The EX-S500 uses a 3-segment lens that provides 3x (38-114mm equivalent) optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin camera configuration. This is an all-glass, multicoated lens constructed of 6 elements in 5 groups with a maximum aperture of F2.7-F5.2. It has a 4X digital zoom option. The lens retracts fully inside of the camera when powered down and is protected by a built in lens cover. On power up it takes less than a second to extend the lens.

The auto focus system has options for Spot AF (center only), Multi AF (auto selects one of nine AF areas), Free AF, Macro AF, Pan Focus (movie mode only, eliminates the AF motor noises), Infinity and Manual Focus. The EX-S500 features an AF-assist illuminator to aid in accurate focusing in low light conditions.

The built-in flash has modes for auto, fill, red-eye reduction and off. The working range is approx. 0.4 - 2.9 m (1.3 - 9.5 ft) in wide angle and 0.4 to 1.6 m (1.5 to 5.2 ft) in telephoto. ISO set to Auto.

On the back is a large and bright 2.2-inch color LCD. This is used for playback review, menu operations and is the live viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage. The surface is coated with a shiny clear plastic which can make it difficult to use outdoors, indoors it is simply marvelous. All camera makers should use anti-glare and fingerprint resistant coatings on the LCD screens!

Controls on the back: Along the top are dedicated buttons for Record and Playback modes and a movie mode shutter release. In the upper right are the zoom lens controls which function as index and magnify buttons in review mode. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu system. The 4-way controller lets you easily navigate menu screens or select images for playback, the center button accepts menu selections. You can program the "Left" and "Right" actions in the Setup menu to change Rec mode, EV comp, ISO speed, Self-timer or White Balance. In Record mode you push "Up" to change the display modes on the LCD. You push "Down" to change the flash mode or to delete an image when in Playback. The BS button calls up the BestShot scene mode menu.

Located on top is the power on/off button and the shutter release.

The EX-S500 has ~8.3 megabytes of internal memory for saving images and movie clips. It supports use of any size Secure Digital card (up to 2GB) via the expansion slot on the bottom. Image data can be copied to/from internal memory and a flash card via the Playback menu.

Shown here with a speedy SanDisk Ultra II 512MB SD card which is the minimum size we would recommend. (We also tested the S500 with a Sandisk Extreme III 1GB and Ultra II 2GB). This is a 5-megapixel camera that makes BIG images, movies will consume a lot of space too - see the next page for the storage requirements of the movie mode.

The camera is placed in the included docking cradle to connect to your computer via the high speed USB 2.0 port for data transfer. It also charges the battery whenever the camera is docked. Unlike most Exilim Zooms, the EX-S500's dock has an Audio-Video port to connect it to a TV set for display of images and movies. Or connect it to a DVD-recorder to record and share your movies with others.

The proprietary NP-20 lithium battery pack is charged whenever the camera is docked in the cradle. A fully discharged battery can be replenished in about two hours. This 3.7 volt battery is rated at 700mA and Casio claims the following battery life: