Casio Exilim G EX-G1 hands-on
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 4th 2010 9:30AM
posted January 4th 2010 9:30AM
Casio's Exlim G EX-G1 certainly managed to turn a few heads when it was announced back in November, with it introducing a new angular design to complement its status as the "world's thinnest shock-resistant camera." Add to that the promise of being freezeproof, waterproof and dustproof, and you just know this is one we had to check out first hand. As we're happy to report, the $299 Exlim G definitely feels solid and substantial from the moment you pull it from its packaging, although all that shock-proofing and weather-proofing does come with a few minor inconveniences compared to a standard point-and-shoot. The first of those is that the battery compartment requires a special tool and some pretty nimble fingers to open and, secondly, the two extra side protectors that provide even more ruggedness require that you first remove some very tiny screws from the camera and then attach the protector with some slightly longer screws (Casio thankfully provides a few spares). Once you've got things set, however, the camera should easily survive life in a pocket or backpack during even your most arduous travels -- and take some decent pictures and YouTube-ready video, to boot.
Be sure to check out the gallery below for our extensive hands-on look at the camera, and check back later for some sample shots and additional impressions once we've had a chance to really put the Exilim G through its paces.
Be sure to check out the gallery below for our extensive hands-on look at the camera, and check back later for some sample shots and additional impressions once we've had a chance to really put the Exilim G through its paces.
They're not doing anyone any favors by dumbing it down to "YouTube Capture Mode".
@Jeff
YouTube has 1080p video now so they could dumb it up to high def.
@Jeff
"Definitely feels solid and substantial from the moment you pull it from its..."
@(Unverified)
I'm just saying that sooner or later, people are going to have to learn what H.264 means and how these things work.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for sexy here, but did the really need to make it look so bulky? I understand it needs to have more mass to be able to withstand the abuse it was made for, but it seems to me you could do that and make it a little more eye appealing.
It doesn't seem like too large of a camera when there is something giving it scale, but it's the body work that just makes it look like a behemoth.
@BigJayDogg3 I think it is actually REALLY appealing. 1st thing I thought when browsing those photos was : "God, it's beautiful ! I want one just for its design" !
It's really G-Shock like, and I kinda enjoy this a lot ! :)
Don't know how good SONY is when it comes to cameras (photo quality), tho.
@BigJayDogg3 CASIO * Sorry, kinda lost my mind there..
@BigJayDogg3 I've actually got to say I like the way it looks. It's slightly angled shape and multi-colored body, I feel, gives it an appearance that matches the rugged look and shapes of outdoor gear. That thing looks good next to that snowshoe.
My criticism? A camera that's aimed at demographic of people who play hard, even if it's just a point-and-shoot, should have a lens cap. Or even better yet, a clear piece of scratch resistant, non reflecting, high impact acrylic/plastic to get screwed over the lens like the side pieces. It would take abuse, but would be $5 for a pack of spares. Keep the lens safe.
@ASKY & jawxx
I'm in the minority I guess. :shrug:
I think my biggest issue has to do with the huge expanse on the front of the camera. It's just a huge blank slate.
Eh, to each his/her own.
@BigJayDogg3
i have to agree with asky...have you seen some of the water-proof cameras out there. they are pretty damn bulky and not exactly pleasant to the eyes. i kinda dig this one. if it takes good pics and videos then i actually might consider the purchase.
@jawxx
I'm with you, a lens cap is a must. I use my camera mostly for riding dirt bikes and when I'm riding hang it from a neck strap and tuck it into my kidney belt (like a weight lifting belt or back support, keeps your insides from being shaken around too much). I will quickly stop, pull the camera out, take a couple of pictures of riding buddies, then tuck it back in and get back to riding. The constant bouncing around and rubbing my kidney belt will eventually wear the lens, scratching it up but putting it in a case takes longer to get out, it still bounces around in there a bit, and makes it harder to operate with one hand. The best solution I know of is to use something like the Sony TX1, where a sliding lens cover turns the camera on and off as well as protecting the lens. I have no idea why these aren't used on sport cameras anymore (they used to be) but they work great (maybe they can't take an impact?). The low light sensor and quick burst on the TX1 is great for when you are on the trails in the trees as well and there is not a lot of direct sunlight.
So far my best solution is to just get the Sony TX1, then by a warranty from Ritz camera for it to deal with the eventual breakage as it is not a sport camera and will end up getting wet sooner or later I'm sure.
@speedkills
Isn't a kidney belt just a fancy term for a fanny pack?...I'm just saying
Why can't they make a (feature packed) phone like this? How many people have had theirs dunked in beer? And yes, YouTube is a sign of dumbed down video quality. There is NO need for such a feature! Just upload your standard or HQ video from any device. Why the label on the front? Either way, looks sexy.
hey this is seriously a good camera and it also has a low price tag, you can Casio Exilim G EX G1's advertisement video here -
http://bit.ly/4xIaSN
Donald, did you leave an "R" in 2009 ...."certainly managed to tun"?
I'm scared of that f/6.66 aperture. It's evil.
All kidding aside, Casios don't have the best IQ, but I bought a non-ruggedized Exilim EX-S1 in 2002, and finally replaced it after waiting for the stupid thing to die. Even a dunk in salt-water while para-sailing (while killing the SD card that was inside) didn't kill the camera!
@aaronb
Fortunately that's the focal length and not the aperture, because that would be rather slow. The full lens specs are 6.66-19.98mm f/3.9-5.4, haven't a clue what that focal length is in a 35mm equivalent.
@Kieran
the reason it's tricky to figure out the equivalent on a traditional (film) camera is because it depends on the size of the CCD array used on the digital camera. so most manufacturers used to provide "equivalent" in focal length mm of what it would be on a film camera, but not as many do anymore.
"Consider, for example, a digital camera with a CCD array measuring 8.10mm by 6.08mm. The diagonal measurement of this CCD array would be 10.13mm. A lens with a focal length of 11.7mm would produce a diagonal field of view of 47, the same as a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera."
http://www.panoramafactory.com/equiv35/equiv35.html
@brianguy
I know that, I was hoping someone else could find the sensor size and do the calculations.
I'm surprised with how many new models of Exilim that Casio has come out with in recent months. this one definitely caught my eye the most.
if the EX-G1 had greater than 3x optical zoom, or HD video I'd definitely be getting my gf as a gift. some of the other Exilim models have as much as 10x optical, and since this one is thicker than most I'd expect it to be able to accommodate a slightly better zoom lens.
she loves her old original Exilim but the thing is definitely worse for wear after 2 years using it to capture photos and small videos of action sports during normal use (i.e. not dropped, etc), as well as regular point and shoot stuff. even her little wrist strap holder on the side of the camera fell / broke off one day during the first year. I simply put a very small piece of cloth hockey tape over where the holder used to be, to cover the rough spot (tiny mounting screw sticking out). from the normal wear and tear, it also malfunctions at times or doesn't focus / shoot correctly on the first try.
for reference, I think her old one is an EX-Z100 if I'm remembering right (I originally thought it was the EX-S10 but apparently that's a newer model).
Um.... no lens cap, electronic or otherwise? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
This thing looks keen!
I currently have a Casio EX-Z300A for those "man I wish a camera moments" and I've been seriously impressed with the video it produces (have uploaded several to YouTube). The features and video quality of this Casio actually pulled me off of the Canon bandwagon, at least for this go round. Next time I'm shopping for a point and shoot I'll of course put Canon on my list, but Casio has firmly earned a place at the table with the performance of the Z300A.
I bought this camera 2 weeks ago for someone who chose it over the Panasonic TS1 because of its looks. The TS1 has HD video and optical IS. The Casio doesn't. But the TS1 looks like a brick. So far, picture quality is fine. The lens is not exposed - it's covered by clear plastic. But if the plastic gets scratched ...
We haven't had the need to drop or dunk it yet, so I can't say whether it's as tough as claimed. I'm interested to find out what Don thinks of it after taking it through its paces.
underwater sample photos please? Why is that I can only find photos of the camera itself rather than samples? (even casio website doesn't have any)
DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!! Just bought it brand new for my trip. It was working fine until it got splashed with water, didn't even take it under water, then wouldn't work any more. Hello, it's waterproof?!?! So now I have to spend the rest of my vacation without a camera, thanks Casio for robbing me of my vacation memories!