Casio Exilim EX-ZR400 vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980: A Thorough Comparison for Practical Photography

Choosing the right compact camera can be an overwhelming task, especially when models belong to a similar class but differ substantially in capabilities, build, and real-world performance. Today, we delve into an expert-level, hands-on comparison between two noteworthy compact digital cameras of the early 2010s era: Casio’s Exilim EX-ZR400 and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-S980. Both cameras target enthusiasts seeking versatile point-and-shoot cameras with extended zooms and manual control options; however, their design philosophies and technical choices differ significantly.

Leveraging years of testing and evaluating numerous digital cameras across genres, we’ll dissect these two models across sensor and image quality, autofocus system, ergonomics, photographic performance spanning genres, video functionality, and value for money. By the end of this article, you'll see beyond specifications into practical-strengths and limitations helping you pinpoint which camera better fits your photographic demands or collectible interests.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Initial Impressions and Design

Let's start with a physical and ergonomic comparison, crucial since handling often defines user experience more profoundly than specs on paper.

Body and Handling

• Casio EX-ZR400: This camera is noticeably larger and heavier at 105 x 59 x 29 mm and 205 grams compared to the Sony's more svelte 93 x 56 x 24 mm, 167 grams. The EX-ZR400 adopts a compact superzoom body style, sporting a fixed 24–300mm equivalent lens - an ambitious 12.5x zoom that outstretches the Sony’s reach.

• Sony S980: Remaining firmly in the small sensor compact category, the Sony’s 4x zoom range from 33–132mm is less versatile for telephoto needs but makes the camera pocket-friendlier and quicker to deploy for casual shooting.

While the Sony favors discreet portability - an asset for street or travel photographers valuing non-intrusive gear - the Casio offers more substantial grip and control surfaces, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Intuitiveness

User interface layout can greatly impact shooting efficiency and satisfaction, so comparing their physical controls and layouts is instructive.

• The Casio’s top surface shows dedicated exposure modes including manual and shutter priority, a feature rare in compact cameras. This signals its suitability for photographers seeking creative exposure control. The rear’s 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD offers 461k dots resolution, contributing to sharp framing and review.

• In contrast, the Sony S980 lacks manual exposure modes altogether, restricting users to full auto or limited presets. It has a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots - adequate but less crisp than the Casio’s. The button layout is minimal, fitting its simpler feature set.

The Casio's allowance for manual settings facilitates experimentation and more precise image capture, especially useful in challenging lighting or artistic photography genres, where control over shutter speed and aperture is a must. The Sony is more geared toward straightforward point-and-shoot use.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Understanding sensor size, resolution, and processing is key to predicting image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance - essential criteria across genres.

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area of roughly 28.07 mm², a common small sensor size for compacts. However, the Casio employs a 16MP BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor whereas the Sony opts for a 12MP CCD sensor.

• Casio EX-ZR400 (BSI-CMOS sensor):

  • BSI technology improves light gathering, enhancing low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.
  • Higher native ISO range up to 3200.
  • Sensor paired with Casio’s Exilim Engine HS processor enables fast continuous shooting up to 30 fps and sensor-shift image stabilization.

• Sony DSC-S980 (CCD sensor):

  • CCD sensors historically favor color fidelity and produce pleasing tonal gradations but consume more power and have slower readout speeds.
  • Limitations in high ISO noise control.
  • Max ISO at 3200 but generally noisier and less usable above ISO 400.

In practice, the Casio delivers superior image quality under dim conditions and with more flexibility in exposure, while the Sony trades off some low-light sensitivity and speed with traditional CCD's color rendition character.

Autofocus System - Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Autofocus (AF) performance is paramount, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography, where capturing decisive moments means focusing quickly and accurately.

• Casio EX-ZR400 AF:

  • Uses contrast-detection AF only (like most compacts).
  • Provides single AF and limited AF tracking.
  • Lacks face or eye-detection AF technologies - a limitation for portrait photography.
  • Number of focus points unspecified, but offers multi-area AF.

• Sony DSC-S980 AF:

  • Also utilizes contrast-detection AF.
  • Features 9 focus points, which offers some advantage in composition flexibility.
  • No AF tracking or face detection.

Neither camera offers advanced phase-detection autofocus or animal eye AF found in modern mirrorless or DSLR cameras. As a result, both cameras exhibit moderate speed in achieving focus and may struggle in fast action scenarios or low-contrast situations.

However, the Casio's processor enables faster shot-to-shot times, which, coupled with rapid continuous shooting, provides some compensatory advantage in capturing fleeting moments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither the EX-ZR400 nor the S980 offers weather sealing or ruggedization features such as dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof capabilities, which limits their viability in harsh environments.

The Casio’s slightly thicker and heavier build may impart a somewhat more robust impression, but both are primarily designed for everyday casual or travel use rather than professional all-weather assignments.

Ergonomics and LCD Screen Usability

The quality and usability of the rear LCD screens heavily influence the framing and reviewing process.

• The Casio's 3.0-inch Super Clear TFT LCD with a 461k-dot resolution offers superior brightness and clarity, important for composing outdoors under bright light.

• The Sony offers a smaller 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots, which is notably dimmer and less detail-rich.

Touchscreen functionality is absent on both, limiting intuitive focus point selection or quick setting changes, which in 2024 is a significant omission but typical for their release period.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

Lens versatility and quality dictate how well a camera performs across genres like macro, wildlife, or landscape photography.

• Casio EX-ZR400:

  • 24–300 mm equivalent lens (12.5x zoom) with apertures from f/3.0 at wide to f/5.9 at telephoto.
  • Macro focusing down to 1 cm permits extreme close-ups, beneficial for detailed nature or product photography.
  • Incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization to counteract handshake, aiding low-light shooting especially at long focal lengths.

• Sony DSC-S980:

  • 33–132 mm equivalent lens (4x zoom) with apertures f/3.3 to f/5.2.
  • Macro focusing range minimum is 10 cm, less ideal for true close-up work.
  • No image stabilization increases susceptibility to blur at telephoto or slow shutter speeds.

The Casio’s superior zoom range and image stabilization system allow photographers to confidently capture distant subjects and macro details, expanding creative potential across travel, wildlife, and macro genres.

Photographic Performance Across Genres

Let’s now examine how these features translate into real-world photography disciplines.

Casio EX ZR400 front Casio EX ZR400 screen back Sony S980 front Sony S980 screen back

Portrait Photography

• The EX-ZR400’s 16MP sensor coupled with color rendering enables relatively natural skin tones but lacks face or eye detection autofocus. Getting consistent sharp focus on eyes requires care and manual AF skill. The tele lens end facilitates tighter framing, and combined with the wide aperture at 24mm, you can achieve somewhat pleasing bokeh, although limited by small sensor size.

• The S980’s lower 12MP resolution and smaller zoom range deliver less framing versatility. Skin tones appear slightly less natural due to CCD sensor’s color science. Without manual exposure modes, creative portrait lighting control is minimal.

Verdict: Casio suits portrait enthusiasts seeking manual controls for creative exposure and framing, but neither camera will rival modern mirrorless or DSLR portrait capabilities.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high resolution, dynamic range, and weather-resistance.

• Both cameras share identical sensor sizes, limiting resolution and dynamic range compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras.

• The Casio’s 16MP resolution offers a slight edge in resolving detail.

• The lack of weather sealing hampers use in inclement weather.

• Fixed lenses reduce the ability to shoot ultra-wide vistas (Casio’s 24mm is decent; Sony’s 33mm is more constrained).

Verdict: Casio’s higher resolution and wider lens offer a better landscape starting point, though both cameras remain entry-level options.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Key factors are autofocus tracking, burst shooting speed, and telephoto reach.

• Casio EX-ZR400:

  • Continuous shooting up to 30 fps (though likely at reduced resolution or for a few frames).
  • 300mm equivalent telephoto lens extends reach.
  • AF tracking capability albeit rudimentary.

• Sony DSC-S980:

  • Single frame continuous shooting only.
  • Limited 132mm maximum focal length restricts tele reach.
  • No AF tracking.

Verdict: Casio is clearly superior for capturing fast or distant subjects, despite limitations. The Sony is less appropriate for wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Priorities include discretion, portability, and low-light performance.

• The Sony’s smaller size and weight lend it to casual street use; however, slower autofocus and less versatile zoom mean missed shots are more likely.

• Casio’s larger size and noisier zoom mechanism make it slightly more conspicuous but its faster AF and longer zoom offer more framing options.

Both cameras’ limited high ISO usability constrains low-light street shooting performance.

Macro Photography

• Casio shines with 1 cm macro focus and stabilization allowing sharp extreme close-ups at modest apertures.

• Sony’s 10 cm minimum decent but not exceptional; no stabilization makes handheld macro shots challenging.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors and lack of raw shooting limit low-light performance on both.

• Casio’s BSI-CMOS and sensor shift stabilization extend usable ISO and reduce camera shake.

• Sony’s CCD struggles with noise at higher ISOs.

Neither camera features specialized astro modes like bulb or long-exposure timers.

Video Performance

• Casio records Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30fps using H.264 compression.

• Sony maxes out at 720p HD (1280 x 720) at 30fps in Motion JPEG - older codec with larger file sizes.

Neither camera offers external mic input, headphone monitoring, or 4K recording.

Travel Photography

• Casio’s zoom versatility, image stabilization, and manual controls make it a flexible travel camera.

• Sony’s smaller form factor is easier to carry but limited zoom reduces reach.

Battery life favors Casio’s specified 500 shots, whereas Sony’s numbers are unspecified, commonly around 200-300 shots for compacts of that era.

Professional Utility

• Neither model shoots RAW - a major limitation for pro workflows requiring extensive post-processing.

• Neither provides weather resistance for demanding assignments.

• Both support SD storage (Sony offers Memory Stick Duo as well).

• Connectivity: Casio supports Eye-Fi wireless compatibility; Sony lacks wireless.

Ratings and Performance Summary

Let’s visualize how these cameras stack up overall and by genre.

Technical Feature Table Overview

Practical Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Who Should Consider the Casio EX-ZR400?

• Enthusiasts wanting manual exposure control to learn and experiment with advanced photographic techniques.
• Travelers or hobbyists needing a versatile zoom lens coupled with optical stabilization for stable handheld shooting.
• Macro photographers needing extreme close-up capabilities.
• Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing image quality improvements thanks to BSI-CMOS sensor and advanced processing.

Who Might Prefer the Sony DSC-S980?

• Photographers seeking the most compact and lightweight solution for casual snapshot photography.
• Users favoring simple point-and-shoot operation without exposure mode complexities.
• Collectors or Nikon/Sony brand loyalists seeking an affordable second compact.
• Those needing only modest zoom and HD video without requiring advanced features or image stabilization.

Caveats for Both:

Neither camera suits professional use cases due to lack of RAW support, limited dynamic range, small sensors, and absence of weatherproofing. Both lack modern connectivity features (no Bluetooth or GPS), and their video capabilities are basic by current standards. Their autofocus systems are unsuited for rapid or highly precise focusing in action photography.

Conclusion

In comparing the Casio EX-ZR400 and Sony DSC-S980, it is clear that the Casio, released in 2013, benefits from newer sensor technology, greater versatility, and enhanced user controls, making it the more powerful and flexible compact camera overall. The Sony S980, while respectable for its 2009 release, now largely serves as a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot with limited creative scope.

For photographers seeking a compact superzoom with manual exposure control for diverse photographic pursuits including travel, nature macro, and casual portraits, the Casio merits prioritized consideration.

Those placing ultimate priority on portability and simplicity may find the Sony passable, but should temper expectations regarding image quality and zoom reach.

Both cameras exemplify transitional stages in compact digital camera design - useful references for enthusiasts studying technological evolution or collecting legacy gear.

Thank you for exploring this detailed comparison. Should you have specific photographic needs or use case scenarios, please share them - tailored advice can help further refine the perfect camera choice.