Casio Exilim EX-Z57

Viewfinder
There is no optical viewfinder on the Casio EX-Z57. This is one of the defining characteristics that sets it apart from its sister, the Z55, but with a 2.7-inch LCD screen, who would want to use the small window?

LCD Screen
The Casio Z57 has one of the largest LCD screens available at 2.7 inches. The black border surrounding the display has the Exilim logo at the top. With 115,200 pixels, the LCD screen is a little short on resolution; the image on the demo model at PMA looked grainy the clarity was compromised. It has a 100 percent field of view, with live histograms available onscreen, as well as an assistance grid display to help users compose the frame using basic photographic concepts (such as the rule of thirds). Two brightness levels are available on the screen as well.

Flash
The oval-shaped flash is built into the front of the Casio Z57. With the following modes, the flash can reach from 0.4m-2.6m (almost 10 ft): Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, and Red-Eye Reduction. The mode selection seems a little short, but the flash intensity can be adjusted from +/-2 in 1/3 steps. This flash doesn’t reach far, so keep subjects close or well-lit in other ways.

Zoom Lens
The Casio EX-Z57 stocks a 3x optical, SMC Pentax zoom lens that extends from the camera body in three segments, equivalent to a 35-105mm zoom in 35mm format. Inside the rim and above the glass is an electronic lens cap that quickly opens and closes when the Exilim is powered on and off. This protects the lens when the camera is off and won’t get lost when the camera is on. The camera packs an extra 4x digital zoom that should be used sparingly, if ever. The Z57 preproduction model at the Photo Marketing Association trade show focused quickly and quietly, which is a plus for this compact digital camera and its automatic users. The Pentax glass lens should be fairly reliable as far as quality goes, but we’ll have to wait to get our hands on a review model for testing to know for sure.