Casio Exilim EX-V8

Following the V7, which Casio called the "world’s slimmest digital camera with a 7x optical zoom" is the sophomore edition of its highest optical zoom camera, the Exilim EX-V8. Introduced in August 2007, the Exilim V8 carries the same 7x optical zoom lens but comes with a higher 8.1-megapixel count. Along with the increased resolution comes the addition of a YouTube Capture mode, making this camera not only a digital still camera but a heavily-marketed point-and-shoot video recorder for easy sharing. The Casio Exilim EX-V8 has a price tag of $329.99.

Front (8.0)
The Casio Exilim EX-V8 has an interesting front design that mimics its predecessor, the V7. The V8 front is divided into two main sections, crossed at its horizon to create two halves. The top portion features the built-in, non-extending 7x optical zoom lens on the far right of the camera with the labeled specs: f/6.3-44.1mm 1:3.4-5.3. In lieu of a power button, there is a protective, sliding lens cover that activates the camera automatically. When opened, the lens door exposes the moderately-sized flash in the middle top of the camera.

On the bottom of the camera’s front is the unusually large auto assist lamp, located under the lens. Next to the assist lamp are two stereo microphones to record the subject and surrounding noise. Lining the middle horizon of the camera’s front are the camera’s specifications: "8.1 Mega Pixels Digital Camera EX-V8" In iridescent silver text is the "EXILIM" model name, and in the right hand corner is the tiny engraved "CASIO" tag.

Back (7.75)
Like the majority of Casio’s cameras, the back design is virtually a flatland, with the LCD monitor taking up most of the back space. The camera’s back displays the 2.5-inch LCD screen, surrounded by a black border and marked with an Exilim logo.

To the right of the monitor is the perfectly proportioned control panel. The mode dial and the four-way controller are rounded dials of equal dimensions. Equally uniform are the zoom toggle, playback button, and menu button, all lined up against the LCD screen. The back also includes the audio ports, strangely positioned just about where the thumb should rest.

Right Side (7.5)
The Exilim camera houses the camera battery and memory card on the right side of the camera, under a plastic-hinged compartment door. The side also contains the wrist strap eyelet with two tiny screws underneath.

Left Side (7.5)
The left side of the V8 camera is devoid of any features except two tiny screws to secure the panels of the camera together.

Top (7.75)
The top of the camera doesn’t contain many functions, with the exception of an important one – the shutter. The power switch, most often located on the top, is moved to the front, activated by the sliding lens cover, and the mode dial is transferred to the back controls. The shutter control is a capsule-like plastic button with a weak depression. Also located on the top is a printed description of the camera’s best feature: "7x Optical Zoom."

Bottom (5.0)
A warning label greets new users when handling the camera for the first timel: "Battery becomes warm after long use, and is not a sign of malfunction." Not a good sign when the camera manufacturer includes such an omen. The bottom houses an exposed port that is slightly off-center to match the included dock. All the way at the corner is the tripod socket, aligned at the axis of the lens.

While many point-and-shoots skimp on the tripod material, the V8 includes a metal socket instead of a plastic one to resist wear-and-tear. With the socket flushed to the edge, the attached camera is unstable and crooked.