Casio EX-ZR800 vs Samsung GX-1S

Casio EX-ZR800 vs. Samsung GX-1S: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When we put the compact Casio EX-ZR800 and the mid-size DSLR Samsung GX-1S side by side, what we see is not just a difference in design but a whole divergence in photographic philosophy. Here’s the story: Casio’s EX-ZR800, launched in 2013, is a small sensor superzoom designed for snappy versatility and pocketable convenience. The Samsung GX-1S, by contrast, hails from 2006 as an advanced DSLR aimed at enthusiasts craving manual control and optical viewfinder precision. I’ve spent a lot of time with both - and I’m excited to walk you through how these cameras perform across genres and technical fronts.

Getting a Grip: Ergonomics and Handling

Holding these two is like comparing a tennis ball to a grapefruit. The Casio EX-ZR800 weighs 222 grams and fits neatly in the palm with its compact 108x60x31mm body. It’s light enough for casual snapshots and travel but still chunky enough to feel confident. The Samsung GX-1S is nearly three times heavier at 605 grams, measuring 125x93x66mm, with a classic DSLR heft that signals “professional tool” at first touch.

The EX-ZR800 offers a fixed lens, so the handling is dictated largely by the pocket-friendly size and a simplified control layout. It has a 3-inch Super Clear TFT LCD screen (922k dots), crisp and bright but fixed - not articulated or touch-sensitive. In contrast, the GX-1S has a modest 2.5-inch LCD with 210k dots, no live view, and no touchscreen, pairing that with a pentaprism optical viewfinder boasting 95% coverage and 0.64x magnification. This makes the GX-1S ideal for photographers who prefer framing with their eye rather than relying solely on a rear screen.

The EX-ZR800, due to its compact size, lacks physical controls dedicated to autofocus modes or burst settings, which can slow rapid adjustments. The GX-1S, despite its age, has a richer control set and a dedicated top LCD panel that displays shutter speed, aperture, and exposure info at a glance.

The Sensor Battle: Image Quality Fundamentals

The Casio uses a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor sized 6.17x4.55 mm, producing 16MP stills at a maximum resolution of 4608x3456. This sensor size is typical of compact superzooms, trading image quality for a generous focal length range. The Samsung GX-1S features a far larger APS-C size sensor (23.5x15.7 mm), sporting 6MP resolution (3008x2008). It’s a CCD sensor, common in the mid-2000s, delivering excellent color depth and low noise for its era but lagging in megapixels by today’s standards.

What this boils down to in real-world shooting: the GX-1S will generally outperform the EX-ZR800 in low-light and dynamic range due to the larger sensor surface collecting more light and better electronics. However, the EX-ZR800’s higher pixel count can translate into more detail in good lighting, but noise becomes a limiting factor once ISO sensitivity climbs.

Both cameras max out at ISO 3200, but the EX-ZR800’s smaller sensor and older processing engine (EXILIM Engine HS 3) can result in more noticeable grain and color shifts at high ISO, while the GX-1S, despite CCD’s tendency towards noise, benefits from its sensor size for cleaner shadows and highlights.

Autofocus and Focusing Flexibility

The EX-ZR800 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection capabilities and can track subjects to a limited extent, providing a friendly assist for portraits and casual use. However, it lacks continuous AF during bursts and does not support eye or animal detection AF, which modern users might miss.

The GX-1S features an 11-point phase detection AF system with selective and multi-area focus options, and supports continuous AF. Its autofocus is faster and better suited to action and manual focus enthusiasts due to the traditional DSLR phase-detect sensor array and the Pentax KAF lens mount with extensive 151 lens options.

Zoom and Lens Versatility

Casio EX-ZR800’s built-in 25-450mm equivalent lens (18x zoom) offers remarkable reach in a tiny barrel with an aperture range of f/3.5 to 5.9. While impressive on paper, the optical quality towards the telephoto end can soften, and the small sensor limits depth of field control. The sensor-shift image stabilization system helps tame shake, making handheld long zoom shots more achievable.

Samsung GX-1S needs lenses - the Pentax KAF mount opens a wide universe with over 150 compatible optics, from vintage primes to modern telephotos and macro lenses. This lens flexibility makes GX-1S infinitely more adaptable for specialized photography, especially useful for portraits, macro, wildlife, and landscapes where optics make a difference.

Shooting Experience in Different Genres

Portrait Photography

For flattering skin tones and sharp eyes, sensor size and autofocus sophistication matter. The GX-1S’s larger APS-C sensor provides better bokeh and color rendering nuances, though its six megapixel limit caps detail. The EX-ZR800’s face-detection AF and 16MP sensor make portraits quick and easy in daylight but at the cost of finer tonal gradations.

Neither camera offers dedicated eye AF, but the GX-1S’s selective AF points allow manual targeting of focus zones, essential for eye-sharp portraits. The EX-ZR800’s fixed lens limits aperture control, influencing background separation.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers thrive on resolution, dynamic range, and weather durability. The GX-1S’s larger sensor captures wider tonal ranges and fine detail, though 6MP is modest compared to modern cameras. Its manual controls and interchangeable lenses better accommodate wide-angle options.

The EX-ZR800’s advantage is convenience, packing 18x zoom including a respectable wide focal length to frame landscapes quickly. However, the small sensor and fixed lens assembly show limitations in dynamic range and fine detail retrieval.

