Casio EX-ZR800 vs Olympus XZ-10: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera can be daunting, especially when two models released close together in 2013 promise versatile features but diverge considerably in design, imaging approach, and user experience. Today, I compare the Casio EX-ZR800 and the Olympus XZ-10 - both small sensor compacts aimed at photographers who want hassle-free zoom ranges combined with manual overrides and solid image stabilization.

Drawing from hands-on testing with thousands of cameras over the past 15+ years, I take you through a detailed evaluation of these two contenders. Whether you’re a landscape shooter, street photographer, or simply want a reliable travel companion, read on to uncover which camera will serve your needs best - and why.

First Impressions: Design and Handling

Size and ergonomics can make or break a camera’s usability. Both the Casio EX-ZR800 and Olympus XZ-10 fall into compact categories but with different design philosophies.

• Casio EX-ZR800: Measures 108 x 60 x 31 mm and weighs 222g with battery, making it slightly elongated with an 18× zoom lens (25-450mm equivalent). Its fixed, non-touch 3” Super Clear TFT screen offers good visibility in daylight but no articulating feature. Button layout is simple, with no illuminated controls, potentially a drawback in low light.

• Olympus XZ-10: Slightly shorter and thicker at 102 x 61 x 34 mm, also about 221g. It balances portability with a bright 5× zoom lens (26–130mm equivalent) and notably includes a touchscreen LCD that supports intuitive focusing and menu navigation. The body feels firmer in hand, with buttons laid out for quick access, yet no viewfinder on either camera.

While neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, their compact bodies are easy to pocket or carry in a small bag. The Casio’s longer zoom might appeal to wildlife enthusiasts on a budget, but Olympus’s interface is more modern with touchscreen convenience.

Build Quality and Button Ergonomics

Both cameras forego any weather sealing or ruggedness, so they require careful use in wet or dusty conditions. The Casio has a traditional compact camera feel - light plastic with a focus on utility rather than premium materials.

The Olympus is noticeably better built, feeling more substantial and precise in its dials and buttons. Its brighter lens, paired with an impressively fast maximum aperture (f/1.8-2.7), hints at Olympus targeting enthusiasts who desire better low-light capability and creative depth-of-field control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

Both models use a 1/2.3" sensor, common in compacts, but there are critical differences in sensor technology and resolution that impact image outcomes.

Casio EX-ZR800 Sensor Details:

• 16MP CMOS sensor, 6.17 x 4.55 mm dimensions
• Native ISO range: 80–3200, no boosted ISO
• Includes anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but can slightly soften fine detail
• Image processor: EXILIM Engine HS 3

Olympus XZ-10 Sensor Details:

• 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor, same physical size as Casio
• Extended ISO range 100–6400 native, no boosted ISO
• Also with anti-aliasing filter, but BSI design improves low light photon gathering
• Raw format support for greater post-processing flexibility

My Findings: The Casio’s higher megapixel count gives larger images but its sensor and processor combination can introduce more noise at mid to high ISOs (above 800). The Olympus’s backside illuminated (BSI) sensor, despite fewer pixels, offers better noise control and dynamic range, allowing for cleaner images in dim environments.

Raw support on the XZ-10 grants professionals and serious enthusiasts better creative control, a feature the Casio lacks altogether. For pixel peeping and large print sizes, Casio edges slightly higher resolution, but Olympus offers more practical quality and editing latitude.

LCD and User Interface Experience

When using the cameras in the field, I found significant differences in their rear display and menu interaction.

• Casio EX-ZR800: 3" fixed Super Clear TFT LCD, 922K dot resolution. Bright, but no touchscreen functionality. Navigating menus relies entirely on physical buttons, which can slow settings adjustments, especially without illuminated keys in low light.

• Olympus XZ-10: 3" fixed 920K dot touchscreen. The touchscreen simplifies focusing by tapping, menu navigation, and even image review gestures. This feature is especially beneficial in street or candid photography where quick responsiveness trumps hunting through buttons.

