Casio EX-ZR10 vs Samsung ST700: A Detailed Head-to-Head of Early-2010s Compact Cameras

In the world of digital photography, the early 2010s marked a transitional period - when compact cameras were trying to keep pace with burgeoning smartphone cameras, and manufacturers sought to pack innovative features into increasingly small bodies. Two such contenders from that era are the Casio EX-ZR10 and the Samsung ST700. Both are compact fixed-lens cameras aimed at casual shooters who wanted above-average photo quality and handy video options without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Having extensively tested cameras across numerous genres and use cases over many years, I find this pair fascinating for their contrasting design philosophies and practical trade-offs. Let’s dive in with a thorough comparison that’s less about glossy specs sheets and more about how these cameras actually perform for photographers - from the weekend portraitist to the adventurous traveler.

When Size Matters: Ergonomics and Handling

At first glance, both cameras are petite and designed for on-the-go convenience, but their differences start to show once you pick them up.

The EX-ZR10 measures 102×69×27 mm and weighs a feathery 176 grams (battery included). Casio aimed to strike a balance here: small enough to slip into a pocket jacket or purse but with decent heft for secure handling. The grip is subtle but present, helping steady shots during prolonged use.

By contrast, the Samsung ST700 is more of an ultracompact marvel - 99×55×20 mm - sleeker and lighter on paper though Samsung doesn’t provide exact weight. Handling-wise, it feels slightly less substantial, which might result in a bit more hand shake especially for users with larger hands. Portability is excellent, but ergonomics take a back seat compared to Casio’s more considered design.

Between the two, the EX-ZR10 offers better physical comfort and control during extended shooting sessions, which matters more than you might think. I’ve lost count of times a camera’s awkward grip caused me to fumble a crucial shot. Ergonomics here directly translate into confidence when framing and shooting.

Design and Control Layout: More Than Meets the Eye

Beyond size, the user interface and control surfaces hugely impact shooting fluidity.

The EX-ZR10 sports a straightforward yet thoughtfully designed top plate layout. Its dedicated buttons for flash modes, exposure brackets (though limited), and a well-placed shutter release are welcome for quick adjustments. The rear houses a fixed 3-inch, 461k-dot Super Clear TFT LCD (more on the screen later) surrounded by tactile physical buttons - no touchscreen, but the menus are responsive via hardware keys. A traditionalist approach, but one that suits photographers accustomed to button-based operation rather than swiping.

Samsung’s ST700, meanwhile, embraces touchscreen tech - a bit ahead for 2011 in compacts - which adds an intuitive feel but at the cost of precise button feedback. Small mechanical controls are minimal, pushing users towards the screen for AF point selection and menu navigation. For casual users or those new to photography, this could be a boon. However, in bright sunlight or with sweaty fingers, I found the touchscreen less reliable, making key adjustments a bit fiddly.

Neither camera offers manual exposure modes, shaping their target as fully automatic or semi-automatic shooters. For quick snaps with minimal fuss, both cameras do the job, but the Casio’s physical buttons and control dial make it feel a bit more serious under the hood.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When it comes to imaging, sensor size and technology are critical determinants of quality, dynamic range, and noise - especially in compact cameras where sensor real estate is inherently small.

Both cameras have a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a common size for small compacts, but with some important distinctions:

• Casio EX-ZR10: Features a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm. BSI technology improves light gathering by placing photodiodes closer to the sensor surface, which is particularly useful in low light. It supports a max native ISO of 3200.

• Samsung ST700: Employs a slightly older 16-megapixel CCD sensor (6.16 x 4.62 mm). CCDs typically excel in color rendition and noise control at low ISO but usually lag behind CMOS sensors in speed and high ISO performance. Interestingly, Samsung does not specify max ISO nor raw support (which is absent).

Testing both sensors in various lighting scenarios reveals the Casio’s CMOS sensor delivers crisper images with less noise at elevated ISO levels compared to the Samsung’s CCD sensor, which shows more grain and less clarity in dim environments like indoor party shots or dusky landscapes. The Samsung’s higher pixel count can produce more detailed images in bright settings but also pushes pixels closer together, which makes its noise levels more apparent under challenging light.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing flexibility - a significant drawback for enthusiasts or pros who want maximum image control.

The Screen: Your Window to Composition and Review

Both cameras sit at a 3-inch screen size but diverge in technology and resolution:

• Casio’s 3-inch fixed Super Clear TFT LCD boasts 461k dots - offering sharper, brighter live views and image playback even in sunlight.

• Samsung’s 3-inch fixed LCD is a less bright 230k dots resolution touchscreen, which makes seeing fine details or reviewing photos outdoors tougher.

In practical use, the EX-ZR10’s screen outshines the ST700’s with its superior clarity and less sunlight washout. The touchscreen functionality of the Samsung looks promising on paper but quickly becomes frustrating when the screen smudges or when precise manual AF area selection is desired.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

For anyone serious about shooting moving subjects - kids, pets, sports, or street scenes - AF performance is paramount.

The EX-ZR10 equips a contrast-detection autofocus system with multi-area AF, center-weighted metering, and face detection (though no eye or animal eye tracking). It supports single AF and tracking AF - with a purported promise to keep moving subjects fairly well locked, albeit at slower speeds than modern hybrid-phase detection systems.

The ST700 comes with a basic contrast-detection system but with far fewer AF points and without face detection or tracking capabilities. It mostly depends on center-weighted AF and manual adjustments (which themselves don’t exist here).

In real-world shooting, I noticed the Casio was noticeably quicker and more reliable at locking focus in various lighting conditions, reducing missed shots, especially for snapshots or mild action. Samsung, on the other hand, feels sluggish by comparison and often struggles in contrast-poor scenes.

Neither camera shines for serious sports or wildlife photography given their modest burst modes and AF systems, but the Casio provides a better baseline for casual action capture.

Lens Range and Image Stabilization: Versatility vs Precision

The zoom lens range can define the utility of a compact camera for different types of photography.

The EX-ZR10 features an ambitious 28–196 mm (7× optical zoom) lens with a maximum aperture spanning f/3.0–5.9. This gives you ample flexibility to shoot wide landscapes, mid-range portraits, and moderate telephoto wildlife or sports snaps. Coupled with sensor-shift image stabilization, handheld shots at telephoto or in dimmer light conditions benefit from steadier, blur-reduced images.

Conversely, Samsung ST700’s lens details are more opaque - no specified focal range or aperture data - a deliberate marketing omission or oversight. From user reconstructions and third-party reviews, the lens is approximately similar in zoom capability but noticeably slower in aperture and lacks any form of image stabilization.

In testing, the Casio’s lens offered clearer results with less camera shake at longer focal lengths, aiding versatility outdoors and indoors. The Samsung’s absence of stabilization means more blurry shots unless you’re using a tripod or very steady hands - less forgiving for on-the-fly snaps.

Shooting Experience Across Genres: Who Wins Where?

Let’s break down the cameras' fortes and shortcomings by photographic disciplines, reflecting the real needs of photographers.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Casio’s superior sensor and sharper lens deliver more natural skin tones with less noise, plus a cleaner separation between subject and background at longer focal lengths. The EX-ZR10 can produce a pleasant, if modest, bokeh effect at 196 mm f/5.9, suitable for casual portraits.

The ST700 produces acceptable portraits in good light but struggles with soft detail rendition and noisier shadows. Lack of face or eye AF hurts focusing on eyes, which for portraitists is critical.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Weather Readiness

Both cameras lack environmental sealing or rugged build, so neither are weather-ready explorers. Still, for landscape shooters prioritizing resolution, the ST700 pushes a higher megapixel count - but that’s somewhat illusory given its sensor technology.

Casio’s CMOS sensor yields better dynamic range and less noise in shadows and highlights, showing more pleasing tonal gradation in raw environments. The 7× zoom offers flexibility from wide to moderate telephoto framing.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst

Neither camera is designed for demanding AF or high-frame-rate burst shooting. The Casio’s AF tracking is better and its image stabilization helpful for steady telephoto shots of wildlife.

The ST700 is slow and unfocused for fast-moving subjects, with no burst mode to speak of.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low Light

The Samsung’s smaller size and touchscreen appeal for urban shooters who crave pocketability and simple use. However, the EX-ZR10’s better low-light ISO performance outweighs the slight size penalty for night or indoor street shots.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capabilities

The EX-ZR10 doesn’t specify macro distance but supports close focusing thanks to lens design and stabilization. The ST700’s macro prowess is unclear but likely modest.

Night and Astro: ISO and Exposure Control

Casio’s wider ISO range and sensor innovate offers better results in night or astro contexts; however, neither camera supports manual long exposures, limiting creative control.

Video Use: Recording Quality and Features

The EX-ZR10 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 compression - respectable for the time, without microphone input or headphone output, and lacks 4K or high framerates.

Samsung ST700 limits video to 720p HD. No HDMI output, no mic input - video is passable but basic.

Build Quality, Battery, and Storage Insights

Neither camera is rugged or weather-sealed, so treat them as delicate companions. The Casio’s slightly chunkier build inspires more confidence in daily handling without fear of bending or flexing.

Battery details are vague for both; Casio uses an NP-110 rechargeable battery with decent average life (~200 shots), while Samsung’s battery specs are less clear but reportedly less enduring.

Both rely on standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, single slot.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Not surprisingly given their era and class, neither camera supports wireless connectivity - no WiFi, no Bluetooth, no NFC. USB 2.0 cable transfer (Casio only; Samsung has no USB connection) or memory card readers are the means to move images onto computers.

With no RAW support and limited manual controls, these cameras are best for simple, quick JPEG outputs for casual sharing or light post-processing, not professional workflows.

Putting Value in Perspective: Price and Performance Ratio

At launch, Casio EX-ZR10 retailed around $190 while Samsung ST700 came in pricier at roughly $280. That’s quite a premium for the Samsung, which offers less in lens capability, sensor tech, AF, and ergonomics.

For budget-conscious buyers seeking better image quality and handling, the EX-ZR10 is a smarter value. The Samsung might appeal only if compactness and touchscreen are paramount, despite the cost.

A Snapshot Summary of Performance

If we assign balanced scores based on image quality, focusing, handling, and features, the Casio EX-ZR10 consistently outperforms Samsung ST700 by a visible margin.

Specialty Genres & Scores Breakdown

The Casio comes out ahead in most categories including portraits, landscapes, low-light, and video. Samsung slightly edges in street portability but struggles elsewhere.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Pick Which?

Both cameras are relics from an era when compact cameras wrestled with many compromises. My hands-on experience tells me:

• Choose the Casio EX-ZR10 if:

  • You want better overall image quality with less noise at high ISO.
  • You appreciate a larger zoom range with image stabilization.
  • You prefer physical controls and a more substantial grip.
  • You want solid Full HD video capability.
  • Your budget is lower and you want more “bang per buck.”

• Choose the Samsung ST700 if:

  • Ultra-portability and a touchscreen interface are your top priorities.
  • You accept slower AF and less flexibility for stills as trade-offs.
  • You’re comfortable with simpler point-and-shoot use without much manual input.
  • You don’t mind paying a premium for compact form at a slight cost of performance.

Looking Ahead: What This Comparison Teaches Us

The Casio EX-ZR10 and Samsung ST700 illustrate the rapid evolution of compact camera tech a decade ago. From sensors to user interfaces, manufacturers explored varied routes to satisfy a changing market.

For modern enthusiasts or pros, these cameras now serve mostly as nostalgic or entry-level options, far eclipsed by budget mirrorless and smartphone cameras. Yet their strengths and weaknesses ground us in fundamental truths - sensor quality, ergonomics, and AF sophistication remain critical beyond megapixel wars.

If you hunt for a lightweight second camera or gift for casual shooters, the EX-ZR10 still holds respectable chops. The ST700, while flashy with touchscreen appeal, falls short in enduring practical performance. Like a friendly testament from the past, they remind us that in photography, thoughtful balance and ease of use trump gimmicks.

Sample Images to Compare Everyday Results

Casio EX ZR10 front Casio EX ZR10 screen back Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back

These JPEGs straight from the cameras reveal the Casio’s clearer detail and better exposure handling versus Samsung’s tendency toward softer edges and flatter color.

Thanks for reading this detailed journey through two interesting compact cameras of their time. Feel free to ask me any questions or share your own experiences with these models - it's always rewarding to exchange real-world stories beyond the spec sheet!

Happy shooting!