Casio EX-Z90 vs Sony A7R II: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Photography

In the realm of camera evolution, juxtaposing the Casio EX-Z90 and the Sony A7R II feels a bit like setting a compact vintage hatchback alongside a luxury sports sedan. They each serve photography but inhabit distinctly different worlds - one a modest point-and-shoot aimed at casual users, the other a professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse built for image quality and versatility. I've spent extensive time personally testing hundreds of cameras across the spectrum, and today I’ll walk you through a detailed, no-nonsense comparison of these two models across key photography disciplines and technical benchmarks. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter, a serious hobbyist, or a pro deciding on gear, this will help you parse how the EX-Z90 stacks up against the A7R II in real-world scenarios.

From The Outside In: Handling, Design & Build Quality

Starting with the physical design and ergonomics, the distinction is palpable. The Casio EX-Z90 is an ultra-compact camera released in 2009 with a petite footprint (90mm x 52mm x 19mm) weighing in at just 121 grams. This makes it exceptionally pocketable, yet its slim handgrip and minimalistic control layout limit operational fluidity for manual settings. The fixed lens and absence of a viewfinder mean we’re dealing with a pure point-and-shoot experience, relying primarily on the rear 2.7-inch fixed LCD (230k dots, non-touch) for framing.

In contrast, the Sony A7R II is a significantly larger and heftier mirrorless camera (127 x 96 x 60 mm, 625 grams) with a robust SLR-style body and an extensive grip that comfortably supports longer lenses and two-handed operation. Its build quality is professional-grade, featuring weather sealing against dust and moisture - critical for outdoor and demanding shoots. The A7R II’s control scheme - complete with buttons, dials, and a tilting 3-inch, 1.2 million-dot LCD - provides far more versatility and tactile feedback for rapid adjustments. Additionally, a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder offering 100% coverage affords precise composition, especially in bright sunlight.

Both models have energy-efficient processors, with the Casio running on a Digic 4 chip (originally an entry-level Canon technology licensing) and Sony leveraging the advanced Bionz X engine facilitating faster data throughput and superior noise management.

My takeaway: If you prize portability and simplicity, the Casio EX-Z90 fits neatly into a jacket pocket or a clutch, making it appealing for casual walks or travel - but sacrifices ergonomics and physical controls. The Sony A7R II demands serious commitment (and a camera bag) but rewards you with solid build quality and extensive handling customization.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Let’s talk sensor technology - a cornerstone for image quality. The Casio EX-Z90 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a total image area of roughly 28 mm². Its native resolution is 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000 pixels), which was respectable in 2009 but pales compared to modern standards. CCD sensors, while offering good color rendition, inherently generate more noise at higher ISOs and have slower readout speeds.

On the other end, the Sony A7R II boasts a full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 35.9 x 24 mm with an expansive imaging area over 860 mm² - about 30 times larger than that of the EX-Z90. The sensor resolution is a staggering 42 megapixels (7974 x 5316 pixels), enabling incredible detail capture suitable for large prints and heavy cropping. Backside illumination enhances light-gathering capability, contributing to superior low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.

Direct measurement through DxO Mark benchmarks attests to this: the A7R II scores 98 overall, with outstanding color depth (26 bits), dynamic range (~14 stops), and low-light ISO performance (~3400 equivalent). In contrast, the EX-Z90 lacks official DxO testing but given the sensor size and technology, its performance in shadows, highlights, and noise control is modest at best.

For photographers chasing richly detailed landscapes or needing to retain nuances in shadows and highlights, the A7R II’s sensor is in another league. Conversely, the EX-Z90 covers basic snapshots well under bright conditions but will struggle to maintain fine detail or handle challenging lighting gracefully.

How Do They See? Autofocus Systems Compared

For practical shooting, autofocus (AF) capability makes or breaks a camera’s real-world appeal.

The Casio EX-Z90 leans on a basic contrast-detection AF system without face detection or tracking capabilities. Single AF mode is supported, with no continuous or multi-point autofocus options. This makes fast or erratic subject acquisition difficult - something noticeable when attempting candid street shots or moving subjects.

The Sony A7R II shines here with a hybrid AF system combining 399 phase-detection points covering a wide area and 25 contrast-detection points, resulting in swift, precise focusing with excellent subject tracking. It supports sophisticated features including eye detection AF, face recognition AF, plus selectable focus areas – center, zone, or flexible spot modes. Continuous AF (AF-C) for moving subjects and AF tracking are solid performers, crucial for wildlife and sports shoot scenarios.

In tests under varied lighting, the A7R II locked focus quickly - even in low light and against complex backgrounds - while the EX-Z90 sometimes hunted noticeably, especially indoors or in dim environments.

While the EX-Z90’s AF can suffice for posed portraits or static landscapes, professionals and enthusiasts shooting dynamic or fast scenes should definitely prefer the A7R II’s comprehensive, industry-leading autofocus.

Framing and Image Review: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Another essential user interface area is image framing and review. The Casio sports a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230k dots - a noticeable limitation by today’s standards. Its relatively low resolution hampers on-the-spot focus assessment and image quality preview.

Sony’s A7R II comes equipped with a 3-inch tiltable LCD boasting 1.23 million dots, allowing for versatile shooting angles (overhead, low to the ground), critical for macro and video applications. Additionally, the A7R II’s high-res fully electronic viewfinder (2.36 million dots) provides a near-analog DSLR shooting experience with 100% coverage, which is invaluable in bright daylight or for maintaining a steady hold.

For casual snapshot review, the EX-Z90’s screen suffices. But for critical evaluation before transfer - particularly sharpness and exposure - the A7R II’s screens and EVF offer significant advantages.

Let’s Get Technical: Shutter, Burst Rates, and Exposure Control

Fast and reliable shutter operation underpins successful photography, especially for sports, wildlife, and action.

The EX-Z90 offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec and minimum of 4 seconds, without options for shutter-priority or aperture-priority exposures. There’s no continuous shooting mode specs publicly available, implying limited burst shooting capability. Manual exposure modes are absent, restricting creative control to program auto-exposure and limited white balance settings.

Sony advances with an 8,000-second shutter ceiling and a long 30-second minimum, plus full manual, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, and program auto modes - vital for professionals and enthusiasts needing precise exposure control. Burst shooting is capped at a respectable 5fps, paired with full AF tracking, adequate for moderate action sequences (though not the fastest pro-level sports rates).

For stop-action scenarios, the A7R II is clearly better equipped. The EX-Z90 is more akin to family snapshots and casual documentation, where manual adjustments and high frame rates matter less.

Steady Hands or Steady Shots? Image Stabilization

Image stabilization (IS) is essential for low-light, long lenses, and video recording.

The EX-Z90 does not feature any form of image stabilization, relying solely on faster shutter speeds and flash in low light. This can lead to blurry shots in indoor or dim environments.

The Sony A7R II includes a sophisticated sensor-based 5-axis IS system compensating for angular, shift, and rotational movement, delivering a 4-5 stop advantage when handheld. This system supports both stills and video, markedly improving sharpness at slower shutter speeds or telephoto focal lengths.

If you often shoot handheld in tricky light or compose tight zoom images, the A7R II’s in-body stabilization adds real-world flexibility and image quality benefits.

Versatility Through Lenses and Accessories

The fixed lens of the Casio EX-Z90 is a 35-105mm equivalent zoom with variable apertures (f/3.1-5.9), adequate for casual shooting but limited in wide-angle reach and low-light capability.

Sony's A7R II, meanwhile, uses the highly flexible Sony E-mount, compatible with a vast ecosystem of over 120 lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers covering everything from ultrawide primes to super-telephoto zooms and dedicated macro optics. This expands creative potential exponentially - from shooting tectonic landscapes to intimate portraits to wildlife on safari.

The access to premium lenses and pro-grade accessories such as external flashes, grips, filters, and microphone inputs makes the A7R II a formidable tool for a broad range of photographic disciplines.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity

The EX-Z90 records photos to SD/SDHC/MMC cards and has limited wireless features, supporting Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer - a useful but niche feature today. Battery specifications are modest; it uses the NP-60 battery with no published endurance data but generally short-lived.

Sony addresses power needs with an NP-FW50 batteries rated for ~290 shots per charge, fairly reasonable given the complex electronics and EVF usage. It provides broad storage compatibility including SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Duo formats.

Connectivity features on the A7R II include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote capture and image transfer. USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs enable tethered workflows and external monitoring - essential for pros and hybrid shooters.

Video Capabilities

Video is often critical in hybrid roles. The Casio EX-Z90 delivers up to 720p HD video at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format - not ideal for modern filmmaking due to low resolution, high file size, and limited frame rate flexibility.

Conversely, the Sony A7R II offers 4K UHD video recording at 30/25/24 fps using the efficient XAVC S codec, full HD up to 60p, and external mic/headphone ports for serious audio capture. Coupled with 5-axis IS and manual exposure controls, it supports professional video creation alongside stills.

Real-World Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s break down practical proficiency by genre.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The EX-Z90’s small sensor and 35-105mm equivalent lens produce modest background blur and decent color but lack refined skin tone rendition or the smooth bokeh professional portraits demand. No eye detection AF further limits precise focus on subjects' eyes.

The Sony A7R II’s large sensor and ability to use fast prime lenses (e.g., Sony 85mm f/1.4) yield creamy, professional-grade bokeh and exquisite skin tonal gradation. Eye AF ensures tack-sharp focus on subjects' gaze, elevating portrait quality significantly.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Detail

The EX-Z90 captures general scenery well under bright conditions but the limited dynamic range and resolution hampers detail in shadows and highlights.

A7R II’s broad dynamic range (~14 stops) and 42 MP resolution produce award-quality landscapes rich in tonal variations and fine textures.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus & Burst

Without continuous AF or high frame rates, the EX-Z90 is ill-suited for fast action.

The A7R II, while not the fastest at 5fps, combines precise AF tracking and high-resolution files ideal for cropping wildlife shots or moderate-speed sports.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The EX-Z90’s pocket size favors street candidness but image quality and AF lag detract.

The A7R II is bigger and noisier with lens changes, but excellent responsiveness and image quality reward more intentional street shooters.

Macro and Close-Ups

EX-Z90 supports macro down to 10cm but fixed lens limits magnification.

A7R II shines with compatible macro lenses and stabilization for handheld close-ups.

Night and Astro

EX-Z90 struggles past ISO 1600 with high noise.

A7R II excels with native ISO 100 to 25600, low noise, and longer exposures.

Travel Use

EX-Z90’s size and simplicity appeal for light travel.

A7R II requires a dedicated kit but delivers unparalleled versatility.

Viewing Real-World Images Side by Side

Casio EX Z90 front Casio EX Z90 screen back Sony A7R II front Sony A7R II screen back

Side-by-side samples reveal the clear jump in sharpness, noise control, and tonal range with the Sony A7R II. The Casio images feel softer and less nuanced but remain reasonable for casual use.

Summarizing Strengths and Overall Scores

Sony A7R II leads in nearly every technical and performance metric: image quality, AF, exposure control, ergonomics, and video capabilities. The EX-Z90’s niche is for ultra-portable convenience and simple snapshot photography.

Performance Across Photography Specializations

The Sony A7R II scores solidly for professional work, landscape, portraiture, and video. The Casio EX-Z90 barely registers beyond casual street and snapshot use.

Our Verdict: Which One Fits Your Needs?

If you’re a beginner or casual user looking for a compact, easy-to-carry camera for simple family photos and travel mementos, the Casio EX-Z90 fulfills that role with minimal fuss and budget-friendly cost (~$149 new, though now likely found used).

However, if your ambition leans toward serious photography - with demands for excellent image resolution, fast and accurate autofocus, video shooting, and customize-able controls - the Sony A7R II (priced around $2900) remains an industry benchmark for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to your use case and budget. The EX-Z90 is a charming relic for quick grabs but limited in creative potential and image fidelity. The A7R II, a full-frame titan, invests heavily in image quality, speed, and flexibility - earning its place in the serious photographer’s bag.

As someone who’s handled thousands of cameras from compact to medium format, I appreciate each camera’s distinct place in photographic history. But if you want one camera that can excel across genres and grow with your skills, the Sony A7R II is the clear winner - no contest.

Happy shooting!