CASIO EXILIM ex-z77 digicam
Pros:
video mode, good image, autofocus features work well
Cons:
lcd, minor faults
The Bottom Line:
I give this a 5 star because of the appealing useable features, which set it apart from similar priced cameras.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
WHAT YOU GET
I bought this cam from Circuit City and it comes with basic internal 8mb memory, and lithium ion battery, charger, hand strap, usb cable and a/v cable. The manual is very basic, since you are given a cd with manual viewable on your pc. This slows you down a little, getting started.
ABOUT THE CAMERA
Casio have developed their way of simplifying camera use for the beginner, and this works quite well. There is a small quite fiddly little on/off button on the top, the shutter button to the right, and below on the back is the zoom in/out controls. Below that are the play and record buttons. Below is a paddle type button with a set button in the middle to enter the function. Below that are the menu and best shot buttons.
There are 2 modes 'best shot mode' and 'easy mode'. Easy mode sets all the camera controls on auto, such as flash, exposure etc.
Best shot mode allows you to select from 41 different 'scene' parameters which are preset for many different light conditions like for example a sunset, or fireworks, or a portrait. Also setting for macro pictures, such as for online auction selling, indeed there is an 'ebay' preset.
The best shot also has an option for video, in which you can shoot up to 10 minutes of video with sound. Casio has bundled software for the cameras video mode for YouTube™, a popular video sharing website. Which carries the users password and upload options.
The video is shot in mpeg-4 h.264 and plays back in the provided quicktime player.
This is a 7.2 megapixel camera and will shoot in - 3072x2304, 3072x2048 (3:2), 3072x1728 (16:9), 2560x1920, 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 640x480.
The camera is available in several attractive colors.
The lens is a 3x optical zoom and has a 12x max zoom if you include digital zoom.
Another advertised feature is the self tracking auto focus, which locks on and recognises a face. The lcd is a 2.6-inch TFT color LCD (14:9),
114,960 pixels (479x240)
MY OPINIONS
THE GOOD
-Fun look, compact and easy to use
-Speed! I like the fast prefocus, the prefocus tracks and locks on the subject quickly!
-I have compared this cam with the previous model the ex-z75 and I have found that this cam has less shutter lag. and a better quicker prefocus. Which helps keep you from missing the photo opportunity.
-Has a decent interface, press set and you can access all the settings real quick, though it does take up some of the lcd.
-I like the size of the lcd.
-Video mode, excellent! indoor or outdoor, indoor films come out bright and clear. I have a sony minidv camcorder and I cant see us using it much anymore. This feature on the cam is no gimmick, its seriously useable and a lot of fun. These 10 minute max films look great on a regular tv or pc screen.
-The lithium ion battery, seems to last well and the cam gives adequate warning when its running out.
- Photo Image quality looks great.
THE BAD
- The lcd is slightly inadequate- its hard to gauge how good a shot you took. The image on the lcd screen is not quite sharp enough.
- minor issues, like the flimsy usb cover under the cam. Also the lack of internal memory. Naturally they expect you to buy your own 1gb sd card. The on/off button a little small and fiddly.
FINAL ANALYSIS
I am pleased with this camera, its easy to grab and shoot some pictures of our kids. And easy to get good shots because of the cameras fast shutter speed and talented focus aids. The video mode is a very attractive feature which is of a high enough quality to actually compile decent watchable video memories for your family and friends. On older digicams this was merely a gimmick. If you can ignore the lcd, you will find this a great all round camera, for all kinds of users. With lots of room to experiment later as you get more experience with it.
