Casio Exilim EX-V7

Opinion: Here we go....just a couple of days back i got my CASIO EXILIM EX-V7.
From the first time i saw it announced trough the CASIO newsletter i knew that i must have it.
So i ordered it long time ago...

CASIO typically it is very well build, body of aluminium, the cover is plastic but feels good and also covers the lenses firmly.
Display is bright and have a high resolution, good to see outdoor.
Zooming the inner optical 7x lens is done by pushing a lever up and down with 2 speeds...it takes some time to accomodate but finally is ok.
ISO noise (as seen in other CASIOs) is improved in this model and causes less problems, but still here at ISO 400 up. Use it under 400 and u get excellent pictures with less noise than older CASIO cameras.
The optical stabilizer is kinda noisy when activated (hissing sound), a thing to get used to, but it does the job very well, add the good CASIO Anti Shake DSP and there u go...
BTW, there is a real NOVUM build into this camera: it uses for video recording the H.264 codec (same as APPLE) witch provides better compression with less artefacts at less space needed.And all this at higher resolution as most cameras out there: UIHQ wide 848 × 480
IN STEREO ;-)
The controls of the camera are all on the back , easy to access and to use.Unfortunately CASIO opted to not use the new BAR-System of menu as seen in the Z1000/S770D.....
Picture quality is really improved over past CASIO´s including the so highly prised Z750/850. Bravo CASIO !!!

Finally i can recommend it to anyone who needs a small and pocketable camera with a high zoom range and good picture/movie quality.
A real all-rounder this EX-V7 !!!

;-)

Opinion: Construction:
A mix of metal and plastic (lens slider cover is plastic). I think the tripod mount is metal, nice touch. No creaks anywhere. Battery is clipped in, so it won't fall out if you are taking out your SD card. The black one is sexy, silver is nice as well.

Features:
Aperture/Shutter priority (3 aperture options, exposure time up to 60 secs), Manual mode, infinite steps smooth 7x optical zoom, dynamic range expander, first true IS (CCD shift) camera from casio, 33 Best Shots scene selections. The V7 caters to those who just want a point-and-shoot to those who are after more controls than a pure pns camera.

On the movie side, it records in H.264 with mov extension at max 848x640 30fps resolution with STEREO sound, OPTICAL zoom and IS. that is pretty impressive for an ultra compact camera. the zoom is silent, so the zoom sound does not get recorded into the video like other cameras do.

Image Quality:
This is an ultra compact with a small sensor, so do not expect it to do wonders with regards to noise. ISO 64-100 is quite clean. 200 is a tad noisy. 400 starts to get pretty noisy and has smearing effect. 800 is useless. keeping the aperture wide open seems to yield the sharpest image. the ND filter kicks in at the smallest aperture setting (largest F number), and you'll need a tripod to hold it steady.

Purple fringing is mild in areas of extreme contrast. The camera's noise reduction tends to smoothen pictures, but its not much different from any other ultra compacts. The auto-exposure works very well, and controls highlights quite well without blowing them out.

Colors are not over the top saturated like other cameras, and the saturation can be adjusted if you wish. i find the colors to be quite pleasing.

The flash is on the conservative side, and the power of the flash can be adjusted in the menu. The flash is not very powerful, so do not expect it to light up a room, it will do well for portraits and macros though.

There is notable pin-cushion distortion at full telephoto and mild barrel distortion at full wide.

Ease Of Use:
The camera can be switched on by simply opening the slider, very convenient. It starts up in about 1 sec.

The mode dial on the back of the camera is handy. However, most of the functions such as ISO adjustment, macro, etc, are all buried inside the menu, which makes them inconvenient to access.

The zoom is controlled by a slider at the back of the camera, moving it to more extremes will make the zoom move faster. The IS works well, but a very soft humming-buzzing sound can be felt when its working.

The battery can be charged only be placing the camera on the included cradle. This is quite inconvenient for travellers who want to travel without much accessories. The cradle is also made of acrylic, and might break if subjected to heavy impact.

Value for Money:
It is a camera aimed at both novices and the advanced amateur. There are tons of features thrown in. Great value for money for me.

Opinion: I have published a test (in Spanish) of this camera in the blog of my web.

At the end of the test there is direct link to pictures taken out with this Casio Exilim V7.

Excuse my English bad language, but I use a machine translator in my PC.

V7 is a compact excellent camera, with a well designed optics, the same as the rest of the elements that you/they compose this photographic camera.

It is very governable, with many adjustments, precise in exhibition and focus AF, good colors, and very magnificent results.

In my test I detail what I say on this Casio Exilim V7 well.

Opinion: This is really excellent compact camera. Bestshot modes are saticfaction. Manuel adjusts is good. Price is enough.