Product Description
Customer Reviews:
Small compact with great picture quality.......2007-10-04
Bought this camera for my daughter. My sister had a Casio but the 5 mp and the 10mp is truly a better quality picture. My daughter carrys it with you at all times. The picture quality and zoom is great. The only quality we do not like is when you snap the picture there is a delay before the flash leaving you with a different picture then anticipated.
Great Shots.......2007-07-29
I have had this camera for about 7 months. Pictures taken during the day are beautiful and the colors are vibrant. At nights the pictures are not very clear.
Nice find for the price.......2007-07-19
This is a great camera for the price. I was looking to upgrade from a 4mp camera and was a bit worried because the price was so low. I use the camera for fun so I wasn't too concerned about all the extras. This one has alot of nice extras and it' really easy to use.
I like it.......2007-07-18
At first when I got the camera in the mail I was dissapointed when i first started using it, because the shutter speed is slower than my old camera when it is on the basic setting. My first pictures that I took with it were really blurry and I almost returned the camera. However now I have gotten used to the camera and take the most amazing pictures with it!!
Flawed Design & Awful Out-of-Warranty Customer Service.......2007-06-23
The camera has a smaller sensor than previous Casio models and sets the aperture to the largest available for any light setting when using the "general" best shot setting. So pictures tend to be fuzzy.
You cannot set the aperture or the shutter speed manually. The Best Shot feature is convenient for camera-dummies, but a pain for the rest of us. Searching for the correct aperture/shutter speed combination by selecting one icon out of 40 takes a long time and is very hit-and-miss. There is no explanation of what are the aperture/shutter settings - you just have to try them all out. You have usually missed the shot by then. I scanned a few websites to see if other people are having the same problems as I: fuzzy pictures, and lack of control over settings. They are.
Finally, the repair service is appalling. I just came back from a search of the web to find out how to get my camera fixed (the LCD screen is flashing on and off intermittently and the Casio digital camera online repair server link does not work). Out of warranty service for Casio digital cameras seems to have a miniumum charge of $250 (see the forums at Steve's digicams for a discussion of this). I thank heaven my camera is still in warranty. But I think my next camera will be a Canon.
Product Description
The simple to use EX-Z60 offers 6.0 megapixel images and a 3x optical zoom packed into a slim body enhanced by rounded edges. The camera features a large, easy-to-see 2.5? LCD monitor as well as the Anti Shake DSP, which along with the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions considerably reduces the incidence of blurred images due to moving subjects or shaky hands, ensuring that beautiful images can be created and enjoyed by anyone. The EX-Z60 comes with many other convenient and user-friendly features, including Easy Mode, a simplified camera menu that helps make taking pictures (still and movie) easier and more fun. The Best Shot button enables convenient, one-touch access to 33 shooting preset modes offering a wide range of camera settings for taking hassle-free photos every time. And not just still photos, you can also shoot movies. Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1.4 seconds Built-in multimode electronic-flash Rapid Flash enables three consecutive, high speed flash photos in only one second / Soft Flash prevents over exposure when taking shots in Macro Records movies at up to 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound (integrated mono mic and speaker) Uses proprietary Casio lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); 180 shots per charge Input/Output Terminals USB / AV connector // USB - USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) Self-timer - 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer Focus Modes - Auto Focus, Macro mode, Pan Focus, Infinity mode, manual focus Exposure Control - Light metering - Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot by CCD / Exposure - Program AE Accepts optional SD or MMC memory cards (we advise buying an optional 256MB or higher for practical use of EX-Z60
Customer Reviews:
A good "take-along" camera.......2007-12-16
I've had this camera for a little less than a year and have had mixed emotions about it. The small size of the camera and the large screen is a huge bonus. It's also very light which makes it easy to bring anywhere; unfortunately it's best for casual snapshots. Unless you are outdoors and it's well lit, you are going to struggle getting photographs. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D40 (dSLR) for my real pictures and have the Casio as back-up "just for fun" camera.
Pros:
-Great battery life
-Huge display screen (2.5 inches!)
-Metal design feels sturdy in your hand
-Small! You don't even notice it in your pocket or purse.
-Best shot settings are helpful when you don't know what settings to use.
Cons:
-No actual viewfinder. Trust me, you need that. If it's even remotely sunny, it's so hard to see the display; therefore making composition, immpossible.
-A lot of noise in low light situations.
-Flash is very harsh, even in the soft setting, giving a lot of pictures the washed-out drunk party picture effect.
Don't get me wrong, I do still love this camera to bring along when I don't want to risk damaging my D40. I just wouldn't solely rely on it.
