Casio EX-Z80 Review

The Z80's collapsible zoom lens provides 3x (38-114mm in 35mm equivalent) optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin configuration. This is an all-glass, multicoated lens constructed of 6 elements in 5 groups with a maximum aperture of F3.1-F5.9. 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.

The auto focus system has options for Spot AF (center only), Multi AF (auto selects one of nine AF areas), Tracking AF, Macro Mode, Pan Focus (movie mode only, eliminates the AF motor noises), Infinity Mode and Manual Focus. Unfortunately, the Z80 does not feature an AF-assist illuminator to aid in low light conditions.

The auto focus working range is 1.3 ft (40cm) to infinity, macro: 3.9 - 19.7 in. (10cm - 50cm), varying with zoom position. Manual focus is adjustable from 3.9 in. (10cm) to infinity.

The built-in flash has modes for auto, on, off, red eye reduction and soft Flash. The Normal working range is approx. .33 - 8.53 feet (W), approx. 1.97 - 4.59 feet (T) with ISO set to Auto.

On the back is a large and bright 2.6-inch color LCD. This is used for playback review, menu operations and is the live viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage.

Controls on the back: Top right is the Movie mode shutter release. Below that are the dedicated buttons for Record and Playback modes. 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 Record menu (Metering, EV Shift, White Balance, ISO, Self-timer, Off.) 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 MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu system. The BS button calls up the BestShot scene mode menu.

Located on top is the power on/off and the shutter release with the zoom controls mounted around it. In playback mode they function as the index and magnify options.

The I/O connector in on the right side of the camera and allows connection of the USB (high-speed) cable for downloading to the computer or direct printing to PictBridge compatible printers. Connect the A/V cable if you want to display photos and movies on a TV.

The EX-Z80 has ~12.4 megabytes of internal memory for saving images and movie clips. It supports the use of SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus cards up to 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 OCZ Class 6 4GB SDHC card.

Still image Storage

Movie Storage

The NP-60 lithium battery pack is replenished in the external charger. Charging requires about 90 minutes. This 3.7 volt battery is rated at 720mAh and Casio claims it will power the EX-Z80 for up to 210 shots or 3 hours and 30 minutes of continuous playback.