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Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100

Portability
96
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27
Casio Exilim EX-Z90 front
 
Samsung NX1100 front
Portability
90
Imaging
62
Features
60
Overall
61

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 Key Specs

Casio EX-Z90
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 35-105mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 121g - 90 x 52 x 19mm
  • Revealed August 2009
Samsung NX1100
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Samsung NX Mount
  • 222g - 114 x 63 x 37mm
  • Announced April 2013
  • Previous Model is Samsung NX1000
  • Replacement is Samsung NX2000
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Casio EX-Z90 vs. Samsung NX1100: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing between a compact point-and-shoot and an entry-level mirrorless camera isn't always straightforward. Over my 15+ years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve seen how sensor size, ergonomics, autofocus, and system flexibility can dramatically shape your photography experience. Today, we’re diving deep into two seemingly distant cousins on the camera evolution tree: the Casio EX-Z90, a small sensor compact from 2009, and the more modern Samsung NX1100 mirrorless from 2013.

What stands out when you contrast a budget-friendly compact with a beginner mirrorless interchangeable lens system? Where does one outperform the other in genres ranging from wildlife to night photography? I’ve put these two models through detailed evaluation, from technical specs to real-world shooting tests, to provide you comprehensive guidance before you invest your time and money.

Let’s unpack what each camera offers, starting with their physical characteristics and user handling.

Feel and Fit: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Handling is often underestimated in camera choices, yet it profoundly impacts shooting pleasure and speed. Despite their shared compact category label, the Casio EX-Z90 and Samsung NX1100 feel quite different in the hand.

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 size comparison

The EX-Z90 is incredibly pocketable - measuring just 90x52x19 mm and weighing merely 121 grams, it’s designed for casual users who prioritize convenience. Its slim, ultra-compact body is easy to slip into a coat pocket or purse, perfect for street and travel photography when discretion is paramount.

In contrast, the NX1100 is larger (114x63x37 mm) and heavier at 222 grams. While still portable, its rangefinder-style mirrorless body invites a more deliberate shooting style. The thicker grip and larger footprint improve handling stability, especially when using heavier lenses - a big plus for portraiture and telephoto wildlife shoots.

The control layout also diverges sharply. Here’s a top-down glimpse:

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 top view buttons comparison

Casio keeps things ultra-simple: a few buttons, no dials for shutter speed or aperture (as the EX-Z90 has no manual exposure modes). On the NX1100, Samsung incorporated dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure controls. This approach supports more creative flexibility and faster operational changes - a necessity for enthusiasts and pros in dynamic environments like sports or wildlife.

Ergonomically, the NX1100 gives more tactile feedback and control. Yet, I will say that for quick snapshots or travel photography where minimizing bulk is key, the EX-Z90 feels less intimidating and more spontaneous.

Sensor Powerhouses: Under the Hood Image Quality

Sensor size and underlying technology are foundational to image quality - the most important factor for many users beyond just megapixels.

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 sensor size comparison

Here the gulf is substantial: the Casio EX-Z90 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor roughly 28 mm² in area with 12 megapixels max resolution. The Samsung NX1100 features a substantial APS-C CMOS sensor, measuring 368.95 mm² - an order of magnitude larger in surface area and boasting 20 megapixels.

What does this mean in practice? Bigger sensors allow for larger photosites that gather more light, improving dynamic range, noise control, and low-light performance. The NX1100’s sensor puts it in league with APS-C DSLRs, a clear step above the compact’s tiny chip.

In real-world shooting, the RGB dynamic range of the NX1100’s sensor facilitates smoother gradations in shadows and highlights, a crucial advantage for landscape photographers chasing detail in bright skies and deep shadows. The Casio’s sensor struggles in scenes with high contrast, often rendering highlights blown out or shadows muddy.

ISO performance echoes this: the NX1100 performs cleanly up to ISO 1600, usable up to 3200 with noise reduction, whereas the EX-Z90 maxes at ISO 1600 with markedly more grain creeping in from ISO 400 onwards. Night and astro photographers will find the Samsung vastly preferable for capturing stars or dimly lit scenes.

Viewing Your Shots: Screens and Interfaces

Reviewing your images and accessing menus impacts shooting flow. Let’s compare their rear screens.

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Casio EX-Z90 sports a modest 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD, adequate for framing but soft and low resolution for critical focus assessment or detail inspection. No touch capability means navigating menus and focus point selection is manual and somewhat fiddly.

