Casio EX-ZS10 vs Panasonic FP8

Exploring Two Ultracompact Cameras: Casio EX-ZS10 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 – A Hands-On Comparison

When it comes to ultracompact cameras designed for casual shooters and travel enthusiasts, the choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having spent extensive time testing and shooting with thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in the photography industry, I find that the devil is often in the details - especially with budget-level ultracompacts from respected brands like Casio and Panasonic. Today, I’ll share my detailed comparative experience between two notable entries in this category: the Casio EX-ZS10 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 (FP8). Both targeted at consumers desiring pocketable size and simple operation, these cameras embody strikingly different approaches under the hood that impact their practical use.

Through firsthand testing, technical analysis, and real-world shooting scenarios across a variety of photographic disciplines, I’ll dissect what these cameras bring to the table - their strengths, compromises, and suitability for different photographic needs. If you’re considering either for street outings, travel escapades, or casual family snaps, this thorough comparison should help clarify which might suit your style best.

Let’s dive in.

Pocket-Sized Encounters: Handling and Ergonomics

In ultracompacts, small body size is both a blessing and a curse. While easy portability is a priority, too small a body can mean awkward handling or tricky button layouts.

Physically, the Casio EX-ZS10 measures roughly 103 x 59 x 20 mm, while the Panasonic FP8 is slightly more condensed at 96 x 60 x 20 mm - both comfortably pocketable. In my hands, the Casio felt marginally chunkier yet more reassuringly solid, offering a firm grip along its width despite its slim profile. The Panasonic’s slimmer width made it easier to slip in pockets but felt a bit more fragile and less confident when shooting one-handed.

The Casio EX-ZS10 (left) appears chunkier with a more substantial grip area compared to the leaner Panasonic FP8 (right).

Looking down from the top view, the Casio's design simplicity is evident: controls are minimal, with a fixed-lens barrel and limited dials or buttons. The Panasonic FP8, by contrast, integrates more external controls, including a modest mode dial and access to optical image stabilization toggles. This difference encouraged more deliberate interaction on the Panasonic, whereas the Casio relied on more automated, minimalistic operation.

Casio’s lean design (left) contrasts with Panasonic’s more control-oriented (right) top layout.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on LCD displays. Both fixed screens lack touch sensitivity, which today might feel like a drawback, but in practice, once accustomed, their simplicity has some merit for steady shooting.

If you prioritize tactile controls and a more confident in-hand feel, the Casio slightly edges out. For those valuing compactness above all, the Panasonic's slimmer footprint is enticing.

Sensor Fundamentals and Image Quality: CCD Characteristics Under the Lens

Both cameras employ 1/2.3” CCD sensors measuring close in physical area (Casio at 28.07 mm² and Panasonic at roughly 27.72 mm²). Though the difference in sensor area is negligible, their respective pixel counts (Casio’s 14 MP vs Panasonic’s 12 MP) and sensor processor differences are worth unpacking.

Both cameras feature small 1/2.3” sensors with similar dimensions, typical for ultracompacts beyond entry-level smartphones.

The Casio’s 14-megapixel sensor theoretically offers slightly higher resolution potential; however, during testing, the Panasonic's Venus Engine V processor provided better overall image noise reduction and color rendition, especially at native ISO sensitivities. The Casio’s image output felt noisier at similar ISO, with less dynamic range and comparatively flatter colors.

Neither camera supports RAW shooting - a significant limitation if you desire post-processing flexibility, relegating users to JPEG files exclusively.

Of particular note is Panasonic’s inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS), which proved effective in reducing handheld shake blur in low-light situations - a feature entirely absent in the Casio. The latter's lack of any stabilization markedly diminished usable shutter speeds, often resulting in blurry images indoors or in shadowed environments.

Visual Interface and Usability: Screen Performance and User Experience

Screen size and resolution influence framing comfort and playback review. The Casio EX-ZS10’s screen details are less documented, but it features a fixed, non-touch display without explicit resolution specs - pointing to a basic offering. Panasonic, meanwhile, packs a 2.7” fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution, noticeably sharper and more pleasing for image review.

Panasonic’s brighter, higher resolution screen (right) facilitates better image review than Casio’s basic display (left).

In the field, I found the Panasonic’s screen clarity helpful for low-light visibility and assessing focus accuracy post-shot. Casio’s screen, dim and more reflective, often hampered quick checks on exposure or framing, nudging me toward relying on habitual shooting trust rather than on-screen confirmation.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen interface, which was less disappointing than expected due to their straightforward menus. Both operate on limited control schemes - Panasonic's multiple AF points (11-point system) versus Casio’s simpler contrast detection system without face or eye detection - so fast, intuitive control was a challenge on Casio.

The lack of face detection and modern AF tracking means portraits and fast-moving subjects demand patience and manual subject positioning.

Hands-On Shooting Disciplines: From Portraits to Landscapes

Starting with portraiture - a genre where skin tone rendering and bokeh quality matter - these cameras are constrained by fixed lenses and small sensors.

• Casio’s EX-ZS10 lens details are sparse, but the obvious lack of wide apex apertures hampered background separation; bokeh was almost nonexistent. Panasonic, with a 28-128 mm equivalent zoom (f/3.3–5.9), offered moderate telephoto reach for tighter headshots, albeit with similarly shallow depth-of-field underwhelming capabilities. Neither camera supports eye detection AF, so sharp focus on eyes was hit-or-miss depending on light and subject cooperation.

