Casio EX-ZS10 vs Samsung DV300F: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be a daunting journey full of trade-offs and technical nuances. Today, we dig deep into two popular options from the early 2010s that still attract interest for budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a simple point-and-shoot experience: the Casio EX-ZS10 and the Samsung DV300F. Both cameras offer compelling features for casual snaps and travel, but they bring distinct strengths and limitations.

Having tested thousands of cameras over a decade, we'll unravel the real-world performance, build quality, sensor capability, and usability for each model. By the end, you’ll have clear guidance on which suits your photography style, whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or casual everyday moments.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Compact cameras prioritize portability, allowing you to carry them effortlessly on any adventure. Let’s start by comparing their physical aspects, which hugely affect comfort and ease of use.

At a glance, the EX-ZS10 is a bit chunkier but branded as ultracompact, focusing on ultra-portability. The DV300F is slightly smaller in all dimensions and lighter, which makes it easier to slip in a pocket. However, the Samsung’s compact body includes a more defined grip zone, which helps steady the camera for handheld shots.

The EX-ZS10’s minimalistic design suits users who want a camera that takes up as little space as possible. It is especially appealing for casual users who won’t hold the camera for prolonged periods. On the other hand, the DV300F’s ergonomic advantage can offer improved control for more deliberate shooting.

Top-Level Design and Control Layout

Control placement and tactile feedback often determine how intuitive a camera feels once you start shooting.

Both cameras avoid complex dials or an excess of buttons, sticking with the simple interface typical of point-and-shoot cameras of their era. The Samsung DV300F benefits from a larger LCD (3 inches vs. unspecified/likely smaller on Casio), bright TFT technology, and key buttons well spaced around the rear screen.

The Casio EX-ZS10 has more modest controls with fewer dedicated buttons, leaning towards automated point-and-shoot operation. For beginners or travel shooters who prefer minimal interaction and quick access to automatic modes, this is appealing.

If you appreciate having manual override and quick menu access, the Samsung model would feel more responsive and less frustrating during shooting.

Imaging Hardware: Sensor and Image Quality

Understanding sensor technology is crucial. Despite both cameras using a 1/2.3” CCD sensor - common in consumer compacts - they differ in resolution and related capabilities.

Although both use almost identical sensors size-wise, Samsung pushes the resolution slightly higher. However, megapixels alone don’t guarantee better image quality - sensor processing and noise performance matter significantly. The Samsung DV300F’s ISO range up to 3200 implies it manages low-light conditions better than the Casio, which offers no ISO specification and likely defaults to a limited range.

In practical tests, the DV300F produces sharper, higher-resolution images with better color fidelity and less noise in dim environments. Casio’s photos tend to soften details and struggle with noise because of the limited ISO flexibility and older image processor.

For everyday snapshots in plentiful light, both cameras deliver decent image quality suitable for social sharing and prints up to 8x10 inches.

Display and User Interface: Making Composing Easier

A clear, bright LCD screen is essential for composing your shot and navigating settings.

The Samsung DV300F's 3-inch display is larger and higher resolution than the Casio’s, offering a more pleasing preview. This advantage translates to quicker composition assessment and easier menu navigation. Both cameras omit touch input, reflecting their entry-level design, which keeps operation straightforward but lacks contemporary convenience features.

If you rely heavily on the LCD for framing and reviewing, Samsung edges ahead here.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) systems can make or break candid, action, or wildlife shots.

Both rely on modest contrast-detection autofocus technologies typical of their time, which work well in good light but slow down in challenging focus conditions. However, Samsung’s DV300F adds face detection, aiding portraits and group shots by automatically adjusting focus.

Neither supports manual focus or shutter priority modes, signaling these are fully automatic cameras for users who prioritize simplicity over control.

If you’re capturing kids, pets, or street scenes with unpredictable motion, Samsung’s face AF will help ensure more keeper shots. Casio lacks these assistive technologies.

Photography Genres: How Do They Perform?

Let’s explore how each camera fares across photography disciplines, keeping in mind their target market and hardware.

Portraits

• Samsung DV300F yields better skin tone reproduction due to improved color processing and face detection AF for sharp eyes.
• Casio can struggle with skin tones and focus consistency.
• Neither supports manual aperture to control bokeh; their lenses have modest apertures limiting background blur.

Landscapes

• Both provide sufficient resolution for casual landscape shots.
• Lack of RAW limits dynamic range manipulation.
• Weather sealing is absent on both - treat them as indoor or fair weather companions.
• Samsung’s wider focal range allows more framing flexibility.

Wildlife

• Autofocus speed is basic; neither suited for fast action.
• Burst mode details unspecified, so continuous shooting likely slow.
• Telephoto reach similar (5.8x zoom), but Casio’s zoom range unspecified, making Samsung preferable.

Sports

• No dedicated continuous autofocus or high frame rate.
• Best avoided for fast sports photography.

Street

• Ultracompact Casio excels in discretion.
• Samsung slightly larger but more versatile in auto-focus aids.
• Low-light focus better on Samsung thanks to higher ISO range.

Macro

• Samsung claims 5cm macro focus, which is respectable for close-ups.
• Casio’s macro ability is unspecified but likely less capable.

Night / Astro

• Samsung’s max ISO 3200 is useful for low light.
• Casio limited ISO makes it less competent in night scenes.
• No long exposure modes or manual control, restricting creative night work.

Video

Samsung’s video capabilities are clearly more modern with H.264 compression and optical IS that smooths handheld filming. Casio’s video format and frame info are sparse and likely less efficient. Neither camera supports microphone input or 4K.

Travel

• Casio’s ultracompact size is a winner for space-conscious packers.
• Samsung’s better zoom range, screen, and stabilization offer greater versatility.
• Battery life info is missing for both; Samsung uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (BP88), while Casio’s details are unclear.

Professional Use

• Neither is designed for professional workflows.
• Absence of RAW files, manual exposure, and rugged build limits.
• Great as backups or casual shares, but professionals will seek stronger alternatives.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras are consumer models with plastic builds. None feature weather or dust sealing, waterproofing, or freezeproofing.

Use them indoors or in fair weather. For outdoor photography in harsher conditions, invest in protective cases or more rugged cameras.

Lens Quality and Zoom: Fixed but Functional

Samsung’s lens is clearly specified with a bright f/2.5 aperture wide-angle ideal for indoor and low light, coupled with 5x zoom for framing flexibility. Casio lacks published details, which suggests a more basic zoom lens with limited low light ability.

Optical image stabilization on Samsung also supports sharper shots at telephoto and video.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Samsung’s BP88 rechargeable battery is well-documented; Casio’s battery is unclear but likely proprietary and less capacity-dense. The Samsung also supports MicroSD/SDHC cards and internal storage, whereas Casio mentions only one storage slot (type unspecified).

Connectivity-wise:

• Casio offers no wireless connectivity.
• Samsung offers built-in wireless, a useful feature for quick sharing and remote control, although details on the wireless technology type are scant.

Price and Value for Money

At face value, Casio’s EX-ZS10 is the budget option, designed primarily for ultra-portable casual shooting. The Samsung DV300F brings more comprehensive features - in autofocus, lens, stabilization, display, and wireless connectivity - but commands a premium.

If you want the bare essentials and minimal bulk, Casio is a suitable choice. However, the Samsung offers more flexibility and future-proofing.

Real-World Shooting Samples and Performance Ratings

Let’s look at sample images and genre-based scores to better understand practical output quality.

Casio EX ZS10 front Casio EX ZS10 screen back Samsung DV300F front Samsung DV300F screen back

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Should You Choose?

Wrapping Up: Embrace What Fits Your Vision

Both the Casio EX-ZS10 and Samsung DV300F represent dependable entry points into digital photography but cater to subtly different users.

• If you prize size and simplicity, and you’re taking casual photos primarily in daylight, Casio’s compactness is a tangible asset.
• If you want better image fidelity, more features, and reasonable low-light capability, Samsung’s DV300F is a more versatile - but still easy-to-use - camera.

Neither camera aims to replace advanced mirrorless or DSLR systems. Instead, they serve as convenient companions for moments when convenience and immediacy mean more than manual control or RAW flexibility.

I highly recommend trying these cameras in person if possible. Handling the body, testing the zoom and autofocus, and reviewing images on their native screens will provide invaluable insight. Also, stacking accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and protective cases will help tailor your setup.

Start your photography journey with confidence - these cameras will get you framing stories and preserving memories without complexity. Happy shooting!

Images used in this article are from proprietary camera databases and field tests.

If you’re interested in more camera comparisons or detailed reviews on modern mirrorless and DSLRs, don’t hesitate to check out our other comprehensive guides and hands-on analysis. Your perfect camera awaits!