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camera. Three important
issues to keep in mind as you shop for this camera or a similarly
ultracompact model:
1. The tiny lens and tiny sensor necessarily limit the sharpness of the
picture. If you shoot at the maximum 5MP and print out at up to 5x7", you
probably won't be disappointed by the sharpness of the picture. However,
as you print larger pictures, you'll see the pictures tend to be softer
and noisier than from larger cameras. This is simply a result of the law
of physics, and it's a trade-off between size and quality.
2. The small camera also means a small, limited-power flash, so your
indoor pictures when the ambient lighting is dim will not come out very
satisfactory. Again, this is entirely due to the small form factor. If you
want to use this camera to shoot a small group of friends at a dinner
party, it's okay. But you should know that as you near the flash range and
go beyond, you'll get horrible-looking pictures.
3. A camera this small makes it very hard to hold it steady. Many people
with tiny cameras like this complain about blurry pictures. This is
because as you press the shutter button, you'll move the camera ever so
slightly. With a larger camera body (e.g., a digital SLR), the much
heavier camera body requires more effort to hold which has the side
benefit of providing a counteracting force to the shutter-pushing force.
Hence, with a small camera like the EX-Z57, you must remember to hold the
camera very steady as you press the shutter.
Whereas the older EX-Z55 had an optical viewfinder, Casio opted to remove
it in order to accommodate the enlarged LCD screen without changing the
overall size of the camera. Yes, the Z55's optical viewfinder was tiny and
hard to use, but at least it was an option -- and looking through the
optical viewfinder instead of at the screen actually helps steady your
shots because you hold the camera close to your body (think the principle
of leverage). Also, when you are really low on battery, switching to
optical viewfinder can squeeze out a few more shots. For a camera purish
like myself, it's a pity that the optical viewfinder is no more on the
Z57, but for most casual photographers (the Exilim's target audience) this
will likely be a non-issue, since they probably would never use the
optical vewfinder to begin with.
In summary, the Z57 provides an unbeatable small form factor yet a
crowd-pleasing huge LCD screen, amazing battery life and very good image
quality (for a camera this size). You can also record movies (albeit only
at a stuttering 15 frames per second) as well as sound. It's very
intuitive to use, and my friends who have the Z55 are all very happy with
it (once I gave them the tip about holding the camera super-steady or on a
tripod to avoid blurs). While I don't have money to buy another digital
camera at the moment, but if I had some extra spare dough, I would
definitely buy this just for the HUGE 2.7" LCD. To a gadget freak like me,
it's priceless to be able to impress my friends with something this cool.
:) _________________________________________________________________
Great Photo Viewer / Horrible Photos , October 17, 2005
Reviewer: Adam L. Stanley "Avid Reader, Critic, and Shopper"
1) CAMERA IS COOL TO HOLD AND SHOW OFF.
however ...
2) PHOTO QUALITY IS ABYSMAL:
When I first got this camera, I was so impressed. I took pictures of
Queen's Day in Amsterdam where the weather was sunny and everyone was
wearing bright orange clothes. The pictures were perfect. Then, I tried
taking pictures at night and they were horrible. I took pictures at
daybreak and sunset using the so called amazing "best shot" setting. most
of the pictures looked grainy and/or blurry.
I kept thinking I was doing something wrong, but the fact of the matter is
this camera takes absolutely horrible photos anytime other than in perfect
light or indoors. Outdoor photos in general are bad unless in direct
sunlight and limited contrast is needed. It seemed like such a cool camera
because of the screen size, but as my vacations memories are not at all
captured well, the camera is about to go back into the closet or Goodwill.
I would recommend people who want to take pictures more frequently than
from noon to 2 pm, primarily of people, buy something else.
The screen size is great for showing off to people when you take a really
great photo, but don't expect this to happen too often. A smaller screen
that takes good pictures would make me a lot happier. I just came back
from Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and I have few
good pictures.
I encourage you to read review on the other sites listed below as these
Amazon posters must have posted the day they got their cameras. Mail comes
during the day, when this camera actually does a good job. I suspect that
if they were polled again, they would probably repeat my review.
One more thing ... While the size makes the camera very cute to use, is
also impacts photo quality. Pictures can come out blury due to camera's
size... must focus on holding camera steady.
HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED.
________________________________________________________________
Great Digital great price!, March 3, 2006
Reviewer: Juancarlos Zuazua Cosio
I've bought different digital cameras, but this one has been the best of
all. If you are looking for a slim camera, BIG LCD, long lasting battery,
and quick photo shooting (not like SONY) the CASIO EXLIM should be your
answer. For the price its a great deal. It has a great flash, most of the
pictures I take are in nightclubs and dark places, and all of them are
very well iluminated. I hope this review helps!
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