Casio Exilim EX-V8

Connectivity
Software (5.25)
The Casio V8 comes with two CD-ROMs with five programs, including the heavily-marketed YouTube Uploader for Casio software. When the V8 was announced, Casio claimed the companion software would enable users to upload their movies to the popular video site in just two easy steps. Well, it took more than two steps to set up the so-called automatic system.

The camera lacks a USB port and must be connected to a computer via a dock. After realizing this and reviewing the manual guide, users will realize they can’t literally upload directly from the camera since it doesn’t have Wi-Fi like competing cameras. Users must first use the cradle as the middle man between the camera and the computer. Users can’t directly connect the camera to the computer without the middle man, meaning users must carry the dock around if trying to upload on the go.

The user must select the movie in Playback mode, then hit a separate, non-discreet looking "USB" button on the dock. The computer then draws up a bland, but simple to read Uploader prompt to enter your YouTube account settings, privacy settings, and fields for title and tags. Like an e-mail account, the Uploader allows users to save login information so you don’t have to repeatedly enter in your YouTube password.

Once the initial setup is complete, YouTube automatically launches, and users can proceed as normal on the YouTube site for editing, remixing, and almost immediate viewing.

The initial setup wasn’t grueling, but it wasn’t easy. Once set up, the YouTube Uploader may be useful and simplify the uploading processing, but only if the user has their camera dock and is by their computer. Because of those restrictions, users are more likely to avoid the Casio YouTube Uploader and simply upload directly to the site.

If users don’t like YouTube editing, the camera box also includes two video editing programs, Movie Wizard 3.2 SE VCD and VideoStudio 10 Plus for Casio (trial version).

For still image editing, the box includes Photo Loader with HOT ALBUM 3.1, which transfers photos from the camera to the computer with browser management options. Additionally, there is a Photo Transport 1.0 to transfer images from the computer to the camera so the camera can be used as a digital photo viewer.

While the Casio V8 comes with a healthy dose of programs, the software requires a setup time that short-attention-spanned YouTube members won’t appreciate. The software is effective but spread across multiple programs, when users usually prefer one simple interface to manage all photos and videos.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
The Exilim EX-V8 only has one port for the included dock accessory, so users looking for a separate USB port will be disappointed to find there isn’t one. This is fine as long as users don’t lose the dock, which is required to upload all photos and videos to the computer. The dock has a DC-in port for power, USB port for computer and printer connection, and an AV-out port for viewing images on the television.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The V8 is a PictBridge-compatible camera, and allows users to prepare images for print within the camera. Users can select the number of prints, from 1 to 99, after editing photos with the camera’s built-in effects. There isn’t a dedicated print button, but users can easily access the DPOF options using the menu system.

Battery (4.75)
The Casio V8 accepts a rechargeable lithium-ion (NP-50) battery that looks like a thick stick of gum. With a flat, lightweight design, the battery keeps the camera portable. While some point-and-shoots accept more convenient AA batteries, lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer before needing to be charged. The battery promises 240 photos per charge.

Memory (3.75)
The Casio Exilim V8 has 11.8 MB of internal memory that can save approximately two shots on Fine compression. Users will most certainly need to buy an external memory card. The V8 accepts SD, SDHC, MMC, and MMC plus media.

Other Features (5.25)
Face Recognition – Casio expanded its facial recognition technology with this model. Most face detection systems on point-and-shoots auto focus and auto expose faces. Casio’s face recognition updates that concept by allowing users to program specific faces into the camera so the camera will prioritizes those faces for focus and exposure. It’s a good idea, but the updated Casio face recognition system is limited. The camera has trouble recognizing a programmed face (called Family First) if the facial expression and position isn’t like the pictured face at the time of programming. Aside from the iffy Family First function, overall face detection for auto exposure and auto focus was otherwise effective.

eBay Mode – Before there was the kitchy YouTube mode, there was Casio eBay mode. Both functions do essentially the same thing – record at reduced resolution optimized for the Web. The eBay mode takes photos at a lower 2-megapixel resolution. It’s a gimmick, but effective for eBay junkies.