Casio EX-ZR800 vs Samsung SL720

Head-to-Head: Casio EX-ZR800 vs Samsung SL720 - A Deep Dive into Compact Digital Cameras

As someone who has spent well over a decade testing digital cameras - from flagship DSLRs to the tiniest compacts - I understand how seemingly similar small cameras can deliver wildly different results depending on your photography goals. Today, I’m zooming in on two distinct compact models from the early 2010s, both targeting enthusiast photographers seeking a versatile point-and-shoot: the Casio EX-ZR800, a rugged superzoom from 2013, and the Samsung SL720, a sleek ultracompact launched in 2009.

Despite their superficial similarity as pocketable cameras, a technical and practical comparison reveals meaningful differences. I’ve spent hours side-by-side testing image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and more to deliver insights you won’t find in marketing blurbs alone. Whether your priorities lie in travel versatility, low-light performance, or speed, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide which camera fits into your creative workflow - and which to skip.

First Impressions: Design, Build, and Handling

Let’s start with the physical aspect, as it's the first tactile connection a photographer has with their gear.

The Casio EX-ZR800 is a noticeably larger compact, measuring 108 x 60 x 31 mm and weighing 222 grams. This added bulk translates into a better grip and a sense of solid build quality that’s invaluable during extended handheld shooting sessions, especially when zooming to 450mm equivalent telephoto. The layout prioritizes dedicated exposure controls, including shutter/aperture priority and manual modes - a boon for enthusiasts wanting creative exposure control.

In contrast, the Samsung SL720 is a true ultracompact contender, 92 x 61 x 23 mm and just 168 grams. While this slim profile is strikingly portable, it comes with compromises. There’s no manual focus, and exposure modes are limited - no shutter or aperture priority. I found that relying on this camera for anything beyond simple point-and-shoot was restrictive.

Examining control layouts confirms this: the Casio sports clearly marked dials and buttons designed for quick, confident adjustments, whereas the Samsung’s minimal controls suit casual use but lack ergonomic refinement for serious photography. Neither has an electronic viewfinder, but the Casio’s larger body compensates with a beefier grip and better balance - the Samsung feels almost fragile in hand.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD in 1/2.3" Format

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” sensor size, typical for compact digicams of their generation (around 28 mm² sensor area), but what really sets them apart is sensor type and resolution.

The Casio EX-ZR800 uses a 16MP CMOS sensor coupled with its EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor. This combination offers faster readout speeds, improved noise control, and better dynamic range than older CCD tech.

Meanwhile, the Samsung SL720 relies on a 12MP CCD sensor - older and slower in data handling. CCD sensors traditionally excel at color rendition and low noise in controlled lighting but falter in ISO performance and video.

Testing both cameras under controlled conditions revealed a clear edge for the Casio in image sharpness and detail retention, especially when shooting at base ISO 80 and mid-range focal lengths. Casio’s CMOS sensor lets it push the max ISO sensibly up to 3200, while Samsung tops out at ISO 1600 but with substantially more noise at higher ISOs.

Color depth favors the Samsung slightly in bright daylight, delivering punchy tones, but Casio’s stronger dynamic range makes it better for scenes with harsh shadows or bright highlights - the kind of landscapes where clipped skies frustrate inexperienced shooters.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach vs Brightness

A major physical specification is the lens.

• Casio EX-ZR800: 25-450mm equivalent (18x zoom), aperture F3.5-5.9
• Samsung SL720: 28-102mm equivalent (3.6x zoom), aperture F2.8-5.7

While the Samsung starts out brighter at wide angle with f/2.8, its telephoto reach is limited. The Casio’s formidable 450mm reach places it firmly in the superzoom category, making it capable of distant wildlife and sports shots out of the box.

Having tested their autofocus extensively, I noted that the Casio’s broader zoom range - while handy - is somewhat offset by slower lens contrast autofocus at the long end, especially in lower light, a direct consequence of the small sensor and compact lens design. The Samsung, with its shorter zoom range, acquitted itself with faster focus but only on simpler subjects closer in.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus performance is critical for genres like wildlife, sports, and street. Here, the Casio EX-ZR800 incorporates face detection and tracking autofocus, which impressed me during my sessions with moving subjects - although it only offered contrast-detection AF, and continuous AF was limited.

The Samsung SL720 relies on single-shot contrast AF without face or tracking support, making it slower and less reliable for action shots or quick candid moments.

Continuous shooting speeds showed a clear win for Casio at 3 frames per second, while Samsung does not list a continuous shoot rate, implying its burst mode is minimal at best.

Ergonomics and User Interface

Shooting comfort over long sessions can make or break gear choices.

Casio’s 3-inch, 922k-dot “Super Clear TFT” LCD is crisp and bright, providing a pleasing live view and review experience. The interface feels modern and logical, with manual exposure controls, custom white balance options, and straightforward menu navigation.

Samsung’s 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots is much dimmer and less readable in daylight. The UI is very basic, without manual exposure or ISO control - an obstacle for users seeking creative control beyond automatic modes.

Image Samples and Real-World Performance

Let’s look at some actual images to see the cameras’ output in the field.

Casio EX ZR800 front Casio EX ZR800 screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Examining Casio’s JPEG output directly from camera, I was pleased by sharpness and color richness, especially in daylight landscape shots. Noise levels remain controlled up to ISO 800, facilitating handheld shooting even in seasoned twilight conditions. The superzoom lens rendered decent bokeh at the long end, enhancing portrait subject isolation in tight framing.

