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shutter" function allows you
to emergency skip the auto-focus and take a picture instantly, possibly
saving you from missing a precious moment. On a similar note, the movie
recorder can be configured to include the 5 seconds *before* you press the
record button. "Business shot" can automatically straighten out pictures
of business cards, whiteboards, etc. taken at an angle. You can turn on a
live histogram while composing a shot.
- Casio's accessories, such as batteries and carrying cases, are not *as*
overpriced as they are from most digicam manufacturers.
Con:
- Merely competent image quality; higher ISOs and image stabilization can
result in very noticeable noise
- It's small and solid enough to carry around in your pocket, but for
$400, do you really want to?
- The docking cradle is an extra thing that you have to bring when you
travel. (As far as I can tell there's no way to charge the battery without
the cradle using the equipment in the box; I'm sure they'll sell you
something, though) That stated the cradle is pretty small and light.
- I am a little worried about the LCD screen, which actually juts out
slightly from the camera body. You will want a carrying case.
- The image stabilization is a mysterious function; we know it's digital,
but it's not clear if there is an accelerometer in the camera detecting
and correcting camera shake, or if it's purely a gimmicky after-effect,
like digital zoom, or somewhere in between.
- You can't change the optical zoom level while recording a movie. Also,
the image stabilization does not apply to movies.
- No viewfinder: it would be nice to have the option of saving battery
power by not using the LCD screen.
- The power button is too easily pressed by accident when putting the
camera in a case, etc.
- Some of the "Best Shot" modes have given me worse results than the
default metering; particularly indoors without flash.
- The manual for the camera is in PDF form only, on the included CD. There
is only a bizarre and totally worthless "Basic Reference" printed booklet.
In summary: this is a fantastic little snapshot camera. You probably won't
want to rely on it for artsy-fartsy photos because of its fine, but not
outstanding image quality. But it has a lot of thoughtful touches for the
user, and you should strongly consider it if you're looking for an
ultra-compact camera.
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Broke after 53 days. Warranty NOT honored., March 27, 2006
Reviewer: Jon Douglas
At first I really liked this camera. It was nice and small and took decent
pictures, although everything was white-washed when I used the flash.
After using the camera a total of 4 times in under 2 months, the belt that
operates the extension of the lens slipped off track while I was zooming
in for a shot. I assumed that since the camera came with a one year
warranty, I would be ok. Not so.
Casio wanted to charge me $220.85 in order to put the belt back on track.
They said that since the problem had to do with the lens, it wasn't
covered under warranty. The lens wasn't cracked, I never dropped the
camera, and it was in otherwise perfect condition. I tried explaining this
multiple times whenever I could actually reach someone in customer
service, but they insisted that they didn't have to honor the warranty.
Not only that, but they wouldn't send the camera back to me unless I paid
$8 for the return shipping!
I strongly suggest buying a different brand of camera. I now use a Nikon
that was half the price of the Casio, and it takes great pictures. Not
only that, but I had my Nikon in my flak jacket for two months while in
Iraq and it still works perfectly fine.
In my experience, Casio makes a low quality camera and doesn't honor their
own warranty.
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Cool and convenient!, March 25, 2006
Reviewer: P. Chang
I LOVE my new camera! It can go with me anywhere because it is thin and
light and oh so attractive. It also is easy to use and takes great photos.
The basic functions are well laid out and intuitive to learn but there are
alot of subtle features that take some figuring out. I wish the complete
user manual was actually printed and not provided on a DVD. You may want
to print out the darn thing so you can study it at leisure.
The screen is hard to see in bright sun but that is true of all cameras. I
was also impressed how much I was able to capture using the low light
setting and NO flssh. Am still playing with the "best shot" features and
some of the options like Sepia and Black and White. The nice thing about
that it shows the image with the tint or in black and white.
All in all, I am a happy camper, this camera is all that I need for a long
while!
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Broekn and warranty not honored by Casio, March 19, 2006
Reviewer: Matt in Oakland
We've had this camera for 6 months. We loved it. Then the ring around the
lens popped off after simply turning it on; it could not be reattached.
The machinery inside was exposed. Casio took it back since it was under
warranty, but, after we sent it to them, we were told that the lens ring
was not covered. Even with their warranty in hand that stated everything
(excluding the battery and power cord I believe) is covered, Casio
insisted we pay nearly $200. In addition, we have been waiting 2 months to
get the camera back (we still don't have it). We're so very frustrated. I
would pursue them legally if I could justify the expense and effort. We
are using the only alternative left to us of warning people about Casio's
actions.
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5MP Digital Camera
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