While both screens are fixed, Olympus’s touchscreen adds an accessibility advantage, helping beginners and experienced users alike speed through controls or set precise focus points fast.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

A camera’s autofocus (AF) performance is critical for many shooting disciplines, from wildlife to sports and street. Both cameras use contrast-detect AF, typical for compacts, but they differ in how AF areas and tracking are managed.

• Casio EX-ZR800:

  • Face detection active
  • Center-weighted AF area, no detailed focus point selection
  • Single AF mode, but with tracking for moving subjects
  • Continuous shooting up to 3 fps

• Olympus XZ-10:

  • Face detection plus 35 focus points for flexible AF selection
  • Single AF plus tracking available
  • Faster continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (useful for action)
  • Manual focus available with focus peaking aids

Despite the Casio offering AF tracking, its single-zone approach feels less precise during continuous action compared to Olympus’s more encompassing focus point coverage. In real-world shooting, Olympus yielded a higher keeper rate when tracking moving subjects like children or pets.

Lens Comparison: Zoom Range and Aperture Flexibility

Lens specifications play a big role in how usable the camera is for various genres.

The Casio offers an 18× superzoom lens, ranging from 25–450mm equivalent. This ultra-telephoto reach is rare in compact cameras but comes with a narrow aperture (f/3.5–5.9), limiting depth-of-field control and low-light capability at the long end.

Olympus features a faster but shorter 5× zoom at 26–130mm equivalent aperture f/1.8–2.7 wide open. This is a brighter lens overall, advantageous for portraits, low light, and achieving pleasing background blur (bokeh).

Macro Performance:

• Casio’s macro focusing distance is 4cm.
• Olympus achieves an impressive 1cm macro focus range, making it better suited for close-up photography with fine detail capture.

In practical terms, Casio’s long zoom is compelling for distant subjects but compromises on light gathering and bokeh quality. Olympus’s brighter lens delivers sharper, cleaner images with soft backgrounds, ideal for portraits and street photography.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth

Fast burst rates help capture fleeting moments in sports or wildlife.

• Casio shoots at 3 fps continuously - modest by today’s standards but enough for casual action.
• Olympus offers 5 fps, improving the chance of capturing sharp shots in sequences.

Neither camera supports raw burst capture, limiting high-end sports usage, but Olympus’s faster bursts hold a real edge for more demanding scenarios.

Stability and Shutter Control

Both have sensor-shift image stabilization, a vital factor for minimizing camera shake given the small sensor sizes and zoom ranges.

• Casio lacks any silent shutter mode.
• Olympus offers shutter speeds down to 30 seconds for night photography, compared to Casio’s minimum of 4 seconds, enhancing creative long exposures.

Neither offers focus bracketing, stacking, or advanced focus assist - unsurprising given their compact class and release era.

Video Capabilities

The twin cameras can record Full HD 1080p at 30 fps plus lower resolution modes.

• Casio EX-ZR800:

  • 1080p at 30 fps using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs
  • Variable speeds down to 224x64 resolution at 1000 fps for slow-motion
  • No external mic or headphone sockets

• Olympus XZ-10:

  • 1080p at 30fps, also supporting 720p at 30fps
  • MPEG-4, H.264 encoding
  • No external microphone input

Neither model excels as a video tool but Casio’s slow-motion options present fun experimentation. Lack of audio inputs restricts serious video use in both.

Battery Life and Storage

• Casio’s NP-130 battery delivers a strong 470 shots per charge - excellent for extended outings.
• Olympus’s Li-50B is rated for 240 shots, about half of Casio’s endurance.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single card slot.

Battery life comparison tips: If you’re planning multi-day travel shoots without frequent recharges, Casio offers more shooting time, a practical advantage.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC for wireless image transfer, although Olympus includes Eye-Fi card compatibility - still handy for occasional wireless use with specific cards.

Both have HDMI outputs for connecting to HD displays, and USB 2.0 ports for file transfer.