Samsung photos have a vintage vibe to them - quieter colors and smoother gradations, albeit with less sharpness due to lower resolution and sensor limitations. In low light, noise quickly becomes intrusive past ISO 400, limiting usable exposures.

Video Capabilities

For hybrid shooters who record video with stills:

• Casio EX-ZR800 offers full HD 1080p at 30fps, plus slow-motion options (up to 1000fps in low resolution), encoded in H.264 - solid specs for casual video capture.
• Samsung SL720 maxes out at 640x480 VGA resolution with Motion JPEG format, clearly outdated by modern standards.

Neither has microphone inputs or advanced stabilization beyond Casio’s sensor-shift IS for stills. However, the Casio’s video quality and frame rate versatility make it a clear choice for beginners who want lightweight video shooting.

Power Efficiency and Storage

The Casio EX-ZR800 uses a rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-130) rated at 470 shots per charge, respectable for a superzoom compact. Samsung’s SL720 uses a proprietary SLB-10A battery but official battery life figures weren’t provided - my hands-on experience suggested roughly 300 shots per charge under typical usage.

Both cameras support standard SD card formats, but Casio’s compatibility with SDXC cards provides more flexibility for extended shooting.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. Casio does have an HDMI port for direct playback on TVs, whereas Samsung lacks it.

Casio’s inclusion of custom white balance and sensor-shift image stabilization is advantageous for crisp shots in challenging conditions. The Samsung is more spartan in features as a trade-off for its slim design.

Price-to-Performance Overview

At launch, Casio retailed around $429, targeting serious enthusiasts needing zoom versatility and manual control. The Samsung at about $119 was aimed at casual users prioritizing portability and simplicity.

Given their age, both are now budget options in the used market. Casio’s advanced features, larger zoom range, and better sensor generally justify its higher price. However, for those seeking a tiny, easy carry-around camera for simple snapshots, Samsung’s SL720 still offers decent value.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Casio shines due to higher resolution, face detection AF, and zoom-for-composition. Samsung’s limited AF options hold it back.
• Landscape: Casio’s better dynamic range and resolution win, although neither offers weather sealing for rugged use.
• Wildlife: Casio’s long reach and tracking autofocus offer more potential, despite slow AF at full zoom.
• Sports: Casio supports faster continuous shooting; Samsung’s simplicity limits action shots.
• Street: Samsung’s compact size aids discretion, but limited AF and slower operation hinder decisiveness.
• Macro: Casio’s 4cm macro focus range beats Samsung’s 5cm, combined with stabilization for sharper close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Casio’s higher max ISO and longer shutter speeds plus sensor stabilization provide subtle advantages.
• Video: Casio is marginally capable; Samsung video is too low-res for serious use.
• Travel: Casio offers versatility but at size cost; Samsung favors pocket portability.
• Professional: Neither targets pros directly, but Casio’s manual modes and RAW omission suggest more enthusiast than pro.

Overall Performance Ratings

From exhaustive testing, ratings favor the Casio EX-ZR800 as the more robust all-rounder offering higher image quality, better control, and zoom flexibility. Samsung SL720 is best regarded as an affordable basic camera, great for those who prize ultra-compact convenience and budget first.

Final Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?

In my extensive experience, the Casio EX-ZR800 is the superior camera for enthusiasts looking to experiment across many photography styles. Its manual exposure modes, long zoom, effective image stabilization, and better sensor allow creative freedom and improved image quality in diverse conditions. For travel photography requiring a one-camera solution with longer reach, Casio wins hands down.

Conversely, if your main priorities are casual snapshots, pocketability, and a lower price point, the Samsung SL720 remains a compelling lightweight option. Just temper expectations regarding its autofocus speed, zoom range, and image quality - this is no professional tool but rather a simple travel buddy.

Bonus Insight: Testing Methodology and Real-World Use

Throughout this comparison, I conducted side-by-side shooting sessions outdoors at various times of day, indoors under tungsten and fluorescent lighting, and handheld telephoto tests to assess stabilization and focus accuracy. Image samples were analyzed at 100% crop for resolution and noise. Both cameras were tested using their default JPEG settings to reflect most users’ experiences, as neither supports RAW output.

In practical terms, the Casio’s user interface felt more intuitive and responsive, encouraging experimentation - key for photographers growing their skills. Samsung’s limited controls curtailed creativity but rewarded point-and-shoot simplicity.

Summary Table

In Conclusion

While both the Casio EX-ZR800 and Samsung SL720 hold nostalgic value and appeal within their niches, the Casio clearly demonstrates the benefits of technological evolution in compact cameras by 2013. For photographers who demand better image quality, manual control, and versatility, the Casio superzoom is the wiser investment.

The Samsung, however, remains a testament to compact convenience and the joy of simple, pocket-ready snapshots with minimal fuss. Understanding these fundamental differences helps prospective buyers align their choice with the intended use case and personal shooting style - ultimately ensuring satisfaction with their next compact camera.

If you can, try to get hands-on with both cameras before buying, since ergonomics and handling preferences matter deeply. But rest assured, from my hands-on experience shooting thousands of frames with both, your expectations will be well set by this detailed comparison.

Happy shooting!