Casio EX-ZR700 vs Fujifilm XP90: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Compact Superzoom

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, making an informed choice is key. Both the Casio EX-ZR700 and the Fujifilm XP90 come from reputable brands, but they cater to slightly different types of users. I've spent ample time with these two in real shooting environments, and in this comprehensive hands-on comparison, I’ll share everything from technical specs and real-world performance to which camera suits your style and budget. Whether you're an enthusiast looking for versatility, a traveler needing rugged gear, or simply a cheapskate hunting the best dollar value, this guide will help you decide.

Let’s dive in with a quick visual overview to understand their design philosophies.

Size and Ergonomics: Which Fits in Your Hand and Lifestyle?

Starting with how these cameras feel in your hand - ergonomics matter, especially when you shoot all day.

The Casio EX-ZR700 comes in a smaller and more compact body (108 × 60 × 31 mm, 222g). Its boxy shape fits nicely into a jacket pocket without weighing you down. The Fujifilm XP90 is chunkier (110 × 71 × 28 mm, 203g) but built to survive drops, water, and rough conditions - adding substance to its grip and confidence to your handling. It feels more like a club for your thumbs, if you excuse the expression, whereas the Casio opts for an unobtrusive presence.

In casual shooting or street photography, the Casio’s sleeker profile wins on discretion and portability. Meanwhile, the XP90’s rugged construction appeals to those who prioritize durability and are not afraid to sacrifice a bit of compactness for peace of mind outdoors.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Cluttered?

Lens, buttons, dials - the interface you work with affects how quickly you can capture decisive moments.

Both cameras sport fixed lenses, but their control layouts diverge interestingly.

The EX-ZR700 peppers the top plate with dedicated buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure - rare at this level, letting serious enthusiasts fine-tune settings without diving into menus. The controls are conventional but well-positioned for quick access, despite lacking illuminated buttons for low-light use.

The XP90, being simpler and designed more for rugged adventure photographers, omits advanced modes like manual exposure and shutter priority - relying mostly on auto and program modes. Its buttons are larger and spaced out for operation with gloves, but the lack of customizable buttons and manual controls could frustrate experienced users craving creative control.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s geek out on image-making: sensors and processing.

Both cameras sport the same 1/2.3" sensor size (around 28.07 mm²) and 16MP resolution. This small sensor format is typical in compact superzooms, which impacts noise performance and dynamic range more than their DSLR or mirrorless cousins.

The Casio EX-ZR700 uses a CMOS sensor coupled with Casio’s EXILIM Engine HS 3. Though Casio isn’t known for the most cutting-edge sensors, the EX-ZR700 delivers respectable image quality for daylight shooting, with decent dynamic range for a sensor of this size and acceptable color depth. HDR is not supported here.

The Fujifilm XP90 features a BSI-CMOS sensor, a design which normally offers better light-gathering ability than traditional CMOS - helpful in lower light and boosting dynamic range slightly. Though lab-tested specs aren’t available, my hands-on results show the XP90 excels at controlling noise past ISO 800, whereas the EX-ZR700 struggles earlier. Notably, the XP90 can push ISO 6400 boosted, giving it a slight edge for night or indoor shots.

Neither camera supports RAW; this is a bummer for post-processing enthusiasts and pros - both output only JPEG, limiting flexibility.

Shooting Modes and Autofocus Performance: Catching the Moment

If you want to capture action, macro details, or portraiture, how does focusing stack up?

This table summarizes differences, but here’s what matters in the trenches:

The Casio EX-ZR700 supports only single autofocus and tracking but lacks continuous autofocus, making it less ideal for moving subjects. It compensates slightly by offering manual focus - a boon for macro or deliberate shooting.

The Fujifilm XP90 impresses with continuous autofocus and 10fps burst rates - useful for wildlife, sports, and kids on the move. Its contrast-detection AF is responsive but not exactly blazing fast compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs, so it’s not for professional sports but excellent among compacts.

Photo Disciplines Put to Test: How They Perform in Real-Life Genres

Let’s break this down for specific photographic needs. I tested both bodies extensively in these areas.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones and bokeh matter here.

With 1/2.3" sensors, neither camera achieves a shallow depth of field that DSLR or mirrorless cameras can. Casio's wider zoom (25–450mm equivalent) lets you shoot tighter portraits at 450mm, but aperture narrows to f/5.9 at tele. Its manual focus controls help fine-tune focus on eyes for split-second moments.

Fujifilm’s XP90 maxes at 140mm equivalent - not ideal for tight headshots but sufficient for environmental portraits. The skin tones come out pleasantly warm and natural, thanks to Fujifilm’s optimized JPEG engine. Both have face detection, but XP90’s improved continuous autofocus delivers more reliable eye tracking in live view.

Verdict: For focused, controlled portraits, Casio wins on reach and manual control; Fujifilm offers better skin rendition and AF ease.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and build finesse come front and center.

Both cameras output 16MP images with a max size of 4608×3456 pixels, adequate for prints up to 12x16 inches without noticeable softness.

The XP90’s slightly better high ISO holds up better for early sunrise or twilight scenes where ISO bumps are needed. The Casio image files sometimes have a hint of smearing in shadow details on complex textures like foliage.

Neither camera is weather-sealed except XP90, which is waterproof down to 10m, freezeproof to -10°C, dust- and shockproof - a major value add if you hike, bike, or explore outdoors. The Casio lacks any environmental sealing.

While neither has optical low-pass filters designed for the utmost detail, the Casio’s sharper focusing at distant landscapes sometimes nudges ahead, if you can steady your hand or tripod it.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed, tracking, burst rate - let’s unpack.

Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back Fujifilm XP90 front Fujifilm XP90 screen back

The Casio’s 3fps continuous shooting and single AF makes it difficult to capture fast wildlife in flight or active sports. It occasionally hunts and hunts slowly for focus, frustrating when critters or runners dart unpredictably.

The Fujifilm XP90 shines with 10fps burst and continuous AF - a rare find in rugged compacts. While autofocus isn’t breakthrough, it reliably locks moving subjects when lighting is good, helping capture moments like a dog chase or bird in mid-flight.

For telephoto zoom, Casio’s 450mm reach is longer than XP90’s 140mm max, making it more versatile if you can nail focus - though longer reach amplifies shake, putting image stabilization to the test.

Street Photography

Stealth, quick AF, compactness.

The Casio’s smaller size and quieter operation make it less intimidating. Manual control helps adapt to tricky lighting and capture nuanced street expressions.

XP90 is bulkier and more “camera-ish” despite lacking a viewfinder. It features no silent shutter mode and glows from the bigger built-in flash, possibly disrupting candid scenes.

Macro Photography

Close focusing and stabilization.

Casio focuses as close as 5cm - excellent for flower and insect shots, with manual focus capability a plus.

XP90’s macro at 9cm is less flexible. Both use sensor-shift stabilization, but Casio’s claims steadier focusing here thanks to fine manual control.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance plus exposure controls.

XP90 wins with ISO up to 6400, though noise ramps up fast. Casio caps ISO at 3200 and lacks boosting.

Casio offers shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes - allowing long exposures needed for starscapes. XP90 has no manual exposure modes, limiting fine control.

Neither offers specialized astro features like bulb mode or interval timers, but XP90 includes timelapse recording, which is handy for creative night sequences.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot Full HD 1080p, but formats, frame rates, and features vary:

The Casio’s super slow-motion modes are a quirky delight for experimenters but limited by very low resolution.

Fujifilm edges out in smooth 60fps HD video and timelapse. Audio options are barebones for both, making external mics impossible.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance

Battery and size make travel tales easier or harder.

The Casio boasts a stellar 470-shot battery life on a single charge, well above average for compacts, cutting down pack weight by not needing spares.

The Fujifilm XP90’s 210 shots is less generous; however, the rugged body feels ready for adventure where the Casio might need protective cases.

Both take SD cards and connect via USB 2.0; the XP90 includes wireless connectivity, helpful for quick sharing - Casio skips wireless altogether.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

Neither camera targets pros in imaging reliability or file flexibility, lacking RAW and having limited exposure options (XP90 especially). The Casio’s manual modes help but only so far.

For work requiring post-processing, tethering, or syncing with studio gear, neither camera fits well. They serve best as casual secondary cameras.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Toughness Face-Off

Fujifilm XP90 is all about ruggedness: waterproof to 10m, freezeproof, dustproof, and shockproof (to a degree). If you shoot at the beach, mountain, or poolside, it shines.

Casio is basic plastic, no sealing, and should stay far from water or dirt. The EX-ZR700’s build feels alright for city use but is fragile on expeditions.

Display and User Interface

Both cameras have fixed 3" LCDs with roughly 920+ resolution dots.

XP90 lacks a touchscreen; Casio doesn’t either but features a Super Clear TFT display that offers punchier colors in bright light.

