Casio Exilim EX-Z1000

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By Damian Koh, CNET Asia
Jun 19, 2006

The Exilim EX-Z1000 was introduced at a time when we all thought the megapixel race was over. It is like calling a truce only to unleash another image resolution war. If you intend to take pictures at the maximum resolution (which could be the main reason you are buying this camera), you'd better invest in a high-capacity memory card. One grouse we have, though, is the nearly unusable ISO 3,200 setting in replacement for optical image stabilization.

Editors' note:

Casio has released the firmware version 1.01 which supposedly fixes a problem that could cause incorrect color reproduction with pictures taken in overcast weather and poorly lit outdoor conditions. Our review is based on the camera with this updated firmware.

Design
The Exilim EX-Z1000 is a looker and should strike a chord with fashion-conscious folks. Decked with rounded corners, the 10.1-megapixel camera is a joy to hold while the matte surface reduces the occurrence of fingerprints--though we can't say the same for its 2.8-inch LCD monitor.

What you get on the back of this Exilim are basic controls which include Menu, Best Shot, Playback, Record, Display keys and a directional pad. Like its brethren, you won't find a dedicated movie-recording button on this shooter. Instead, you'll have to go into the Best Shot menu to take a video.

By leaving only the essential functions on the rear of the camera, it contributes to a "cleaner" look. Though these keys can be miniscule, they provide a nice tactile feedback which we like.

Powering up the camera will push the 3x optical zoom lens almost 2.7cm out of the chassis. Nothing to worry about, but if you prefer internal zooming glasses you'd be better off with models like Nikon's Coolpix S5 and S6. The good news is there's considerably less chance for your finger to encroach into your pictures, especially when it wraps near the lens when holding the camera.

We're nitpicking, but we'd really like to see an on-camera connector (and DC-in) so we can do without the cradle on our trips. To bring the docking station along in an already brimming suitcase is just plain torture.

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