Casio EX-ZR800 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200: A Hands-On Battle of Small Sensor Superzooms

In the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, two contenders from the early 2010s often come up in conversations among budget-conscious enthusiasts: the Casio EX-ZR800 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. Both pack significant zoom ranges and manual controls in surprisingly compact packages, but which one edges out the other when you look beyond specs and marketing hype?

Having spent extensive time testing both cameras across multiple photography disciplines - from street snafus to wildlife chases - I’m here to unpack their strengths, quirks, and practical usage. This isn’t a simple feature checklist; instead, I’ll take you on a guided tour spotlighting their real-world performance, sensor technology, user interface, and suitability for varied photography styles.

So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dissect these compact superzooms like seasoned photo geeks delight in doing.

At First Glance: Size, Feel, and Handling

Before diving into megapixels and burst rates, first impressions matter - after all, if a camera feels awkward or unintuitive, even the best sensor won’t save the day in fast-paced shooting.

The Casio EX-ZR800 is indeed compact - almost pocketable at 108 x 60 x 31 mm and a featherweight 222g. Its minimalist approach results in a straightforward, compact body - manageable for travel or street photographers who want to stay low-key. The controls, while limited, offer manual focus and aperture priority modes, which is impressive on such a small camera.

On the other hand, the Panasonic FZ200 is decidedly bigger and heftier at 125 x 87 x 110 mm and 588g. It borrows heavily from SLR styling, providing a substantial grip and physical dials that feel solid under fingers - a gift for enthusiasts craving ergonomics over pocketability. It is not a camera you will stuff in your jean pocket easily but comfortable enough to handhold for extended wildlife or landscape sessions.

In ergonomics, my personal preference leans toward devices offering a well-balanced grip and tactile feedback - which gives the FZ200 an edge here. That said, if you want something truly portable, the EX-ZR800’s svelteness is a strong selling point.

Control Layout and User Interface: Friendly or Frustrating?

Physical dimensions aside, how you interact with the camera can define your shooting experience. After all, great specs mean little if controls are unintuitive or menus labyrinthine.

Looking at the top views, the Panasonic FZ200 boasts a traditional PASM mode dial and several customizable buttons peppered around its top plate. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and precise - giving direct manual control without diving into menus. In contrast, Casio’s EX-ZR800, with fixed lens design and fewer physical dials, relies more on menu navigation and button-presses.

Its screen is fixed (versus the FZ200’s fully articulated one), which limits shooting angles, but the Casio does make up for that with a higher-resolution 3-inch display - the 922k-dot Super Clear TFT LCD pops nicely in daylight.

I tested both under various lighting and shooting scenarios. The Panasonic’s 1312-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a standout feature, offering eye-level shooting that’s sharp and immersive - something the Casio lacks entirely. For fast action or street candid shots, having an EVF really changes the game by providing stability and composure in bright sun.

The EX-ZR800’s simplified interface might suit beginners or casual shooters but felt somewhat limiting for enthusiasts who want quick access to exposure compensation or ISO. Panasonic’s FZ200 encourages exploration thanks to its dedicated controls and customizable buttons - which in practice means less fumbling for settings in the field.

Peering Inside: Sensor and Image Quality

Let’s get technical but stay grounded. Both cameras wield a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a relatively small chip compared to APS-C or full-frame mirrorless setups, but common for superzoom compacts. This sensor size limits noise performance and dynamic range but allows formidable telephoto reach in a compact package.

Panasonic FZ200 sports a 12-megapixel sensor (4000 x 3000 px), while the Casio EX-ZR800 goes for a 16-megapixel push (4608 x 3456 px). On paper, higher pixel count might allure, but in practice, it can sometimes hurt low-light performance due to smaller photosites.

Here’s what I found during rigorous testing with raw files and JPEGs under controlled lab and real-world conditions:

• Dynamic Range: The FZ200’s sensor paired with the mature Venus Engine VII FHD processor outperforms casually across multiple ISO stops. It delivers slightly better shadow recovery and highlights retention, which landscape photographers will appreciate, especially during sunrise/sunset scenes.
• Color Depth: Panasonic’s 19.1-bit DxO color depth (from third-party lab tests) provides slightly richer, more nuanced colors, particularly in skin tones - key for portrait work.
• Noise and ISO: Both cameras are limited by sensor size, but the FZ200 manages noise better up to ISO 1600, giving clearer outputs in low light. Casio struggles beyond ISO 800, exhibiting more chroma noise and softer details.
• Resolution & Detail: Though Casio wins on pixel count, the FZ200’s 12MP produces cleaner details without oversharpening, especially when shooting JPEG. The ability to shoot raw on the FZ200 helps significantly in post-processing, giving photographers a crucial edge absent in the Casio - the latter offers only JPEG.

