Casio EX-Z120 Review

The EX-Z120 uses a 2-segment lens that provides 3x (38-114mm in 35mm equivalent) optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin camera configuration. This is an all-glass, multicoated lens constructed of 7 elements in 5 groups with a maximum aperture of F2.8-5.1. 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 only takes about 1.5 seconds to extend the lens.

The TTL contrast-detect auto focus system has options for Spot AF, Multi AF, Macro AF, Pan Focus (movie mode only), Infinity and Manual Focus. The auto focus working range is from approx. 15.75" (40cm) to infinity in Normal and from 3.94" to 15.75" (10-40cm) in Macro at Wide angle. It also features an "Auto Macro" function, which automatically switches between Normal and Macro focus modes.

The built-in flash has modes for auto, fill, red-eye reduction and off. The working range is approx. 1.31' to 7.55' (0.4-2.3m) wide angle and 1.31' to 3.94' (0.4-1.2m) telephoto when ISO is set to Auto.

The optical viewfinder has ~85% coverage, the LEDs indicate camera power, flash charging, focus lock, memory error / memory full / battery low conditions. There is no dioptric adjustment.

On the back is a large and bright 2-inch color LCD. This is used for playback review, menu operations and as a 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 two dedicated buttons for Record and Playback modes. The Mode Dial has positions for Snapshot, Best Shot, Easy, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual, Voice Recording and Movie modes (see next page for more details.) The MENU button calls up and dismisses the onsreen menu system. The DISP button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of information that is overlayed on the screen. The 4-way controller lets you easily navigate menu screens or select images for playback, the center SET 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, the center SET button accepts menu selections. In Record mode you push "Up" to enable Macro focus or to enable the Album mode when in Playback. You push "Down" in record to change the flash mode or to delete an image when in Playback.

Located on top are the power on/off and the shutter release/zoom controls.

The EX-Z120 has ~8.3 megabytes of internal memory for saving images and movie clips. It supports use of any size Secure Digital or MultiMedia Card 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 really large 2GB SD card - a 256MB card is the minimum size we would recommend. This is a 7-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 I/O ports are on the side and include a 3V DC jack for an optional AC power adapter. The lower port is a combination USB 1.1 port to connect to your computer for data transfer or for direct connection to a PictBridge enabled photo printer. It also serves as the Audio-Video port for connection to a TV set for display of images and movies.

The EX-Z120 runs on two standard AA batteries; alkaline or high-capacity NiMH rechargeable type. Casio claims the following battery life: