Casio EX-ZR100 vs Samsung SL202: A Deep Dive Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right compact camera often means balancing features, image quality, and intended use. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, fast-moving action, or everyday moments, knowing what your camera brings to the table is essential. Today, we’re examining two compact cameras that have carved their niches in the affordable compact segment: the Casio EX-ZR100 and the Samsung SL202. Both models target enthusiasts and casual shooters looking for pocket-sized versatility, but how do they stack up in real-world scenarios and technical performance? We’ve put these cameras side-by-side to provide you with honest, hands-on insights.

Let’s start by taking a look at their physical design and build.

Hands-On Feel and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Control Layout

How a camera feels in your hand affects how easily you shoot. The Casio EX-ZR100 and Samsung SL202 differ noticeably in size and ergonomics.

• Casio EX-ZR100: Measuring 105 x 59 x 29 mm and weighing 204g, this camera has a relatively slim, rectangular profile. The slightly larger size accommodates more control options and a bigger grip, enhancing stability.
• Samsung SL202: More compact at 92 x 61 x 23 mm and weighing 168g, the SL202 offers excellent portability. Its size and curvier design make it slip easily in a pocket for street and travel photography.

But size isn’t everything. Ergonomics depend on button placement and interface, which leads us into top-panel controls.

• Casio EX-ZR100: Features dedicated buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation. The layout is logically arranged, enabling faster operation for those who want quick access to creative controls.
• Samsung SL202: Offers minimal external controls, with no manual exposure modes or dedicated exposure compensation buttons. This reflects its focus on ease-of-use for casual shooters rather than enthusiasts seeking advanced control.

If you prefer tactile control and manual shooting, the Casio clearly has the edge here. For grab-and-go simplicity, the Samsung shines in portability and straightforward operation.

Imaging Hardware: Sensor Technology & Image Quality

Ultimately, the sensor defines image quality and versatility. Both cameras share the same sensor size of 1/2.3" (around 28 mm² area) but use different sensor technologies and resolutions.

The Casio’s BSI-CMOS sensor advantage is significant. BSI (Backside Illuminated) sensors exhibit better light gathering ability, resulting in improved low-light performance and reduced noise - especially at higher ISOs. The extra 2 million pixels also offer marginally higher resolution.

On the other hand, the Samsung SL202’s CCD sensor is conventional for its era but tends to produce slightly smoother color rendition at base ISO and retains strong dynamic range in bright shooting conditions.

In practical terms:

• Expect sharper, cleaner images with the Casio in low-light and indoor settings.
• The Samsung offers solid image quality for daylight shooting but struggles more as ISO climbs past 400.
• Neither supports RAW files, which constrains advanced post-processing flexibility.

Display and Framing: Screen Technology and Live View

Since both cameras lack viewfinders, their rear LCDs are critical for composing and reviewing shots.

• Casio EX-ZR100: A 3-inch fixed Super Clear TFT LCD with 461k-dot resolution. The screen is bright and crisp, providing excellent clarity even under sunlight. While it doesn’t have touch functionality, menu navigation is smooth through physical buttons.
• Samsung SL202: Comes with a 2.7-inch LCD but at just 230k dots, it’s less vibrant and not as sharp. This affects your ability to verify focus details or exposure in challenging light.

While neither screen is articulating or touch-enabled, the Casio’s superior resolution greatly improves usability, especially when fine-tuning exposure or checking sharpness.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom Range and Aperture

Zoom flexibility and lens speed matter for creative freedom and shooting flexibility.

Here, the Casio EX-ZR100 offers a very generous 12.5x zoom range, spanning wide-angle 24mm to super-telephoto 300mm equivalent - perfect for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.

In contrast, the Samsung SL202's 3.6x zoom is much more limited but pairs with a brighter wide-aperture f/2.8 lens, beneficial in low light and for shallow depth-of-field attempts at wide angle.

The Casio’s inclusion of sensor-shift image stabilization is a big advantage for handheld shooting at long focal lengths and in dim conditions. The Samsung has no image stabilization, making careful handholding more difficult beyond moderate zoom or low shutter speeds.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy impact how enthusiastically you can capture fleeting moments.

The Casio uses an advanced Exilim Engine HS processor allowing burst shooting up to 40fps in reduced resolution - remarkable for capturing fast action or experiments with motion sequences. The camera also supports AF tracking for continuous focus on moving subjects.

The Samsung SL202 lacks continuous shooting capability, focusing on simplicity and still shots only. While it includes face detection for more accurate autofocus in portraits, it does not support AF tracking.

Real-world testing shows Casio focusing much quicker and more accurately on varied subjects, especially in continuous mode, making it a better choice for action, sports, and wildlife.

