Casio EX-ZR700 vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In an era where camera options span from compact superzooms to mirrorless systems with interchangeable lenses, choosing the right camera can be daunting - particularly when models hail from very different segments. The 2013 Casio EX-ZR700 and Samsung Galaxy NX represent distinct approaches to imaging; the former a superzoom compact designed for convenience, the latter a mirrorless system aiming to merge DSLR-style handling with Android-powered connectivity. Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over my 15-plus years of professional experience, this deep-dive comparison dissects these two models across all photography genres, technical specifications, and real-world usability to help you decide which camera, if either, suits your photographic aspirations.

Anatomy and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs. SLR-style Handling

The Casio EX-ZR700’s compact body measures a mere 108x60x31mm and weighs just 222 grams, epitomizing pocketable convenience. Its small sensor superzoom design incorporates a fixed 25-450mm equivalent lens, offering an impressive 18x zoom range in a slender, genuinely travel-friendly package. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy NX adopts a markedly different form factor: SLR-style mirrorless dimensions at 137x101x26mm and 495 grams place it firmly in the realm of cautious portability, not pocketability. The Galaxy NX’s interchangeable lens mount supports Samsung NX lenses, vastly expanding creative flexibility but increasing bulk and weight.

Handling considerations thus pivot on intended use. The EX-ZR700’s diminutive size makes it ideal for casual, on-the-go shooting where space and weight are paramount, while the Galaxy NX offers a more traditional photographic interface with better grip and button placement, facilitating more considered shooting sessions with interchangeable glass.

Both cameras feature fixed screens without articulating hinges, but the Galaxy NX’s larger 4.8-inch HD touchscreen provides a significantly better interface for navigating menus and reviewing images than the EX-ZR700’s 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD. The Galaxy’s inclusion of touchscreen autofocus and live view complements the more advanced control schemes expected from a mirrorless system, while Casio’s no-touch implementation emphasizes simplicity.

Neither camera has illuminated buttons, which slightly hinders usability in low-light environments - though the Galaxy NX’s larger body somewhat offsets that. Notably, the Galaxy NX includes an electronic viewfinder, absent in the EX-ZR700, greatly aiding composition in bright sunlight and contributing to a quintessential SLR-like shooting experience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Sensor Size Divide

A critical differentiator between these cameras lies in their sensor architectures. The Casio EX-ZR700 employs a modest 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm with a sensor area of roughly 28.07 mm² and a resolution of 16 megapixels. Such compact sensors traditionally suffer in dynamic range and noise performance, especially under low light, but often benefit from aggressive in-camera processing and stabilization to maximize output quality.

In stark contrast, the Samsung Galaxy NX is equipped with a much larger APS-C-sized sensor - 23.5x15.7mm, accumulating to 368.95 mm², over 13 times the area of Casio’s sensor - and 20 megapixels resolution. This size advantage allows for superior signal-to-noise ratios, substantially better dynamic range, and more pronounced background defocus capabilities when paired with fast lenses. The Galaxy NX’s raw file support and absence of a low-pass filter indicate its appeal to enthusiasts seeking maximum image fidelity.

With raw shooting unsupported on the EX-ZR700, photographers are reliant on JPEG processing, limiting post-production latitude. The Galaxy NX’s support for Samsung NX lenses and APS-C sensor performance enables images with deeper tonal gradation and richer detail retention, especially critical in portraiture and landscape photography.

Image Quality in Practice

In daylight conditions, the EX-ZR700 produces pleasing images, courtesy of its stabilized lens and sophisticated EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor designed for noise suppression and sharpening. However, images start to exhibit chromatic aberration and softness towards the long end of the zoom range. Low-light performance is fundamentally limited by sensor size, with noise apparent at ISO settings above 800, making it less suitable for demanding conditions such as night or indoor sports photography.

Conversely, the Galaxy NX leverages its APS-C sensor's broad ISO range (100-25600), delivering cleaner images even in low light. The advanced DRIMe IV processor supports smooth gradation and noise control, although high-ISO images (above ISO 6400) start to show increasing noise. The availability of raw data substantially aids noise reduction and detail recovery during processing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The EX-ZR700 utilizes contrast-detection autofocus without phase detection, relying heavily on sensor-shift image stabilization to assist sharpness during longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. It features face detection autofocus but lacks animal eye AF and advanced tracking capabilities. Continuous shooting is limited to 3 frames per second, indicating that this camera is not designed for action-heavy use.

The Galaxy NX, incorporating hybrid autofocus technology with contrast and phase-detection points, benefits from faster and more reliable subject acquisition, especially when paired with compatible Samsung NX lenses. While face detection is available, the system does not support continuous autofocus tracking or animal eye detection. However, the ability to use manual focus with focus peaking aids macro and manual focusing precision. Its 9 fps burst rate significantly outpaces the EX-ZR700, appealing to sports and wildlife photographers dependent on speed.

Both cameras omit some autofocus assist features common today, reflecting their 2013 technological context, but the Galaxy NX clearly offers a superior system for demanding subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Everyday Use Durability

Neither the Casio EX-ZR700 nor the Samsung Galaxy NX offer environmental sealing or ruggedized builds. Both lack waterproofing, dust, shock, crush, or freeze-proof certifications, restricting their usage in harsh weather or arduous outdoor conditions. The EX-ZR700’s compact build naturally affords more casual usage scenarios, whereas the Galaxy NX benefits from a more robust SLR-style body that offers a bit more protection against bumps and daily wear but falls short of professional weather sealing.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Flexibility

One of the most fundamental differences is the EX-ZR700’s fixed-aperture 18x zoom lens spanning 25-450mm equivalent with a modest maximum aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.9. This affords users extensive zoom coverage without swapping lenses but sacrifices optical quality and maximum aperture speed compared to prime lenses. The minimum macro focusing distance of 5cm performs decently for close-ups but without magnification advantages.

The Samsung Galaxy NX supports the Samsung NX mount, compatible with a surprisingly broad range of 32 lenses covering primes, zooms, and macro options. This modular flexibility empowers photographers to tailor their lens selection to genres - an APS-C wide-angle for landscapes, a bright prime for portraits, a telephoto zoom for wildlife, and dedicated macro lenses. This expansive lens ecosystem markedly enhances creative potential and image quality relative to a fixed zoom lens.

LCD and Viewfinder: User Interface and Compositional Aids

The larger 4.8-inch touchscreen LCD on the Galaxy NX provides superior resolution (922k dots), touch responsiveness, and a more immersive image review and menu navigation experience than Casio’s fixed 3-inch, non-touch, Super Clear TFT with equivalent resolution but lacking swipe or tap controls. The Galaxy NX's touchscreen also supports touch autofocus, expediting focus point selection in live view and video, a feature absent on the EX-ZR700.

An important advantage of the Galaxy NX is its electronic viewfinder implementation, absent on the Casio compact. The EVF offers exposure preview, focus assist, and volatile real-time feedback vital for precise composition under diverse lighting, especially bright conditions that make LCD viewing difficult.

Battery Performance and Storage

In real-world testing, the EX-ZR700 achieved approximately 470 shots per full charge, slightly edging the Galaxy NX’s 440-shot battery life. While this advantage is marginal, the EX-ZR700 benefits from low power consumption due to its smaller sensor and simpler electronics. The Galaxy NX’s larger display and wireless features (including built-in GPS) contribute to increased power draw, which may require carrying extra batteries on extended shoots.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards via a single card slot, simplifying storage but limiting backup redundancies prized by professionals. The Galaxy NX’s USB 2.0 interface and HDMI port provide essential data transfer and external display connectivity; notably, the EX-ZR700 lacks advanced wireless capabilities entirely.

Video Capability and Multimedia Functionality

Both cameras record full HD 1080p video at 30 fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding. The EX-ZR700 offers native slow-motion up to 1000 fps at drastically reduced resolutions (224x64), an intriguing novelty for capturing ultra-slow sequences. However, video features are otherwise basic, lacking microphone input, headphone monitoring, or sophisticated video stabilization beyond sensor-shift still image stabilization.

The Galaxy NX supports microphone and headphone ports, allowing control over audio capture quality during video shooting. While it lacks in-body stabilization, the ability to attach stabilized lenses mitigates this. Its touchscreen interface enhances focus control during video, and the Android-based system supports wireless image sharing and remote shooting apps, albeit with limited Bluetooth or NFC connectivity.

Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

Practical Performance Across Popular Photography Genres

With extensive field testing in diverse shooting situations, here is how each model fares by photographic discipline:

Portrait Photography

• EX-ZR700: Limited by small sensor and slower lens aperture, portraits tend to exhibit moderate background blur, with adequate skin tone rendition but less subtle tonal gradation than larger sensor cameras. Eye detection AF is available, but the autofocus speed can lag, affecting quick candid captures.
• Galaxy NX: Its APS-C sensor delivers pleasing shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh, benefiting from a wide variety of sharp prime lenses to capture natural skin tones with precision and dynamic range. Face detection AF assists composition, but lack of eye-level tracking limits peak accuracy compared to current standards.

Landscape Photography

• EX-ZR700: The small sensor restricts dynamic range and resolution, which can soften fine detail in landscape vistas. No weather sealing limits use in adverse conditions. However, the extensive zoom range can frame distant subjects cleanly.
• Galaxy NX: Superior resolution, RAW support, and larger sensor size offer richer detail and broader tonal ranges in challenging lighting. While lacking weather sealing, the interchangeable lens selection includes dedicated wide and ultra-wide options ideal for expansive vistas.