The Samsung NX1100 ups the ante with a 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD, substantially sharper for judging focus and exposure on the spot. While not a touchscreen either, the NX1100’s larger icons and better contrast make the user experience more pleasant.

Neither camera features built-in electronic viewfinders - a drawback for shooting in bright sunlight, where LCD monitoring can be challenging. The NX1100 supports an optional EVF accessory via hot shoe, unavailable on the EX-Z90.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) accuracy and speed can make or break shots, especially in fast-moving scenarios like sports or wildlife.

The EX-Z90 uses a basic contrast-detection AF system, offering just single-shot AF. It lacks face or eye detection and doesn’t support continuous AF or tracking. It focuses reasonably well for still subjects in good light but slows significantly in low light or on moving subjects.

The NX1100 shines here with 15 focus points and face detection for improved accuracy. It supports continuous AF for tracking moving subjects and selectable multi-area AF modes, enhancing versatility for portraiture and action. However, it uses contrast-only AF (no phase-detect pixels), so while reasonably quick, it’s not as snappy as more recent mirrorless cameras.

Continuous shooting is also starkly different: no burst shooting on the EX-Z90 versus a capable 8 fps burst rate on the NX1100, excellent for sports and wildlife sequences.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

This is where the NX1100’s interchangeable lens mount really shows its strength.

The EX-Z90 is locked to a fixed 35-105mm equivalent zoom lens with relatively slow maximum apertures (f/3.1-5.9). It offers macro focusing down to 10cm, but no image stabilization. This limits versatility and depth-of-field control, restricting creativity in portrait and macro work.

The Samsung NX1100 uses the NX mount with over 30 native lenses available, spanning fast primes, telephoto zooms, wide-angle lenses, and specialty glass. You can add macro lenses with better magnification and aperture advantage, plus use adapters for legacy lenses.

Personally, I found swapping lenses on the NX1100 rewarding once you want to specialize - be it a bokeh-rich 50mm f/1.8 for portraits, a fast telephoto for wildlife, or wide-angle lenses for landscapes. For travel and walkabout shooting, however, the EX-Z90’s simplicity might appeal.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Styles

Let’s put all this together with practical examples from various photography disciplines, including my own test shots (see photos below).

Portraits

  • EX-Z90 struggles with shallow depth of field and bokeh effects because of the small sensor and slow zoom. Skin tones tend to look flat, contrast a bit harsh, and there’s no face or eye- detection AF to lock focus precisely on eyes.
  • NX1100 excels here, capturing smooth skin tones with pleasing background blur using faster lenses. Face detection helps nail focus on eyes, and manual control over aperture is a boon.

Landscapes

  • Resolution and dynamic range favor the NX1100 decisively, delivering files rich in detail and tonal subtlety.
  • The EX-Z90 is fine for snapshots but shows noise in shadows and limited highlight detail, especially in high-contrast scenes.
  • Neither camera is weather sealed, but the NX1100’s lens mount allows using weather-resistant lenses if desired.

Wildlife and Sports

  • Burst speed, continuous AF, and lens flexibility tip the scales heavily toward the NX1100.
  • Casio can barely keep up with moving subjects; its limited zoom range and lack of image stabilization constrict telephoto reach.
  • NX1100’s 8 fps and multi-point AF make better wildlife images possible, though still limited by lack of phase-detect AF and slower focusing compared to current competitors.

Street Photography

  • EX-Z90's pocketability and unobtrusive design give it an edge on the street where discretion matters.
  • NX1100 is more capable technically but less stealthy due to size and lens bulk.

Macro Photography

  • The EX-Z90’s macro focusing starts at 10cm but lacks stabilization and lens options.
  • NX1100 can use specialized macro primes offering better magnification and manual focus precision.

Night and Astro

  • NX1100’s superior high ISO control and RAW support are clear winners for stars and long exposures.
  • EX-Z90’s limited ISO and JPEG-only mode mean noisy, less flexible night shots.

Video Capabilities

  • The *EX-Z90 records at 720p/24fps in Motion JPEG, a dated format with large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.
  • The NX1100 offers fully HD 1080p/30fps video in MPEG-4 and H.264, more modern and versatile for videography.
  • Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio quality options.

Travel Photography

  • EX-Z90 impresses here with size, weight, and ease - ideal for waking around cities without a big bag.
  • NX1100 sacrifices compactness but gains creative control and image quality, appealing to image-conscious travelers.

Professional Workflows

  • NX1100’s RAW shooting capability integrates smoothly into professional post-processing workflows.
  • Casio is limited to JPEG, reducing latitude for serious editing.
  • Battery life also favors the NX1100, with around 320 shots per charge versus the unspecified but generally lower endurance on the EX-Z90.

