Casio EX-ZR400 vs Panasonic Lumix TS20: A Detailed Compact Camera Shootout for Photographers

When you are in the market for a compact camera that balances versatility and convenience, two models from the early 2010s stand out as contenders for varied shooting styles: the Casio EX-ZR400 and the Panasonic Lumix TS20 (also known as the DMC-FT20). Both cater to photographers who want pocketable gear but have sharply different priorities. The Casio leans toward superzoom performance with a flexible focal length and manual controls, while the Panasonic packs rugged durability into a waterproof body.

We’ve put these cameras head-to-head, leveraging our years of hands-on camera testing experience to give you practical, detailed insights. Whether you are a casual shooter, enthusiast, or professional searching for a reliable backup or travel camera, this article breaks down every major aspect you should consider.

Getting a Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Size and handling are fundamental for a compact camera - after all, they are meant to be convenient and easy to carry.

• Casio EX-ZR400: This camera measures 105 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs 205g, making it a bit bulkier and heavier than typical compacts but still pocketable. Its slightly larger body accommodates a well-laid-out control ring and physical buttons, allowing manual aperture, shutter priority, and exposure compensation options. The 3-inch Super Clear TFT color LCD provides sharp live view, though it’s fixed and non-touch.

• Panasonic TS20: Smaller and lighter at 101 x 58 x 19 mm and 142g, this model emphasizes portability and ruggedness. Its slim profile suits you if discretion and travel weight are priorities. However, with a smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD and minimal physical controls, it offers simpler handling focused on ease rather than manual flexibility.

Ergonomically, the Casio leans into control comfort, benefiting those who prefer tweaking settings on the fly; the Panasonic appeals if you want quick point-and-shoot or outdoor-friendly gear.

Control Layout and Interface: Where Experience Meets Usability

From our experience navigating both interfaces, small design choices can make a big difference.

• The EX-ZR400’s top plate features clearly marked dials and buttons, granting rapid access to manual and semi-manual exposure modes. While not equipped with touchscreen, its menu system feels responsive, aided by the crisp screen.

• The TS20 trims complexity, focusing on simplified navigation. Without manual exposure modes, it relies on automatic settings and scene modes, ideal for casual photography but limiting if you want creative control.

This fundamental difference in design reflects the cameras’ target users - Casio’s is meant for those interested in learning photography technique, while Panasonic targets adventure photographers valuing durability over control depth.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Comparison

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3" sensor size, but key distinctions in sensor type and processing impact image quality.

Technical takeaway:

• The Casio’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better sensitivity and noise control, especially at low ISO settings, compared to the Panasonic’s older CCD sensor. This yields cleaner images in dim lighting.

• Although Panasonic’s sensor supports ISO up to 6400, noise levels become prohibitive after ISO 800 in real-world use. Casio’s maximum ISO of 3200 is balanced with better noise management.

• Neither camera offers RAW shooting, which limits post-processing control but suits users who prefer straightforward JPEG workflows.

Real-world image quality

Casio’s Exilim engine and sensor synergy produce punchy, sharper images with vibrant colors, better dynamic range, and more details in shadows. Panasonic, while competent in daylight, tends to exhibit softer images and restricted latitude in high-contrast scenes due to its sensor type.

Seeing Your Shots: LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

With no electronic or optical viewfinders on either camera, the LCD screen becomes your primary framing and review tool.

• Casio EX-ZR400 offers a larger and higher resolution 3.0-inch display boasting 461k dots with Super Clear technology for superior outdoor visibility and viewing angles.

• Panasonic TS20 has a smaller 2.7-inch screen with 230k dots and standard TFT tech, challenging visibility under bright sunlight.

Our testing indicates the Casio’s screen enhances shooting convenience, especially outdoors or in tricky light. Panasonic’s screen gets the job done for casual usage but is not as user-friendly for composing critical shots in challenging environments.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Where Casio’s Long Reach Excels

• Casio EX-ZR400 sports a fixed 24-300mm equivalent (12.5x zoom) f/3.0-5.9 lens, an impressive telephoto range letting you cover wide landscapes and distant subjects like wildlife effectively.

• Panasonic TS20 offers a shorter 25-100mm equivalent (4x zoom) f/3.9-5.7 lens, suitable mostly for snapshots and moderate telephoto work.

Macro focus is surprisingly strong on Casio - down to 1cm compared to Panasonic’s 5cm minimum focus distance, opening up creative closeup possibilities.

Zooming on Casio is impressively smooth with reasonable sharpness maintained through the telephoto range, benefiting photographers chasing flexibility. Panasonic favors simplicity, with a modest zoom that pairs well with its waterproof design but limits long-distance reach.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus directly impacts your ability to capture decisive moments.

• Casio EX-ZR400 uses contrast detection autofocus with face detection disabled. It lacks advanced eye tracking or phase detection and offers single shot with tracking but no continuous AF. While effective under good light, it can be slower or hunt more in low light or fast action.

• Panasonic TS20 relies on contrast detection AF with 23 focus points and center-weighted AF. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking, beneficial for moving subjects in casual shooting.

While neither camera supports high-end autofocus features found in DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, Panasonic’s AF is more optimized for quick operation in dynamic outdoor conditions. Casio’s system suits slower, deliberate shooting but can struggle in low light.

Performance in Photography Genres: Which Camera Wins Where?

To give you a clear breakdown of how each performs across popular photographic disciplines, here is our evaluation based on prolonged use and testing:

Casio EX ZR400 front Casio EX ZR400 screen back Panasonic TS20 front Panasonic TS20 screen back

From skin tones in portraits to capturing landscape dynamism, the Casio’s sensor and lens versatility produce more compelling image quality. Panasonic’s ruggedness opens doors to diving, hiking, or weather-challenged environments where safety of gear is paramount.

Build Quality: Durability and Weather Resistance

• The Panasonic TS20 is explicitly designed for underwater and harsh conditions. It is waterproof down to approximately 7 meters, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - perfect for outdoor adventures and rough shooting.

• The Casio EX-ZR400 lacks any environmental sealing or rugged features. While sturdy for everyday use, it needs protection in wet or dusty environments.

This makes the Panasonic the clear choice if you prioritize durability or plan to shoot in challenging conditions without additional gear protection.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Casio EX-ZR400 boasts an excellent battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge, making it reliable for extended outings or travel.

• Panasonic TS20 offers about 250 shots, which can be limiting in longer sessions or multi-day use without spare batteries.

Both cameras utilize common SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Panasonic also includes internal storage, which can be handy as a backup.

Connectivity and Extra Features

• Casio supports Eye-Fi card networking allowing wireless image transfer with compatible cards and has an HDMI output for easy viewing on TVs.

• Panasonic lacks wireless options or HDMI but has a USB 2.0 interface for basic transfer.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, NFC, or microphone/headphone jacks for external audio input which limits video production capabilities.

Value for Money: What Should You Spend?

Given the vintage nature of both cameras, pricing varies. The Panasonic TS20 may command around $179 online used or refurbished, while Casio EX-ZR400 pricing fluctuates due to rarity but is generally in the same range or slightly higher.

Considering features, build, and performance:

• If you want the best image quality and zoom range in this compact class, and don’t need extreme weather sealing, the Casio EX-ZR400 delivers excellent bang for your buck.

• If you need a rugged, travel-friendly, waterproof camera for adventures and minimal manual operation, the Panasonic TS20’s durability and simplicity justify its cost.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Casio EX-ZR400 if:

• You want manual exposure modes (aperture, shutter priority) to learn and control your photography.
• A versatile 24-300mm zoom lens is important for wide shooting to wildlife or telephoto needs.
• You value image quality with a modern BSI-CMOS sensor optimized for low light.
• You want Full HD 1080p video with decent manual control options.
• Macro photography and detailed closeups excite your creativity.
• You prioritize sharper, more vibrant LCD viewing.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix TS20 if:

• Your photography adventures bring you near water, dust, or cold weather where a rugged build is vital.
• You want a lightweight, pocketable camera for casual snapshots.
• You prefer simplicity over manual settings with autofocus optimized for moving scenes.
• You travel frequently and want a camera ready to face harsh environments without protection gear.

Final Thoughts on Getting Started

Compact cameras like these provide great opportunities to explore different photography styles without high investment or bulk. If you’re just getting started, test these models hands-on if possible - tactile experience with controls and menus always trumps specs when building your photographic intuition.

For those fascinated by technical flexibility and image quality, the Casio EX-ZR400 remains a compelling entry point. For nature and adventure photographers prioritizing durability, the Panasonic TS20 is a steadfast companion.

Explore, experiment, and find the right camera that inspires your creative journey. Whether it’s the technical prowess of the Casio or the rugged reliability of the Panasonic, both offer unique experiences in the compact camera world.

Happy shooting!

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