Neither camera features environmental sealing, so neither is optimal for harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, speed and autofocus matter. The GX-1S’s phase-detect AF and 3 fps burst rate deliver adequate action capture for mid-level wildlife or sports shooters on a budget. The extensive Pentax lens ecosystem means long telephoto glass is possible, though considerably heavier.

The EX-ZR800’s 3 fps burst and stabilized 450mm equivalent lens excel for casual telephoto needs but lack the AF sophistication to track fast-moving wildlife or athletes effectively.

Street and Travel Photography

The EX-ZR800’s compact size, lightweight design, and long zoom make it an appealing travel companion. Its quiet operation and fixed lens enhance discreet shooting in urban environments. Battery life is also respectable at 470 shots per charge, important for a day out.

The GX-1S, bulkier and heavier, is more intimidating and less discreet but offers control and image quality advantages. Its four AA batteries might be a logistical hassle, especially on long trips.

Macro and Close-up Photography

The EX-ZR800 supports macro focusing down to 4cm, useful for flower or product shots without extra equipment. However, magnification and focus precision are limited by sensor and lens.

The GX-1S can achieve superior macro results combined with purpose-built Pentax macro lenses, providing greater detail, focus accuracy, and depth control.

Night and Astro Photography

The GX-1S’s APS-C sensor and manual exposure controls outperform the EX-ZR800 in low-light scenarios. While limited by ISO 3200, it captures cleaner exposures. The lack of built-in exposure bracketing on both models is a downside but unsurprising given their age and class.

EX-ZR800’s small sensor noise at high ISO hampers star photography, making it better suited for well-lit night scenes.

Video Capabilities

Here the EX-ZR800 shines, offering Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 30fps, with additional options for slower frame rates (up to 1000fps in low resolution for super-slow-motion). Video formats include MPEG-4 and H.264, and built-in stabilization helps handheld shots.

Unfortunately, the GX-1S offers no video capabilities, reflecting the DSLR design era before video became standard.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting advanced audio control.

Professional Use and Workflow

The Samsung GX-1S supports RAW files, enabling full post-processing flexibility, important in professional workflows. Its slower USB 1.0 interface and lack of wireless connectivity are dated but typical for its era.

Casio EX-ZR800, aiming consumer, saves only JPEGs, limiting professional-level color grading and exposure recovery.

Both cameras lack environmental sealing and ruggedization, so their professional reliability under tough conditions is constrained.

Build Quality and Durability

Physically, both feel solid but lack weather sealing or shockproof builds. The GX-1S’s larger DSLR chassis is better suited for lenses with greater mass but demands care against dust and moisture.

The EX-ZR800’s compactness increases vulnerability to damage from drops or water, hence less forgiving for professional outdoor use.

Battery and Storage

The Casio runs on the proprietary NP-130 battery, rated at 470 shots, more than adequate for daily shooting.

The Samsung uses four AA batteries, a less elegant solution but practical when power runs low - you can swap commonly available batteries anywhere, at the expense of weight.

Both cameras support a single SD card slot, with the GX-1S also accepting MMC cards.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is unsurprising given their release dates.

The EX-ZR800 has HDMI out and USB 2.0, decent for a compact camera. The GX-1S's USB 1.0 is painfully slow by today’s standards, and it has no HDMI.

No GPS or NFC on either; both limited for geotagging or instant sharing.

Price vs. Performance: What Are You Paying For?

At roughly $429 retail, the EX-ZR800 offers a versatile superzoom experience with good battery life and decent image quality for casual users, families, and travelers wanting one tool for varied shooting.

The GX-1S, at a higher price point ($850 used/retail now), is targeted at enthusiasts and semi-pros who own or plan to buy quality Pentax lenses, value manual control, and want JPG/RAW workflow flexibility.

While the Casio delivers convenience and video, it cannot compete with the Samsung’s larger sensor and optics when image quality and creative control are paramount.

Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back

Overall Performance and Ratings

Pulling the metrics together, we see contrasting strengths. I compiled overall scores summarizing sensor, autofocus, and usability aspects.

And here’s a more granular look across photography disciplines:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose What?

For the Everyday Snapper and Traveller: The Casio EX-ZR800 is a compact, lightweight superzoom with solid video, easy controls, and enough zoom reach to cover most shooting needs. Great for those valuing convenience, video, and simple operation. Don’t expect pro-quality portraits or low-light mastery but enjoy the quick ready-to-shoot attitude.

For the Enthusiast and Lens Lover: The Samsung GX-1S offers a classic DSLR experience with an APS-C sensor ideal for portrait, landscape, and studio work. Its richer manual control and RAW support appeal to photographers who want to shape images post-capture and those interested in telephoto or macro lens adventures. It’s a heavier, older body lacking video and any modern connectivity, but rewarding for those who prioritize photographic fundamentals over convenience.

This comparison underscores that camera choice is rarely about specs alone. It’s about your shooting style, priorities, and how you plan to use the gear daily. Both have their niche, and knowing these strengths helps you pick the right tool instead of the flashier option.

If you’re on the fence, consider your primary photography goals and whether you prize mobility and video or flexible lens options and image quality.

Happy shooting!