Casio EX-Z90 vs Samsung SL720: A Hands-On Compact Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the realm of compact cameras, the late 2000s brought numerous contenders vying for the spotlight with sleek designs, versatile zoom ranges, and feature sets aimed at casual shooters and aspiring photographers alike. Among these is the Casio EX-Z90 and the Samsung SL720 (a.k.a PL70), two models released within a month of each other in 2009. Both deliver a similar sensor resolution and general usability but take different approaches to optics, ergonomics, and feature balance.

After extensive hands-on testing and evaluation of these models, this article breaks down their core strengths, technical differences, and real-world performance to help you make an informed choice. Whether you're a beginner looking for a pocket-friendly travel camera, an enthusiast wanting to explore everyday photography, or just weighing your options, keep reading to uncover which of these compact cameras could fit your creative journey best.

Size, Build, and Handling: Ergonomics Matter for Everyday Shooting

An often overlooked but pivotal aspect in compact camera selection is how a camera feels in your hands. Comfort, grip security, and intuitive control layout can make the difference between missed moments and excellent shots, especially when shooting on the move.

Looking at these two cameras' physical dimensions and weights:

Casio EX-Z90 impresses with its impressively slim profile (just 19mm thick) and a light 121g body. This makes it highly pocketable and unobtrusive for street photography or travel. However, its compactness comes with trade-offs - it offers minimal physical grip and flat surfaces that can feel somewhat slippery if you lack larger hands.

On the other hand, the Samsung SL720 weighs noticeably more at 168g and has a thicker, chunkier body. While this makes it less streamlined for pocket carry, the larger size provides a more substantial grip area and improves handling stability, especially when zoomed in. This is a boon for photographers shooting handheld telephoto shots or video.

From a real-world usage standpoint, the SL720’s ergonomics support prolonged shooting better, reducing hand fatigue. Conversely, the EX-Z90 shines when you prioritize compactness and lightweight gear for casual snaps or travel. If possible, we recommend you physically handle both models to see what fits your shooting style.

Top Controls and Screen Interfaces: Essential for Fast Operation

Next, let's explore how each camera’s control layout and screen design affect shooting convenience. Ergonomics don't end with grip - they extend into button placement, screen size, and usability for composing shots.

Here’s a quick overview:

Both cameras rely fully on rear LCDs for composition and navigation, with no electronic or optical viewfinders, which can be a drawback in bright conditions. The EX-Z90's top and rear buttons feel a bit minimalistic but functional. It surprises with manual focus support, rare in compact cameras of this era, allowing you greater creative control in macro or tricky light situations.

Conversely, the SL720 sticks to automatic focus exclusively, which can simplify things but removes manual focusing flexibility. The SL720’s inclusion of more flash modes, such as fill-in and slow sync, give it an edge for controlling lighting creatively, especially in low-light or fill-flash scenarios.

In daily shooting situations, both screens offer similar visibility and resolution - adequate but not class-leading by today’s standards. Lacking touchscreen controls requires more reliance on physical buttons, but both cameras keep their menus straightforward.

Overall, if you want manual focus freedom and a slightly more tactile control experience, lean towards the Casio. For more flash options and straightforward operation, the Samsung is handy.

Sensor and Image Quality: Behind the Picture

The sensor is the heart of a camera’s image quality. Luckily, these two models are quite evenly matched here:

The 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor in both cameras offers similar physical dimensions and pixel count. While the size is small compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models, it was standard for compact cameras in 2009. This sensor size limits dynamic range and low-light capabilities compared to larger formats but allows you to capture good-quality images in well-lit scenarios.

You should expect similar image rendition from both with:

• Moderate noise levels at ISO 80-200
• Visible noise and reduced sharpness at ISO 800 and above
• Approximate sharpness and detail detail suited for prints up to 8x10 inches
• Slight softness due to anti-aliasing filters preventing moiré

Notably, neither camera supports RAW; this limits post-processing flexibility and fixes your latitude mostly to JPEG adjustments. So getting exposure and white balance right in-camera is crucial.

In practical photography, expect both models to deliver natural color reproduction with decent skin tones under good daylight. The Casio might provide marginally better control over white balance due to its custom white balance setting. The Samsung’s slightly wider native ISO range (starting at 80) offers a touch more control in bright light.

Lens Specifications and Focal Range: Versatility in Framing

The lens system is a critical factor that directly impacts your framing freedom and image aesthetics.

The Samsung SL720 offers a slightly wider starting focal length at 28mm equivalent, which is ideal for broad landscapes and group shots, versus Casio’s 35mm. This extra wide-angle edge enhances your compositional flexibility notably when shooting architecture or confined interiors.

Moreover, the SL720’s faster maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end promises improved low-light performance and better subject isolation effects compared to the EX-Z90’s f/3.1 aperture.

Macro shooters will appreciate the SL720’s ability to focus as close as 5 cm, doubling the macro proximity of the Casio. This allows for more detailed close-ups and insect shots.

Overall, the Samsung wins out in lens flexibility and low-light advantage, but Casio’s lens still delivers pleasing general-purpose framing in a smaller package.

