The QV-5700 features a fast F2-F2.5 Canon optical 3x zoom lens, F=7-21mm (equivalent to 34-102mm on 35mm camera). Eight high-performance aspherical lenses in seven groups produce images of outstanding contrast and amazingly realistic detail.

The autofocus system works from 30 cm to infinity in normal mode or using the maco mode the coverage is from 6cm to 20cm (W) - 50cm (T).   To aid in dim lighting there is a focus assist illuminator with coverage out to 2.5m.

The lens is threaded to accept the Casio LU-35A lens adapter for 58mm conversion adapters and filters. You can use the Canon TC-DC58 tele converter, WC-DC58 wide converter or Close-up Lens 250D 58mm. Also shown is the Casio WR-3C wired remote control.

The eyelevel real-image zoom viewfinder has dioptric adjustment and two LEDs to indicate the status of the focus and flash systems. The frame coverage is approx. 85%.

The built in flash has Auto, Fill, Red-eye reduction and Slow-synch modes (Front - curtain or Rear - curtain) or can be disabled. The working range is from 0.5m to 4m. Using the camera's menu you can alter the output level of the flash between Strong, Normal or Weak.

There are also menu options for the flash sync speed, Fast (1/125 sec), Normal (1/60 sec) or Slow (1/30 sec). The QV-5700 is also equipped with a standard PC type sync port for connecting external flash units.

On top are dual dials for changing the Exposure Mode and/or the Drive Mode without need of a menu. The exposure modes are: Manual, Shutter speed priority, Aperture priority, Program AE, Automatic and BestShot scene. The drive modes are: AE Bracketing, Continuous, Single, Movie and Panorama.

The data LCD is NOT illuminated and I will continue to "pick" on the manufacturers until this becomes a standard. We do use these cameras in the dark and it would be nice to see the data display in these conditions.

Also on top is the shutter release with the power/function switch around it. Turning the switch powers up the camera in record or play mode. The Selector dial is used to change the settings of various functions such as the focus mode, metering mode, white balance preset, shutter speeds, aperture values and other parameters.

Left of the color LCD on the back are buttons for selecting the metering mode, white balance value, focus mode and AE-Lock. The AE-L button also serves as the image Delete button in playback mode.

The MENU button (not visible) is to right and above the optical viewfinder, it calls up or dismisses the onscreen menu system. To the right of the color LCD is the 4-way selector which is used to navigate menu screens and to select images during playback. Above the 4-way selector is the zoom lens control, it also functions to magnify the image during playback and enable the index (thumbnail) mode. The PREVIEW button displays the last picture recorded while still in Record mode. It will only function after you have taken a picture since the camera was powered up. The DISP button controls the amount of data overlayed on the LCD as well as turning it on and off.

The I/O ports are on the left side:

The Digital port is for connecting the optional WR-3C remote shutter release.

Video Out port with selectable for NTSC or PAL formats.

The high-speed USB port is for downloading image data to the host computer.

The DC IN port is for AC power adapter or external battery pack.

Standard PC type external flash sync port.

You can see from this picture that the tripod socket is poorly placed at the extreme end of the camera. We complain when it blocks the battery door but it really needs to be centrally located. Any camera with a panorama function should have its tripod socket located as close as possible to the lens' nodal point.