Casio's Exilim Hi-Zoom EX-V7 reviewed

While we could see the quality issues coming, it's hard not to hope that somehow Casio was able to cram a 7.2-megapixel sensor and a 7x optical zoom into a point-and-shoot enclosure that produced astounding (or at least good) results. Sadly, we're still waiting for that day, as reviewers at PopPhoto deflated our hopes that a wicked zoom could in fact be stuffed into an ultracompact without sacrificing image quality. As expected, the sleek, sexy frame of the Exilim Hi-Zoom EX-V7 was adored, the anti-shake technology was appreciated, and the choice to rely on H.264 compression in video mode was praised, but those tidbits weren't enough to overcome the "shaky" feel, questionably designed menus, unsteady cradle, and most importantly, the "pitiful" results. It was noted that the 7x zoom was quite impressive when shooting video clips, and without concern to the actual images produced by the EX-V7, the digicam was shown an "A" rating; unfortunately, the overall score was lowered to a (generous) "C" with all things considered, but feel free to hit the read link and read the painful writeup for yourself.

[Via DigitalPhotographyBlog]