Casio EX-ZR300 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS60: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Excellence

In the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, two models stand out from different eras yet competing for the same enthusiast’s pocket: the Casio EX-ZR300, released in 2012, and the more recent Panasonic Lumix ZS60 from 2016. At first glance, both promise versatile zoom ranges and compact portability, but my extensive hands-on testing reveals distinct strengths and trade-offs that matter greatly depending on your photographic priorities.

After hundreds of hours shooting with these cameras side-by-side - from bustling street markets to serene landscapes, speed-critical wildlife chases to macro studies - I’m excited to unpack which one deserves your attention. Whether you crave 4K video, detailed landscapes, or a dependable travel companion, this comparison will help you decide with confidence.

Initial Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

One of the first things I always assess - particularly in compact superzooms that are designed to travel everywhere with you - is physical size, control layout, and handling. These factors can make or break your shooting experience when you’re hoofing it for hours.

Looking at the raw numbers, the Casio EX-ZR300 measures 105 × 59 × 29mm and weighs in at a svelte 205g. Contrast that to the Panasonic ZS60’s slightly larger 112 × 64 × 38mm and heftier 282g. Though neither strains your pocket, the Casio’s slimmer, lighter body feels noticeably easier to slip in and out on the fly. This makes it more at home in street or travel photography scenarios where discretion and minimal bulk are prized.

Yet size tells only part of the story. Diving deeper into controls, the Casio offers an admittedly utilitarian approach - no illuminated buttons, no touchscreen, and a mostly traditional button layout. It’s straightforward but feels somewhat dated in this area.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic makes a stronger impression on ergonomics, featuring a more refined grip and importantly, a touchscreen display that enhances speed and ease of use when navigating menus or adjusting focus points manually. The tactile feedback and button placement on the ZS60 demonstrate Panasonic’s refinement over the years, translating to more efficient operation in practice.

Taking a top-down view, the ZS60 also integrates a dedicated control dial and a mode dial that encourages quick adjustments - features the Casio falls short on. For photographers who appreciate on-the-fly manual exposure control or quick access to creative modes, this physical interface difference can be pivotal.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

No matter how nice the ergonomics, sensor performance ultimately defines photographic potential - especially in compact cameras with physically small sensors.

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with identical dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm, equating to around 28 mm² of sensor area. However, resolution and sensor generation reveal important differences.

• Casio EX-ZR300: 16MP sensor; BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS; no RAW support.
• Panasonic ZS60: 18MP sensor; CMOS; offers RAW file capture.

While 2MP may sound inconsequential, the Panasonic’s sensor integrates more modern fabrication and signal processing, evident in its higher DxO Mark color depth (19.3 bits vs untested for Casio) and dynamic range (10.6 EV). The Casio’s lack of RAW shooting handicaps post-processing flexibility significantly - a non-starter for pros who need maximum control on skin tones or landscapes.

In real-world use, images from the ZS60 exhibit cleaner high ISO performance up to ISO 3200 and retain better detail in shadow and highlight regions. The Casio, while competent in daylight and low ISO, shows more aggressive noise reduction and color compression that can muddle fine textures.

Live View and LCD Experience

With modern compact cameras, the LCD screen is often your primary interface, making its quality and responsiveness critical.

Casio’s EX-ZR300 offers a 3-inch fixed Super Clear TFT LCD with 461k dots resolution - serviceable in bright conditions but underwhelming in sharpness and viewing angle flexibility. No touchscreen means menu navigation relies entirely on standard buttons, which slows adjustments.

Panasonic’s ZS60 upgrades to a 3-inch fixed touchscreen with a stunning 1040k dots resolution. The increased resolution coupled with touch responsiveness dramatically improves live-view framing, focus point selection, and menu handling. The step up here is palpable and one reason why the ZS60 scores higher usability marks during extended shooting.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Telephoto Ready?

Superzoom enthusiasts know that lens versatility drives shooting creativity. Both cameras feature fixed lenses but with different zoom reaches and apertures.

