Casio EX-ZR100 vs Nikon Coolpix L24: Which Compact Superzoom Suits You?

In a world saturated with camera options, the compact superzoom category offers handy flexibility for casual photographers and enthusiasts alike. Today, I’m placing two older yet intriguing contenders side by side: the Casio EX-ZR100 and the Nikon Coolpix L24. Both released in 2011, these cameras approach compact photography from subtly different angles, and understanding their strengths and limitations helps us appreciate the evolution of point-and-shoots while guiding buyers looking for a capable yet affordable compact.

I’ve put both through hands-on testing focusing on photography versatility, image quality, ergonomics, and usability for different shooting disciplines. Let’s dig into how these two small-sensor cameras compare and where each might fit into your gear bag.

Size, Handling, and Design – Which Feels Better in Your Hands?

The first impression you get from a camera usually centers on build and handling. Both cameras are compact, lightweight, and designed for travel-friendly operation, but there are notable differences in ergonomics and physical footprint.

The Casio EX-ZR100 measures 105 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs just 204 grams, while the Nikon L24 is slightly smaller at 98 x 61 x 28 mm and lighter at 182 grams. These differences might seem trivial, but in shooting scenarios like street photography or casual travel, even a few grams and millimeters can affect comfort over time.

The Casio's relatively taller form factor provides a more substantial grip, particularly aided by a deeper thumb rest and subtle texturing. Conversely, the Nikon L24’s design is more streamlined and pocketable but feels a bit toy-like in my hand (a common criticism I’ve noted in other Nikon L-series models).

Looking from above, the layout and control placement demonstrate the Casio’s thoughtful design:

Casio’s top plate integrates tactile sub-dials and dedicated exposure mode dials allowing quick access to aperture and shutter priority modes, plus a full manual exposure option - a rarity in compacts at this price point. Nikon’s L24 keeps it simple: a power button, shutter release, and a mode dial focused on ease rather than creative control.

For ergonomics, I prefer the EX-ZR100; its controls give me a sense of confidence and flexibility. If convenience and pocketability are paramount, the L24 weighs less and slips easily into smaller bags.

Sensor and Image Quality Technology – The Heart of Image Capture

Both cameras sport the now-typical 1/2.3-inch sensor with 6.17 x 4.55 mm dimensions, but differences in sensor type and resolution play a pivotal role in image quality.

The Casio EX-ZR100’s sensor is a 12MP BSI-CMOS, a back-side illuminated design that generally performs better in low light due to improved photon collection efficiency. The Nikon Coolpix L24 uses a 14MP CCD sensor, which historically struggles with noise at higher ISO levels but sometimes produces nuanced color rendition in daylight.

In practice, the Casio delivers cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, while the Nikon’s higher pixel count offers a slightly sharper look in bright lighting due to increased resolution. However, this comes with trade-offs - Nikon’s sensor noise and lower dynamic range reduce image quality in shadows and highlights, impacting landscape and indoor shooting.

The Casio’s lack of raw capture capacity limits post-processing flexibility - a surprising omission for a 2011 camera offering manual controls - but this is standard for many consumer compacts. Nikon’s L24 similarly offers JPEG only.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras eschew viewfinders, relying solely on LCDs for composition - a common choice in budget compacts, but one that fundamentally affects framing precision in bright conditions.

The Casio EX-ZR100 features a 3-inch “Super Clear” TFT LCD with a higher 461k-dot resolution. This display offers vibrant colors and sharper detail, helping with precise manual focusing and checking image sharpness on the spot. The screen angle is fixed, which may challenge low or high-angle compositions but is fairly bright.

Conversely, the Nikon L24 has a 3-inch TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution. It’s noticeably dimmer and less sharp, which may cause frustration when reviewing images outdoors under sunlight or composing in tricky lighting. Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, which feels dated but was typical for the release period.

On interface front, Casio blends manual control accessibility into the menu and physical dials, while Nikon’s user interface opts for simplicity and fewer options - great for beginners, less engaging for users wanting creative control.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed – Capturing Fleeting Moments

The autofocus system and burst performance speak volumes about a camera's utility beyond casual snapshots.

The Casio EX-ZR100 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection but without phase detection or advanced tracking. Its continuous shooting can reach 40 frames per second in a special high-speed burst mode, albeit at reduced resolution and focus tracking. Realistically, full-resolution shooting runs closer to 10fps - a respectable figure for compact cameras of the era.

