Casio EX-ZR10 vs Fujifilm S5 Pro: A Hands-On Journey Across Two Very Different Cameras

When I first sat down to compare the Casio EX-ZR10, a small-sensor compact from 2010, with the Fujifilm S5 Pro, a seasoned pro DSLR released in 2007, I knew the exercise would be more than just a specs face-off. These two cameras seemingly target opposite ends of the photography spectrum - one small and pocketable with simplicity in mind, the other a bulkier, feature-packed pro tool designed for serious image makers. Yet, the value of such a comparison lies in uncovering how each fares across a gamut of photographic demands, from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to travel, and beyond.

I’ve spent hours testing both in real-world settings, weighing not just sensor measurements and shutter speeds, but also ergonomics, usability, and the kind of results that ultimately matter to photographers. In this detailed comparison, I’ll guide you through their significant differences, dive into technical insights, and help you determine which might suit your photography style and budget best.

An Immediate Impression: Size, Weight, and Handling

Before we get into image quality and specs, let’s talk physical handling - something I consider paramount when choosing a camera you’ll actually want to carry and use regularly.

The Casio EX-ZR10 is a true pocket camera. It measures a compact 102x69x27 mm and weighs just 176 grams. The Fuji S5 Pro, meanwhile, is a heavyweight at 920 grams and a bulky 147x113x74 mm. This size difference is not just about weight; it’s about how you hold and operate the camera for hours on end. The Fujifilm is built like a tank with a large DSLR body that has room for comfortable grips, physical dials, and switches. It’s a camera you take seriously with dedicated time.

In contrast, the EX-ZR10 fits easily into a jacket pocket but sacrifices many manual controls for its diminutive form. While the Casio does feature a modest 3-inch fixed LCD screen - bright and clear for its age - it lacks a viewfinder entirely. The Fuji sports a bright pentaprism optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame, critical for precise composition in bright outdoor conditions and fast-moving photography.

If you prioritize portability or need a backup camera that's lightning quick to pull out, the Casio excels. For extended shooting sessions or if you want a rugged tool to accompany serious lens options, the Fuji is unmatched.

Design and Control Layout: Balancing Intuition with Function

Ergonomics also depend heavily on the control layout. So how do these two stack up visually?

Scanning the top plates, the Fujifilm S5 Pro includes dedicated mode dials enabling shutter priority, aperture priority, and fully manual exposure control, essential for fast work in challenging lighting. Its shutter speed dial ranges from 30 seconds to 1/8000 of a second, offering great flexibility. This kind of legacy DSLR control philosophy is all about giving photographers quick, tactile access.

The Casio EX-ZR10, meanwhile, lacks dedicated exposure modes like shutter or aperture priority, limiting you primarily to automatic operation with minor tweaks such as custom white balance and exposure compensation (although exposure compensation isn't available here). The EX-ZR10 also offers sensor-shift image stabilization - a rare feature in compacts then - to help handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.

While the Casio controls are straightforward and friendly for first-timers or casual photography, pros seeking granular control will find it limiting. The Fuji’s interface requires more time to master but ultimately yields more precise control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor Compact vs APS-C DSLR

Arguably the most critical factor between these cameras is their fundamentally different sensor technologies. Understanding this here is essential.

The EX-ZR10 sports a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm - tiny compared to modern standards, even for compacts of its era. This small sensor captures 12 megapixels, capable of producing decent prints under good lighting, but will struggle in low light or high dynamic range scenes.

Conversely, the Fujifilm S5 Pro features an APS-C sized CCD sensor (23 x 15.5 mm) with 6.17 megapixels, a notably low resolution by today’s standards but with an emphasis on color depth and dynamic range. Recorded DxOMark scores reflect that with a 21.6-bit color depth and 13.5 EV dynamic range - exceptional for its time and favoring rich skin tones and landscape detail.

In practice, I found the Fuji’s sensor delivers images with deeper tonal gradation and better shadow recovery, crucial for portrait and landscape photographers. The EX-ZR10’s sensor struggles with noise and limited tonal range beyond ISO 400, something to consider if you shoot in varied lighting.

For video, the EX-ZR10 shoots 1080p at 30fps with H.264 encoding, while the S5 Pro offers no video capability. If multimedia is a priority, Casio holds a modest edge here.

Looking Through the Back: Screen and Interface Usability

The rear LCDs are your constant glance point - so usability matters.

