The EX-Z800 is equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens, which has a 35mm equivalent range of 27 - 108mm, and is made up of 6 lenses in 5 groups, including an aspherical lens. This is a retractable lens when powered down, to ensure its protection.

On the top you can see the Auto/Premium Auto mode button for switching between the two settings, the Power On/Off button, and finally the shutter release with the zoom controls mounted around it. In playback mode, the zoom controls toggle the Index and Magnify options.

The only viewfinder on the EX-Z800 is located on the back, which is a 2.7-inch TFT color LCD. This allows you to review files, navigate the menu system, and is also for framing your images or movies. This model has a typical resolution with approx. 230,400 dots. In most lighting conditions this screen is bright enough, however it's possible in direct sunlight it may not be, due to the reflective surface. The EX-Z800 does not offer any brightness adjustments.

Here you see the back controls. In the upper right is the Movie mode shutter release, which is for video recording. This will allow you to start recording video at any exposure setting you choose. Next is the Record mode button, that allows you to easily switch back to Record mode. Moving down the 4-way controller lets you easily navigate menu screens and select images for playback. Pressing "Up" will control the amount of information displayed on the LCD, and "Down" changes the flash mode. The "Set" button accepts menu selections as well as brings up the function shortcut menu. The Play button is next in line, which allow you to browse through your stored pics and video. The last control is the delete button. This also acts as the back button in certain menus.

This is the camera's USB/AV port, which is the only I/O (input/output) port on the camera. This feature will make it easy to transfer images and videos to your Mac/PC using the USB 2.0 (high-speed). This port can also be used for standard definition audio/video output to your TV using the included A/V cables.

The EX-Z800 comes equipped with 14.5MB of internal memory, but that will not get you very far. It will accept SD and SDHC memory cards, like the speedy SanDisk Extreme III 1GB SD memory card shown above. This will allow you to snap and save many more pictures and videos.

This camera is powered by a tiny NP-80 3.7V, 700mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Casio claims the battery is capable of powering the EX-Z800 for up to 280 photos or 2 hours of continuous movie recording, according to Casio. Included is the AC charger which uses a power cord instead of fold-away prongs. It can charge a depleted pack in about 210 minutes.