Neither has electronic viewfinders - a drag in bright sun. However, the back screens are clear, responsive, and intuitive. The Fujifilm’s on-screen interface is simpler but less customizable.

Lens Specifications: Zoom Range and Aperture

The Casio’s 25–450mm equivalent zoom covers a massive 18x range, much wider than Fujifilm’s 28–140mm (5x zoom).

However, maximum aperture narrows down from f/3.5 to f/5.9 on Casio, vs f/3.9–f/4.9 on Fujifilm, meaning the XP90 may perform better in slightly dimmer conditions at its max zoom.

Connectivity and Extras

• Casio lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.
• Fujifilm XP90 includes built-in Wi-Fi for on-the-go sharing.
• Both have HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, suitable for casual downloads.
• No microphones or headphone jacks for audio enhancement.

Battery Life and Storage

The CASIO EX-ZR700 impresses with roughly 470 shots per charge using the NP-130 battery - a big plus for long days away from a charger.

Fujifilm XP90's 210 shot battery life can frustrate extended outings without spares, especially given its power-hungry waterproofing features.

Both support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with single slots.

Price and Value Analysis

• Casio EX-ZR700: around $370
• Fujifilm XP90: around $180

Despite the price differential, the Casio offers manual controls, longer zoom, and better battery life, catering to enthusiasts wanting flexibility.

The Fujifilm’s rugged sealing, faster burst mode, better low light ISO, and Wi-Fi connectivity serve budget-conscious adventurers or families prioritizing durability over manual control.

Genre-Specific Performance Scores at a Glance

• Portrait: Casio edges on zoom and manual focus; Fujifilm better AF tracking
• Landscape: Fujifilm better weather sealing; Casio higher zoom versatility
• Wildlife/Sports: Fujifilm wins for AF and burst rate
• Street: Casio’s compactness preferred
• Macro: Casio’s close focus and manual control wins
• Night/Astro: Casio’s manual modes win; Fujifilm better ISO handling
• Video: Fujifilm better framerates and timelapse
• Travel: Fujifilm rugged; Casio longer battery
• Professional: Neither excels; Casio manual modes preferable

Final Scores Summarized

An overall glance shows Fujifilm XP90’s strength in ruggedness and speed, and Casio EX-ZR700’s edge in manual control, zoom reach, and battery endurance.

What Would I Choose? Friendly Recommendations

If You’re a Budding Enthusiast or a Manual Control Fan:

Go for the Casio EX-ZR700. Its manual shutter and aperture controls mimic entry-level interchangeable-lens cameras. The longer zoom lens satisfies travel and wildlife interest, and the excellent battery life ensures it lasts long shoots without panic. Just be sure to keep it dry and treat it gently.

If You’re an Outdoor Adventurer, Family Vacationer, or Need a Durable All-Rounder on a Budget:

The Fujifilm XP90 is your weapon of choice. It may lack manual modes but makes up with environmental sealing, solid autofocus for action, Wi-Fi sharing, and 60p 1080p video. It’s almost bulletproof for hikes or pool days - and the price is a steal.

If Video is Your Priority:

Fujifilm slightly leads, thanks to 60fps footage and timelapse recording. However, neither camera supports microphone input or 4K. For serious video, look elsewhere.

Wrapping It All Up: The One-Sentence Verdict

The Casio EX-ZR700 is a compact enthusiast’s toolkit with a superzoom and manual controls - best for photographers who want flexibility in controlled settings - while the Fujifilm XP90 is a rugged, budget-friendly compact delivering fast action shooting and reliable durability for adventures where the camera might take a beating.

Postscript: A Quick Testing Methodology Insight

Throughout my testing, I employed standard professional methods:

• Repeated autofocus speed and accuracy tests on static and moving subjects
• Evaluated image quality under controlled lighting using color charts and real scenes
• Tested battery life using standardized CIPA procedures and typical shooting workflows
• Assessed weather sealing through controlled exposure to dust and water spray (Fujifilm only)
• Conducted real-world shooting in varied genres to confirm usability

This approach ensures balanced, replicable insights rather than marketing hype.

If you’re after a capable compact zoom camera, consider your shooting style, environment, and budget carefully. Personally, the Casio’s manual features won me over on quiet city outings, but I’d pack the Fujifilm for rough travel and fast moments. Both fill niches admirably - and that flexibility is why compact superzoom cameras remain a beloved pocket companion.

Happy shooting!