Technical Highlights and Limitations Side-by-Side

Let’s recap the key specs and their implications:

Feature Casio EX-Z90 Samsung NX1100
Sensor 1/2.3" CCD (28.07mm²), 12 MP APS-C CMOS (368.95mm²), 20 MP
ISO Range 64-1600 100-12800
Lens Fixed 35-105mm equiv., f/3.1-5.9 Interchangeable Samsung NX mount
Manual Exposure Modes No Yes (Shutter, Aperture, Manual)
Burst Shooting No Up to 8 fps
AF System Single; contrast detect only 15 points, face detect, continuous AF
Video 720p MJPEG 1080p H.264/MPEG-4
Raw File Support No Yes
Weight 121 g 222 g
Price (at launch/approx) $150 $600

The following graphic breaks down strengths by photographic genre, reflecting my lab and field tests:

Who Should Choose Which?

Given their significant differences, your use case drives the best choice.

  • Choose the Casio EX-Z90 if:

    • You want absolute portability and simplicity over image quality.
    • Your budget is tight, and you want a straightforward camera for casual shooting.
    • Your primary uses are street photography, travel snapshots, or family memories.
    • You rarely need manual control or advanced features.
  • Choose the Samsung NX1100 if:

    • You aim to learn and grow in photography with manual controls and interchangeable lenses.
    • Image quality, dynamic range, and high ISO performance matter greatly.
    • You photograph portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports.
    • You shoot video and want HD footage.
    • You appreciate a camera system offering upgrade paths with lenses and accessories.
    • You want a serious stepping stone into mirrorless photography at an affordable price.

Final Thoughts: Context Matters for Your Next Camera

To conclude, the Casio EX-Z90 and Samsung NX1100 represent different eras and intentions in digital photography. The EX-Z90, although largely superseded by advances, still serves as a nimble, no-fuss compact for quick candid shots and travel convenience. But for anyone serious about control, image quality, or creative possibilities, the NX1100 delivers a substantial leap forward.

It’s worth noting that both cameras lack features common in today’s models, such as in-body image stabilization, touchscreens, or advanced hybrid AF systems with phase detect pixels. However, in their launching periods, the NX1100’s APS-C sensor and manual controls put it at the forefront of entry-level mirrorless options.

Finally, consider your budget and future needs carefully. The $600 entry price for the NX1100 reflects its advanced capabilities and system flexibility, while the Casio’s $150 price reflects ultra-portability and constrained features.

Photography is as much about the joy of shooting as it is about technical specs. Holding the EX-Z90 feels like a quick snapshot tool, while the NX1100 invites you to explore, craft, and refine each shot.

I trust this comparison helps you choose the camera that fits not just your image goals but your shooting style.

Happy shooting!

Note: For a deeper dive into sample images and nuanced performance in each category, please refer to the attached galleries and scoring charts embedded above.

If you want to see live focus speed demos, low-light tests, and detailed image comparisons from my lab, check out my video reviews linked on my website.

Dear technology, keep evolving – and dear photographers, may your next camera be the perfect creative partner.

Article by [Expert Reviewer], based on extensive hands-on testing and professional experience across hundreds of camera models and photographic genres.

Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung NX1100 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Casio EX-Z90 and Samsung NX1100
 Casio Exilim EX-Z90Samsung NX1100
General Information
Manufacturer Casio Samsung
Model Casio Exilim EX-Z90 Samsung NX1100
Class Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed 2009-08-18 2013-04-11
Physical type Compact Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip Digic 4 -
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 20MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 4000 x 3000 5472 x 3648
Max native ISO 1600 12800
Min native ISO 64 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points - 15
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens Samsung NX
Lens focal range 35-105mm (3.0x) -
Max aperture f/3.1-5.9 -
Macro focus range 10cm -
Amount of lenses - 32
Focal length multiplier 5.8 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 2.7" 3"
Screen resolution 230k dots 921k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology - TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate - 8.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 3.00 m no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize - 1/180s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1920 x 810 (24 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 121 grams (0.27 pounds) 222 grams (0.49 pounds)
Physical dimensions 90 x 52 x 19mm (3.5" x 2.0" x 0.7") 114 x 63 x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 73
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.0
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 12.5
DXO Low light score not tested 852
Other
Battery life - 320 shots
Battery type - Battery Pack
Battery model NP-60 BC1030
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Triple) Yes (2 sec to 30 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One One
Pricing at release $150 $600