Fine while it worked........2007-10-20
The camera was reasonable for the first few months I owned it. It took pictures that were about what you'd expect for the price, and were perfectly passable for someone like me who just wants to take shots of memories.
However, less than a year after purchase it will no longer focus and cannot take a recognizable picture. I don't just mean that pictures are blurry, I mean that pictures look like some sort of thermal map from space.
It turns out this is a common problem with the focus mechanism. There are lots of message board posts from other users who ran into the same problem after owning it for a while and Casio will fix it for 150 dollars (practically the price of the camera). My particular camera hasn't been treated roughly or knocked around, and it isn't in constant use. In my opinion, any machine that fragile is defective, but apparently, although it's a known issue, Casio considers it to be an abuse problem.
Don't waste your money. There are plenty of great cameras out there.
Inexpensive anywhere camera.......2007-10-10
Don't expect stunning photos from this camera. It does have a great looking screen, AMAZING video capabilities, and a size that makes you want to take it everywhere. Good for 3x5 prints and for students putting images in facebook and whatnot.
Great First Camera!!!!.......2007-09-24
This camera is everything that I wanted for a first camera. I didn't want anything too professional where I really needed the manual, and nothing too babyish either. This is chic, fits in the palm of hand and great for when i go out and take pics of my friends and family. The LCD size is large which I love!!! And the video is GREAT too!! You will NOT be dissappointed with this camera. I've had it for 2 years now and still no complaints from me!
Great for taking pics on the fly!.......2007-08-24
I bought this camera for my son to take on vacation, but when it arrived, I kept it and made him take the old digital camera! It's small, slim design makes it super easy to toss in a purse of backpack, allowing me the freedowm to take pics almost anytime. (I did purchase a little case for it). It's features are easy to use, but the instruction book is kind of pointless beyond setting it up. Blogs helped me more. The screen is sufficient in size, clear and bright. I do wish it would take more than 3 pics at a time using the fast shutter (like for capturing a golf swing in motion), but for day to day use, it's really perfect.
Product Description
Offering high quality 8.1 megapixel photos, the EX-Z850 includes a 3X optical zoom, and offers both manual aperture and shutter speed priority AE options for advanced users who prefer to create customized images. The impressive 2.5" Super Bright LCD generates approximately 1,200 cd/m2 of luminescent output, making the monitor even easier to view when outdoors. It includes the latest version of the EXILIM Engine, featuring the Anti Shake DSP, which considerably reduces the capture of blurred images due to shaky hands or moving subjects, so you only have to worry about which shots to take, not how they will come out. In response to user's high demand, the EX-Z850's Super Life Battery supports 440 shots per charge, providing convenient, long-lasting usability. The EX-Z850 also includes "Old Photo" Best Shot Mode, which refreshes faded colors of old photos by bringing them back to life in digital format. Additionally, when taking high quality long duration MPEG-4 movies, the EX-Z850 instantaneously reduces camera shake electronically. For movies taken in dimly lit environments, the "built-in" Illumination LED Light provides additional illumination of the subject. Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1.0 second Built-in multimode electronic-flash / White LED illumination light enables both still images and movies to be taken in low light conditions and acts as an AF assist light / Rapid Flash enables three consecutive, high speed flash photos in only one second / High Power Flash compensates for objects to be taken in poorly illuminated areas up to 12.1 meters away Unit Dimensions - 3.50 (W) x 2.30 (H) x. 93 (D) (excluding projections;. 78 at thinnest part) / Unit Weight - Approx. 4.59 oz (excluding battery and accessories)
Customer Reviews:
Great color, ok pictures and HORRIBLE service.......2007-11-18
I had a Canon 3.2MP camera for years and was very pleased with it. However, when the time came for a new camera, I decided to see what else was out there, and decided to buy a Casio... I wish I had stuck with Canon.
In terms of the positives, the color balance is awesome, and just blows my old Canon away. Night pictures are also much better (though still bad by film standards).
However, with the high mega-pixel count you'll pay a price. The apertures in the picture are nasty buggers. I've spoken to a few people about this and they say manufacturers will sacrifice picture quality in order to enhance mega-pixel number for a camera (because that's what sells). Judging by the apertures, I think it's pretty obvious Casio employed that technique.
However, the number one reason you do NOT want to buy a Casio is Casio's "customer service". It is horrible.
While hiking on vacation, I placed this camera in my pocket as I had done dozens of times before with my Canon... and the screen broke. I was hiking up a very steep hill when the screen broke. I think the screen should've been built tougher. Completely ridiculous... and the fact that I couldn't use the camera for the purpose I bought (the vacation) it for still burns me!
I wrote their "customer service" center, and waited for a response, and waited, and waited. They never even bothered to respond to my letter. Not even a boiler-plate form letter. Nothing. I called them and they basically said there's nothing to do but send the item in for repair. To make a long story short, after a couple other missteps I finally got the thing mailed in, repaired, and returned -- all for the wonderful price of about $200... and this whole process took about 6 months (including my waiting for their response).
I am very unimpressed with their customer service and would not recommend buying from Casio, just on the off chance you might have to deal with their "customer service" department.
Great Camera, No Regrets!.......2007-11-16
I bought this camera over a year ago and I have been nothing but pleased. I've never had any problems with its function. It produces some amazing pictures. I've never so much as noticed the battery getting the slightest bit low. I like it so much that I'm shopping for another Exilim to give as a gift right now.
Great little camera, amazing battery life, excellent pic quality .......2007-10-22
yep, mod me down, but after a year of using it, i give this little camera 5 stars, as easily among the best in its class. For what it does, it does very well. I havent had any issues with reliability for the year i have had it, I've dropped it several times onto tile floors and it survived. I carry it with me often, unprotected in my pocket, and it is none the worse for wear. Amazing battery life, too, which has not degraded at all over a year as far as I can tell. Only wish - for a mini USB connector for charging and downloading. The docking/charging station I only use for charges, to download i just pop out the card.
Total Junk! Avoid wasting your money on this camera!.......2007-10-09
This camera stopped working only after 6 months. The optical zoom lense got stuck often. The display screen went blank, and now it is completely useless.
Poor Casio service (and product)!.......2007-09-04
The push button (Casio Exilim Z850) to take shots fell off in 8 months. The service center needs 3 weeks just to get the part. Leaving for Asia in 19 days; called Casio directly for help and was told flat out "if that's what they told you, it's what it is, okay".
I will go back to Canon the next time I am shopping for another camera!
Jane, Saratoga/California
Product Description
At only 3.48 x 2.32 x 0.9 inches in size, weighing in at under 5 ounces, the Casio Exilim EX-Z55 Digital-Camera is a lightweight contender but when it comes to features and stats, it's designed to challenge the heavyweights. Programmed AutoExposure modes Multmode electronic-flash built-in Date and time recorded with image data; auto calendar up to year 2049 Battery life (per charge) - Approximately 400 snapshots (CIPA standard); Continuous recording - approx. 1070 snapshots (3 hr. 30 min.); Continuous playback - approx. 6 hr. 50 min. (still photos) Rapid start-up allows shooting approximately 1.6 seconds after the power is turned on. Business Shot function compensates for photos taken at an angle and records them as though taken from straight ahead. Best Shot allows settings to be chosen by selecting from a collection of sample images. Extended shooting of video with sound can be performed until the memory is full Image Noise Reduction processing makes night scenes more beautiful Auto Macro function enables automatic switching between Macro and AF modes for delightful close-ups Flash Assist function provides exposure compensation for areas not reached by the electronic-flash Icon Guide function uses a pop-up guide to help the user switch settings Voice recording with playback Photostand feature allowing a slideshow of images while the camera sits in its cradle Store special photos or those you don't want others to see in your Favorites folder / Create HTML albums in the camera which can be viewed by Web browsers. Direct-connect with Pictbridge and USB direct print compatible printers
Customer Reviews:
Dreadful after sales support from Casio.......2007-02-21
To be honest when the camera was working it was fantastic. Great features, long batery life, easy to use etc. Then 18 months after purchase it broke. Just will not power up. Casio want $250 + shipping to replace it with a rebuilt one. Bye bye casio
Great camera for my needs.......2006-11-28
I did LOTS of research before finally purchasing the Casio Exilim EXZ55, my first digital camera. I've now owned it for one year and have been extremely happy with the quality, features, and ease of use of this camera.
The Z55 appealed to me for a few reasons. Besides the obvious reason of desiring high-quality photos, I knew that I wanted a camera with a long battery life. I can easily use the camera for an entire day without worrying about the battery running out. For work, I often photograph special events, requiring the camera to be on and ready, and the Casio performs superbly.
The Z55 is amazingly small. I carry it with me in my purse everywhere. Even in a case, the camera is light and compact. It comfortably fits in the back pocket of my jeans, or in a wristlet. It is tiny.
I especially appreciate that the camera starts up very quickly. It doesn't need long in between shots, and is ready to take a photo as soon as it turns on. I find this convenient and have used other cameras in a similar price range with a long lag time between photos.
Overall, this is a great digital camera. I recommend it for people wishing for a simple to use, long battery life, compact camera.
Very handy.......2006-07-04
I have this camera for two years and I am very satisfied. As a point and shoot, this camera is flexible enough to let me fine tune settings to adjust to my scene.
Check out the customer photos to see for yourself.
Lasted 6 months - Horrible Customer Service.......2006-05-05
Great camera, took great pics, everyone loved it. Then one day I went to turn it on and half the screen was black and distorted. The unit was kept in a case and experienced no abuse. I called Casio who said to send it in to an authorized dealer for repair. Six calls and a month later, no repair and a bill for $200 to repair a camera that cost $300 only 6 months from purchase. Neither Casio or the authorized dealer are any help. The LCD display (one of the main reasons for buying) is not covered. As much as I love this camera, I would never buy a Casio again. Terrible customer service and a practically non-existent warranty.
A sweet spot.......2005-12-11
In the game of tennis, there's an area on the face of the racket known as the "sweet spot," where if the ball is hit there it is returned with special power and accuracy. Buying a digital camera is an exercise in compromise, and in the EX-Z55 Casio has found a special balance of features, a digicam sweet spot.
There is no perfect digital camera--it's more like camera X is perfect for situation A, camera Y is perfect for situation B, and camera Z just isn't anywhere near perfect for anything. While we all want perfect pictures, most of us would rather sacrifice some quality for a lower price, a smaller or lighter camera, longer battery life or a larger picture capacity, ease of use, fashion, or whatever. The trick is picking the right compromise. In my case, this includes the compromise between what I want in a camera and what my wife wants, since we just have one. We settled on the Casio EX-Z55 eight months ago, and we aren't sorry.
I like a lot of control over the process of taking a picture, and I don't really get all the control I want in the EX-Z55. It's not a camera that gives you full control over aperature, shutter speed, and film speed. Instead, it relies on its "Best Shot" features, pre-set combinations of such factors. Usually this works pretty good. On our daughter's birthday, I was able to get some nice pictures of her with her birthday cake in the dark, by candlelight alone--using the Best Shot created for this purpose. Unfortunately, there's no Best Shot for sports--for stopping action crisply. The best I could do was set the camera for a very fast film speed (there is limited control over such things). But hey, I was looking for something cheap, and I don't blame the EX-Z55 for not being a professional SLR. I have Best Shot and not full manual control--I'm dealing with it fine, and in some cases my pictures are the better for it. One other feature I miss is the "power winder" setting, that lets me take a series of pictures quickly without lifting my finger from the button. Well, I knew that feature was missing, and if it was something I really needed I would have bought something else.
My wife and technology do not go together. She still needs to ask for help (from me or any grade-school kid) in finding the document on the computer she just saved yesterday (usually named "Document38" or something). This was actually the deciding factor in our choosing the Casio digicam over another brand I had picked out (that gave me more control). My wife needs a camera that she can point and shoot. Amazingly, she gets terrific pictures from this camera just pointing and shooting. We usually leave the camera in Snapshot mode for this reason. What really impresses me, though, is how easy the menu system is for my wife. She occasionally wants to change the flash mode or take a short video clip instead of a picture...and so far she's been able to do what she wanted.
Everything the manufacturer says about this camera above is true; it just works as advertised. The shortcomings of this camera tend to be shortcomings with this TYPE of camera more than with this specific model: It's a small camera, and sometimes when we take pictures, the movement of the camera is reflected in blurry pictures (the camera is not bigger and heavier). It has a built-in flash, and indoor pictures that rely on flash are washed-out or grayish if not close enough (it doesn't have a standalone strobe with its own battery pack). Crop a picture and blow it up to poster size, and quality suffers (no $500 lense, only 5 megapixels). Video is not professional quality (no special microphone, not really a camcorder). And so on. But taken as a cheap point-and-shoot digicam, and it exceeds expectations--because it isn't really JUST a point-and-shoot camera.
I've used this camera to take pictures of colleagues' business cards when I didn't have another way of makins sure I had their contact information. I've used this camera to take pictures of documents to send via e-mail when my scanner was broken. I've used this camera to take pictures of the ancient coins I collect to sell on eBay. I've used this camera to take pictures by birthday candlelight. I've used this camera to take video, and edited that video using Ulead Video Studio 8, and distributed the MPEG result.
My bottom line: This is not the perfect camera--but it's perfect for our family, so I give it 5 stars. It works as advertised, and we haven't wished we would have gotten another model instead. This feature, that feature, yada, yada--at the end of the day we have the pictures we wanted, better pictures that we've been able to get from any of our previous cameras. I still wish I had a more professional camera--but since we're compromising on just one camera for the family, this is a better choice overall.
A note about the Casio brand: I like it. I don't have any experience with their customer relations or service, as I haven't ever had any problems with any of their products until the product was so old I wanted something more up-to-date anyway--so I can't comment on the reviews of Casio service, which I see are unanimously negative here. I've always found their quality:price ratio to my liking.
Product Description
The simple to use EX-Z60 offers 6.0 megapixel images and a 3x optical zoom packed into a slim body enhanced by rounded edges. The camera features a large, easy-to-see 2.5? LCD monitor as well as the Anti Shake DSP, which along with the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions considerably reduces the incidence of blurred images due to moving subjects or shaky hands, ensuring that beautiful images can be created and enjoyed by anyone. The EX-Z60 comes with many other convenient and user-friendly features, including Easy Mode, a simplified camera menu that helps make taking pictures (still and movie) easier and more fun. The Best Shot button enables convenient, one-touch access to 33 shooting preset modes offering a wide range of camera settings for taking hassle-free photos every time. And not just still photos, you can also shoot movies. Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1.4 seconds Built-in multimode electronic-flash Rapid Flash enables three consecutive, high speed flash photos in only one second / Soft Flash prevents over exposure when taking shots in Macro Records movies at up to 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound (integrated mono mic and speaker) Uses proprietary Casio lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); 180 shots per charge Input/Output Terminals USB / AV connector // USB - USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) Self-timer - 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer Focus Modes - Auto Focus, Macro mode, Pan Focus, Infinity mode, manual focus Exposure Control - Light metering - Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot by CCD / Exposure - Program AE Accepts optional SD or MMC memory cards (we advise buying an optional 256MB or higher for practical use of EX-Z60
Customer Reviews:
A good "take-along" camera.......2007-12-16
I've had this camera for a little less than a year and have had mixed emotions about it. The small size of the camera and the large screen is a huge bonus. It's also very light which makes it easy to bring anywhere; unfortunately it's best for casual snapshots. Unless you are outdoors and it's well lit, you are going to struggle getting photographs. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D40 (dSLR) for my real pictures and have the Casio as back-up "just for fun" camera.
Pros:
-Great battery life
-Huge display screen (2.5 inches!)
-Metal design feels sturdy in your hand
-Small! You don't even notice it in your pocket or purse.
-Best shot settings are helpful when you don't know what settings to use.
Cons:
-No actual viewfinder. Trust me, you need that. If it's even remotely sunny, it's so hard to see the display; therefore making composition, immpossible.
-A lot of noise in low light situations.
-Flash is very harsh, even in the soft setting, giving a lot of pictures the washed-out drunk party picture effect.
Don't get me wrong, I do still love this camera to bring along when I don't want to risk damaging my D40. I just wouldn't solely rely on it.
Fine while it worked........2007-10-20
The camera was reasonable for the first few months I owned it. It took pictures that were about what you'd expect for the price, and were perfectly passable for someone like me who just wants to take shots of memories.
However, less than a year after purchase it will no longer focus and cannot take a recognizable picture. I don't just mean that pictures are blurry, I mean that pictures look like some sort of thermal map from space.
It turns out this is a common problem with the focus mechanism. There are lots of message board posts from other users who ran into the same problem after owning it for a while and Casio will fix it for 150 dollars (practically the price of the camera). My particular camera hasn't been treated roughly or knocked around, and it isn't in constant use. In my opinion, any machine that fragile is defective, but apparently, although it's a known issue, Casio considers it to be an abuse problem.
Don't waste your money. There are plenty of great cameras out there.
Inexpensive anywhere camera.......2007-10-10
Don't expect stunning photos from this camera. It does have a great looking screen, AMAZING video capabilities, and a size that makes you want to take it everywhere. Good for 3x5 prints and for students putting images in facebook and whatnot.
Great First Camera!!!!.......2007-09-24
This camera is everything that I wanted for a first camera. I didn't want anything too professional where I really needed the manual, and nothing too babyish either. This is chic, fits in the palm of hand and great for when i go out and take pics of my friends and family. The LCD size is large which I love!!! And the video is GREAT too!! You will NOT be dissappointed with this camera. I've had it for 2 years now and still no complaints from me!
Great for taking pics on the fly!.......2007-08-24
I bought this camera for my son to take on vacation, but when it arrived, I kept it and made him take the old digital camera! It's small, slim design makes it super easy to toss in a purse of backpack, allowing me the freedowm to take pics almost anytime. (I did purchase a little case for it). It's features are easy to use, but the instruction book is kind of pointless beyond setting it up. Blogs helped me more. The screen is sufficient in size, clear and bright. I do wish it would take more than 3 pics at a time using the fast shutter (like for capturing a golf swing in motion), but for day to day use, it's really perfect.