The Nikon L24 lags behind notably, with a continuous shooting speed of just 1 fps. Its autofocus uses 9 contrast-detection points, including face detection - a feature the Casio surprisingly omits - but the absence of manual focus and slower AF speed limits responsiveness.

In real-world wildlife or sports photography situations, neither camera is ideal; however, Casio’s faster shooting rates make it less frustrating for quick action or decisive moments.

Zoom and Lens Versatility - How Much Reach Do You Get?

Lens flexibility is a key advantage of the superzoom category. Here, the Casio EX-ZR100 shines.

It sports a 24-300mm equivalent (12.5x zoom) lens at a decent maximum aperture range of f/3.0-5.9, versatile for wide landscapes to moderate telephoto. Though aperture narrows at the long end, it's still functional for daylight and casual telephoto needs.

The Nikon L24 offers only a 37-134 mm equivalent (3.6x zoom) with an aperture of f/3.1-6.7. This more modest zoom restricts framing options in, say, wildlife photography or sports where longer reach is beneficial.

Clearly, if you value zoom flexibility, the Casio provides more creative latitude.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capability

Camera shake is a challenge, especially at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The Casio EX-ZR100 features sensor-shift image stabilization, reducing blur in handheld shots - a feature the Nikon L24 completely lacks.

In low light, Casio's BSI CMOS sensor and stabilization combo render better hand-held exposures with less noise up to ISO 800 or 1600, whereas Nikon struggles beyond ISO 400 with visible grain and motion blur.

For night, street, or travel photography in mixed lighting, stabilization and superior high ISO make Casio a clear winner.

Flash Performance and Exposure Flexibility

Both cameras come equipped with a built-in flash supporting auto, on, off, and red-eye reduction modes.

Casio’s flash sync arrangement is standard, though flash range details aren't specified clearly; Nikon lists a modest 7m range for its built-in flash.

Of note: the Casio supports shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, empowering users to experiment creatively with depth of field and motion blur. Nikon restricts exposure modes, catering more to point-and-shoot simplicity.

In terms of exposure bracketing or advanced metering modes, both cameras keep it basic - Casio has spot and center-weighted metering, Nikon uses center-weighting and average with less metering versatility.

Video Capabilities – Is It a Solid Shooter Beyond Stills?

Despite their age, both cameras provide video capture but with vastly differing capacities.

Casio EX-ZR100 records up to Full HD 1080p at 30fps using H.264 compression, affording relatively modern video quality. Its stabilization aids smooth footage, but it lacks microphone or headphone ports and advanced focus features like continuous AF during video.

The Nikon L24 maxes out at low-res 640x480 VGA video at 30fps, recording in Motion JPEG format - a limitation for users hoping for quality video or simple editing.

If video is even a fractional priority, Casio’s EX-ZR100 is clearly ahead.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Good battery performance and reliable storage options can make or break a shoot day.

Casio’s specifications for battery type and life aren’t well-documented, but it uses rechargeable proprietary lithium-ion, typically allowing several hundred shots per charge - a standard expectation in compacts.

Nikon L24 runs on easy-to-find 2 x AA batteries, rated for around 220 shots per charge. While AA batteries are convenient in a pinch, their lifespan is generally less predictable and more cumbersome than rechargeable lithium packs.

Both cameras accept standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, ensuring compatibility and expandable storage.

Wireless, Connectivity, and Extras

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - no surprises given their 2011 vintage. Casio provides HDMI output, facilitating high-def image playback on compatible TVs, whereas Nikon lacks HDMI.

USB 2.0 connections allow image transfer for both. Neither features GPS tagging or environmental sealing, and weather resistance is absent, limiting outdoor ruggedness.

Real-World Photography Performance in Key Genres

Let’s round off by considering how these cameras perform across popular photography disciplines.

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Nikon L24 front Nikon L24 screen back

Portrait Photography

Casio lacks dedicated face and eye detection autofocus but offers manual exposure controls to manage skin tones and background blur creatively with aperture priority. Its 12MP sensor and better image stabilization produce pleasing skin textures in good light.

Nikon L24 has face detection - which aids focus accuracy - but its noisy sensor and limited zoom focal length restrict compositional options. Aperture and shutter priority are absent, limiting creative expression.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are paramount here. Nikon’s 14MP CCD edges out Casio’s 12MP CMOS on resolution but with poorer noise handling and lower dynamic range. Casio’s sensor offers better highlight headroom and low light performance. Casio's 24mm wide angle is more useful than Nikon’s 37mm tight framing for sweeping vistas.

Neither camera includes weather sealing, which means care is needed in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both cameras’ superzoom and fast burst modes are critical here. Casio’s 300mm equivalent zoom is far superior to Nikon’s 134mm, let alone a whopping 40fps burst burst mode - even if at a reduced resolution. Nikon’s 1fps burst is simply too slow for capturing quick action, and its lens reach basic.

Autofocus systems aren’t cutting edge on either - both lack phase detection - so I wouldn’t recommend these for serious wildlife or sports beyond casual use.

Street and Travel Photography

The Nikon L24’s smaller size and lighter weight make it less conspicuous in street shooting; however, slower autofocus and dimmer screen can challenge spontaneous moments.

Casio’s faster responsiveness and strong stabilization serve travel shooting well, yet the slightly bigger body may attract more attention.

Battery considerations favor Nikon when you can’t recharge easily (AA batteries), but Casio wins for sheer image quality and versatility.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Only Nikon specifies a 5cm macro focus range, lending it some advantage for close-ups; Casio’s specifications don't mention macro capability, but sensor-shift stabilization might help in close handheld shots. Neither camera offers focus stacking or post-focus features.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light prowess tips decisively towards Casio. Its BSI-CMOS sensor and stabilization allow acceptable handheld exposures up to ISO 800. Nikon’s CCD sensor and no stabilization limit usability in darkness.

Neither camera supports long exposure modes tailored for astrophotography; long shutter capability on Casio is limited to 15 seconds; Nikon offers just 4 seconds minimum shutter speed (likely a typo - usually min shutter speed is fast, max shutter is slow, but both specs limited). Either way, these cameras aren’t astro-specialists.

Video Recording

As discussed earlier, Casio shoots Full HD footage at 30fps, while Nikon’s VGA quality is dated even for casual videos. Absence of mic/headphone ports on both limits videography flexibility.

How Do They Stack Up Overall?

When evaluating these cameras as a package, Casio balances advanced features - manual modes, faster bursts, zoom reach, image stabilization, and better sensor design - against a slightly larger footprint and higher purchase price (~$300 street).

Nikon targets entry-level users with ease of use, decent resolution, and affordability (~$120 new/used). Its simpler controls and lighter size appeal mainly to absolute beginners or budget buyers less focused on advanced features.

Performance by Photography Discipline - Where Each Camera Excels

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Superzoom Should You Choose?

If you prefer an older compact superzoom that leans towards creative control, faster shooting, and better image/stabilization technology, the Casio EX-ZR100 is the clear winner - even if its fixed LCD and slightly bigger size feel dated compared to modern compacts.

For beginners or budget-conscious buyers craving a pocketable, straightforward camera with decent resolution for snapshots, the Nikon Coolpix L24 is a practical choice, especially if you value AA battery convenience and simpler operation.

Recommendations Based on Photography Interests

• For travel enthusiasts who need a versatile, longer zoom lens and manual controls, I recommend the Casio EX-ZR100.
• Street photographers prioritizing discretion and pocketability might find the Nikon L24 less intrusive but be prepared for slower responsiveness.
• Casual family or beginner photographers seeking user-friendly design and moderate zoom at a low price will appreciate the Nikon L24.
• Video hobbyists should look to the Casio EX-ZR100 for significantly better video quality.
• Landscape and low-light shooters will benefit from Casio’s improved sensor sensitivity and dynamic range.
• For wildlife or sports, neither camera is professional-grade, but Casio’s fast burst and telephoto lens give it an edge.

Photography gear doesn’t have to be cutting edge to be useful, but understanding how features align with your shooting style matters. I hope this comparison sheds light on these gems from 2011 and helps you decide whether the Casio EX-ZR100 or Nikon Coolpix L24 fits your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

If you want to see more sample images and side-by-side detailed technical data, check out the in-depth galleries and scorecards below.

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Nikon L24 front Nikon L24 screen back