 |
October 6, 2008 |
  |
Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
|
|
by Jon Sienkiewicz |
|
Casio’s EX-Z1050 is a “feel good” camera. The sturdy aluminum body, which is available in blue and pink as well as traditional black and silver, feels good in the hand and solid in the pocket. The large (2.6”) LCD monitor feels good to the eye and allows the camera to achieve the perfect balance between compact size and complete usability.  The entire family can enjoy the Casio EX-Z1050. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
 Part of an extensive series of EXILIM Zoom cameras, the Z1050 offers 10.1-megapixel resolution and a 3X zoom. Built on the second generation of the EXILIM image processing engine, it provides fast start-up and operational speed, and a nifty seven shot-per-second sequential shooting burst function.  Macro autofocus mode makes close-ups easy. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
Of special interest to beginners (and folks who are in a hurry but still want great results) the EX-Z1050 features 38 Best Shot scene modes that cover every shooting situation from Fireworks to Food and from babies to e-bay. It’s a lot like having a professional photographer built right into the camera, controlling the shots.  Quick start-up and fast operation means you won’t miss a shot. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
The 3X zoom lens delivers sharp, high quality images. Lens design includes aspheric elements and top notch construction. And the zooming speed is sufficient so you won’t miss the action while trying to compose. It’s also handy that the lens collapses completely into the camera body, making the entire package flat and pocketsize.  Colors came out rich with correct saturation and wide dynamic range. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
The DSP, or digital signal processor, utilizes what Casio calls “Motion Analysis Technology.” This unique firmware enables electronic Image Stabilization (Anti Shake), and Auto Tracking AF. These two features work in concert to help prevent blurry images even if the subject is moving and the camera is slightly unsteady. This is an important point because most stabilization systems help control camera movement only, and completely disregard subject motion.  The Casio EX-Z1050 is fun and easy to use. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
The camera’s firmware transparently offers other advanced features as well. For example, at normal resolution settings you can capture an image every 1.1 seconds until the memory card is full simply by holding the shutter release down. For special situations like soccer games or other fast action, the EX-Z1050 has a High-speed burst function that can capture seven photos per second at a reduced 2-megapixel resolution. That’s definitely a fun feature, and 2-megapixel is more than enough resolution to yield sharp 4x6 prints. Something new that’s worthwhile
Camera makers sometimes go to great lengths to try to offer something new. The compact digital camera marketplace is crowded, and American consumers demand the latest features. While many manufacturers have fallen flat on their face, Casio has incorporated a feature that everyone can use and enjoy: the Revive Shot function. This special setting gives you the tools to copy old printed photos and restore them to their natural “living color.” Imagine taking this camera along when visiting the family member who’s the “keeper of the family photo archive” (every family has one). With the EX-Z1050 you can copy the printed photos without even removing them from the album.  Autoexposure was right on the money, even in tricky situations like open sky. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
There’s more. Casio has built in a useful assortment of in-camera editing features including Resize and Trimming features that let you change the size of the picture already in the camera or crop the image. There is also and set of color adjustment controls so you can tweak images without a PC.  Composition is easy thanks to optional on-screen gridlines and useful 3X zoom. ©Jon Sienkiewicz
Casio claims that the EX-Z1050 will capture up to 370 images on a single battery charge. That could be. In actual practice the camera captured hundreds of images per session and never once showed power failure. In other words, it was able to handle full days of shooting without the battery ever running out. Recharge time was quick, too.  The Casio EX-Z1050 delivers an impressive and complete set of features at a very attractive price. It’s a fine snapshot camera and a good value.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
© 2002 - 2008 Take Great Pictures |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