Wildlife Photography

• EX-ZR700: The fixed superzoom lens reaches 450mm equivalent, but autofocus speed and continuous shooting at 3fps are insufficient for fast-moving wildlife, resulting in missed moments or blurred images.
• Galaxy NX: Faster burst (9fps) and hybrid autofocus provide better chances of capturing fast action, though without sophisticated AF tracking, following subjects may still prove difficult. Interchangeable telephoto lenses deliver higher optical quality at long focal lengths.

Sports Photography

• EX-ZR700: The slow burst rate and modest autofocus system restrict its viability for high-speed sports scenes.
• Galaxy NX: Burst shooting and phase-detection aid in freezing action, but the lack of continuous AF tracking or eye detection challenges maintaining focus under complex movement.

Street Photography

• EX-ZR700: Small and discreet, it excels in unobtrusive shooting scenarios but lags in low-light focus speed and controls.
• Galaxy NX: Bulkier and more conspicuous but offers creative lens options and better noise performance for night street scenes. Touchscreen controls can speed composition changes.

Macro Photography

• EX-ZR700: Close focusing to 5cm combined with sensor-shift stabilization allows reasonably sharp close-ups but with restricted magnification.
• Galaxy NX: Interchangeable macro lenses and manual focus peaking enable superior magnification and precise focusing control.

Night / Astro Photography

• EX-ZR700: Limited maximum ISO 3200 and smaller sensor dimension constrain ability to capture dark skies with clarity. Absence of long exposure modes hamper astrophotography.
• Galaxy NX: Ambient light capture benefits from ISO up to 25600, though noise becomes pronounced at extreme sensitivities. Manual controls allow longer shutter speeds, better suiting night sky imaging.

Travel Photography

• EX-ZR700: Ultra-portability, extensive zoom, 470-shot battery life, and simple controls ensure it thrives as a no-fuss travel companion for casual photography.
• Galaxy NX: Offers greater versatility and image quality but is heavier and more complex - a trade-off for travelers valuing superior creative options over simplicity.

Professional Work

• EX-ZR700: Lacks raw output, limited manual controls, and no weather sealing preclude it from professional assignments.
• Galaxy NX: Offers raw files, extensive manual control, interchangeable lenses, and professional video I/O, making it a more plausible choice for budget-conscious professionals, albeit with durability caveats.

Technical Spec Sheet and Feature Score Summary

When aggregating technical specs and testing data, the Samsung Galaxy NX outperforms the Casio EX-ZR700 across most performance metrics:

Who Should Choose Which?

Given their widely divergent design philosophies, understanding the right user for each camera is essential:

• Choose the Casio EX-ZR700 if:
  • You prioritize compactness and simplicity above all else
  • You want a versatile all-in-one superzoom for casual travel, street, and daylight general photography
  • You are content with JPEG-only output and do not require extensive manual controls or raw files
  • Budget constraints are strict and absolute image quality is a secondary consideration

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy NX if:
  • You require a more traditionally styled camera with manual controls and a larger sensor for superior image quality
  • You desire the creative versatility of interchangeable lenses across multiple genres (portraits, landscape, wildlife, macro)
  • You value advanced video features including external audio input and touchscreen focus control
  • You are comfortable handling a heavier, more complex system and have the budget to invest

Final Considerations and Personal Reflections

Comparing the Casio EX-ZR700 and Samsung Galaxy NX is somewhat an exercise in contrasting compact convenience with mirrorless versatility. The former excels as a lightweight superzoom companion ideal for casual users or travelers seeking a straightforward “point and shoot” experience with surprising zoom reach. Yet its technical restrictions constrain professional or serious enthusiast potential, particularly concerning image quality, autofocus, and video features.

The Samsung Galaxy NX, while dated by today's standards and encumbered by its bulk and battery limitations, remains a compelling choice for photographers desiring comprehensive manual control, raw file flexibility, and an interchangeable lens system in 2013's early mirrorless era. The built-in Android connectivity was innovative at launch but is less relevant now, as better wireless integration is standard on current cameras. Nonetheless, its sensor size and lens ecosystem provide undeniable image quality gains over compact superzooms.

If forced to select one based on pure photographic merit and long-term creative potential, the Galaxy NX wins decisively. Yet for enthusiasts prioritizing portability and budget, the Casio EX-ZR700 still holds niche appeal.

In summary, for those focused predominantly on high image quality, creative lens options, and advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy NX remains the stronger candidate despite some ergonomic compromises and higher cost. Meanwhile, photographers needing ultra-portable travel companions with respectable zoom reach will appreciate the Casio EX-ZR700’s compactness and ease of use, accepting its technical limitations as trade-offs for simplicity.

Prospective buyers should carefully weigh their shooting priorities, genre preferences, and budget constraints against these pragmatic insights when choosing between these distinct cameras from a vibrant transitional period in digital photography history.