Casio has again set the standard for the ultra-compact class. The Exilim EX-S100 is by far the smallest zoom-coupled camera on the market (as of 9/2004.) It's amazing that there's a high-resolution 3.2-meagapixel imager, 2.8x optical zoom lens, rechargeable battery and a large 2-inch color LCD all packed in its credit card-sized, stylish and durable metal body.

As with almost all of the Exilim series cameras, we were pleased with the ergonomics of the EX-S100. The user controls are minimal, well placed, and your fingers fall naturally over them. The menu system is logically organized and easy to navigate. This camera features a large 2.0-inch LCD which is used for framing shots, reviews captured images and navigating the menu system. It is the only viewfinder found on this camera. Outdoors it works very well, with minimal angles that reflect the sun. I had no problems using it, even in the extremely bright Florida sun. When using it indoors, it "gains up" to help further brighten you subject, which is crucial for framing. This is a key feature considering there is no optical viewfinder.

Not only is it small, but the EX-S100 is quite the performer! Power up to first image captured measured approx. 1.5 seconds. Shutter lag, the time from depressing the shutter release and capturing the image, was almost non-existent when pre-focused and only 1/10 of a second including autofocus. When shooting in SnapShot mode the shot-to-shot delay averaged approx. 1 second without the flash and 2 seconds with the flash. It does not offer a continuos mode, but I don't suspect many users will be using this type of camera to capture fast moving objects. All tests were done using a Sandisk Ultra II 256MB SD card, SnapShot mode, Large/Fine size/quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

Its 2.8x optical zoom lens produced good results throughout its range. It's not the sharpest lens but considering its incredibly diminutive size it does a good job. It covers approx. 36 - 102mm (in 35mm equivalence), which gives you flexibility in composing your shots. At 36mm, you have sufficient range for group portraits, and its 102mm telephoto range will help bring distant subjects closer. As I mentioned above, its not the sharpest lens, this might have to do with it using a transparent ceramic element. This is the first lens we have seen to use this, so we won't make any assumptions until we have seen more cameras using this system.

The overall image quality when using 3-megapixel (2048x1536) Fine mode was good. Our outdoor images were well exposed and colors were nicely saturated. However, I did noticed an average amount of noise in high and low contrast areas, especially when using higher ISO speeds. Indoors it also performs well. I found that the cameras autofocus system works good in low-ambient lighting, although it would benefit from a focus-assist lamp. Its flash has sufficient range for most indoor situations, and we had very little occurrence of red-eye when using the red-eye reduction mode. When shooting in Macro mode, the flash also does a good job of "throttling down" to ensure you do not over-expose your subject.

Another "cool" feature on this camera (and the EX-Z55) was the Business card and White board Best Shot scene modes. These modes allow you to capture images at an angle, then correct the images in-camera to make the perspective as if you had shot the picture dead on to the subject. This may not be used much for making prints, but it is useful when you want to take a snap shot of someone's business card or the black board at school, then later correct the image so you can retrieve the information on it.

The NP-20 rechargeable battery was an excellent match for the camera, it's small but more than able to supply power for about 540 pictures (according to Casio.) This is a lithium polymer type battery pack, so you can slip the camera into the docking cradle and recharge it whenever you like without shortening its service life. Another benefit of lithium batteries is they hold a charge longer than the NiMH type which are prone to "air discharge" even when not being used. The downside is that this is a proprietary battery and the only one that can power the camera. If it dies then your picture taking is over until it's recharged. We recommend purchasing at least one spare and keep it charged at all times. Thankfully the NP-20 batteries only cost about $30 so a spare won't set you back very much.

Bottom line - You couldn't ask for a more "pocketable" and durable digicam. It's stylish and built like a tank, so don't hesitate to take this silver beauty anywhere that you go short of getting it wet. And when you walk in a room and pull this bad boy out, you're sure to have everyone flock over to check it out. It's very easy to use -- just turn it on, point it at the subject and press the shutter button - that's it. If you feel like getting a little more creative, simply select one of the Best Shot scene modes that best suits your shooting environment. With all of this I'd have to say Casio has put together a very nice digital package, all for just $399! If you'd like more resolution and don't mind compromising a (very) little in size, then check out our review of the 5-megapixel EX-Z55, which can be had for about $50 more.