Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z850 and EX-Z60 digital cameras

More pre-PMA goods for ya'll. This time it's two new compact shooters in the form of the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z850 and EX-Z60. First the Z850 (pictured) which is pretty much the Z750 with an incremental bump to 8.1 megapixels, an improved shutter lag of just 0.003 seconds, and inclusion of a much needed anti-shake DSP. Otherwise, it's the same 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD we've seen before. The 6 megapixel EX-Z60 does away with the glass viewfinder on the Z850 yet fails to increase the LCD beyond 2.5-inches or lens beyond a 3x zoom in attempts to keep the all-metal package slim. Even though it's small, Casio claims to keep out the blur with image stabilization and near instant image recording via that low 0.002 seconds shutter release lag. Both cameras feature SD expansion. Still no word on pricing or availability. Z60 snaps after the break.

[Thanks, Khuram]

Casio EX-Z60

[Eric @ Feb 21st 2006 9:48AM]

The combination of 8 megapixels, image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a full set of manual controls might be enough to get me to buy one. But it's a shame that they couldn't put a 28-mm lens and a 5x optical zoom on the camera. I'd be willing to put up with a little more thickness and a higher price in return for that.

[sas @ Feb 21st 2006 10:06AM]

actually i have the z750 and all it does is give me lens error problems...i lost the reciept so im stuck with the darn thing...wackkkkkk

[Portray Davies @ Feb 21st 2006 10:36AM]

I have the z750 and all of its snapshots are intensely saturated. It's quite annoying. Make sure to check some sample pics if you're thinking of buying the camera. I would suppose the next models would have the same processing...

[Guido @ Feb 21st 2006 10:58AM]

#2 Sas:
I've had it for three months, and althought the lens stuck midway a few times, the Lens error never appeared further than that. I just turn it off, turn it on, turn it off, turn it on, and it's all good.

#3 Portray Davies:
Err, reduce the saturation level? There's a configuration for that in the Quality menu, you know?

[Jeff Long @ Feb 21st 2006 11:17AM]

I have the EX-Z750 as well... you have to realize when you buy this camera that it's an ultracompact, way smaller than most cameras, so of course you can expect a better image from a bigger camera, but for the size of the EX-Z750 the quality is great. I have seen the lense error twice, once when my niece turned it on with her finger over the lense, and once at random, but I'd already forgotten about that. The saturation is adjustable, but I don't find it overpowering at all at the normal setting. The quality of the lcd isn't that great, so you have to get used to pictures coming out better than you think they would based on the lcd. The video is exceptional for such a small camera also, definitely a favorite feature. Anyways, I'm happy to hear about the EX-Z850, and if I ever lose the z750 maybe I'll pick one up.

[Julian @ Feb 21st 2006 11:18AM]

I also have the z750 and I would have to say I hope the 850 improves the flash...otherwise if you take care of the camera, you should have great results with this ultra-compact...I have yet to get the lens error...I disabled the startup features so I doubt I ever will.

[cntzero @ Feb 21st 2006 5:56PM]

Have had the Z750 for about 4 months now. Perfect for what it is meant for..... good pics, 30fps movies and it disappears in your pocket. Never had the lense error and errr duh... the saturation issue is easy to correct. Cons? For me there are none for this super compact camera. I love the all metal heft and feel of the camera.

[azhar @ Feb 21st 2006 7:16PM]

well...z850 do have improvement with its flash..but overall,there is onli a lil improvement from z750..i might as well settle with z750..its price should be cut down atleast 30 bucks i guess

[Naruto28 @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:53PM]

The z750 saturation issue was somewhat corrected with new firmware. If you have version 1.0 (check version by holding the Menu button when powering on), then grab the latest firmware from casio's site. I believe it's 1.02 now. Although it's not listed in the release notes, version 1.01 and above have toned down the saturation a bit.

[Raj @ Mar 16th 2006 8:51AM]

Hi, I am planning to buy a Digital Camera. Had decided to go for Canon IXUS 750 but have heard that Casio has recently launched a new model. Look wise it looks good...

Any Suggestion ?? Which one would be better .. Canon Ixus750 or Casio Ex850

Cheers..

[Rick @ Mar 24th 2006 3:33PM]

Just received my new Z850 with the "LENS ERROR" right out of the box. What a POS.... You would think Casio would have this problem under control before releasing a newer model camera and introducing the same problems. Guess I will return this junk and purchase another brand.

[Vicky @ Apr 6th 2006 8:19AM]

I was thinking of buying a CAsio XL-Z850 but have seen all the comments on bad movie quality. I have written Casio 3 times but they have yet to tell me what they are doing about it. May have to settle for XL-Z750 although I really want the 850. Advice?
Thanks, V

[George @ Apr 24th 2006 2:16AM]

Casio Exilim z 750. When you turn on your casio exilim and get an lens error. All you have to do is just turn it off and then back on. Stop complaining about the camera. In my opinion. I think it is one of the easiest and best shot taking in the market. ive seen cannon, sony and pentax. None of them are better than the casio. The camera does say lens error sometimes but it goes away just by turning off and on the camera. How hard can that be. Ive taken pictures at night time and the day. This camera alows you to change the best shot setting and the ISO for night time pictures. Many people dont know how to use the camera so the bad mouth it without knowing how to use it. If you want a good camera that is realy good. Get the casio exilim z750 or the new that has 8.1 mega pixels. The camera is the best out there. Trust me

[George @ Apr 24th 2006 2:21AM]

I forgot to metion, The video quality is very good. The image quality for the Exilim Z750 is excellent. I would like to get the new 8.1 mega pixel but im guessing that its just slightly better. 7.2 to 8.1 is not much different do to the fact that i am not going to print posters.

[Cliff @ May 1st 2006 12:19PM]

I have the EX-Z750 and the zoom just stopped working yesterday. Also, the SET button no longer functions. I've purchased three (3) Exlim cameras so far (2 for gifts) and this now has me worried about the quality of an otherwise nice camera.

[Rice @ May 20th 2006 5:42PM]

When you turn on your casio exilim and get an lens error. All you have to do is just turn it off and then back on. Stop complaining about the camera

That's not quite true, that may indeed be YOUR experience but not MY experience - I've had my Z750 since it was first released. It was my first jump away from Canon Powershot line for the manual controls. I get MANY MANY lens errors from this camera, turning off and on does nothing, you have to gentle apply pressure as the lens extends (you hear a small pop) and then it's right as rain for a bit.

However the lens error happens too frequently - and at the worst possible times; like on the Star Ferry in Hong Kong, or when trying to capture a street scene. So it's not just the annoyance - I've really lost pics.

Additionaly I had a failure with this camera with the SD card - for some reason it corrupted it - I had to get recovery software to get the photos back. I've never had this happen on another camera.

I just bought the Canon Sd700 and will never go back to Casio. The fact they released a new model with the same problem is bad.

I don't feel comfortable selling this on e-bay (as it's crap) so I guess I'll keep it for the manual controls to do some long exposures every once in a blue moon.