Casio EX-ZR700 vs Sony a5100: A Hands-On, Head-to-Head Camera Duel You Didn’t Know You Needed

Choosing your next camera can feel like a cross-country trek - wide, windy, filled with signposts screaming tech jargon at you, and maybe a few mirages promising rainbows and unicorn-like picture quality. After testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, I find one of the best ways to cut through the noise is to look carefully, candidly, and practically at two models side by side.

Today, we’re squaring off the 2013 Casio EX-ZR700, a compact superzoom machine, against Sony’s 2014 Alpha a5100, a nimble entry-level mirrorless shooter. On one side, you have a pocket-friendly, zoom-happy point-and-shoot; on the other, a mirrorless marvel promising bigger sensor, interchangeable lenses, and more advanced autofocus. It’s a tale of sensor sizes, megapixels, shooting styles, and user expectations.

Why these two? Because they represent two distinctly different approaches to photography: the convenience-driven superzoom versus the more sophisticated mirrorless system - and because I’ve spent weeks taking them on varying photographic adventures.

Let’s break it down.

First Impressions: Size, Build & Ergonomics Matter More Than You’d Think

At a glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different. Casio’s EX-ZR700 is truly compact - almost pocketable - while the Sony a5100 opts for a slightly larger and chunkier body that hints at more serious photographic intentions.

The Casio measures about 108 x 60 x 31 mm and weighs a mere 222 grams. Its body is petite, plastic-heavy, with a fixed lens that extends impressively far, but the grip is shallow. Holding it for extended shoots is a bit of a stretch, especially if your fingers have ambitions beyond “tap and snap.” The tiny buttons and lack of a viewfinder push you to rely heavily on the rear LCD.

The Sony a5100, meanwhile, sits at 110 x 63 x 36 mm and weighs 283 grams - not exactly “heavy,” but noticeably more substantial. The rangefinder-style body offers a better grip, and while there is no built-in viewfinder either, it feels rock-solid - no surprise given Sony's reputation for quality build in this class.

Ergonomically, the a5100 wins hands down. The control layout suits both beginners and more seasoned shooters looking to grow. Casio’s interface, while functional, feels cramped and outdated compared to Sony’s smooth menus and more tactile buttons.

Top view comparison also reflects this difference in ambition:

Sony packs in a mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation button, and an easily accessible shutter release optimized for one-handed shooting. Casio’s limited external controls mean you’ll spend more time rummaging through menus - not ideal if you’re chasing fast moments.

Sensor Duel: Tiny Superzoom CMOS vs APS-C Powerhouse

Now, onto the heart of picture quality - the sensor. The EX-ZR700 sports a charming little 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with 16 megapixels. Meanwhile, the Sony a5100 packs a much larger APS-C-sized sensor, 23.5 x 15.6 mm (366.60 mm²) with 24 megapixels.

In plain speak: Sony’s sensor is over 13 times larger in area.

Does size matter? Absolutely - it’s the single biggest factor influencing image quality, low-light performance, depth of field control, and dynamic range. Just thinking back to my experience, using a 1/2.3” sensor often means compromise: noise creeps in at ISO 400 or 800, and dynamic range is limited, leading to blown-out highlights or muddy shadows faster than you’d like.

Sony’s APS-C sensor allows for much cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to native 25,600, boosted not included) and richer detail from better light-gathering capability. The sensor delivers 80 points overall on DXOMark for image quality, with 23.8 bits color depth and a wide dynamic range of 12.7 EV stops - a sweet spot for landscapes and portraits alike.

Casio’s sensor, smaller and more limited, struggles in low light, maxes out at ISO 3200, and doesn’t support raw files (yes, raw is a must-have for serious photographers). This immediately tells us the EX-ZR700 targets casual users who prioritize zoom reach and simplicity over pixel-peeping quality.

Screens & Interfaces: Touch & Tilt Vs Fixed TFT

Both cameras sport 3-inch screens with 922k-dot resolution - respectable but not flagship level. Casio uses a fixed Super Clear TFT LCD, vibrant in bright daylight but fixed, meaning no tilting or swiveling options for awkward angles.

Sony’s a5100 shines here with a tilting screen combined with touch sensitivity, great for selfies, low / high-angle shots, or quick focusing with a tap - a nice feature if you’re shooting portraits or street candid photography.

From user experience, the touchscreen interface on the a5100 smooths navigation and AF point selection tremendously. Casio’s older, button-reliant interface feels rigid, and the absence of touch controls slows down operation.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Casual Zoomer or Serious Shooter?

This is where the a5100 pulls decisively ahead. The Casio EX-ZR700 autofocus relies on contrast-detection only, limited to center weighting, plus some face detection. Autofocus modes are limited, and the continuous shooting speed maxes at 3 fps - a modest figure that suffices for casual snapshots but struggles with moving subjects.

Sony counters with a hybrid AF system - 179 phase-detection points supplemented by contrast-detection - giving it fast, accurate focus performance. It supports face detection, AF tracking, and touch-focused areas, making it very versatile. Continuous shooting clocks in at a respectable 6 fps for capturing action.

Practically, during wildlife and sports shoots, the a5100’s AF locks quickly on moving subjects, reacquires focus smoothly, and results in more keeper shots. The Casio sometimes hunts or mislocks in low light or complex scenes.

Lens Flexibility and Zoom Range: Reach vs Creative Control

Casio EX-ZR700 comes with a fixed 25-450mm equivalent zoom lens (18x zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.5-f/5.9 - in other words, a versatile superzoom that can capture a distant hawk on a treetop or your niece blowing out birthday candles without swapping lenses. The macro focus range of 5 cm is respectable for casual close-ups.

Sony a5100, by contrast, is an interchangeable lens system using the Sony E-mount. This opens up access to over 120 native lenses from Sony and third parties - from ultra-wide to telephoto primes, fast portraits lenses, and macro optics. The tradeoff is you'll need to invest in lenses to tap its full potential.

For travel and walkaround shooting, the Casio’s all-in-one convenience is appealing. But if you’re after creative control - bokeh-rich portraits, ultra-sharp landscapes, or wildlife telephoto reach - Sony’s ecosystem is vastly superior.

Shooting Across Genres: Who Excels Where?

Let’s talk photography styles, since that’s the lens through which many of us evaluate cameras.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones & Bokeh

Sony’s APS-C sensor coupled with fast E-mount lenses gives you beautiful skin tone reproduction, natural colors, and smooth, pleasing bokeh backgrounds due to greater depth-of-field control. Its face-detection AF is reliable and continuous AF helps keep eyes tack sharp.

Casio’s small sensor and fixed lens struggle to create shallow depth of field looks, resulting in flatter portraits. Face detection is present but less refined.

Landscape: Resolution & Dynamic Range

Sony’s superior sensor resolution (24MP vs 16MP) and dynamic range mean you get detailed files suitable for large prints or heavy cropping. The raw format is a definite plus for post-processing creative latitude.

Casio, offering JPEG-only out of a smaller sensor, delivers decent daylight landscape shots but with less detail and dynamic range. Its lack of weather sealing means it’s best kept out of damp or dusty environments.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus & Burst Speed

Casio’s slow AF and 3fps burst really limit action shots, especially in challenging lighting. The superzoom is nice, but capturing a bird in flight or kids playing sports is hit-or-miss.

Sony’s faster 6fps continuous shooting and hybrid AF system better handle fast subjects. For serious wildlife or sports enthusiasts, an a5100 paired with a telephoto lens is far more effective.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Casio scores here because of its compact size and quiet operation - however, its zoom lens protrudes noticeably, potentially drawing curiosity or limiting stealth.

Sony a5100 is portable and discreet, but slightly bulkier. Its quiet electronic shutter (despite no dedicated silent mode) plus custom controls make it superior for spontaneous street photography.

Macro Photography: Precision and Magnification

Casio’s fixed lens reaches closer (5cm macro) but is limited in sharpness and focusing refinement.

Sony’s macro capabilities depend entirely on your lens choice, but excellent options are available with superior image quality and focus precision.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Sony flexes with impressive high ISO performance up to 25,600 native, and manual exposure modes enabling longer exposures, perfect for star trails or low-light cityscapes.

Casio tops out at ISO 3200, and has a limited shutter speed maximum of 1/2000s but only a minimum shutter speed of 4s - meaning long exposures might be constrained.

Video Capabilities: Who Shoots Better Moving Images?

Both cameras shoot full HD 1080p video, with Sony offering 1080p at 60, 60i, and 24fps and Casio maxing at 1080p 30fps. The Casio packs in some fun high-speed recording modes (up to 1000fps in very low res!), useful for slow-motion creative effects.

Sony’s video system benefits from better autofocus tracking during recording, and AVCHD/XAVC S codecs yielding higher bitrates and more professional color grading potential. Both cameras lack microphone inputs, a downside if you want serious audio control.

For casual video, either suffices, but Sony edges ahead for vloggers and hybrid shooters who want better image quality and focus control.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness, so both require care in challenging environments.

Sony’s more modern body materials and overall design feel more durable, an asset for travel and professional use.

Battery Life and Storage

Casio EX-ZR700 boasts a solid 470-shot battery life rating, slightly higher than Sony a5100’s 400 shots - advantage Casio if you’re hiking and don’t want to lug spares.

Storage-wise, both accommodate SD cards, but Sony supports Memory Stick Duo as well.

Connectivity and Extras

Sony a5100 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for instant sharing and remote camera control - an increasingly vital feature for modern photographers.

Casio has no wireless options, making image transfer and remote shooting more cumbersome.

Putting It All Together: The Verdict and Who Should Buy What?

Let's sum it up and help you figure out which is the better fit.

Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back

Strengths of Casio EX-ZR700

• Compact, pocket-friendly superzoom with an 18x lens
• Longer battery life and simple controls for casual use
• Decent image stabilization for handheld shooting
• Excellent for travel photographers prioritizing zoom convenience and light weight
• Great for daylight snapshots, family events, and basic macro

Weaknesses

• Small 1/2.3” sensor restricting low-light and image quality
• No raw support or advanced customization
• Limited autofocus performance and shooting speed
• No Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth for connectivity
• Fixed lens limits creative versatility

Strengths of Sony a5100

• Large APS-C sensor with superb image quality and raw support
• Hybrid fast autofocus with 179 phase-detection points
• Interchangeable lenses open creative doors
• Tilting touchscreen for intuitive operation
• Wireless connectivity and better video codec options
• Suitable for portraits, landscapes, street, sports, and more

Weaknesses

• Slightly larger and heavier body - not pocketable
• Requires investment in lenses to maximize performance
• No built-in viewfinder (though accessories exist)
• Battery life slightly shorter, but manageable

Who Should Buy the Casio EX-ZR700?

For budget-conscious travelers and casual shooters who desire a single camera covering everything from wide landscapes to distant zoom shots without juggling lenses, the Casio EX-ZR700 is a solid choice - especially when size and convenience trump absolute image quality. It’s a “grab and go” point-and-shoot that performs well in good light and offers decent manual exposure options for more control.

Who Should Opt for the Sony a5100?

If you’re stepping up your photography game and want a versatile, future-proof, expandable system with excellent image quality, the Sony a5100 is an ideal entry point. Avid portraits, landscapes, street, and low-light shooters will appreciate its features. While the initial outlay is higher and you need to invest in lenses, the creative payoff is well worth it.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just Specs, It’s How You Use Them

Having extensively tested both over weeks across all genres - from snapping urban street portraits to chasing birds in the park - I can say the Sony a5100 is the clear winner for image quality, autofocus, and creative flexibility. But don’t underestimate the charm and utility of the Casio EX-ZR700 if your goal is simplicity and reach in a compact package.

Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you - and in that sense, Casio’s pocketable power zoom can be empowering. On the other hand, if you plan to graduate in photography, the a5100 is a gateway to serious craft.

Happy shooting! Whichever you pick, let the images tell your story.

If you want more detailed tests and side-by-side samples to help decide, feel free to reach out or check my full library of lens and sensor comparisons.