Image Stabilization

Only the Casio offers sensor-shift image stabilization, a feature that dramatically improves handheld shooting results by reducing blur from camera shake.

• When shooting at telephoto zooms (300mm equivalent), stabilization can mean the difference between a sharp image and a blurred one.
• Samsung’s absence of stabilization means relying on higher shutter speeds or external tripods, limiting handheld shooting flexibility.

Flash and Low-Light Capabilities

Both cameras include built-in flash, but with different features.

• Casio EX-ZR100: Flash modes include Auto, On, Off, and Red-eye reduction. The flash range is unspecified but suitable for close to medium subjects.
• Samsung SL202: Offers a richer flash mode palette: Auto, On, Off, Auto with Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Fill-in Flash, Red-Eye Fix, with a respectable 4.6-meter flash range.

For low-light and indoor shooting, the Casio’s higher max ISO of 3200 combined with stabilization provides better results, while the Samsung’s stronger flash modes may help freeze motion in dark settings but can create harsher lighting and reflections.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Features

Video capture is increasingly important. Let’s compare what you can expect.

The Casio EX-ZR100 clearly outshines Samsung, delivering full HD quality at 30 frames per second. It also supports slow-motion video capture at extremely high frame rates (up to 1000 fps) with reduced resolution - a compelling feature for creative video work.

Samsung’s video capabilities are basic and low resolution, limiting usefulness beyond casual clips or snapshots.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

These practical aspects impact usability and day-to-day shooting.

• Casio EX-ZR100: Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (one slot), with USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity. No wireless options. Battery details are sparse, but compact cameras from Casio typically manage moderate shoot times. No mentions of USB charging.
• Samsung SL202: Stores to SD, SDHC, MMC, and internal memory, single card slot. USB 2.0 only, no HDMI or wireless. Uses SLB-10A removable battery, which can be useful if you have spares.

Both cameras lack wireless transfer and GPS, common for their generation and price point.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness. These are strictly indoor/dry-environment cameras.

Putting It All Together: Strengths and Weaknesses Snapshot

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

To better understand their suitability, here’s their performance breakdown per genre, rated on a 10-point scale based on hands-on testing:

Key Takeaways:

• Casio EX-ZR100 excels in dynamic shooting scenarios like sports, wildlife, and video due to burst rates, better zoom, and video specs.
• Samsung SL202 matches Casio in straightforward travel and street photography because of its compact size and bright lens but is limited for advanced creative work.
• Neither is ideal for macro photography or professional-grade work requiring RAW files or weather sealing.

Sample Image Comparison: Real-World Output

Casio EX ZR100 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

Looking at images side-by-side:

• Casio samples deliver more detail and cleaner shadows in low light.
• Samsung images exhibit softer focus and color, but remain pleasing in daylight.
• Casio’s telephoto shots maintain sharpness better thanks to stabilization.
• Skin tones on Casio images are a touch more neutral; Samsung tends towards warmer hues, which some may find attractive for portraits.

Scoring the Cameras Overall: Value and Performance

Here is our synthesized overall performance rating based on combined specs, hands-on results, and feature set:

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose Casio EX-ZR100 if:

• You want a versatile superzoom for subjects ranging from landscapes to wildlife.
• You shoot indoor or low light environments often, benefiting from stabilization and high ISO.
• You value manual exposure control, aperture and shutter priority modes.
• Video (Full HD) and creative slow-motion features are appealing.
• You want burst shooting for sports or fast action sequences.
• You don’t require RAW but want overall good image quality at a reasonable compact camera price.

Choose Samsung SL202 if:

• You prioritize a truly compact and lightweight camera.
• Your primary subjects are daylight scenes and travel snapshots.
• You prefer simplicity over manual controls and creative exposure modes.
• A brighter wide lens at the wide end is important, such as group portraits indoors with flash.
• You’re on a strict budget and need basic photo and video capability.
• You frequently shoot portraits and want face detection assistance.

Final Thoughts: The Art and Science of Choice

The Casio EX-ZR100 stands out as a more technically advanced compact camera, offering features and performance closer to enthusiast standards. Its sensor, zoom, stabilization, and controls create exciting photographic possibilities. However, it’s still straightforward enough for motivated beginners to grow into.

The Samsung SL202 is a viable option for photographers seeking absolute simplicity and portability without the bells and whistles. It’s well-suited for casual use, travel, and those who prize ease of access over technical sophistication.

Whichever you choose, both cameras remind us that good photography depends less on gear and more on your vision and practice. Get inspired, try new things, and explore the creative potential within reach.

Appendix: Technical Specifications Summary Table

We encourage you to check out each camera in person if possible, try their handling and menus, and find the model that aligns with your photographic journey. Invest in good accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and a protective case to maximize your shooting experience.

Happy shooting!