Casio Exilim EX-Z3

Opinion: what I like:

+small camera;
+many features (for this class): histogram, manual ISO-settings (50-200), manual focus
+min. shutter is 2s and not 1s (but in night-mode 1s, choose next mode: fireworks),
+macro mode is OK
+battery indicator

what I don´t like:

-poor image quality: pics are not sharp; too much noise
-autmatic white balance is horrible (always orange);
-hotpixels if using 1s or 2s shutter
-no manual aperture setting possible
-poor movie quality
-menus are not intuitively to use

Conclusion:
some useful features; small, with good body; but pictures quality is only for requirementless users.

Opinion: This camera has an uncommonly specialised purpose in my world, being used by my partner, who is severely vision impaired, almost exclusively to obtain botanical reference material that's shot 95% in extreme close-up. For this purpose, the camera is tailor made for her with its large LCD, excellent macro mode, and almost negligible weight since she has to walk most places. The macro capability is extraordinarily good, IF one manages to get a good copy, and can sometimes manage to embarrass my 10D with a high grade macro lens fitted (especially with shots taken hand-held out of necessity). Wide angle seems to be the problem. At full (or nearly) WA, the first one had a badly misfocused region 1/4 way up the frame and extending across most of it horizontally. The second has an equally badly blurred vertical strip down the left side, and another one I managed to test was just plain atrocious in pretty well every part of the frame. The current one will be going back to the Australian distributor at the end of our wildflower season, and staying there till they get it right. It's excellent at the centre, and that's what counts for the moment. If it weren't for this remarkable macro performance I would have to have given it only 2 stars overall for image quality. It rates close to 5 at the centre, 4 across the full frame at half-zoom to full tele, but only about 1 down the left side for wide-angle shots (especially of infinity subjects).

Am I being a bit harsh as regards image quality or value? I don't think so *at the price*. It must be remembered that you can get somewhat larger cameras with the same resolution and optical zoom at half the price of the EX-Z3. And if we're paying a hefty premium for miniaturisation then part of the deal is that image quality should not be getting compromised in the process. When the 4 Mp versions of this and its Pentax sibling were announced, it gave me hope that the lens problems had settled down and that both manufacturers saw this complex lens assembly as viable for future production. Sadly, the Imaging-Resource review of the Optio S4 proves otherwise. Dave is being way too forgiving as regards the edge focus problem.

If we could get a copy as good as the one used in the DPReview test, we'd be laughing. As it stands, lens quality is just too much of a lottery. Pentax and Casio really need to either smarten up their tolerancing, or else abandon this lens assembly concept if these cameras are to continue being marketed at their relatively high price point. The Canon S400 eats it for image quality out to the edges of the frame, and we would have gone for this in an instant if it had a bigger LCD and a decent macro mode.

The instant EV compensation and live histogram are a huge plus in a camera of this class! Likewise the AF speed and operational speed overall. AF remains excellent in low light, though colour/luminance noise could stand a lot of improvement in that situation.

While I acknowledge that it might be a bit cumbersome for frequent travelers, I cannot speak highly enough in praise of the docking cradle for ready, everyday use. Quick and convenient, no dangling leads to fool with, and the camera is always ready to just grab on the way out of the house, fully charged. Battery life is outstanding, too. But you need to budget for a 128 MB card or two as the inbuilt storage is next to useless.

Why, oh why aren't manufacturers giving us more manual options (just aperture priority would be fine) in this class of camera? They're getting good enough to warrant it.

Opinion: a great cam. maybe not for the professional, but it's perfect for all-day use/snapshots. small, fast and cool.

Opinion: had the camera for about 4-5 months and I'm quite satisfied

- size is great! fits easily in my jeans front pocket and thus easy to carry around everywhere i go. Construction is VERY STURDY for a device this small.

- zoom lens is a must. I use it a LOT and have a hard time picturing the utility of the non-Zoom version of the exilim (or, for that matter, other ultra-compact digital cameras)

- the 2" LCD is a hit - it's really bright and creates some energy esp. at social gatherings

- lots of little bells & whistles (calendar feature, various "best shots", etc.)

- the 30sec movies are surprisingly useful.

Opinion: Spent 5 days at Disneyworld. Using this camera was a breeze. I loved how quickly you can take a picture and then set up for the next picture. I was worred that it had
3.2 megapixels, but found the 8 x 10 prints as good a my
higher pixel camera. Kept it on my belt just like a telephone. The construction was excellent, and found the pentax zoom lens setup excellent as well. I loved using it.

Opinion: Ok. il have to say that this camera will produce good/sharp images in daylight but i notised much softness in corners and too much noise in night or low-light :( someone say that he really wanted to like this camera. i agree that. its small and good looking and produces good images in daylight. but i had to return it couse of softness and that anoying noise.. i dont really recomend this to person who wants good qulity in all conditions.

Opinion: This is a fantastic camera, I spent many months trying to decide between the opptio s and the casio z3 and finally bought the z3. It is absolutly great! the build is very robust and solid. the lcd is amazing, pictures are very sharp and i get a long life from the battery. i wouldnt think twice about buying it again!

Opinion: This camera is Great! It has it's own dock & extremely easy to get these on your PC - just press a button. It is pretty small & has plenty of features & is easy to use. The main selling point for me was that the LCD screen is 2 inches - it's huge! It takes great pictures for me - I am not a phographer, so I don't need extremely exquisite pictures. If you want that in a camera, you will need to look at something else.
A great buy & would definately recommend if you are looking for a very small, lightweight camera to keep in your pocket.

Opinion: A great little camera with a large LCD. Give very good photos. Bit mean, at this price level, not to give a basic case. Highly recommended except for battery problem below.