Connectivity
Software (2.5)
While the actual camera design is logical and simple for even beginning users, the software is another issue. The Casio Exilim EX-Z850 comes packaged with Photo Loader Ver. 2.3, Photohands Ver.1.0, USB driver B, and Adobe Reader Direct X - all for Windows PC. Macintosh users may be disappointed to find their options reduced to Photo Loader Ver. 1.1 but honestly, don’t be too broken up about it since both Photo Loader and Photohands are programming abominations which this reviewer wouldn’t pawn on his least favorite relatives around the holidays. The Photo Loader is completely unnecessary. Instead of providing beginners with a simple and straightforward interface, the software is cluttered with too many choices, too many tabs, and too many options for what should be a simple matter of connecting and selecting images to copy to the computer. All of this excess becomes even more ridiculous 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.
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 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 as 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.
Included with the aforementioned software is the owner’s manual for the camera which can be copied to hard drive for reference on the computer. Manuals should come in a physical form with the camera. Other than cost effectiveness, there is no justifiable reason for a hard copy of the user manual to be excluded.
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 (5.0)
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 an irritant because of their poor construction and the propensity for the user to lose or damage the cradle because of its marginal size/weight. Unfortunately, these cradles are 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 transferring images to viewing monitors or personal computers. Without this cradle, the user couldn’t charge the battery or view images following capture. While helpful in shaving off weight and size in the war to attain the smallest, lightest, and thinnest point-and-shoot camera, it is 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, reveals 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 seems like it could be jostled open during transport or rough handling. The hinge that connects the cover to the camera is well-constructed and should be able to handle some rough treatment.
Direct Print Options (5.25)
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 avoid the debacle of engaging the included software programs. Connecting the camera to a printer is done by resting the camera in the included USB cradle. Once set into the cradle, the user can connect the cradle to PictBridge compatible printers. The Casio Z850 is DPOF compliant and can create print orders from the playback menu for saving and printing later.
Battery (7.0)
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 simple if the included camera dock is nearby, but could be a hassle on vacation. Some cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot W30 come with a DC-IN port that enables users to connect the camera directly to wall power and continue to shoot, albeit in a 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 to save on power when batteries are low. Unfortunately, the Casio NP-40 battery is expensive; it runs for just under fifty dollars. Still, this battery gets a lot of mileage at a purported 440 shots per charge. This is why Casio calls this a Super Life battery.
Memory (3.5)
The provided memory options for the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 are limited with 8.0 MB of internal flash memory being provided in lieu of a memory card. This is helpful if a memory card is full or left behind and only a few quick low-quality images are needed. Full resolution images, videos, or extended periods of shooting will require the purchase of SD/MMC memory cards that can be inserted into the memory card slot located beneath a cover on the bottom of the camera body. Although some manufacturers have opted to use smaller and smaller memory cards, the SD card is a sturdier option which will be harder to lose and damage when compared to other formats on the market today. Pictures and videos captured on the internal memory can be copied to a memory card and vice versa via the playback menu.
