Casio QV-R4 Review
By: Steve's Digicams

Review posted 10/20/02
 Click on the QV-R4 to take a QuickTime VR tour
Casio introduces two new versatile and compact digital cameras that come with a 3X optical zoom, a high-resolution primary color CCD and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The QV-R4, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera, and the QV-R3, a 3.0 megapixel digital camera measure 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches, making them two of the smallest, lightest and compact digital cameras available in the marketplace today. Both cameras feature a 3X optical zoom lens, which is equivalent to 37 - 111mm (QV-R3), 37.5 - 112.5m (QV-R4) on a 35mm film camera.
The compact configuration of the high-performance QV-R4 and QV-R3 cameras make them perfect for recording those special moments whenever and wherever they happen. A totally new LSI (Large Scale Integration) system provides lightening-fast response of about 0.01 second, which means there is virtually no time lag between the point you press the shutter release and when the image is taken.
A simple, stylish stainless steel body provides both a high level of durability and a feel of quality. Modes are selected using a flat-profile dial, and all function keys are carefully positioned for easy, intuitive operation. Images can be stored on an SD memory card, and the camera also includes 11MB of built-in flash memory that allows recording even when a card is not loaded or when the memory card is full.
Both models will are available now (Oct 2002.) The QV-R4 has a suggested retail price of $499.99 while the QV-R3 retails at $399.99.
Casio QV-R4 Features:
- Ultra-compact configuration that measures a mere 3.5" x 2.3" x 1.2".
- 4-megapixel resolution for images up to 2304x1712 pixels
- 3x optical zoom 37-112mm equivalent in 35mm photography
- Release time lag of approximately 0.01 second (when focus is locked)
- Best Shot Mode for instant setups, the light metering, exposure, saturation, and other settings are configured in an instant.
- Two new innovative features:
Coupling Shot - Makes it possible for two people to be included in the same image, even when they are the only people around. Person A records Person B on one side of the image. A transparent view of the first image remains on the monitor screen so Person B can use it to compose the other side and record Person A. Only the second image is stored in camera memory
Pre-Shot - With this feature you can compose the background you want and record it. A transparent view of the background image remains on the monitor screen so you can ask someone to record you against the background, using the monitor screen image as a guide. Only the second image is stored in camera memory.
- Triple Self-timer records three consecutive shots with a single shutter release button operation. This simplifies the recording of group shots that include the photographer because a single operation gives you a choice of three images from which you can select the one you want.
- World Time and alarm features
- Album function displays using HTML files. The camera generates HTML files that make it possible to view recorded images on your computer screen in an easy-to-use album format using your favorite browser.
- Auto focus lens with low-light focus illuminator
- Multi, Center-weighted or Spot metering
- 320x240 full motion video for up to 30 secs.
- Shutter speeds: 2 - 1/2000 seconds (automatic)
- Still, Movie, Bestshot, Continuous, Night Scene recording modes
- White balance: auto, 4 presets and manual
- 1.6-inch color LCD with 84,960 pixels
- Rechargeable lithium battery pack included
- USB auto connect
- Exif 2.2 Print and Epson PIM II compatible
Physical Views







The Casio QV-R4 and a standard CD for size comparison. |
Casio QV-R4 Specifications
Recording |
Recording Format |
Still |
JPEG (Exit 2.2/DCF/DPOF) | Movie |
AVI (Motion) JPEG | |
Recording Medium |
Internal memory |
11MB | External memory slot |
SD Card/MMC (card optional) | |
Memory Capacity (Internal/64MB SD Card) (SD Card Optional) |
|
Fine |
Normal |
Economy | 2304x1712 |
5/30 |
7/40 |
9/54 | File Size (approx) |
1.8MB |
1.4MB |
1.0MB | 2240x1680 |
5/30 |
7/40 |
9/54 | File Size (approx) |
1.8MB |
1.4MB |
1.0MB | 1600x1200 |
9/53 |
14/79 |
27/154 | File Size (approx) |
1,050kb |
710KB |
370KB | 1280x960 |
14/82 |
22/126 |
39/220 | File Size (approx) |
680KB |
460KB |
250KB | 640x480 |
52/294 |
68/386 |
110/618 | File Size (approx) |
190KB |
140KB |
90KB | Movie |
30 sec/movie | |
Output Image |
Still |
2304x1712, 2240x1680, 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480 | Movie (up to 30 sec) |
320x240 | |
Image deletion |
All images/ single image Image protection function | Camera |
Image element |
1/1.8" Primary Color CCD 4.0 Million Pixels (total), 4.13 (Effective) | |
Lens |
F2.6. - 4.8 Pentax lens F=7.6. - 22.8mm Equivalent to 37.5 to 112.5 on 35mm camera 3x Optical zoom (Digital zoom 3.2x) | |
Focusing mode |
Contrast AF (with focus assist light) / Manual Focus / Infinity Mode / Macro | |
Focus range |
Normal 1.3 ft to infinity (40cm. - inf.) | Macro 5.5 in. to 19.7 in. (14 - 50cm) optical zoom is disabled in macro and fixed at maximum wide angle. | |
Aperture stop |
F2.6, 5.0 | |
Exposure control |
Light Metering |
Multi/Center Weighted/Spot Metering | Exposure |
Program AE/Manual Exposure | Exposure Compensation |
-2.0EV to + 2.0EV in 1/3EV Step | Shutter/Shutter speed |
|
CCD Shutter/Mechanical Shutter 2- 1/2000 | |
White balance |
Auto, Fixed (4 modes)/ Manual switching | Recording mode |
Single image |
Self timer/Movie/Bestshot Continuous/Interval/Night Scene | |
Built-in flash |
System |
Auto/Fill in/Off/Red Eye Reduction | Range |
Approx. 1.3 - 9.2 ft. (0.4m - 2.8m) | |
Others |
Clock and calendar up to 2049 with world time function (162 cities, 32 time zones) Exif 2.2 Print and Epson PIM II compatible | LCD Monitor |
|
1.6" TFT Color LCD (84,960 pixels, 354x240) with white LED backlight | Viewfinder |
|
LCD and coupled real-image viewfinder | Terminals |
Input |
DC-in | |
Output |
USB 1.1 (Mini-B) | Electrical |
System |
Two ways (Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery / AC adapter) | |
Battery |
Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (included) DC in 4.5V | |
Battery Life |
Continuous Recording-Aprrox. 2hr (720 shots) Continuous Playback-Approx. 3hrs. 40 min | Measurement & Weight |
|
90 x 59 x 31 (mm) or 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 (inch) Approx. 200gr (excluding batteries) | Standard Accessories |
|
Camera strap / Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery - Recharger / CD-ROM / USB cable | Specifications are as represented by the manufacturer. |
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.