Casio Exilim EX-Z57 First Impressions Review

Connectivity
Software – Casio’s Photo Loader software allows automatic transfer of images to a PC at the touch of a button on the included USB cradle.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs - The Casio Exilim EX-Z57 has a USB cradle jack on the bottom of the camera that connects to the included camera dock. The dock has a DC in jack and a USB port that works for A/V out cables as well. The cradle is designed to streamline image transfer to computers and printers, and can also recharge the battery while performing these functions.

Direct Print Options – The Z57 is PictBridge compatible and prints with the touch of a button from the included camera dock. This digital camera has a Motion Print option for printing movie clips; the final product looks like an index print that could be made into a flipbook.

Memory
The Casio EX-Z57 has 9.3 MB of internal memory and a slot for SD or MMC cards on the bottom of the camera. The 'optional' card will not be an option once four pictures at full resolution have taken up the internal memory.

Other Features
Self-Timer – The timer on the Z57 offers more options than most cameras. It can capture the photograph either 2 or 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed. There is also a triple self-timer feature that takes three pictures consecutively, so users don’t have to reset the timer when someone blinks in the portrait.

Live Histograms – The Casio Z57 displays live histograms and image file information when the DISP button is pushed, providing a breakdown of the tonal values in the exposure.

Alarm – There are three alarms available that work just like a cell phone alarm – but cooler. When the designated time arrives, the camera displays an image of your choosing along with a recorded message of your making.

Sleep Mode – Within the setup menu, users can choose the length of time the camera goes untouched before it falls asleep. This saves precious battery life for taking the pictures.

Long Battery Life – Not that the Z57 really needs to save battery life anyway - One of its best selling points is its long lasting battery life. The Casio Z57 has the same long life of the Z55, but the Z57 has a larger 2.7-inch LCD screen. Both Exilims can get about 400 shots from a single charge of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery.