Casio Exilim EX-Z850 reviewed

Casio's Exilim series may be known largely for its sub-compact form factor, but the latest members of the family still manage to pack in a lot of features. The Exilim EX-Z850, launched earlier this year, includes an 8-megapixel sensor, 3x zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 440-shot battery life and the ability to shoot at sensitivities all the way up to ISO 1600. DPReview took a look at the pocket digicam, and found that it had "much to commend it" to photogs looking for a lightweight with "real photographic control." The reviewer liked the camera's selection of scene modes, accurate white balance, good burst mode -- which even allows a three-shot burst to be taken with the flash on -- and the fast autofocus. Some downsides included murky high-ISO results (hey, at least Casio tried) and poor movie quality. However, that didn't stop the reviewer from giving it a "Recommended" rating, and suggesting it as an ideal lightweight for SLR shooters who want to occasionally leave the pro gear at home.

[Wanker @ Apr 24th 2006 12:04PM]

I have the Casio EX-Z120, and for $200 is just about free! It takes nice photos, has very good build quality and has the manual controls as well. Casio's cameras are under appreciated IMHO! The 850 looks like a nice camera!

[Chris in Red Stick @ Apr 24th 2006 12:36PM]

Why did they feel compelled to give us 8MP and such noisy 1600ISO, plus tying an ultracompact camera to a dock? Such a beautiful product in so many ways, and then these other stupid decisions.

[Michiel @ Apr 24th 2006 1:15PM]

That red carpet picture makes me sick

Here's a more realistic product shot:

http://home.planet.nl/~kemel002/misc/exlim.jpg

Doesn't make it as glamorous I think
And no, I don't know those people, they were stupid enough to put their picture online, so I used it.

[Andy Atkinson @ Apr 24th 2006 4:21PM]

I'd argue the Canon S80 is a better pocketable, while not as small, more features for "pro" shooters like: bracketing, 2nd curtain flash, grid lines, good manual focus, live histogram. DPReview gave it a "Highly Recommended."

[Kyle @ Apr 25th 2006 12:23AM]

I have the precursor to this camera and love it, although I'm not a photog by any means.

Anyways I recommend it :)

[mooney101 @ Apr 26th 2006 1:14AM]

Well this could of been a great camera. Do a search you'll see the movie mode is AWFULL compared to its earlier modle the Casio Exilim EX-Z750. I was looking into this camera but with the movie mode falling way short compared to its earlier version with no way of a firmware fix. Its a no buy. They'll be undating it and releasing a new modle soon, just wait and see.

[Alicia @ May 6th 2006 4:42PM]

Does anyone know if the lens error problems of the 750 were corrected with this model?

[aaron @ Sep 2nd 2006 11:52PM]

I have the camera ex-z850 and love it but I cant play the videos on my mac.
How can I fox it? does any one know?

[faye @ May 31st 2007 11:14PM]

I had for a few months and then the zoom button and the setting button suddenly stopped working. ARGH!!!