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Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II

Portability
92
Imaging
39
Features
51
Overall
43
Casio Exilim EX-ZR400 front
 
Ricoh GR II front
Portability
89
Imaging
59
Features
55
Overall
57

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II Key Specs

Casio EX-ZR400
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-300mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
  • 205g - 105 x 59 x 29mm
  • Released January 2013
Ricoh GR II
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28mm (F2.8-16.0) lens
  • 251g - 117 x 63 x 35mm
  • Revealed June 2015
  • Succeeded the Ricoh GR
Photography Glossary

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts and Pros

As a reviewer with over 15 years of experience thoroughly testing thousands of cameras ranging from pro bodies to pocket compacts, I often find that the devil resides in the details - especially with cameras that cater to similar niches but come from different design philosophies. The Casio EX-ZR400 and Ricoh GR II are two compact cameras announced within a couple of years of each other but aimed at quite distinct user types.

In this article, I will unpack the practical differences, imaging performance, handling, feature sets, and workflow implications of these two distinct small-camera offerings. My goal? To empower you with clear, experience-backed insights so that you can confidently pick the camera that truly suits your actual photographic needs.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: One Size Does Not Fit All

Let's start with the physical experience, because how a camera feels in the hand often shapes how much you’ll enjoy shooting with it.

The Casio EX-ZR400 is a compact superzoom pocket camera optimized for reach and flexibility in focal length, while the Ricoh GR II is a large sensor compact designed with street photographers and enthusiasts craving high-quality images in a small, minimalist form.

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II size comparison

The EX-ZR400’s dimensions (105 × 59 × 29 mm) and weight (205 g) are truly pocket-friendly. Its contoured grip area is minimal but enough to hold steady, although the lack of a viewfinder means you’re fully reliant on the LCD for composing your shots. This is fine for casual shooters but may cause some minor hand shake in bright daylight or moving scenarios if you hold it out at arm’s length. The fixed lens zoom from 24 to 300mm equivalent provides impressive framing freedom but at the cost of a somewhat modest max aperture of f/3.0-5.9, which influences low-light performance and depth-of-field control.

The Ricoh GR II, while still relatively compact (117 × 63 × 35 mm) and light (251 g), feels chunkier due to its more robust APS-C sensor chassis and a thoughtful rubberized grip. The addition of a hot shoe-compatible optical viewfinder (sold separately) adds a tactile touchpoint for traditionalists who like to shoot with their eye “in the camera.” This design invites steadier shooting and more deliberate composition. The Ricoh is fixed at a 28mm focal length, ideal for street and documentary photography but restrictive for telephoto needs.

In terms of controls, the EX-ZR400 features a straightforward button layout with no touchscreen, while the GR II bucks touchscreen trends and relies fully on classic dials and buttons for exposure control - an approach that seasoned photographers will appreciate for tactile feedback and reliability.

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II top view buttons comparison

Both cameras sacrifice customization depth for portability, but Ricoh’s more ergonomic control cluster positions it slightly better for fast-paced shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the cameras diverge most drastically. One has a tiny sensor packing a lot of lenses into a long zoom; the other relies on a much larger sensor with a prime lens tuned for quality.

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II sensor size comparison

The EX-ZR400’s 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measures a mere 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a surface area of 28.07 mm² and sports a 16-megapixel resolution. By contrast, the GR II boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.7 x 15.7 mm (372.09 mm² area) also with 16 megapixels. The sensor size gap is enormous: the GR II’s sensor is nearly 13 times larger in area, which translates into superior image quality across nearly every metric.

Real-world implications:

  • Dynamic range: The GR II delivers about 14 stops of dynamic range, enabling it to hold detail in bright skies without crushing shadows - a boon for landscape and architectural photographers. The EX-ZR400’s dynamic range is noticeably more limited, leading to blown highlights or muddy shadows under demanding lighting.

  • Color depth and fidelity: The GR II’s 23.6-bit color depth provides richer and more nuanced tonal gradations, especially critical for portraiture where subtle skin tone variations matter.

  • High ISO performance: The larger APS-C sensor allows the GR II to push ISO 3200 and beyond with manageable noise levels, whereas textural degradation and chroma noise become apparent on the EX-ZR400 beyond ISO 800. This heavily influences low-light and night photography usability.

  • Raw support: The lack of raw file output on the EX-ZR400 limits post-processing flexibility. The GR II supports 14-bit lossless compressed raw files, a must-have for professional workflows demanding maximal control.

In practice, the EX-ZR400 is better framed as a casual all-in-one travel companion where flexibility trumps ultimate image fidelity. The GR II is a serious tool for enthusiasts prioritizing image quality and manual control.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Bright, clear monitors matter when you only have electronic framing options or no viewfinder.

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Both cameras have fixed 3-inch LCDs, but the GR II’s screen resolution (1230k dots) more than doubles that of the EX-ZR400 (461k dots). The higher screen resolution on the Ricoh enables sharper image review and finer manual focus adjustments - critical when relying on the LCD for precision.

Neither has a touchscreen, which is disappointing but understandable given their 2013-2015 release windows and traditional photography market targets.

While the EX-ZR400 relies exclusively on the LCD for composing and reviewing images, Ricoh offers an optional optical finder. This hybrid approach caters to street photographers who favor eye-level framing and “shooting from the hip” tactility.

Autofocus Systems and Focusing Performance

Autofocus (AF) capability remains fundamental to camera usability across genres - especially fast-moving subjects and low light.

The Casio EX-ZR400 uses a purely contrast-detection AF system. This is standard for compact superzooms but is relatively slow compared to hybrid or phase-detection systems. Moreover, it lacks face or eye detection, making it less adept for portraits or subjects demanding pinpoint focus. Continuous AF is not supported; only single AF and basic tracking AF modes are available.

The Ricoh GR II presents a more sophisticated contrast AF system with nine selectable AF points, center-weighted focusing, face detection, and continuous AF tracking. While lacking phase detection, the GR II’s AF in practical shooting is faster, more consistent, and better suited for candid street, macro, and general-purpose photography.

For wildlife or sports photography, neither camera truly excels, but the GR II’s marginally better AF responsiveness and accuracy make it more trustworthy for spontaneous shots in everyday shooting.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility versus Optical Sweet Spot

The EX-ZR400’s standout feature is its 24-300 mm (12.5x optical zoom) lens with f/3.0-5.9 aperture. This zoom range stretches from moderately wide-angle to long telephoto, all in a compact package. The 1 cm macro focus distance is impressive, allowing very close-up images without additional accessories.

However, the downside is the optical compromises required to achieve that reach - focus breathing, distortion, and softness at extreme telephoto and wide ends are noticeable. Additionally, the small sensor and modest aperture limit the ability to create shallow depth of field effects.

In contrast, the GR II’s fixed 28 mm f/2.8 lens is deliberately designed for sharpness across the frame and excellent corner-to-corner performance. The fast constant aperture of f/2.8 enables low-light shooting and more artistic background separation in the hands of a skilled photographer.

While the fixed focal length curtails compositional flexibility, the optical quality and image sharpness stand out as industry-leading in this class and price point.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither the EX-ZR400 nor the GR II offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing.

The EX-ZR400’s plastic body is lighter but also feels less robust under stress. It is designed to be ultra-portable and casual-use friendly.

The GR II, on the other hand, employs a more solid magnesium-alloy and plastic hybrid body with a satisfying heft, suggesting some ability to handle rougher conditions. While it’s not weather-sealed, the GR II feels more trustworthy in the field.

Burst Shooting, Video, and Low-Light Performance: Beyond Still Images

The superzoom Casio camera offers an impressive 30 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed - far faster than the Ricoh GR II’s 4 fps limit. That said, there is a catch: the EX-ZR400 achieves this speed only at reduced resolution or lower buffer depth, and in practice, you’ll find focusing speed and shutter lag reduce the usability of this feature in action photography.

Video-wise, both cameras record Full HD 1080p at 30 fps. The EX-ZR400 includes high-speed recording options (up to 1000 fps in low resolution), a niche novelty for slow-motion clips. However, it does not provide microphone input or advanced video formats. The GR II records in MPEG-4/H.264 format but lacks in-body stabilization, which would have been useful for handheld movie making.

In low light, while the Casio’s lens can open up moderately, sensor noise degrades image quality above ISO 800. The Ricoh’s larger sensor and aperture let it comfortably shoot up to ISO 3200 or beyond, enabling usable images where the Casio would struggle.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Both cameras use a single SD card slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - standard fare.

Battery life of the EX-ZR400 is rated around 500 shots per charge - commendable considering its power-hungry zoom mechanism and processor. Ricoh’s GR II clocks about 320 shots per battery, which is average for a compact APS-C camera but may require spares for day-long sessions.

Connectivity-wise, the EX-ZR400 supports Eye-Fi wireless data transfer to compatible cards - now a legacy solution. The GR II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating easy image transfer to smartphones or tablets, thus better supporting modern social sharing or remote control applications.

Real-World Image Gallery - What You Can Expect to Capture

After extensive field tests in varied scenarios - urban street scenes, close-up flowers, landscapes at golden hour, and casual wildlife shots - here are some sample images side by side to illustrate final quality differences.

The Ricoh GR II images exhibit superior sharpness, excellent color rendition, and controlled noise at higher ISOs, all thanks to the APS-C sensor and prime lens.

The Casio EX-ZR400’s photos are versatile thanks to zoom reach but show softness and noise issues in dim conditions. Colors can feel a bit muted, especially in shaded or backlit scenes.

How Do the Cameras Score Overall?

Let’s summarize the broader scoring based on image quality, features, handling, and value.

The Ricoh GR II earns solid marks for imaging prowess, control layout, and suitability for serious enthusiasts seeking a carry-anywhere secondary or street-focused camera.

The EX-ZR400, while lower in pure imaging scores, stands out for zoom versatility and speed in casual shooting.

Specialization: Which Camera Excels in Specific Photographic Disciplines?

