It’s becoming difficult to up the ante in today’s crowded market for ultra-compact consumer cameras. Just a few months ago Casio introduced the Exilim EX-Z100 and Z200 to the US market (in January of 2008) — a pair of ultra-compact 10-megapixel cameras that come in a variety of colors, a variety of new features and a new 4X optical zoom. The sole difference between the two of them was the Z200′s active CCD anti shake. Given that Casio already offers the 8.1 megapixel Z9 and Z80, where could yet another 8-megapixel Exilim fit in? Read on.
These days, new models even from traditionally innovative manufacturers like Casio generally offer incremental improvements or they offer new combinations of features at ever more attractive prices. It must have been difficult for Casio to offer a new camera, and especially one that does not break new ground with megapixels. The complexity of the task is evident in Casio came up what it calls “the world’s slimmest digital camera with a wide-angle 4X optical zoom.” Given that there aren’t that many 4X optical zooms (most are 3X or 5X) and that most zooms aren’t wide angle (i.e. start at 35mm-equivalent focal length of less than 36mm), that’s not saying all that much.
That doesn’t mean this new Casio is not a remarkable achievement or that there isn’t a place for it in Casio’s lineup. In essence, you get the Z100/200′s very useful 4X zoom in a camera that has a larger LCD display (as of its introduction the largest in any Casio cameras) and includes the Z200′s CCD-shift anti-shake function, and you get it all for US$199 list, quite a bit less than the 10 megapixel Z100/Z200 models.
As far as the display goes, it measures a full three inches diagonally, versus the already generous 2.7 inches of the Z100/200. Resolution stays the same at about 230,000 pixels (959 x 240 pixels). A larger screen is always better, enabling you to better see whether a picture is sharp or not, and making reviewing pictures or slide shows on the camera much more pleasant. The larger display alone would be a good reason to buy this camera.
Casio’s choice of a 28-112mm zoom is also a good one. Your standard 3X zoom has a 36-108mm focal length. This means that the Z150′s zoom won’t get you closer, but it adds wide angle capability at the low end. This means you get more into a picture indoors or when you’re close, and you can still do it without any noticeable distortion. Outdoors, you can get full panoramas. In short, the 4X zoom of this camera adds flexibility.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Be The First To Comment
Related Post
Please Leave Your Comments Below