Camera Review: Casio Exilim EX-Z850

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In the lab, the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 scored Excellent in Color Accuracy, with an Average Delta E of 8.88 (ISO 50, AWB). There is visible Barrel Distortion at 1x (.42%), Imperceptible Barrel Distortion at 2x (.10%) and Imperceptible Barrel at 3x (.05%). Noise is Low at ISO 50 (1.57), Low at ISO 100 (1.87), Moderately Low at ISO 200 (2.25), and High/Unacceptable at ISO 400 (3.08). Resolution is Extremely High at ISO 50 (1630), ISO 100 (1580), and ISO 200 (1515), and Very High at ISO 400 (1390).

As we've mentioned, the Exilim EX-Z850 packs a lot of features and functionality to keep the big camera “Control Freak” member of the family happy, but it doesn't overlook fun and easy shooting modes. Kids will love the "Pastel" and "Illustration" Best Shot Modes, which tweak the image into funky, high-contrast, artsy creations. Star Filter is also fun, as those of us that grew up with a Cokin filter starter set on our film SLRs will recall from way back when.

On the Playback side, there's a basic slideshow, cropping option, and DPOF, all mostly standard features these days. But the EX-Z850 also includes several nice additions, including in-camera White Balance, Brightness and Color Correction fixes. It's a nice addition to the Playback side of this Exilim camera, especially for direct-from-camera printing options.

Despite resolution numbers that are low for its class, and a limited usable ISO range, the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 does a lot of things right. The enthusiasts in the family will love the manual controls, while the kids will love the ease of use and fun best shot modes. With its combination of fun and functional features in a pocket-sized package, this could be one compact camera to make the whole family happy.

What's Hot
- Lots of manual controls
- Lots of buttons means lots of top-level menu items
- Fun best shot modes such as Pastel, Illustration
- In-camera color correction, white balance correction, exposure correction.
- Hi speed Flash Burst Mode
- Optical viewfinder
- Silent Movie Mode is fun, funny

What's Not
- Barrrel distortion at 1x impacts Macro work
- Limited user-selected ISO range.
- Despite 8MP sensor, Resolution is closer to a 6MP camera

Certified Test Results
Noise: Low at ISO 50 (1.57), Low at ISO 100 (1.87), Moderately Low at ISO 200 (2.25), and High/Unacceptable at ISO 400 (3.08).
Color: Excellent. Average Delta E 8.88, ISO 50, AWB
Distortion: Visible Barrel Distortion at 1x (.42%), Imperceptible Barrel distortion at 2x (.10%) and Imperceptible Barrel at 3x (.05%).
Resolution: Extremely High at ISO 50 (1630), ISO 100 (1580), and ISO 200 (1515), and Very High at ISO 400 (1390).

In the box:
- NP-40 Lithium-Ion Battery (3.7v 1230mAh)
- Special AC Adaptor with AC Power Cord (for USB Cradle)
- USB Cradle
- USB Cable
- A/V Cable
- Wrist Strap
- Software CD-ROM
- User Manual
- 1-Year U.S.A. Limited Warranty
- ISO Range: ISO 50-400 (selectable), up to 1600 in High Sensitivity mode
Dimensions: 2.3 x 3.5 x .09 inches.
Weight: Approx 4.9 oz with battery and SD card.
Media Type: SD Card
CIPA Battery Life Estimate: 440 shots per charge
Website: http://www.casio.com/products/Cameras/

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