1.8“Features, features, features,” has been the Casio mantra in the digital camera market for a few years now, and with the new Exilim Zoom EX-Z850, they seem to have outdone themselves. The EX-Z850 offers average to high-end specs for an advanced pocket camera – 8 MP imager, 3x optical zoom, a “Super Bright” 2.5-inch LCD – for a suggested retail price of $399.99.
Connectivity Software A CD-ROM is included with Casio’s basic software, Photo Loader and Ulead Movie Wizard SE VCD, which includes drivers and utilities.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs Connections on the Z850 are made through its cradle which has a port for USB 2.0, audio/video output and power for recharging the battery. The kit comes with the cradle, USB cable, A/V cable, AC power cord and special AC adaptor.
Direct Print Options The Z850 is DPOF compliant and can communicate with printers when on its cradle. Battery Consumer electronics companies definitely shine when it comes to the batteries in their digital cameras. The Z850’s “Super Life” lithium-ion battery is rated by CIPA at 440 shots per charge, which is on the more efficient end for digital cameras. We’ll test these capabilities fully in an upcoming review.
Memory The 8 MB of internal memory in the 8 MP camera is so small that it’s almost insulting to include it. I suspect it was included so dealers can show the camera’s capabilities to potential buyers without the risk of inserting an easily-stolen memory card. You should definitely purchase a big SD card if you buy this model, preferably at least 1 GB, since this camera can capture some pretty big files.