Casio EX-Z300 Review

Click on the EX-Z300 to take a QTVR tour

Casio has release two new ultra-compact models for 2008, the 10.1 effective megapixel EX-Z300 and the 9.1 effective megapixel EX-Z250. Thanks to Casio's original image processing technologies, these cameras have the ability to capture high-resolution images with reduced noise in pictures taken at high sensitivity levels. This is the result of Casio's pursuit for great image quality, that users expect from cameras with high resolution.

Both models feature a 4x optical zoom lens that covers a 28 to 112mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range. Users can enjoy a wide range of shooting options, from wide angle photography that is convenient when shooting large groups or objects, to telephoto shooting which brings distant subjects a bit closer.

New functions that take advantage of the high-speed EXILIM Engine 3.0 image processor include:

• Handheld night scene: - The cameras can automatically detect night situations where there would normally be camera shake if a tripod wasn't used. Users get clear, bright photographs of both people and night scenes as the camera compensates for camera shake.

• Lighting function: - When blue skies are washed out, or when faces are dark because subjects have their backs to the light, these cameras are able to automatically detect such situations and select just the right balance between light and dark. Washed out and overly dark areas are controlled, allowing for a natural tonal range to be reproduced, so both people and backgrounds are evenly exposed.

• Makeup function: - When users want to smooth facial skin, or reduce the depth of facial shadows in sunlight, etc., they can apply image processing from a relatively low level 1 right through to a high level 12, all the while checking the effect of the processing level chosen in the LCD monitor. The higher-end model EX-Z300 also has a "Makeup button" that allows effects to be applied with one touch.

• Multi-motion: - Just as if multi-exposure had been used, the EX-Z300 (only) can take a series of shots of a moving subject and combine them in a single photo (image size must be set to 3 megapixels.)

Camera shake is compensated for by the mechanical movement of the imaging element in the camera. Of course, both cameras also incorporate Anti Shake DSP, which reduces photo blur due to moving subjects by raising the camera's sensitivity and allowing faster shutter speeds.

The EX-Z300 comes equipped with a high definition movie recording function, which allows beautiful movies with an image size of 1280x720 pixels. They also feature the H.264 video standard, which records beautiful, high-quality movies in highly compressed video files. This standard also utilizes the AAC audio codec widely used in Apple's iPod and other mobile devices.

These cameras also share the same 3.0-inch LCD monitor. The high contrast screen produces sharp, bright images that can be viewed easily from any angle, and the monitor's high brightness means that it can be easily viewed outdoors in bight conditions.

EX-Z300 Zoom Features:

• 10.1-Megapixel effective CCD imager
• 4x "Wide" optical zoom covers 28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent)
• CCD Shift Anti-shake and digital Anti-Shake DSP
• Stylish, durable and light-weight metal body
• 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,400 dots (960x240)
• Face Detection and "Auto Shutter" technologies for sharp portraits
• CCD shift anti-shake system
• 38 "BEST SHOT" scene modes for various shooting situations
• Attach audio memos to still images at capture or later.
• Record MPEG-4 (H.264/AVC) HD movies at 1280x720 (HD, 24fps) or standard 640x480 (STD, 30fps) and 320x240 (LP, 15fps) resolutions
• 9-point autofocus system with selectable AF modes: Multi, Tracking or Spot AF.
• ISO sensitivity from 64 to 3200
• Built-in flash with Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Soft Flash, Red Eye Reduction.
• USB 2.0 (Full-speed) data transfer to PC or Mac computers.
• Li-ion rechargeable battery for up to 300 shots.
• 38.5 Megabytes of internal memory and SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus card slot for memory expansion.

The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z300 s available in black, sliver or pink finish with a suggested retail of US$249.99. The kit ships with a Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, AC power cord, USB cable, AV cable, strap, CD-ROM .

10.1 million

10.34 million

JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant)

MOV format, H.264/AVC, AAC (monaural)

SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard,
MultiMediaCardplus compatible

3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432 (3:2),
3648 x 2048 (16:9), 3072 x 2304,
2304 x 1728, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480

1280 x 720 (HD, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (STD, 30 fps), 320 x 240 (LP, 15 fps)

Approx. 151 shots (Fine) / 286 shots (Normal) / 426 shots (Economy)