Casio EX-ZR100 vs Samsung NX20: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Cameras for Modern Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially with a vast array of options spanning from compact superzooms to advanced mirrorless models. Today, we examine two cameras from different eras and categories that illustrate the trade-offs, innovation, and priorities that shape photographic tools: the Casio EX-ZR100, a compact superzoom announced in 2011, and the Samsung NX20, a mirrorless APS-C hybrid launched in 2012. Having spent hours testing both under varied conditions, I’ll unpack their core strengths and limitations. This is a practical, hands-on comparison tailored for serious enthusiasts and professionals curious about unique use-cases and performance nuances.

Let’s start by sizing them up - literally and figuratively.

Pocketable Superzoom vs Mirrorless Ambition: Handling and Ergonomics

Physical design and ergonomics often dictate how comfortably a camera fits into your shooting style. The Casio EX-ZR100 is a compact with a pocket-friendly form factor optimized for casual, travel, and casual wildlife shots, while the Samsung NX20 aligns more with enthusiasts demanding more controls and flexibility.

The Casio EX-ZR100's dimensions - 105mm wide, 59mm tall, and 29mm thick, weighing just 204 grams - make it highly portable and discrete. It fits easily into a jacket pocket or purse. The grip is minimal but adequate given the camera's light weight and modest zoom range.

In contrast, the Samsung NX20 embodies an SLR-style mirrorless camera posture (122x90x40 mm, 341 grams). Its heft and bulk are immediately noticeable, delivering more assurance in one-handed operation - especially with larger lenses attached. The top deck leans toward professionals who prefer physical dials and customizable buttons.

Ergonomically, the NX20's deeper grip and notably larger body offer longer shooting comfort, especially during event or sports photography. The Casio's compactness wins in portability but somewhat limits manual operation comfort and stability for heavy lenses.

Looking down from above, the NX20 places a versatile mode dial and dedicated exposure controls (shutter speed, ISO) within thumb and index finger reach. The EX-ZR100 takes a more straightforward approach with fewer physical controls, relying on menus and limited dials. This impacts how swiftly you can adapt to changing scenes - vital in dynamic environments such as street or sports photography.

Recommendation: If portability and ease-of-use top your priorities, the EX-ZR100 suits casual travel and everyday use. The NX20, meanwhile, caters to those craving tactile control and rapid adjustment on the fly.

Sensing the Difference: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

A camera’s sensor fundamentally shapes image rendition, noise handling, and resolution. Here we see a clear divergence in technological ambition.

The Casio EX-ZR100 sports a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²) with 12 megapixels. This small sensor constrains dynamic range and low-light performance, but Casio’s "Exilim Engine HS" processor attempts to squeeze the best out of it. The lens offers a helpful 24-300mm equivalent focal length with a moderate aperture of F3.0-5.9.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX20 boasts a much larger APS-C sensor (23.5x15.7 mm, 368.95 mm²) with 20 megapixels. This sensor size brings multiple benefits: deeper tonal gradation, improved color fidelity, higher ISO sensitivity (native range up to 12800!), and excellent bokeh potential. It compensates for the lack of in-body stabilization with a superior lens selection supporting optical IS.

Several things stood out in testing:

• The NX20 consistently delivers images with wider dynamic range (~12.9 EV DxO Mark) and true-to-life colors, making it a strong candidate for landscapes and portraits.
• The EX-ZR100, while competent in bright daylight, shows notable noise and reduced detail in shadows when shooting above ISO 400.
• The one-inch sensor realm was not touched by Casio here, so expect limitations on tonal range and highlight preservation versus the APS-C NX20 sensor.

Image resolution and aspect ratios: NX20 outputs up to 5472x3648 pixels (3:2), while EX-ZR100 maxes at 4000x3000 (4:3). Crop flexibility and print size favor the NX20.

Practical takeaway: If image quality, especially in challenging light, ranks high for you, the Samsung NX20’s APS-C sensor advantage is palpable in real-world shooting - a realm where the Casio cannot compete.

Behind the Lens: Zoom Range, Focus Systems, and Lens Ecosystem

The fixed lens on the Casio EX-ZR100 aims to be an all-in-one solution with a useful 24-300 mm 12.5x zoom. Its maximum aperture narrowing from f/3.0 to f/5.9 prevents outstanding bokeh or low-light gathering but enables a versatile framing range from wide-angle to telephoto. Macro capability, however, is functionally absent here.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX20 is a lens-mount camera supporting a growing lineup of 32 official NX lenses covering focal lengths from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, alongside manual focus options for specialized applications.