Autofocus Performance: Precision When It Counts

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems typical of compact cameras of this era. However, autofocus capabilities impact every genre, from portraits to sports and wildlife.

Neither model sports face detection or continuous autofocus, a significant limitation for capturing moving subjects or quick focus tracking. Both cameras perform best in static scenes with good light.

Real-world test results:

• Both autofocus systems can be slow to lock focus in low light or macro modes, leading to hunting.
• The EX-Z90’s manual focus may help compensate in challenging situations but requires patience and skill.
• Autofocus accuracy is generally reliable for everyday snapshots but not suited for action photography or wildlife.

If autofocus speed and tracking matter to you, neither camera excels here. But for casual portraits and landscapes, they perform adequately.

Video Capabilities: Basic, But Serviceable for Casual Use

Both cameras offer limited HD video recording options for casual clips:

The Casio EX-Z90 stands out slightly by offering 720p HD video, albeit at a modest frame rate of 24 fps and using Motion JPEG, an inefficient codec leading to large file sizes.

The Samsung SL720 caps at VGA (640x480) resolution, which is increasingly low quality by today’s standards but was typical for basic cameras then.

Neither provides mic input or image stabilization, limiting video quality and adaptability. Casual users can still capture family events or snapshots, but you shouldn't expect polished video production.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations for Shooters

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries with no announced battery life figures. Given their CCD sensor demands and small batteries, expect modest shooting counts before recharge.

The EX-Z90’s support for Eye-Fi cards is intriguing if you want wireless image transfer, though this requires specific compatible cards. Samsung offers no wireless options, so data transfer relies on wired USB.

The ability to use standard SD/SDHC cards in both makes storage convenient and affordable.

Performance Across Photography Genres: How These Two Cameras Stack Up

A key to choosing your next camera is understanding how it performs across real-world photography types. Below is our synthesized evaluation based on comprehensive hands-on testing.

Casio EX Z90 front Casio EX Z90 screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Portrait Photography

• EX-Z90: Manual focus support aids creativity; decent color and skin tone rendering. Bokeh is limited by sensor size and lens apertures. No face detection autofocus.
• SL720: Faster lens aperture at wide end aids subject isolation. Good color accuracy but autofocus cannot be manually adjusted. Overall similar portrait quality to Casio but with less creative focusing control.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras capture pleasingly detailed images with rich colors under daylight.
• Wider field of view on SL720 helps expansive scenes.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing; both require caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus limitations and slow contrast detection hinder fast moving subjects.
• Lower burst frame rates make both cameras less ideal for wildlife action.

Sports Photography

• Neither model suited due to slow shutter speeds (max 1/2000s for Casio and 1/1500s for Samsung) and poor focus tracking.

Street Photography

• EX-Z90’s compact size offers a discreet shooting advantage.
• SL720 is chunkier, heavier but with better grip for steady shots.
• Fixed lens zoom range covers typical needs.

Macro Photography

• SL720 can focus closer (5cm vs 10cm) enabling more detailed macros.
• EX-Z90’s manual focus is an asset for tricky close-up focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

• CCD sensor noise at higher ISOs restricts low-light imaging.
• No bulb mode or long exposure features on either.

Video Capabilities

• EX-Z90’s HD video is a slight advantage for casual videography.
• SL720 useless for HD but sufficient for short clips.

Travel Photography

• EX-Z90 excels thanks to size and light weight.
• SL720 bulkier but offers wider zoom and macro, useful on day trips.

Professional Work

• Neither camera offers RAW, advanced controls, or extensive customization expected for pro applications.
• Both aim at casual consumers or hobbyists.

Overall Evaluation and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

To sum up the core strengths and potential drawbacks of each model, see this overall performance illustration:

And more detailed genre-specific insights:

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Fits You?

• Choose the Casio EX-Z90 if:

  • You want the smallest, lightest camera to shoot travel or street scenes without intrusion.
  • You value manual focus and some video capability in HD resolution.
  • Wireless image transfer via Eye-Fi is appealing.
  • You prioritize portability over the widest zoom or fastest lens.

• Choose the Samsung SL720 if:

  • You want a wider lens start for landscapes and faster aperture for better low light and subject separation.
  • Macro shooting is a priority with the closer focus distance.
  • Ergonomic grip and flash flexibility matter to you.
  • You want a more affordable option with solid general performance.

Neither camera breaks new ground in modern terms, but each packs a respectable punch within compact point-and-shoot limitations of their time. Consider your shooting style and priorities carefully - and where possible, get hands-on time before deciding.

Explore and Experiment for Your Best Results

If either camera captures your interest, our advice is to test it with your favorite genres - take portraits, stroll through landscapes, and try close-ups. Pair with reliable SD cards and spare batteries to maximize shooting sessions.

Dive into manual focusing on the Casio and experiment with the Samsung’s flash modes to grasp what suits you best. With compact cameras like these, the creative opportunity lies in how well you use the tools, not just the specs on paper.

Happy shooting!

Note: All specifications and evaluations based on direct hands-on experience and standard testing methods, aiming at empowering you to find the camera that complements your creative vision and everyday photography needs.