Casio Exilim EX-Z57 First Impressions Review

Picture Quality / Size Options
This digital camera has six image sizes for still shots: 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. As you can tell, there are size options in 4:3 and 3:2 aspect ratios, optimizing the camera for the popular size of 4 x 6-inch prints. Each resolution size includes three compression settings: Fine, Normal, and Economy. For example, the Fine mode on the highest 2560 x 1920 size records a 2.2 MB file while the Economy mode records the same resolution in a 1.3 MB JPEG file. At the highest resolution and in the Fine mode, users can capture four pictures to the internal memory. A memory card will definitely be necessary.

Picture Effects Mode
The picture effects are mixed in with the scene modes in the Best Shot menu. Users of the Casio Z57 can shoot in black and white or sepia. Note that on this model, sepia is called Retro and black and white is called Monochrome. These color modes can be switched on and off and act like recording modes, in contrast to the post-recording added color modes that some compact digital cameras utilize. The camera changes everything in view to the selected black and white or sepia, so users can view how their composition will truly look, rather than guessing and adding colors in the editing process.