Value (4.0)
Customers considering the Casio EX-Z75 are most likely looking for a little style with a small price tag. While the Exilim EX-Z75 camera satisfies both of those requirements, it’s still hard to justify paying $200 for a mediocre camera. Each generation of a camera should offer something new, but the EX-Z75 has limited upgrades from the previous model. The Casio EX-Z75 seems to lag behind other cameras at the same price point with better and newer features like face detection and higher ISO ranges. If photo quality isn’t as imperative as looking good, then the Casio EX-Z75 may satisfy, but won’t impress.
Comparisons
Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 – Consumers looking at the Casio EX-Z75 may be tempted by the slightly pricier Z1050, introduced at the same time. The Z1050 is priced at $269.99, reduced from the original introductory price of $299.99. With the Z1050, users will gain a higher megapixel count and slightly higher resolution LCD screen. The Z1050 touts 10.1 megapixels versus its 7.2-megapixel kid sister, the EX-Z75. Both cameras are fitted with 2.6-inch LCD screens. The Casio Z1050 has a burst rate of 7 fps at a 2-megapixel resolution and Auto Tracking AF. Of course, the Z1050 does come with a higher price tag.
GE G1 – At the same price point of $199.99, the Casio EX-Z75 and GE G1 share the same basic specs of 7 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The Casio EX-Z75 has a slightly bigger 2.6-inch, 153,600-pixel LCD versus the G1’s 2.5-inch, 114,960-pixel monitor. The GE camera has a broader sensitivity range, up to 1600 ISO versus the max ISO setting of 800 ISO on the Casio camera. The GE G1 has face detection technology and a built-in panorama stitching function that the Casio camera lacks. As the new kid on the block, the GE G1 will attract those who know they want a 7-megapixel camera and are close to a participating local retailer. Impulse buying will lead GE customers to purchase the G1 camera from the Home Shopping Network, Sears, and Kmart, which offers similarly-colored cameras in black, white, navy, and blue.
Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd – The Fuji Z5fd is a contender in the $200-category. While the 6-megapixel CCD carries a smaller megapixel count than the 7.2-megapixel Casio EX-Z75, both cameras come with a 3x optical zoom lens and comparably-sized LCD screens – the Fuji at 2.5 inches and 230,000 pixels and the Casio at 2.6 inches and 114,960 pixels. With the Z5fd, users will gain face detection technology, IR simple technology for wireless photo transfer, and a sensitivity range of up to 1600 ISO. For these upgrades, though, consumers will have to pay a $229 introductory price, roughly $30 more than the Casio camera. The Fuji camera also includes a Blog mode, similar to the Casio eBay mode. Offered in trendy silver, wine red, and chocolate brown, the Fuji Z5fd is a serious competitor of the Casio EX-Z75.
Nikon Coolpix S200 – The Nikon S300 and Casio EX-Z75 share similar basic specifications. The Nikon S200 has a 7.1-megapixel count and 2.5-inch, 153,000 pixel LCD monitor versus Casio’s 7.2-megapixel count and 2.6-inch, 114,960 pixel screen. Both possess a 3x optical zoom lens. At a higher introductory price of $249.95, users of the Nikon S200 will gain some benefits, including face priority technology and wide 16:9 panoramic shooting.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 - The Sony Cyber-shot W55 and the Casio Exilim EX-Z75 share many similarities, including the 7.2 megapixel count, 3x optical zoom, and price tag of $199.99. The two cameras vary by monitor resolution, but share the same size LCD. The Cyber-shot has a 2.6-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD screen, versus the EX-Z75’s 2.6-inch, 114,960-pixel screen. The Sony doesn’t come with nearly as many shooting presets, with a limited seven Scene modes versus the generous 34 scene modes in the Casio model. The Sony camera, however, boasts a sensitivity range up to 1000 ISO versus the limited 800 ISO maximum on the Casio EX-Z75. The Sony W55 also comes in a variety of fashionable colors: black, silver, pink, and blue.
Who’s this Camera For?
Point-and-Shooters - The Casio EX-Z75 is geared for the point-and-shooter who wants to look good, too. With restricted manual controls and plenty of preset Scene modes to choose from, beginners will appreciate the automatic functions and style of the camera.
Budget Consumers – At a manufacturer-reduced price of $199, the Casio EX-Z75 is on the more affordable side. Thrifty shoppers can still find cameras are closer to $100 if they’re looking to save money.
Gadget Freaks – The techies won’t be waiting in line for this camera. While the plethora of Scene modes is a nice addition, there aren’t many other attention-grabbing features to get gadget lovers panting over this camera.
Manual Control Freaks – Consumers looking for a point-and-shoot with manual control options should look elsewhere. While the Casio EX-Z75 carries the standard point-and-shoot control options, the camera still lacks the manual functions of more advanced compact cameras or SLRs.
Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professionals wouldn’t even give the Casio EX-Z75 a second look. Serious photographers would really be in the market for a camera that can give them more manual flexibility that Casio cameras, in general, don’t offer.