• Casio EX-ZR300: 24-300mm equivalent (12.5x zoom), aperture F3.0-5.9
• Panasonic ZS60: 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), aperture F3.3-6.4

The Panasonic’s longer maximum reach is one of its standout advantages - 720mm equivalent dramatically widens wildlife and sports photography possibilities, where distant subjects require optical reach.

However, longer zoom inevitably means compromises in aperture speed and image sharpness towards telephoto ends. In my testing, the ZS60’s lens delivers good sharpness and contrast across the range, stabilizing well and keeping aberrations controlled for a compact lens.

The Casio’s shorter zoom may feel limiting for some but benefits from somewhat brighter apertures at the wide end (F3.0 vs F3.3), slightly better macro focus (down to 1cm vs Panasonic’s 3cm), and respectable image stabilization via sensor-shift technology.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Nowhere is responsiveness more critical than autofocus (AF) and burst shooting - especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Casio relies on contrast-detection only AF with unknown focus points and no continuous tracking AF. This became noticeable during fast-moving subjects - AF sometimes lagged or hunted, leading to missed shots in action scenarios.

Panasonic shines with a contrast-detection system operating on 49 focus points, featuring face detection, continuous AF, AF tracking, and even selective AF via touchscreen. It supports 10 frames per second burst shooting, a feature absolutely critical for fast action capture. The Casio does not officially specify burst frame rates, which suggests it’s less optimized for speed.

Flash and Exposure Control

The Casio EX-ZR300 packs a built-in flash with a 4.7m effective range, adequate for indoor fill or casual snapshots. Flash modes include basic Auto, On, Off, and Red-eye - moderate but limited.

Panasonic provides a more versatile flash with 5.6m range (auto ISO) and additional modes like Auto/Red-eye reduction, Forced On, and Slow Sync. Coupled with broader AE bracketing capabilities (Casio lacks AE bracketing), the ZS60 offers more control for tricky lighting.

Both cameras support manual exposure modes, aperture, and shutter priority, but Panasonic’s interface and exposure metering, with multi-segment and spot weighting, are more robust in practice.

Video Capabilities: Motion Matters

For photographers who dabble in video or demand hybrid performance, video specs can be a deciding factor.

Casio EX-ZR300:

• Max resolution: Full HD 1920x1080 @ 30fps
• Additional slow-motion options up to 1000 fps at low resolution
• Codec: H.264
• No microphone input
• No 4K or advanced video features

Panasonic ZS60:

• 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160) at 30p
• Full HD at up to 60p (offers smoother motion and better slow-motion rates)
• Supports 4K Photo mode (extracting high-res stills from 4K frames)
• No microphone/headphone jacks
• Timelapse recording available

Panasonic’s 4K video and 4K Photo features are significant advantages for content creators wanting higher video fidelity or the ability to grab high-res stills from motion. Casio’s slow-motion modes are fun toys but less practical for serious video work.

Portability, Battery Life, and Connectivity

When it comes to extended shooting trips or travel, battery life and connectivity matter.

The Casio’s NP-130 battery clocking 500 shots per charge outperforms the Panasonic’s measured 320 shots, a substantial difference for day-long excursions. However, the Panasonic’s built-in Wi-Fi (Eye-Fi standard for Casio) is more modern, enabling real-time image transfer and remote control via smartphone.

Physical interfaces remain comparable: USB 2.0, HDMI output on both, with no rugged environmental sealing or weather resistance.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let’s dissect where each camera excels and lags based on genre-specific demands.

Casio EX ZR300 front Casio EX ZR300 screen back Panasonic ZS60 front Panasonic ZS60 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tone rendering, eye detection, and creamy bokeh.

• Casio suffers here due to older sensor tech and no eye-detect AF, producing flatter images with less rendering finesse.
• Panasonic’s face detection and selective AF, paired with superior image processing, deliver more flattering skin tones and reliable focus on eyes, critical for compelling portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes benefit from high resolution, rich dynamic range, and weather sealing.

• Neither camera offers weather sealing; landscape shooters must be cautious.
• Panasonic’s slight resolution advantage (18MP) and better dynamic range translate to richer gradations in skies and shadows.
• Casio’s macro focusing is tighter (1cm), useful for close-up flora within landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

Fast autofocus and burst capabilities are vital.

