Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Digital Camera Review

Casio Exilim EX-Z1000

Digital Camera Review

Jul 27, 2006 - By Patrick Singleton
1.7 Casio's parade of metal-clad, ultra-compact snapshot cameras in the Exilim line has culminated in the Exilim EX-Z1000, a 10.1-megapixel mite of a camera. It has a higher pixel count than many professional cameras, but no manual exposure modes and a modest 3x zoom range. With a suggested list price of $399, it's not the cheapest ultra-compact around – that resolution comes at a price. The question is: does 10.1-megapixel resolution benefit pocket-camera users?
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Value (4.5)
We're supposed to be amazed that Casio is releasing a 10.1 megapixel camera with a list price of $399.99. We are amazed, but not in a pleasant way. The Z1000's resolution is pretty much a waste – its image quality simply doesn't justify it. Its lack of manual controls means that users can't shoot carefully with the Z1000. Given its size and interface, the Casio Z1000 should be a snapshot camera. With its durable metal body, wide LCD and several fun features, it can be a nice snapshooter. The problem is that most users won't like coming home from a party or vacation with 2 gigabytes of snapshots, which is what they'll do if they crank the Z1000 up to maximum quality – which is a must – and maximum resolution. And if they don't use the maximum resolution, why should they pay for it?

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A620 - The Canon PowerShot A620 weighs in with 7.1 megapixels – far short of the Casio Z1000's 10.1 rating. Still, either spec is plenty for making even 8 x 10-inch enlargements – something most snapshooters do only rarely. The A620 offers excellent manual controls, a tilting and swinging LCD, and better image quality than the Z1000. The A620 is more boxy than the Z1000, but it is still pretty small. Selling for under $250 online, the A620 ought to give pause to the prospective Casio buyer.


 
Nikon Coolpix S6 - The Nikon Coolpix S6 has a 6-megapixel sensor, much smaller than the Z1000, but with significantly better image quality. Because its lens is internal, rather than telescoping, the S6 is much better-sealed against dust and moisture than the Z1000. The S6's 3-inch LCD is bigger than the Z1000's elongated 2.8-inch unit. The S6 also has WiFi connectivity, for convenient downloads. Selling for about $300 online, the S6 is small and stylish, like the Z1000. It features Nikon's face-priority autofocus and in-camera red-eye repair, both of which are more useful than Casio's keystone repair.

 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 - The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is an 8-megapixel point-and-shoot that sells for a bit more than $300 online. Although 8 megapixels is significantly less than the Z1000's 10.1, it's really enough. The W100 has better image quality, with better noise and dynamic range scores than the Z1000. The Sony W100 also has much better manual controls.
 




Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The EX-Z1000 is a point-and-shoot camera, but it costs more than some comparable cameras, because of its high resolution. On the other hand, the metal body and simple automatic operation should appeal to casual users.

Budget Consumers - The EX-Z1000 comes at a premium. Budget buyers should look for a cheaper alternative, perhaps with good manual controls. There are many models that will yield superior image quality at a lower price.

Gadget Freaks - Most gadget freaks want more than high resolution, and the EX-Z1000 has some nice in-camera editing options, but nothing technologically revolutionary.
 
Manual Control Freaks - Without a manual mode, the Z1000 isn't a fit for this group.
 
Pros/Serious Amateurs - The Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 won’t satisfy this group. It lacks controls and image quality, though the metal casing and large LCD might be appealing.
Connectivity / Extras Page 10 of 13 Conclusion
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