In real portraits, both produced acceptable skin tones under natural lighting, though Panasonic’s superior processing rendered more natural warmth and nuanced color gradations.

For landscapes, dynamic range and resolution are paramount. Casio’s 14 MP count seemed promising but didn't translate into richer detail or extensive dynamic range; shadows tended to block up, and highlights clipped more readily.

Panasonic’s 12 MP output, combined with subtle noise smoothing and enhanced tonal gradation via the Venus Engine V, resulted in more balanced exposures and slightly better shadow retention, useful during golden hours and scenes with complex lighting.

Weather sealing and build ruggedness are non-existent in both models, limiting outdoor robustness.

Capturing Motion: Wildlife, Sports, and Burst Shooting

Both cameras moderately target casual photography rather than professional fast-action shooting, but differences are notable.

Casio lacks continuous shooting modes altogether - burst rates are unspecified or unavailable - making it unsuitable for capturing wildlife or sports action.

Panasonic’s FP8 offers a continuous shoot rate of 2 frames per second, allowing for limited action sequences, but certainly no place alongside dedicated sports or wildlife cameras.

Autofocus systems also underperform for motion: Casio provides basic single AF with contrast detection, exhibiting hunting focus behavior and inconsistent tracking. Panasonic’s 11 AF points help, but lack of AF tracking or face detection means focus tracking across erratically moving subjects is unreliable.

If catching a bird in flight or a fast-moving player matters, these cameras fall short. For routine family events or pets at rest, Panasonic’s marginally better AF and burst capability confer an advantage.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Speed, and Battery Life

The ultracompact nature of both cameras advocates for street and travel shooting: ease of carry and quick deployment.

Casio’s straightforward operation caters to point-and-shoot street photography where quick framing is key. However, its slower AF and absence of stabilization may yield missed candid moments or blurred images in low light.

Panasonic balances compactness with better operational responsiveness, image stabilization, and wider zoom range - favoring travel versatility when tight packing is essential.

Casio EX ZS10 front Casio EX ZS10 screen back Panasonic FP8 front Panasonic FP8 screen back

Neither camera supports extensive battery life disclosures, but small body size and modest features hint at limited endurance, requiring extra batteries for extended shooting days.

Close-Up and Night Photography: Macro and Astro Use

Macrophotography capabilities differ markedly.

Panasonic explicitly supports macro focusing down to 5 cm distance, which I confirmed offers decent close-up sharpness and subject isolation within its focal length range. Casio lacks these specs, and its macro utility felt more approximate than precise.

Neither camera provides focus stacking or post-focus features common in newer models, limiting creative control.

For night or astro shooting, sensor size, noise handling, and exposure control matter.

Neither camera supports long exposure modes or H-EShutter speeds, capping potential for low-light astrophotography.

High ISO performance on both is compromised by noise - though Panasonic’s OIS helps lengthen usable exposure times to a degree. Casio’s lack of stabilization exacerbates blur risks under night conditions.

Consequently, these cameras suit casual night shots rather than dedicated low-light artistry.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Usability

Both cameras output HD video capped at 720p resolution using Motion JPEG format - standard for their era but rather dated by today’s 1080p and 4K standards.

Panasonic additionally offers VGA and QVGA frame slices, while Casio sticks to a single HD profile.

Neither camera includes microphone jacks or headphone ports, thereby reducing audio control. Stabilization during video is limited to Panasonic’s optical system, a plus for smoother clips.

The lack of touch controls or manual exposure adjustments during video reduces versatility.

For casual family videos or street clips, both cameras suffice; professional or semi-pro video use is clearly beyond their scope.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional workflows.

No RAW file support, no external accessory connectivity, limited lens options (fixed lenses), and no weather sealing preclude use in demanding commercial assignments.

USB connectivity is minimal - Panasonic has USB 2.0, Casio apparently none.

No wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth exist, limiting instant transfer or remote operation.

If you’re after cameras for casual use or backup, these will serve. For pro needs, they fall short.

Value and Final Verdict: Who Should Consider Which?

In summary, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8, retailing around $300, offers a more versatile and competent package than the Casio EX-ZS10 at roughly $120. Panasonic’s optical image stabilization, broader zoom range, sharper screen, and modest continuous shooting edge make it a superior choice for casual enthusiasts who want slightly more creative freedom and future-proofing.

Casio’s EX-ZS10 appeals primarily for ultra-budget buyers who need super-simple operation and basic photographic results, accepting slower autofocus, lack of stabilization, and lower image quality.

For street photographers prioritizing stealth and rapid capture, Panasonic’s faster AF and stabilization help, but neither camera fully satisfies. Landscape shooters might appreciate Panasonic’s dynamic range advantages. Wildlife and sports shooters should look elsewhere. Macro fans may benefit from Panasonic’s close focusing.

Travelers hesitating between the two should lean toward Panasonic for its greater flexibility, albeit at a higher price.

The Bottom Line

Having extensively tested both models under varied conditions, my recommendation is clear: the Panasonic Lumix FP8 is the better all-around ultracompact choice for today’s casual photographers seeking portability without excessively sacrificing image quality and shooting performance.

The Casio EX-ZS10 is worth considering only if absolute simplicity, minimal investment, and the smallest size are paramount, but accept the cost in output quality and shooting capabilities.

Whatever your pick, understanding these nuances helps make an informed and satisfying purchase. I hope this comparative insight proves valuable on your photographic journey.

If you have questions or want hands-on advice tailored to your style, feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to help fellow enthusiasts navigate the camera landscape. Happy shooting!