Autofocus systems:

• The EX-ZR100 relies on contrast-detection AF without face-detection or phase detection, and only single AF and limited tracking. I personally found it adequate for still subjects but struggled somewhat with fast-moving models or in low contrast.
• The NX20 features 15 contrast-detection focus points combined with face detection, offering manual focus override and continuous AF modes (AF-C). Though no phase-detection AF is integrated (common for its era), it provides reliable focusing in the vast majority of practical scenarios.

The NX20 supports external flashes and accessories like macro rings and teleconverters, magnifying its versatility well beyond the fixed lens modesty of the EX-ZR100.

Summary: The Casio EX-ZR100 suits casual, walk-around photography requiring a simple zoom; the Samsung NX20 serves users who demand lens interchangeability, precise AF control, and expansive focal options for portrait, macro, wildlife, and sports.

Visual Interaction: LCD Screen and Viewfinder

User interfaces can greatly influence shooting efficiency and enjoyment, particularly in bright environments or complex shooting setups.

The EX-ZR100 features a 3-inch Super Clear TFT fixed LCD with 461k dots of resolution but no touchscreen. While the screen is bright under normal conditions, I noticed reflections and some difficulty composing in harsh sunlight. The camera has no electronic viewfinder (EVF), forcing use of the LCD even in direct sunlight or for action shots.

Conversely, the NX20 uses a 3-inch fully articulated Active Matrix OLED screen with superior 614k dots resolution. The articulating design is invaluable for video shooting, low-angle photography, and selfies. Although it lacks touch functionality, the OLED’s deep contrast and vibrant colors impressed me during daylight outdoor shoots.

Moreover, the NX20 includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.7x magnification, providing a DSLR-like experience that the EX-ZR100 entirely lacks. This EVF is a boon when shooting in bright conditions, stabilizing composition and offering real-time exposure previews.

For street photographers and those working in bright daylight, the NX20’s viewfinder and articulated screen combo is an indisputable advantage.

Shooting Up a Storm: Speed, Burst, and Handling Action

When capturing decisive moments in wildlife, sports, or kids in motion, burst rate and autofocus tracking are critical.

The Casio EX-ZR100 surprisingly offers a high burst rate of 40 fps. However, this rate is achievable only at very limited JPEG resolutions and with focus locked on the first frame. The AF cannot track moving subjects in continuous mode, limiting utility for sports or wildlife photography.

The Samsung NX20 delivers a steady 8 fps burst with continuous AF - a significant upgrade for capturing fast action with in-focus images. Its AF system, while not cutting-edge by today’s standards, handled moderate tracking well during my on-field tests, especially with good lighting.

Consequently, the NX20 is the more capable choice for anyone needing action capture, whereas the EX-ZR100 is more suited to static or slow-moving subjects.

Explorations in Creative Genres: Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, and Night

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand excellent skin tone rendition, precise focus on eyes, and appealing bokeh to isolate subjects.

• The NX20’s large sensor and compatible bright lenses produce creamy bokeh and finely resolved skin details. Face detection AF and manual focus options help nail the critical focus on eyes - a feature the EX-ZR100 lacks.
• The EX-ZR100’s smaller sensor and narrower aperture lens lead to flatter images with less subject separation and harsher rendering of fine texture.
• Color reproduction on the NX20 feels more natural and nuanced.

Landscape Photography

Details, dynamic range, and weather sealing are key here.

• The NX20’s APS-C sensor and RAW support allow deep post-processing latitude. It captures expansive dynamic range and fine textures - supported by a solid lineup of sharp wide lenses.
• Although lacking official weather sealing, the NX20 performs robustly in controlled outdoor environments. The EX-ZR100, being a compact point-and-shoot, lacks sealing and offers limited resolution and dynamic range - hindering expansive landscape quality.

Macro Photography

Macro shooting benefits from stabilization and focusing precision.

• NX20 has access to dedicated macro lenses and a larger sensor that renders excellent detail and shallow depth of field.
• The EX-ZR100 does not offer specialized macro capability, and its lens’s variable aperture and smaller sensor limit this genre.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light noise, high ISO capability, and exposure modes are vital.

• The NX20 shines here with a maximum ISO of 12800 native sensitivity and clean images up to ISO 1600-3200, depending on scene.
• The EX-ZR100 maxes at ISO 3200 but with significantly noisier results.
• Both cameras offer manual exposure modes; however, the NX20’s longer shutter speeds (up to 30s), RAW capture, and superior sensor give it an edge for night or astro work.

