Casio EX-Z750 Review

The EX-Z750 uses a 2-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 7 elements in 6 groups with a maximum aperture of F2.8-5.1. It has a 8X 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 9-point auto focus system has options for Spot AF, Multi AF, Free AF, Macro AF, Pan Focus (movie mode only), Infinity and Manual Focus. The EX-Z750 is the first super-compact Exilim model to feature an AF-assist illuminator to aid in accurate focusing in low light conditions.

The auto focus working range is:

Still photos: approx. 15.75" to infinity, macro: 3.94" to 15.75" (W)

Video: approx. 15.75" to infinity, macro: 3.94" to 15.75" (W)

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.

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 2.5-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: To the left of the LCD are the Drive mode and the EX Shortcut buttons. Along the top are two dedicated buttons for Record and Playback modes. The Mode Dial has positions for Snapshot, Best Shot, Manual, Voice Recording, Past Movie, Short Movie, Best Shot Movie and Standard Movie modes (see next page for more details.) The MENU button calls up and dismisses the onsreen menu system. 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. The DISP button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of information that is overlayed on the screen.

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

The EX-Z750 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 speedy SanDisk Ultra II 256MB SD card which 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 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 previous Exilim Zoom cameras, the EX-Z750'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-40 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 1230mA and Casio claims the following battery life: