| Likes |
- $999 price is less expensive than other slow-motion cameras
- Full resolution at 60 fps
- External mic jack
- Hot shoe
- Standard RAW format |
| Dislikes |
- $999 is pricier than other ultra-zoom cameras
- Mono speaker
- Longest menus ever
- Only electronic image stabilization in Movie mode |
Conclusion
Have you ever watched a long movie and felt like you were left hanging at the end? I’m sorry if this review leaves you feeling that way. The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1’s hottest features are ones that couldn’t be fully evaluated on the show floor. The pre-production model shown at the Consumer Electronics Show wasn’t fully functional: unfortunately, many of the burst and movie features weren’t working. And some features simply can’t be appreciated in the camera: high definition video, for instance.
I can come to a few solid conclusions, though. The Casio EX-F1 is the hottest digital camera at CES. The 60 fps Burst mode is enough to make any photographer lust after this camera. And many consumers search for the perfect camera to carry in place of hauling around a digital camera and camcorder. The EX-F1 just might be that camera. The 6-megapixel camera will reach a wide market with its 12x ultra-zoom functionality and serious camcorder-like high-definition and high-speed Movie mode.
The EX-F1 comes in a surprisingly sturdy body and has solid components; Casio didn’t take shortcuts on this camera. It has a hot shoe and external microphone jack, proving it is a serious contender in the hybrid category. The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 comes at a $999 price and will be available in late spring 2008. It is still in development and we look forward to seeing more functionality in a few weeks at the Photo Marketing Association Trade Show in late January 2008. Stay tuned for more on the EX-F1.