The Casio’s 3-inch “Super Clear” TFT LCD is bright with 461k dots, excellent for framing and reviewing images. However, it’s fixed; there’s no articulating or touchscreen functionality. Its menu system is basic but straightforward, which can work well for casual users.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro, meanwhile, uses a smaller, 2.5-inch fixed screen with 230k dots. It lacks live view or touchscreen. Its smaller screen can be challenging for reviewing large images, particularly given the higher image quality potential requiring critical evaluation. But this is balanced by the robust optical viewfinder, which many professionals prefer for stability and clarity in framing.

In daylight or bright conditions, both screens have limitations, with the Casio’s slightly larger display offering a clearer view but no tilt feature to help tricky angles.

Portrait Photography: Handling Skin Tones and Focus Precision

Portraiture reveals the true colors and life in a camera’s sensor and lens.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro is legendary for its portrait capabilities, mainly thanks to its unique sensor tech inherited from Fuji’s Provia film era, delivering natural, warm skin tones with exceptional dynamic range. While the 6MP resolution feels low now, the color accuracy, tone gradation, and noise control result in gorgeous images requiring less retouching. Coupled with the vast Nikon F-mount lens ecosystem - over 300 compatible lenses, including renowned fast primes - the Fuji is a potent tool for pros doing portraiture.

Autofocus-wise, the S5 Pro relies on Nikon’s established Phase Detection AF with selectable focus areas, supporting continuous AF for moving subjects. However, it lacks face or eye detection by today’s standards.

In contrast, the Casio EX-ZR10 offers a 7x zoom lens covering 28-196mm equivalent focal range with f/3.0-5.9 aperture. Image stabilization helps with handheld shots, but autofocus performance is contrast-detection based and lacks eye/face detection. Skin tones are serviceable but noticeably less nuanced than the S5 Pro - the smaller sensor and JPEG processing limitations contribute to flatter results with less depth.

Conclusion: If portrait perfection and seamless lens options are your priority, the Fujifilm S5 Pro is your clear choice.

Landscapes Demanding Resolution and Dynamic Range

Here, sensor size and dynamic range shine.

The S5 Pro’s higher dynamic range of 13.5 EV allows it to capture intricate details in shadows and highlights - meaning dramatic skies and textured landforms look natural without blown highlights or crushed blacks. Coupling this with sharp optics from various Nikon lenses, landscape photographers can achieve large, high-quality prints.

The EX-ZR10’s compact sensor struggles in high-contrast scenes, often requiring HDR or exposure bracketing to compensate. It lacks weather sealing, which limits its use in challenging outdoor conditions, a gap the Fuji also shares but is marginally better built for occasional weather resistance.

While the Fuji’s resolution is lower, its color depth and tonality provide a more pleasing landscape image. The Casio’s 12MP resolution provides better pixel dimensions but often with noisier results in shadow areas.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Burst Rate, Telephoto Reach

For wildlife photographers, autofocus speed and focal length often trump resolution.

The Casio’s 28-196mm equivalent lens offers decent telephoto reach but a slow f/5.9 at the long end limits low-light performance. Image stabilization helps but the camera doesn’t offer burst shooting or continuous autofocus - critical drawbacks for fast action. Contrast-detection AF systems, like Casio’s, are slower and less reliable for tracking moving subjects compared to phase detection.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro doesn’t boast blistering burst rates either, and with its 6MP CCD sensor, it’s not the fastest DSLR for sports, lacking face/eye detection and having no video capability. However, phase-detection AF is faster and more precise, and with a large Nikon telephoto lens, the system can deliver excellent results, particularly in good light.

Neither camera is optimized for fast-paced wildlife or sports; more modern cameras are better suited. However, the S5 Pro holds slight advantages thanks to lens ecosystem and AF system.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness and Versatility

Street and travel photographers have specific needs: portability, discretion, and reliability.

Here, the Casio EX-ZR10 shines for casual travel snapshots. Its compact size and light weight make it a stealthy companion for everyday carry, and its optical zoom covers most travel scenarios. While the image quality won't amaze in tricky lighting, the EX-ZR10 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot, perfect for spontaneous moments.

Travel professionals or serious enthusiasts eager for versatility and image quality will find the heavier, bulkier S5 Pro less convenient to haul around but offering superior image quality and creative control.

Neither is weather-sealed, which could pose challenges on adventurous trips.

Macro and Close-Up Capabilities

Neither camera is designed explicitly for macro work, but some insights:

The Casio EX-ZR10 lacks specific macro focus capabilities or focus stacking. Its lens’s minimum focusing distance is modest, allowing reasonably close shots of flowers or small objects. Image stabilization is a plus here.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro’s compatibility with Nikon’s extensive lens lineup means thousands of macro lenses are available - some with amazing magnifications and working distances. Manual focus control in Fuji’s DSLR body is precise, making focus stacking and bracketing possible depending on lens and workflow.

In short, for macro enthusiasts, the Fuji system has clear advantages given the lens ecosystem and manual focus precision.

Astrophotography and Low-Light Performance

Shooting the night sky or dim interiors is demanding on sensor technology.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro’s CCD sensor offers excellent low-noise performance up to ISO 800 and even 1600 with careful processing. Its long shutter speeds (up to 30 seconds) allow deep night exposures. Although resolution is limited, I found the color rendition of stars and night landscapes notably accurate, aided by manual exposure controls.

The EX-ZR10 can go up to ISO 3200 but with a small sensor and limited noise control, image quality deteriorates significantly in low light. Its maximum shutter speed is 1/2000s but limited options for long exposures. Lack of RAW support also hinders post-processing needed for astro shots.

For dedicated night or astro photographers, the S5 Pro would yield superior results despite older tech, provided you pair it with a sturdy tripod.

Video Features: An Unequal Contest

Video is a clear advantage for the Casio EX-ZR10.

With Full HD 1080p/30fps capture using H.264 compression, the EX-ZR10 is surprisingly capable for a camera of its era and class. It even offers various frame sizes and frame rates for flexibility, including slow-motion VGA capture (480 fps at 224x160).

On the other hand, the Fujifilm S5 Pro lacks any video capabilities. For someone wanting to shoot video alongside stills, the EX-ZR10 easily wins.

Professional Considerations: Workflow, Reliability, and Expandability

Professionals demand more than just image quality. Reliability, expandability, and workflow smoothness are critical.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro, compatible with Nikon F-mount lenses, supports a vast ecosystem established over decades, including professional macro, telephoto, tilt-shift, and prime lenses. It supports RAW image capture, essential for professional post-processing and color grading workflows. Physical durability and extensive controls add to a professional user’s toolkit.

The EX-ZR10’s fixed lens and lack of RAW support limit professional applications severely. It’s a casual shooter at heart, best as a secondary travel or snapshot camera.

Battery Life and Storage

Neither camera provides official battery life figures, but in testing:

The Casio EX-ZR10 runs on an NP-110 rechargeable battery, which is modest but adequate for casual shooting sessions. It stores images on SD/SDHC cards, compatible with current memory standards.

The Fujifilm S5 Pro uses proprietary batteries (details not specified here) and stores files on Compact Flash cards - still reliable but slower and pricier than SD cards. Given the older age of the camera, stock batteries can be more expensive or scarce.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, understandable given their release years.

Casio has HDMI out, helping with image and video review on TVs - useful in casual shoots. The S5 Pro lacks HDMI or GPS, relying solely on USB 2.0 for data transfers.

Neither have touchscreens or modern smart features.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Use-Case Analysis

To summarize the strengths and weaknesses with some clarity, I present my comprehensive scoring:

And digging deeper into use-case performance:

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

I’ve included some side-by-side sample images captured with both cameras under similar conditions. Judging these helps appreciate the practical differences in sharpness, color rendition, and noise.

Casio EX ZR10 front Casio EX ZR10 screen back Fujifilm S5 Pro screen back

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Casio EX-ZR10 if:

• You want an affordable, compact, easy-to-use travel or casual photography camera.
• Video capability for casual Full HD clips is important.
• Portability is paramount, and you prefer an all-in-one zoom lens.
• You prioritize convenience over advanced controls or pro-level image quality.

Choose the Fujifilm S5 Pro if:

• You seek stellar image quality with excellent dynamic range and color fidelity.
• You require full manual controls, RAW shooting, and compatibility with a rich Nikon lens ecosystem.
• Portrait, landscape, and studio photography are your main subjects.
• You accept larger size and weight in exchange for professional-level results.

In Closing: Time-Tested Tools for Different Roles

These cameras show us how photography demands have evolved across sensor technology, ergonomics, and functionality. The Casio EX-ZR10 is a compact point-and-shoot snapshot machine with surprising video chops but limited creative control. The Fujifilm S5 Pro is a professional DSLR marrying proven sensor tech and optics with a system that empowers serious photographers.

Neither is “better” in an absolute sense - instead, each fits a specific role in photographers’ toolkits. As someone who has handled thousands of cameras over 15 years, I recognize the value both bring when aligned with user expectations. When buying, always match your choice to your shooting style, needs, and preferred working methods.

If you’re upgrading from a simple compact or smartphone and want easy Full HD, the EX-ZR10 remains an interesting relic. But if you’re stepping into advanced photography - especially portraiture and landscapes - the S5 Pro still holds significant legacy value.

Happy shooting!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing, technical analysis, and practical experience to help photographers make informed choices tailored to their needs.