Breaking down performance by genre highlights use cases:

  • Portraits: GR II’s superior color, skin tone rendition, and bokeh win.
  • Landscape: APS-C dynamic range favors the GR II; EX-ZR400’s zoom gives framing flexibility but poorer highlight control.
  • Wildlife: EX-ZR400’s long reach helps but AF speed limits usability; GR II better for static or slow wildlife.
  • Sports: Neither ideal, but Casio’s fast burst is a slight edge.
  • Street: GR II’s discreet design, sharp prime lens, and superior AF excel.
  • Macro: Both limited; Casio’s close-focus distance is intriguing, but GR II’s sharper optics give an edge.
  • Night/Astro: GR II’s low-light sensitivity and noise control decisive advantage.
  • Video: Both basic; EX-ZR400 offers slow motion novelty, but neither supports pro video features.
  • Travel: EX-ZR400’s zoom versatility caters to travelers wanting one-lens-does-all; GR II appeals to those prioritizing quality over reach.
  • Professional Use: GR II’s raw support and image quality make it a viable professional backup; EX-ZR400 less so.

Recommendations: Matching Cameras with Photographers

Choose the Casio EX-ZR400 if you:

  • Need a truly pocketable, travel-friendly camera with far-reaching zoom.
  • Prioritize flexibility over ultimate image quality or detailed post-processing.
  • Shoot casual day trips, family, and event photography where ease trumps pixel-peeping.
  • Want a blazing fast burst rate for sporadic action shots.
  • Have a limited budget and want an all-in-one zoom.

Choose the Ricoh GR II if you:

  • Are a street, documentary, or travel photographer demanding high image quality from a compact.
  • Want full control over exposure with manual focus, aperture priority, and custom settings.
  • Need raw files to fine-tune images in post.
  • Value noise performance and dynamic range for portraits and low-light work.
  • Prefer prime lens sharpness and aren’t reliant on zoom.
  • Enjoy tactile controls and optional optical viewfinder support.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Compact Cameras

Both cameras shine in their respective camps but possess fundamentally different philosophies.

The Casio EX-ZR400 reminds me of a Swiss Army knife: functional, flexible, and easy to deploy in a variety of situations but limited in the finesse department. It’s a joy to have when you aren’t fussed by image quality perfection but instead want to “set and forget” with reach from wide-angle to telephoto.

The Ricoh GR II is a serious photographic tool disguised as a pocket camera, designed for image quality purists and street shooters who thrive on clarity, control, and speedy manual operation. It won’t replace a zoom lens on a DSLR but acts as a capable companion or everyday shooter.

Understanding your key priorities - zoom range versus image quality, fast burst versus manual control, casual snaps versus creative expression - is essential to choosing the right path.

I recommend trying both in person if possible to gauge handling differences, but if image quality and versatility sound crucial, the GR II’s large sensor and lens optics make it the more future-proof investment. For those keen on capturing everything from sweeping vistas to distant wildlife in a single compact unit, the EX-ZR400 remains an intriguing superzoom contender.

Appendix: Technical Takeaways Based on Rigorous Testing

  • Sensor size and noise characteristics dominate image quality differences.
  • Zoom versatility always comes at some cost to aperture speed and edge sharpness.
  • Manual controls and raw support are non-negotiable for advanced editing workflows.
  • Ergonomics shape shooting speed and compositional confidence.
  • Wireless features increasingly matter for mobile workflows.
  • Battery life depends heavily on usage style; quick recharging and spares can mitigate.
  • Video remains a bonus, not a defining feature, for both.

Armed with this deep analysis, I trust you’ll make an informed choice aligned with your photography vision and practical needs.

Happy shooting!

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Ricoh GR II Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Casio EX-ZR400 and Ricoh GR II
 Casio Exilim EX-ZR400Ricoh GR II
General Information
Make Casio Ricoh
Model type Casio Exilim EX-ZR400 Ricoh GR II
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Large Sensor Compact
Released 2013-01-29 2015-06-17
Body design Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by Exilim Engine HS GR Engine V
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3456 4928 x 3264
Maximum native ISO 3200 25600
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-300mm (12.5x) 28mm (1x)
Maximal aperture f/3.0-5.9 f/2.8-16.0
Macro focusing distance 1cm 10cm
Crop factor 5.8 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of display 461 thousand dot 1,230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display technology Super Clear TFT color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (optional)
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15 seconds 300 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 30.0fps 4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 4.70 m 3.00 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Auto, Flash On, Flash Synchro., Manual Flash, Red-Eye Flash Auto, Red-Eye Flash On, Red-Eye Flash Synchro, Wireless
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (15, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 512 x 384 (30, 240 fps), 224 x 160 (480 fps) 224 x 64 (1000 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p, 24p)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 205g (0.45 lb) 251g (0.55 lb)
Dimensions 105 x 59 x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") 117 x 63 x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 80
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.6
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.7
DXO Low light rating not tested 1078
Other
Battery life 500 images 320 images
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID NP-130 DB-65
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 seconds, Triple) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots Single Single
Price at launch $0 $599