The Photo Loader is just unnecessary.  Instead of providing beginners with a simple and straightforward interface, the software is cluttered with too many choices and too many tabs and options for what should be a simple matter of connecting and selecting image to copy to computer.  All of this excess becomes even more humorous when you realize that this claustrophobic display isn’t even for editing photographs.  For editing purposes the user will have to switch over to the Photohands program which Macintosh users won’t be able to access, a restriction that could be easily seen as a God-send. 

The Photohands software was apparently designed to be a study in opposites when compared to the unnecessarily complicated Photo Loader layout.  The Photohands software is quite honestly patronizing.  Simply put, any software program which uses pictures of cute animals to represent retouch, rotate, resize, and print should be immediately deleted from your computer.  What was Casio thinking when it deemed it necessary to make the rotate control interface a poorly drawn Koala and the print button what appears to be a Dung Beetle?  Whatever the reason, these absurd and irritating drawings manage to actually complicate and muddle what would otherwise be a simple, easy and logical editing platform for beginners.

Included with the aforementioned software is the owners manual for the camera which can be copied to hard drive for reference on computer or printing.  Manuals should come in a physical form with the camera and there is no real reason besides cost savings for the camera manufacturer to not include one. 

And finally the only pieces of software that come with this camera that aren’t pointless or degrading are the Ulead Movie Wizard SE VCD and Windows Media Player programs.  The Ulead Movie Wizard is a basic video capture device which can be used to import video footage onto a Windows PC.  The Windows Media Player is responsible for playing back the captured video footage following import.

Jacks, ports, plugs
The jacks, ports and plugs for the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 are limited with all available connection points being positioned on the bottom of the camera.  Located at the center point of the camera’s bottom face is a connector which allows the camera to attach to an included USB cradle.  These cradles are quite simply an irritant with poor construction and a knack for being immediately lost due to insignificance and marginal size/weight.  These cradles are unfortunately essential for the user of the EX-Z850 since it connects the camera to AC power adapters for charging, as well as USB and AV ports for transfer of images to viewing monitors or personal computers.  Without this cradle, the user will be unable to charge or view images following capture and while helpful in shaving off weight and size in the war to attain the smallest, lightest, and thinnest point-and-shoot camera, it is otherwise a hindrance and a hassle. 

There are two other ports located on the bottom of the camera underneath a port cover which can be opened by sliding the cover to the right.  This cover, once open, will reveal the rechargeable lithium ion battery slot as well as the SD card slot for the EX-Z850.  The cover opens a bit too easily and it would appear that it could accidentally be jostled open during transport or rough handling.  The hinge which connects the cover to the camera is well-constructed and should be able to handle some rough treatment however.

Direct Print Options
Like most point-and-shoot cameras on the market today the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is capable of direct printing which would enable the user to entirely avoid the debacle of engaging the included software programs.  Connecting the camera to a printer is accomplished by resting the camera in the included USB cradle.  Once set into the cradle, the user can connect the cradle to PictBridge compatible printers. 

Battery
Included with the purchase of the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is a rechargeable lithium ion battery which is housed in a slot located beneath a cover on the bottom of the camera body.  Charging this battery is a bit of a hassle with users needing to lock the camera into the USB cradle that can then be connected to a power outlet via an AC adapter.  Some cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot W30 come with a DC  IN port which enables users to connect the camera directly to wall power and continue to shoot although slightly hindered by their tethered state.  This camera cannot be entered into shooting mode when connected to the USB cradle and users concerned about running low on batteries when shooting would be wise to invest in a second battery.  The addition of a second battery is even more advisable to users who are unwilling to compromise their photos by using the optical viewfinder and saving on power when batteries are low.