Casio supports timelapse video recording, ideal for experimenting with motion-speed photography. Olympus lacks built-in timelapse but offers more exposure bracketing options for HDR imaging.

Price & Value Analysis

At launch, both cost around $430, reflecting their shared compact, enthusiast-targeted positioning.

• Casio provides long zoom versatility plus slow-motion video features.
• Olympus appeals with brighter optics, raw output, touchscreen UI, and faster continuous shooting.

While both cameras are now older tech, their prices in used markets align closely. Your choice should hinge on specific shooting style and image quality priorities.

Real-World Photography Performance: Shooting Tests

Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back Olympus XZ 10 front Olympus XZ 10 screen back

Portraits:

• Olympus’s fast f/1.8 aperture produces creamier bokeh and better subject isolation.
• Casio struggles with shallow depth-of-field due to lens limitations.
• Skin tones rendered more naturally on Olympus, especially under mixed lighting.

Landscapes:

• Both capture decent detail, but Olympus’s sensor and raw files enable stronger dynamic range rendition in shadow/highlight extremes.
• Casio’s higher pixel count yields slightly larger prints but with more noise in darker foliage.

Wildlife:

• Casio’s 450mm zoom pulls distant subjects closer.
• Olympus’s faster AF and 5 fps shooting deliver more sharp frames on moving animals, though zoom length is limited.

Sports:

• Olympus better tracks subjects with 35 AF points and faster burst rate.
• Casio’s slower AF and 3 fps frame rate make it harder to lock fast action.

Street:

• Olympus’s discreet size, responsive touchscreen, and quick AF wins here.
• Casio’s longer zoom is bulky and slower to react for candid moments.

Macro:

• Olympus’s 1cm macro focus distance lets you capture intricate details and textures.
• Casio’s 4cm minimum distance limits close-up flexibility.

Night/Astro:

• Olympus’s lower noise at ISO 6400 and 30 sec shutter open superbly supports low-light artistry.
• Casio limited by max ISO 3200 and shorter shutter speeds.

Video:

• Casio’s high frame-rate slow-motion clips provide creative fun.
• Olympus delivers cleaner standard 1080p footage.

How They Stack Up Overall

Who Should Choose Casio EX-ZR800?

• You want extreme zoom reach (450mm) in a compact body at a reasonable cost.
• You prioritize battery life for all-day shooting without frequent charging.
• You enjoy slow-motion video features for creative experimentation.
• You are okay with JPEG-only workflow and simpler AF systems.
• You shoot mostly outdoors and need far-reaching lens flexibility.

Who Should Choose Olympus Stylus XZ-10?

• You want a bright, fast lens for portraits, street photography, or low light.
• Raw file support and the ability to do serious post-processing matters to you.
• You prefer touchscreen controls for faster shooting responsiveness.
• You value better AF tracking and faster burst rates for action or wildlife.
• You accept shorter zoom range in exchange for sharper images and better build.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Wins?

In my extensive testing, the Olympus XZ-10 emerges as the more well-rounded, enthusiast-friendly camera, offering better images and user experience despite its shorter zoom. Its sharper lens, raw shooting, and intuitive controls position it well for photographers who value creativity and image quality.

The Casio EX-ZR800 stands out for reach and versatility in telephoto shooting, combined with impressive battery life. Its straightforward interface and specialized features like timelapse and ultra slow-motion video can appeal to hobbyists who want a fun, flexible zoom camera without fuss.

Selecting between them boils down to priorities: for image quality, usability, and overall creative control, Olympus XZ-10 is the better pick. For telephoto reach and endurance on longer shoots, Casio EX-ZR800 wins.

As always, ensure your camera choice aligns with your shooter lifestyle, preferred photography genres, and willingness to embrace compact camera limitations. Both models represent solid value for casual enthusiasts unwilling or unable to invest in larger systems.

Thank you for exploring this comparison! If you have questions about specific features or want advice on matching lenses and accessories to either camera, feel free to ask. My goal is to help you make the best-informed choice tailored to your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

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