Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1

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By Ellis Benton
Apr 17, 2008

Launching a 6-megapixel "bridge" camera (one that sits between compacts and dSLRs) is a brave move for Casio, especially now that 10-megapixel dSLRs can be bought for less than half that. But the hefty EX-F1 has much to be proud of, from a stabilized 12x zoom lens to record-breaking high-speed modes that can shoot at a mind-boggling 1,200 frames per second for video capture.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.co.uk. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Upside

The EX-F1 is capable of shooting up to 60fps at full 6-megapixel resolution.
(click for larger image)

Anyone who's ever missed a great photo waiting for the camera to autofocus or flash systems to make up their minds knows the importance of high-speed shooting. Casio's Exilim EX-F1 takes it to the extreme, capable of capturing up to 60 full-resolution shots in a second (about 30 times more than most cameras). Even in the dark, the F1 hardly slows down, thanks to a pop-up flash that can unleash a lightning strobe of seven flashes a second--great for indoor portraits.

Image quality from the 12x lens is pretty good, full of rich colors and bright exposure, although lacking the crisp detail you get from dSLRs. What does match are the choice and competence of its manual and creative modes, from easy-to-use aperture and shutter priority exposure to tracking autofocus and digital tweaks.

Its movie modes are special, too. It captures full-HD (1,920 x 1,080-pixel) movies at a glidingly smooth 60fps (frames per second) to rival dedicated movie cameras--plus you get an HDMI port for hi-def playback (with optional cable).

Flick the movie mode selector (it has a separate shutter release so it's always ready to go) to High Speed and welcome to a surreal new world. With shutter rates from 300fps (512 x 284 pixel) to 1,200fps (336 x 96 pixel), you can shoot jaw-dropping slow-motion movies where water swirling in a glass or pigeons taking flight becomes hypnotic art-house classics. Whether you find this a cool gimmick or genuinely useful will probably depend on how often you fire bullets at eggs or track down hummingbirds.

Downside

While you get tons of features with the F1, you also get a big lump of a camera. At 700g, this Casio is much heavier and bulkier than many budget SLRs--and remember, there's no swapping out that 12x lens. Although the shooter is stabilized (both optically and digitally), it's not as efficient as the best systems, say, from Panasonic and Canon. You won't want to use high ISOs to keep things sharp either, as anything over ISO 400 adds pretty unpleasant grainy noise.

For a camera that's so fast on the shutter, the controls can feel sluggish--especially the lazy zoom, which takes seconds to move between wide angle and telephoto. A simple clickwheel selector next to the 2.8-inch screen helps, although the flickering EVF is no substitute for an SLR's optical viewfinder.

And as exciting and innovative as the ultra-high-speed CMOS sensor is, many will balk at the idea of paying for a 6-megapixel shooter these days--especially now when 12-megapixel resolutions and above are becoming the standard.

Outlook

Casio has made a brave new camera. With its ultra high-speed stills and movie shooting, anyone who snaps primarily sports, wildlife or parties should put the Casio Exilim EX-F1 at the top of their shopping list. But that's a pretty specialized bunch, and with its inflated waistline (and a price tag to match), this undeniably impressive camera may prove to be a bridge too far.