The EX-Z750 is the top of the line Exilim model from Casio that includes many of the features found on previous models like the EX-Z57, but adds a more resolute 7-megapixel imager, handy rotating mode dial, focus-assist lamp, and brings back the optical viewfinder. This "ultra-compact" digicam is about the size of a deck of cards, and is packed with features that are usually found on larger and more expensive models. It offers a wide variety of exposure modes; the automatic Snapshot and Scene modes for the beginner and the Aperture Priority, Shutter-speed Priority and Manual modes to satisfy the more experienced photographer.

The Z750's ergonomics are good. The controls are well placed and functional, and changing menu settings is very easy thanks to the user-friendly menu system. The durable aluminum alloy body has a well-built feeling to it, and the camera is large enough to make one-handed shooting a breeze. The large 2.5-inch color LCD covers most of the back, the menu text is bigger than normal and therefore more legible. We found it worked great outdoors, although it would benefit from an anti-reflective coating - this is when the optical viewfinder comes in handy. When shooting indoors the monitor does not "gain up", which can make it difficult to use in low-light conditions.

Shooting performance was robust. From power up to first image captured averaged 1.8 seconds, which confirms Casio's claim of extremely fast start-up times. This is pretty amazing when you consider it has to extend the lens and boot up. The all important shutter lag is almost non-existent when pre-focused and only 1/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot-to-shot delay averaged just under 1.6 seconds without the use of the flash and 2.0 seconds with the flash. The camera has three Continuous modes (Normal, Multi, and Zoom). In Normal mode I was able to capture 5 frames in approx. 4.8 seconds. Multi continuous mode captured 25 frames in 1.3 seconds and saved them as a single 1600x1200 image. The Zoom mode isn't really a sequential capture mode, rather it displays a framing guide on the LCD and when you press the shutter, it records the image inside of the guide, digitally zoomed to twice the normal size. Our tests were done using a high-speed 512MB SD card, Large/Fine quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, media, camera settings, etc.

You can record MPEG-4 movie clips at 640x480 (30fps) with audio. The length of these movies is limited only by available memory. These clips can also be recorded using the unique BestShot and Short Movie modes. They allow you to capture more creative clips. Overall our movie samples were sharp and showed an average amount of compression artifacts. Like so many other digicams, the microphone is extremely sensitive to wind noise. When viewing our movie sample, it sounds as if the wind is blowing very hard, when actually it was quite calm with just a slight breeze.

I was pleased with the overall image quality when using 7-megapixel Fine mode. Note however that the average file size for those images is about four and a half Megabytes, so buying a larger SD card is a necessity. Just like the other cameras we've used that employ Sony's 7-megapixel imager, the EX-Z750 captures sharp images with excellent color balance. Our sample images were well exposed with beautiful sky and cloud detail. I noticed very little noise in the high/low (bright/shadow) contrast areas, and there were very few instances of Chromatic Aberration (purple fringing around extreme highlights.) The 3x optical zoom lens covers a 35mm equivalent range of 38-114mm and has an 8x digital zoom feature. We discourage the use of the digital zoom as it degrades image quality, you'll achieve better results by cropping later in an image editor - with 7-megapixels there's plenty of resolution to work with. We saw moderate barrel distortion at full wide angle but little to no pin cushioning at full telephoto. The zoom mechanism was smooth and quiet as it moved from wide angle to telephoto.

Indoors, our flash portraits were sharp, well exposed and the skin tones appeared very natural. When shooting in low-ambient lighting, the camera does an excellent job of focusing thanks to the inclusion of a focus-assist lamp. However, your indoor picture taking will be limited by its maximum flash range of about 9.5 feet. Although, we did find it was sufficient for most interior photography. This limited range will pose some problems when trying to illuminate large rooms or groups of people.

Power is supplied by a proprietary lithium battery that's charged in-camera whenever the camera is placed in the included docking cradle. Casio claims that the NP-40 3.7v 1230 mAh battery pack will allow you to capture up to 325 shots (following CIPA Standards.) We had no problems capturing all of our sample photos (about 95 images) and concluding our other tests and still had power to spare. As always, we recommend the purchase of a second battery - keep it charged and handy, there's nothing more aggravating than missing a photo opt due to a dead battery. The EX-Z750 only has 8.3MB of internal memory, so you will need to purchase a larger SD card. Currently a high-speed 512MB SD card can be had for $70 or less and will serve you well.

Bottom line - Casio has put together another great digital package. It offers superb image quality, speedy performance and a large LCD packaged in a durable metal body that fits into most pockets or handbags. Just make sure you keep your indoor subjects close to ensure they are illuminated by the flash. The 7-megapixel Fine images have plenty of resolution to create photo-quality 13x19-inch or larger prints. With a street price of around $449, we feel it offers an excellent value for a camera in this class. Be sure to check our other reviews of other similar 7-megapixel digicams like the Canon SD500 or Sony P150.