Casio Exilim EX-Z850 Digital Camera Review

Focus
Auto Focus (5.5)
The auto focus for the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 can be left in full auto mode or adjusted slightly to the preset offerings of macro or infinity focus. There is also a pan focus option only available in the movie mode. The focus settings are accessed by pressing the up arrow on the four-way control. A small macro-tulip icon is the indication that focal control is available. Focus adjustments take a second or so to engage when shifting depths. Dramatic and slight and appropriate focusing depths were achieved most of the time when relying solely on the AF setting. In addition to these auto focus control parameters, users of the Z850 will find that they can manipulate the focus areas of the camera through a sub-menu located within the Record menu. This sub-menu lets users select between settings for spot, multi and free AF focal modes. The contrast detection auto focus system can focus as close as 3.94-19.69 inches in the macro mode and 15.75 inches to infinity normally. For shots in low light, the camera sends out an auto focus assist beam from the front to help the camera achieve focus.

Manual Focus (2.0)
The Casio Exilim EX-Z850 does have a manual focus control which is accessed by pressing the up arrow on the four-way control.  When engaged, the manual focus control will display the MF icon in the upper right corner along with the word “FOCUS” in the lower left along with “ < ” and “ > ” arrows that indicate the potential directionality with which the user can manipulate focal length.  Additionally, a sliding scale with full focal range and currently selected fousing depth will be displayed horizontally along the bottom edge of the LCD screen.  When in manual focus mode, a yellow square will fill the center of the LCD, and when either the left or right arrow is engaged this frame will switch to a full-screen zoom view for the user to make adjustments. This crop-and-zoom focusing display will switch back into standard viewing mode after a few seconds of non-activity or when the shutter is depressed slightly.  Making adjustments to focus was actually a breeze, and although digital focusing is still a long cry from a true physical focusing ring, the resulting focus on captured images should be more than satisfactory.  With this easy to use and understand interface, even beginning users should feel comfortable using this manual control. The only drawback to the manual focus mode was the poor resolution of the LCD screen.   

Metering (7.0)
Metering modes can be controlled when shooting with the Exilim EX-Z850 by entering the Quality menu and selecting the metering sub-menu. The three options provided with the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 allow for selection of spot, center-weighted and multi metering. Spot metering, while stuttering and a bit slow in its adjustments, did prove reliable at altering scenes as the camera was tested with backlit subjects, interior/exterior shooting transitions and spot-lit subjects. The center-weighted and multi-metering modes reacted competently and users should be able to adjust metering options and  appropriately adjust to varying lighting situations. 

Exposure (7.0)
The exposure parameter for the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is located within the Quality menu which opens when the Menu button is engaged. It’s a bit surprising to not find the exposure compensation scale listed within the broader menu structure, the EX shortcut or as an externally accessed control like focus, flash and shooting mode. When opened, the EV Shift sub-menu displays a cropped live view frame on the right side. On the left side of the LCD screen is a numerical EV setting which can be shifted by pressing the up and down arrows of the four-way controller. The EV scale for this camera is +/-2 EV in 1/3-stop increments.  Although the listing within the overall menu structure makes accessing this control a bit more time-consuming, the Casio emphasis on simple interface and a live preview make the novice and the more advanced point-and-shooter feel comfortable with this manual control.

When shooting in either shutter or aperture priority modes, the user will note that the exposure compensation scale is displayed on the LCD screen. Adjustments to its settings are done by pressing the Set button at the center of the four-way controller following proper adjustments to either shutter or aperture levels. The exposure compensation range and settings in these two modes are identical to those found in other shooting modes.

White Balance (7.0)
The white balance settings for the Exilim EX-Z850 are located within the same Quality menu that contains the ISO settings. The white balance options can be opened by selecting the set button while the white balance sub-menu is highlighted. The white balance sub-menu display provides users with a vertically scrolling menu of icons on the left side of the LCD while the right side is reserved for live preview. The inclusion of live preview throughout this camera’s menu structure is exceptionally advantageous. While users may not recognize which white balance goes with which scene, the live preview will quickly inform users as to an appropriate white balance preset or custom adjustment. Icons are problematic at times and it would be nice to have a textual description in addition to the icon and live preview to provide beginners with more insight into the actual parameters of each white balance mode. 

White balance settings for the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 are: Auto, Full manual, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Day white, Daylight and Tungsten. White balance settings can also be accessed through the EX button shortcut feature located on the transition plane between the LCD screen and the left side of the camera. The white balance sub-menu is displayed as a small tab on the bottom edge of the LCD.

ISO (6.25)
The ISO settings can be set by entering the Quality menu which can be opened by pressing the menu button. It is also possible to access ISO through the EX button shortcut control located to the left of the LCD. The ISO settings for this digital camera are Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400. The ISO settings can be accessed in full manual, auto, and some scene modes. Although noise will increase dramatically as higher ISO levels are used, the truncated range of the Exilim EX-Z850 pales in comparison in terms of versatility to cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 or the Olympus Stylus 720 SW which extend their sensitivity up to ISO 1600 for the same price. The inclusion of High Sensitivity and Anti Shake shooting modes within the Best Shot preset section will enable the camera to shoot at a top ISO level up to 1600, albeit, with diminished manual control elsewhere.

Shutter Speed (7.0)
Shutter speeds can be manually altered on the Casio Z850. The shutter speed priority mode can be entered by switching the mode dial to the “S” position. Shutter speed can also be altered in the manual mode when simultaneous control over the aperture is desired. The shutter speed for the camera is displayed in the lower right corner of the LCD screen once the shutter speed priority mode is entered.  Shutter speeds are easy to adjust with the left and right arrows of the four-way controller and users shouldn’t find engaging this manual control to be a difficult enterprise.  The manual shutter speed range of the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is 1/1600th to 60 seconds.  The aperture priority mode limits the slower end to only 1 second, while the automatic shutter speed range truncates the range to go only as slow as a half-second. With specs like these, users should never use the auto mode to shoot in low light.  

Aperture (6.5)
Aperture is also manually controllable when shooting with the Casio Exilim EX-Z850. This is a great addition for both manual control enthusiasts and users who are considering transitioning away from a fully automatic shooting format. The aperture scale for this digital camera enables settings from f/7.4 to f/2.8 in either aperture priority or manual shooting modes. Like shutter speed, the aperture settings are listed in the lower left corner of the LCD screen and can be reset by pressing the left and right arrows. If switching between shutter, aperture and exposure compensation settings, the user will merely need to press the Set button at the center of the four-way controller to move between modes. In the automatic modes, the aperture can shrink a bit smaller to f/8.

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