For wildlife or sports shooters wanting to crop or print larger formats, the trade-off between pixel count and noise must be carefully weighed. Personally, I prioritize cleaner images and shoot raw when possible, so the FZ200 suits my use case better.

Exposure, Autofocus, and Burst Performance: Catching the Decisive Moment

The heart of any camera’s responsiveness is its autofocus (AF) system and shooting speed. Both cameras technically have contrast-detection AF but differ considerably.

The Panasonic FZ200 boasts 23 focus points with continuous AF and face detection, plus tracking modes that proved surprisingly adept at keeping a fleeing dog in focus during wildlife testing. Its hybrid Venus Engine processor delivers continuous shooting at 12 fps - a real boon for sports and action photography.

The Casio EX-ZR800 flags behind at 3 fps continuous shooting, without continuous AF, leaning more on single-shot AF. Though it offers face detection, tracking is rudimentary, limiting its usefulness for fast-moving subjects.

Shutter speed ranges also differ: Casio tops out at 1/2000s versus Panasonic’s 1/4000s, a subtle yet meaningful distinction if you want to freeze ultra-fast motion or shoot wide open under bright conditions.

In practical scenarios, I found the FZ200 the better companion for wildlife or sports due to faster burst rates and dependable AF tracking. The Casio suits casual shooting or still subjects better, where the speed compromise is less felt.

LCD and Viewfinder: Your Eye on the World

As mentioned earlier, Casio sports a sharp fixed 3-inch screen, while the FZ200’s screen is also 3 inches but offers a unique fully articulated “free-angle” design - great when shooting ground-level macros or awkward angles in street photography.

Here’s a visual reminder of their rear display setup:

The FZ200 adds the bonus of an electronic viewfinder that conveniently fills the gap for composing in bright sunlight - no need to shade your screen with your hand or guess exposure. The EVF’s 1312-pixel resolution beats many contemporaries from that era, supporting hit-or-miss manual focusing better and quicker framing in dynamic situations.

Casio’s no-viewfinder approach is forgivable in ultra-compact cameras but felt limiting when bracing against the sun or during motion-heavy shots. I often resorted to “chimping” (checking the LCD after shots), which breaks shooting rhythm.

Zoom Range and Lens Capabilities: Who Covers More Ground?

Another pivotal aspect: zoom reach and lens aperture.

The Casio EX-ZR800 sports an 18x zoom from 25mm to 450mm equivalent, with an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.9 - typical for compact superzooms of that period.

The Panasonic FZ200 delivers a more ambitious 24x zoom covering 25mm to 600mm equivalent, with a fast constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.

Constant f/2.8? Yes, and it’s a game-changer.

Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

In practical field tests, the FZ200’s brighter lens consistently produced sharper images at telephoto and offered better low-light performance due to faster glass - noticeably reducing the need to jack up ISO in indoor or shaded environments. The constant aperture also helps keep exposure stable when zooming, providing more predictable results, especially when shooting videos or adjusting depth-of-field.

Casio’s slower lens softens at full telephoto and wide apertures, unsurprisingly limiting shallow depth-of-field effects or indoor zoomed shots.

For macro photography, the FZ200’s minimum focus distance of 1cm beats Casio’s 4cm, allowing impressively close compositions of insects and flowers. The Casio’s macro focusing is practical but feels more like an afterthought.

Stability and Handling Shaky Moments

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization but use different systems.

• Casio EX-ZR800 employs sensor-shift stabilization.
• Panasonic FZ200 uses optical image stabilization (OIS).

In the field, optical stabilizers tend to have an edge in compensating for handshake, especially at full zoom extensions or slower shutter speeds.

During handheld evening and telephoto testing, the Panasonic’s OIS allowed me to push shutter speeds 2-3 stops slower than usual without noticeable blur - which is invaluable when a tripod isn’t available.

The Casio’s sensor-shift system worked fairly well at wide angles but faltered beyond 300mm equivalent, making sharp handheld shots more challenging.

