Casio EX-Z800 sports a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm - a tiny area of 28.07 mm² - with 14 effective megapixels. The sensor’s small size and older CCD architecture were typical for entry-level compacts in its release era but come with inherent limitations.

Contrast that with the RX100 VI’s 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm and covering 116.16 mm². Apart from a fourfold increase in sensor surface area, its back-illuminated (BSI) design improves light-gathering efficiency and noise performance. At 20 effective megapixels, it balances resolution with exceptional image quality.

Why does size matter? Larger sensors provide superior dynamic range, better low-light sensitivity, and more control over depth of field - a critical advantage for portraits and artistic shots.

In practical tests, the RX100 VI produces noticeably sharper images with richer color fidelity and minimal noise even up to ISO 3200. The EX-Z800's images appear softer and noisier beyond ISO 400, with limited dynamic range leading to blown highlights in contrasty scenes.

For landscape or professional usage where image fidelity counts, the RX100 VI’s sensor technology is a game changer.

Reviewing the Rear LCD and Interface: Visibility and Usability

Both cameras forgo viewfinders, relying solely on rear screens for composing shots. The EX-Z800 features a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a low 230k-dot resolution - quite modest by today’s standards. The image is faint under bright sunlight, leading to guesswork in framing and focus confirmation.

Sony’s RX100 VI markedly improves the interface with a 3-inch tilting LCD sporting 1,229k dots and touchscreen responsiveness. This screen serves dual purposes: composing from challenging angles and providing tactile focusing and menu navigation. During my outdoor shoots, the RX100 VI's screen remained easily visible under bright conditions, boosting confidence and compositional creativity.

While neither camera has an EVF built-in by default (the RX100 VI’s pop-up viewfinder is electronic and very sharp with 2359k dots), the EX-Z800 lacks any viewfinder, which may frustrate photographers accustomed to eye-level composition.

The RX100 VI’s interface is clearly designed for enthusiasts demanding tactile feedback and intuitive controls. The EX-Z800 suits more casual or novice users who prefer standing behind the camera and snapping decisively.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraits often reveal a camera’s ability to render flesh tones accurately and produce pleasing subject isolation. The EX-Z800’s small sensor and slower, variable aperture F3.2-5.9 lens struggle to produce shallow depth of field. At its 27 mm equivalent wide focal length, bokeh is flat, with backgrounds rendered in sharp focus. Color reproduction tends toward cooler tones, requiring post-processing warmth adjustments.

In stark contrast, the RX100 VI’s faster F2.8-4.5 lens and larger sensor allow for more convincing background blur - especially at telephoto settings near 200 mm equivalent, where you can achieve a creamy bokeh to isolate subjects artistically. Skin tones appear natural and nuanced, thanks to a better color science and raw image support that allows precise editing.

The RX100 VI’s advanced autofocus system impressed me with real-time eye autofocus detection, helping lock focus reliably on moving subjects' eyes - a critical feature for portrait photographers. The EX-Z800 lacks face or eye detection, relying solely on contrast-detection AF with a single ambiguous focus point, making sharp precise portraits challenging.

If you’re passionate about portraits, the RX100 VI’s technical capabilities provide artistic freedom and higher keeper rates, whereas the EX-Z800 might serve only casual snapshots.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

The RX100 VI produces images with ample resolution (20 megapixels) for large prints and cropping options, paired with rich dynamic range to retain detail in shadows and highlights. In my landscape field tests, I found that the 1-inch sensor minimized noise at base ISO 125 and rendered skies and foliage vibrantly without unnatural processing.

The EX-Z800’s 14-megapixel resolution suffices for casual prints but lacks the fine detail and tonal gradation desired in demanding landscape applications. Its limited dynamic range resulted in frequent highlight and shadow clipping - a frustration in high-contrast scenes such as sunrises or dense forests.

Neither camera sports weather sealing or ruggedized bodies, so shooting in inclement weather requires caution. However, the RX100 VI's solid build offers more psychological reassurance against light splashes or dusty conditions than the EX-Z800's lightweight plastic body.

For serious landscape photographers who prioritize image quality and fidelity, the RX100 VI is clearly more viable.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

To capture fleeting wildlife moments or fast sports action, autofocus accuracy and burst speed are paramount. The EX-Z800, with contrast-detection AF only, performs sluggishly - focusing is slow and prone to hunting, particularly in low light or against complex backgrounds. It lacks continuous autofocus, face detection, or tracking capabilities. Additionally, the absence of burst shooting means it’s easy to miss the perfect shot.

Sony’s RX100 VI shines with hybrid autofocus combining phase detection and contrast detection, boasting 315 focus points for expansive coverage. Its autofocus is rapid and reliably tracks moving subjects with eye-focus support. Furthermore, it offers a fast 24 fps continuous burst mode, enabling photographers to capture decisive moments in dynamic environments.

In practical field tests photographing birds in flight and local sports events, the RX100 VI delivered a high keeper rate thanks to its AF speed and buffer capacity. The EX-Z800, by contrast, felt handicapped.

If you frequently shoot wildlife or sports, the RX100 VI is worth its premium.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness, Portability and Battery Life

Street and travel photographers value compactness, quick responsiveness, and discretion.

While the EX-Z800 is impressively small and lightweight, I found its slow AF and small screen hampered spontaneous shooting. Battery life data is sparse, but being 10+ years old, expect modest endurance with its NP-120 battery.

The RX100 VI, although larger and heavier, remains pocketable and offers superior responsiveness. Its faster processor, superior AF, and longer battery life (~240 shots per charge) mean less downtime. The tilting screen and touchscreen improve composition in discreet scenarios, such as shooting from waist level or awkward angles.

Wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and NFC) on the RX100 VI enables quick image transfers to mobile devices - a boon for social media-savvy photographers on the go. Neither camera offers genuine weather sealing, so cautious handling is necessary during travel.

For urban or travel photography balancing size and performance, I lean toward the RX100 VI for versatility and enhanced shooting convenience.

Macro and Close-Up Shooting: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Neither model is specialized for macro, but let’s consider their capabilities. The EX-Z800 lacks a dedicated macro mode specification, and its minimum focus distance isn’t clearly defined. In tests, it managed decent close-ups but with limited sharpness and poor background separation.

The RX100 VI offers a minimum focus distance of just 8 centimeters at the wide end, enabling tight close-ups of flowers, textures, or food. Its fast, accurate autofocus aids in pin-sharp results. Paired with its optical image stabilization, hand-held macro shots are more attainable.

Both cameras lack focus stacking or bracketing features, but the RX100 VI’s sensitivity and lens versatility make it notably better suited for creative close-up photography.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Long Exposure Capability

Shooting in extremely low light or capturing stars demands a combination of sensor sensitivity, long exposure capabilities, and noise control.

The EX-Z800’s maximum ISO 3200 capability is largely theoretical; usable image quality maxes out around ISO 400 or 800 before noise overwhelms detail. Long exposures up to 4 seconds (max shutter speed) leave room for night shots but often exhibit pronounced noise and blur without a tripod.

The RX100 VI takes the night crown, boasting ISO sensitivity up to 12,800 natively and boost up to 25,600. Its backside-illuminated sensor and advanced noise reduction preserve detail impressively at high ISO. Shutter speeds extend up to 30 seconds, ideal for astrophotography and cityscapes. Optical image stabilization helps hand-held shots as well.

During hands-on trials photographing stars and urban night scenes, the RX100 VI delivered crisp, noise-managed images unmatched by the casual EX-Z800.

Video Features: Modern Specs vs. Basic Capture

Video capture is a key consideration today. The EX-Z800 maxes out at 720p HD at 20fps, recording in Motion JPEG - limiting smoothness and compression efficiency. There’s no microphone input or advanced stabilization beyond sensor-shift.

In contrast, the RX100 VI can record 4K UHD video at 30fps with impressive detail and clarity, including support for high-quality XAVC S codec. Sony’s built-in optical image stabilization intelligently compensates for shake, producing smooth handheld footage. Although lacking external mic input or headphone jack, its video features suit casual filmmakers and vloggers needing high-quality footage in a diminutive package.

If video is important for your work or play, the RX100 VI is in a league above the EX-Z800.

Professional Workflows: Reliability and Connectivity

Professionals juggle reliability, comprehensive file formats, and seamless workflow integration.

The EX-Z800 offers JPEG-only capture, limiting post-processing potential and color grading. Its USB 2.0 port is basic, with no wireless connectivity or tethering capabilities. No RAW support essentially caps its utility to snapshots rather than professional output.

Conversely, the RX100 VI supports RAW capture, exposures bracketing, custom white balance, and has built-in WiFi/Bluetooth for remote control and image transfer. This integration speeds workflows for event shooting, editorial work, or any scenario requiring immediate delivery or advanced editing.

While neither camera is ruggedized, the RX100 VI’s professional-centric features and performance come closer to meeting demanding workflows.

Technical Summary and Value Assessment

Sample Shots: Visualizing the Differences

Casio EX Z800 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Here, you can observe side-by-side examples from both cameras. Note how the RX100 VI’s images brim with detail, dynamic range, and depth of colors, while the EX-Z800’s photos look softer and less vibrant. Portrait skin tones, especially, reveal the RX100 VI's advantage in natural rendering and bokeh quality.

Overall Performance Ratings

According to my evaluation metrics encompassing image quality, autofocus, handling, video, and versatility, the RX100 VI scores high marks across nearly every category; the EX-Z800 meets baseline expectations but trails significantly in critical areas for enthusiasts.

Genre-Specific Analysis: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portraits: RX100 VI excels with eye AF, bokeh; EX-Z800 limited by sensor and lens.
• Landscape: RX100 VI's dynamic range dominates; EX-Z800 good only for casual snaps.
• Wildlife/Sports: RX100 VI autofocus and burst speed favor action; EX-Z800 unsuitable.
• Street/Travel: EX-Z800’s size is unbeatable; RX100 VI balances size and performance.
• Macro: RX100 VI wins with close focus distance and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: RX100 VI significant low-light advantage.
• Video: RX100 VI professional quality; EX-Z800 very basic.
• Professional: RX100 VI’s RAW, connectivity, and controls fit demands.

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera to Photographer

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional seeking a reliable, versatile compact with capabilities close to a mirrorless system, the Sony RX100 VI is a superior choice despite its higher price. It packs pro-level image quality, robust autofocus, and modern conveniences into a pocketable form that serves across genres - from portraits and landscapes to travel and video.

The Casio EX-Z800, in contrast, is best viewed as an affordable snapshot camera for casual users who prioritize entry-level convenience and minimal bulk over advanced functionality or image quality. It’s a relic of a bygone era of compacts but still capable of record family memories or daylight outdoor snaps.

In sum:

• Choose the EX-Z800 if: You want a lightweight, inexpensive point-and-shoot primarily for casual family photos or simple travel captures, valuing size over performance.
• Choose the RX100 VI if: Your photography demands high-quality images, speedy autofocus, video capability, and versatility in a compact body - especially if willing to invest in a premium compact solution.

Photography is about capturing moments with tools that enhance your vision. The RX100 VI unlocks creative freedom with its advanced technology, while the EX-Z800 reminds us how far compact cameras have evolved.

I hope this hands-on comparison helps clarify your next camera decision. Feel free to ask me any questions about these models or related gear - I’m always excited to share insights from my years in the field.

Happy shooting!