DPexpert: [ REVIEW—CASIO EXILIM Z1000 CAMERA ]

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February 15, 2007

[ REVIEW—CASIO EXILIM Z1000 CAMERA ]

CASIO EXILIM Z1000 camera

Price: $700

Average

The low-down: This is a 10 megapixel compact point and shoot camera. It has a lens zoom range of 38-114mm, film equivalent. The ISO sensitivity range is 50 to 3200, but that is more theoretical than actual.

The camera has a face area just slightly larger than a credit card and it is 22.4mm thick, so it is a true pocket camera. It has a 72mm LCD screen and no optical viewfinder.

Exposure and white balance are generally good but focus is hit-and-miss when the lens is at its longest extension. Responsiveness is good.

Casio claims that the camera has “anti shake” but this is not genuine image stabilisation in the lens or body. The camera automatically increases the ISO to a point where shutter speed will be fast enough -- they hope -- to overcome camera shake.

Increasing the sensitivity produces bad image noise. ISO200 is the top useable speed. A 10 megapixel sensor of such small dimensions is bound to have this problem. Why do they do it? 7 megapixels will produce an A3 print -- it is enough.

Like this: When everything works well the images are clean and smooth, nicely detailed and accurately coloured.

Dislike that: The preview image on the LCD screen is invisible in normal daylight. Even reviewing the shots is almost impossible outdoors.

Parting shot: This camera is in the fashion accessory category. It is an indoors camera, although the flash is not very powerful.

The terms “image stabilisation”, “vibration reduction” or “anti shake” should be reserved for true IR, either in the lens, by rapidly shifting an element to counter camera shake, or in the body by moving the sensor itself to cancel out wobble. Some camera makers are claiming image stabilisation when all they are doing is increasing the shutter speed automatically when the ersatz stabilisation button is pressed.

The Casio EX-Z850 (rrp $600) has 8 megapixels and an optical viewfinder. It is an attractive alternative to consider.