Capturing Moving Pixels: Video Capabilities

Videographers will find notable differences:

• EX-ZR100 captures Full HD 1080p at 30 fps using H.264 encoding. Stabilization via sensor shift helps smooth handheld footage but lacks advanced video features. There's no microphone input.
• NX20 also records Full HD 1080p 30 fps and 24 fps in alternative aspect ratios, supports stereo audio via an external microphone port, and benefits from the articulated OLED screen for framing. Its video is higher quality overall, with more control over exposure.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video focus options, but for casual HD video, NX20’s features serve enthusiast videographers better.

Powering the Journey: Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• The NX20 utilizes a rechargeable battery pack (BP1130) rated around 360 shots per charge. For mirrorless cameras of its generation, this is typical but requires carrying spares on long trips.
• The EX-ZR100 lacks official battery life figures but draws power from a built-in battery optimized for casual, shorter sessions.
• Both cameras take standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.
• The NX20 offers built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for image sharing - a boon for modern workflows. The EX-ZR100 lacks wireless or Bluetooth.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist on both but differ in external accessory flexibility.

Durability and Professional Readiness

Neither model offers environmental sealing (waterproofing, dustproof, shock resistance). Build quality is solid but not ruggedized.

The NX20 moves closer to professional standards with RAW file support and greater creative control - a necessity in professional workflows. The EX-ZR100 only saves JPEGs, limiting post-processing scope.

How They Score: Performance and Genre Suitability

Our comprehensive evaluation breaks down their capabilities both overall and across genres:

The NX20 outperforms the EX-ZR100 by a significant margin across core imaging tasks, especially in quality-critical and professional-use categories.

• Portraits: NX20 leads with superior sensor, lens options, and AF
• Landscape: NX20 favored for resolution, dynamic range
• Wildlife & Sports: NX20 well-suited thanks to AF and lens choice; EX-ZR100 limited
• Street: EX-ZR100’s compact size is a plus; NX20 bulkier but more capable image-wise
• Macro: NX20 dominates with dedicated lenses
• Night/Astro: NX20’s low-light performance is superior
• Video: NX20 supports microphone input and articulated screen
• Travel: EX-ZR100 excels on portability; NX20 offers versatility but heavier
• Professional Work: NX20 supports RAW, manual control, and workflow integration; EX-ZR100 falls short

Real-world Photography Gallery Samples

To put these specifications to the test, I shot scenes side by side in varied conditions:

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back

Observe how the NX20’s images render fine detail and dynamic tonal transitions with far less noise and higher fidelity in shadows and highlights. The EX-ZR100 images, while acceptable in bright daylight, lose subtlety in complex lighting or texture-rich areas.

The Bottom Line: Which Camera Fits Your Vision?

• The Casio EX-ZR100 is a lightweight, pocketable superzoom compact ideal for casual users prioritizing portability and flexibility without demanding professional-quality images. Its fast burst in JPEG mode, sensor-shift stabilization, and long zoom are convenient for travel, street, and family photography at a moderate price (~$300). However, it is no substitute for serious manual control or high-image-quality needs.

• The Samsung NX20 is a genuine enthusiast mirrorless camera with an impressive APS-C sensor, a versatile lens system, RAW capture, and solid video features, priced significantly higher (~$1100) but delivering the quality and versatility expected by advanced amateurs and professionals. Its form factor and controls suit studio, event, landscape, wildlife, and creative photographic work.

If you demand portability and simplicity with an affordable price, the EX-ZR100 stands out as a robust superzoom compact. But for image quality, creative control, and future-proofed system growth, the NX20 remains the superior investment.

Final Thoughts

This side-by-side examination highlights the trade-offs between convenience and capability that photographers constantly navigate. Cameras like the Casio EX-ZR100 aim at broad appeal with simplicity and zoom, while the Samsung NX20 stakes territory in the growing mirrorless APS-C segment, balancing portability with advanced imaging.

Throughout my extensive testing under varied lighting and subjects - portraits at dusk, landscapes at golden hour, fast wildlife action, and city street candid moments - the NX20 retained clarity, control, and quality impossible to achieve with the EX-ZR100. Yet, in bustling streets or travel-heavy days where packing light counts most, the EX-ZR100’s nimbleness remains tempting.

Choosing between them boils down to your photographic priorities and budget. Neither is obsolete or lacking value; each answers a unique call in evolving photographic journeys.

If you’re hooked on the allure of superzoom versatility and carry-everywhere ease, the Casio EX-ZR100 is a solid choice. For those wanting to deepen technical skill, embrace high image quality, and build a lens arsenal, the Samsung NX20 is a rewarding companion.

With this knowledge, you’re ready to make an informed, confident purchase that aligns with your artistic vision and photographic lifestyle.

Happy shooting!