• Casio’s limited AF points and lack of burst modes hinder action photography.
• Panasonic excels with rapid burst shooting, face detection, and extended zoom reach for distant subjects.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability take priority.

• Casio’s smaller and lighter build is advantageous.
• Yet, Panasonic’s touchscreen and electronic viewfinder (EVF) provide compositional benefits, especially in bright sunlight - though it adds some bulk.

Macro Photography

• Casio zooms in closer (1cm), giving it an edge for macro enthusiasts shooting flowers or insects.
• Panasonic provides good macro performance but with a minimum focus distance of 3cm.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise and high ISO performance remain key.

• Panasonic’s newer sensor outperforms Casio with cleaner images at ISO 1600+.
• Casio tops out at ISO 3200 but is noisier and less usable at high sensitivities.
• Neither is a true astrophotography tool, but Panasonic handles dim light better overall.

Video Work

• Panasonic’s 4K video and 4K Photo modes eclipse Casio’s Full HD and specialty slow-motion offerings.
• Casio lacks microphone input and advanced video features.

Travel Photography

Balance of zoom range, battery life, and size.

• Casio’s better battery life and smaller footprint enhance travel comfort.
• Panasonic’s longer zoom and superior image quality favor more creative control.

Professional Workflow

• Casio no RAW support severely limits post-processing.
• Panasonic’s RAW files and superior control integrations make it more appealing to serious shooters.

Overall Performance: Scores and Verdict

Combining the various scoring metrics, Panasonic ZS60 leads overall, especially excelling in AF, image quality, video, and versatility. Casio remains respectable but shows its age and design compromises in many areas.

Looking into specific genres clarifies recommendations:

• Travel & Street: Casio wins for compactness and battery life, but Panasonic’s viewfinder and touchscreen bring real-world framing advantages.
• Wildlife & Sports: Panasonic’s burst and zoom advantages make it the clear choice.
• Portraits & Landscapes: Panasonic’s dynamic range and face detection deliver higher quality results.
• Macro: Casio slightly ahead for tight close-ups.
• Video: Panasonic far superior.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Casio EX-ZR300 might appeal if:

• You prioritize a lightweight, pocket-friendly camera.
• Your photography focuses on still subjects in good light.
• You don’t require RAW or advanced video features.
• Battery longevity is pivotal.
• You want a simple, straightforward superzoom without bells and whistles.

Panasonic Lumix ZS60 is best if:

• You want a robust all-around compact with superior image and video quality.
• Face detection, touchscreen controls, and fast autofocus matter.
• You need 4K video or 4K photo extraction capabilities.
• Longer 30x zoom range is a valuable creative asset.
• You shoot in diverse or challenging lighting conditions.
• You insist on RAW support for professional-level editing.

Test Methodology and Experience

I tested both cameras over extended field sessions - covering various lighting conditions, subject types, and photographic styles - to ensure practical observation beyond specs. Sharpness charts, noise tests, real-time autofocus tracking, and battery endurance were quantified alongside subjective assessments of ergonomics and user interface. This comprehensive hands-on approach guarantees recommendations you can trust.

Summary Table

In conclusion, while the Casio EX-ZR300 impresses with its portability and battery endurance - great for casual travel or point-and-shoot enthusiasts - the Panasonic Lumix ZS60 emerges as a far more capable all-round camera. Offering better image quality, more advanced autofocus, a rich video feature set, and a longer zoom range, it aligns better with serious enthusiasts and professionals needing flexible, reliable performance.

If you ask me, for anyone beyond entry-level daily snaps, the Panasonic ZS60 is worth the investment. It’s a sophisticated superzoom bridge compact that meets the versatile demands of modern photography, all while maintaining the convenience of a pocket-friendly size.

I hope this comparison helps you zero in on the right camera choice for your unique needs. For hands-on photography enthusiasts, choosing a tool as personal as your camera is always about balancing specs with real-world usability - and for that reason, it pays to weigh these insights carefully before investing. Happy shooting!