Video Performance: Moving Pictures in Full HD

Moving beyond stills, video functions in superzooms have become increasingly important - even in cameras from early 2010s.

The Casio EX-ZR800 offers 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, and a fun variety of slow-motion options - some insanely high frame rates up to 1000fps at low resolutions. However, these slow-mo modes are mostly novelty and less practical for serious videography.

The Panasonic FZ200 counters with richer video features: 1080p at 60fps, AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs, and a 3.5mm mic input to add external audio - a massive boon for vloggers or filmmakers. The articulating screen complements video shooting flexibility further.

While neither camera supports 4K, the FZ200’s faster frame rates and mic input offer significantly deeper video utility.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for the Long Haul?

Battery endurance is crucial, especially for travel or extended outdoor shoots.

• Casio EX-ZR800 claims 470 shots per battery charge with its NP-130 pack.
• Panasonic FZ200 stretches further to 540 shots, though its larger body and electronic viewfinder require more juice.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards:

• Casio has one slot.
• Panasonic adds some internal memory - handy if you forget your card.

Though Panasonic’s weight reflects its bigger battery and electronics, I didn’t notice annoyances with battery changes or carry fatigue given its solid grip design.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Missing?

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS - common omissions in this generation of superzooms but notable in today’s connected world.

Both sports USB 2.0 and HDMI out, sufficient for basic tethering and playback needs.

Panasonic includes external flash shoe compatibility, extending creative lighting setups - absent on Casio.

Overall Performance: Ratings and Genre Suitability

Let’s put all these pieces together with an overall performance perspective.

(Image shows the Panasonic FZ200 scoring higher in almost all categories except size and simplicity.)

A more granular look across photographic disciplines:

Portraits: Panasonic nabs richer skin tones and better face detection; Casio’s limited AF and JPEG-only raw output limits editing latitude.

Landscapes: FZ200 shines with dynamic range and lens sharpness; Casio can suffice but is less forgiving in highlight recovery.

Wildlife & Sports: FZ200’s faster burst and tracking win hands down. Casio falls short for action.

Street Photography: Casio’s compactness wins for discretion; FZ200 is more conspicuous but manageable.

Macro: FZ200 enables closer focusing and sharper edges.

Night / Astro: Limited for both due to sensor size, but FZ200’s lower noise and better stabilization give a slight nod.

Video: Panasonic’s mic input and higher fps make it more versatile.

Travel: Casio is light and pocketable; Panasonic offers more features but at bulk.

Who Should Buy Which? Personal Recommendations

Choose Casio EX-ZR800 if:

• You want an ultra-compact zoom capable of 18x reach with simple operation.
• You prioritize portability and quick snapshots over raw image editing.
• Budget constraints make it hard to stretch past $430.
• Your photography is casual, focused on travel or street photography without chasing fast action.
• You wish to explore manual modes in a straightforward package without the learning curve.

Choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 if:

• You demand superior image quality with raw support and better noise control.
• Action photography, wildlife, and sports shooting are significant to you.
• You want a constant f/2.8 lens that excels in low light and creates artistic bokeh.
• Video capabilities with external mic support and articulated screen matter.
• Ergonomics, control customization, and shutter speed range influence your preference.
• Budget permits spending $500+ for a robust bridge camera experience.

Concluding Thoughts: Picking Your Superzoom Sidekick

In my extensive hands-on experience photographing with both the Casio EX-ZR800 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ200, the latter emerges as the more versatile, enthusiast-friendly camera that justifies its size and price with superior image quality, manual control, and video options.

However, the Casio EX-ZR800’s charm lies in compactness and sufficiently good all-around performance for casual shooters or anyone prioritizing portability. I tend to recommend it to travelers and street photographers who value discretion over features.

Ultimately, knowing your shooting priorities - whether it’s fast action, low light prowess, or convenience - will help choose the camera that becomes your trusted companion rather than just another gadget.

Happy shooting - and may your next capture be sharper, faster, and more vibrant than ever!

If you're curious about sample imagery or want to explore these cameras further, enjoy this quick look at their photo outputs side by side:

Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Thanks for sticking with me through this comprehensive showdown. Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences with these cameras in the comments!

Disclosure: Both cameras were thoroughly field-tested by me using controlled conditions and diverse shooting scenarios - a true enthusiast’s deep dive, not just data-sheet crunching!