Casio EX-Z100 Review

The Casio EX-Z100 feature an EXILIM series first -- a 4x optical zoom lens that can shoot as wide as 28 mm (equivalent). This new lens is coupled to a 10.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor, but the Z100 forgoes the CCD anti-shake feature of its more expensive sibling, the EX-Z200. Otherwise, the two models appear to share identical features.

The Z100 features Casio's newly developed 2.7-inch Super Clear LCD. This produces extremely sharp and vivid images, thanks to its high contrast ratio and its 230,160 dot high resolution. According to the company, the Z100's display can be viewed easily from above, below, left or right thanks to its wide viewing angle, and it is extremely bright, making it easy to see even in daylight.

The Casio EX-Z100's Auto Shutter function automatically records the moment of a smile or the instant when hand shake ceases, using motion blur detection technology. The camera offers H.264 video capture and it's possible to record movies in a wide format 16:9 aspect ratio. The Z100 also features a Movie Button which makes movie recording easy. Images are stored on SD, SDHC, or MMC cards, plus built-in memory (amount TBA), and the Z100 derives its power from a custom lithium-ion battery pack.

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 digital camera lists at US$279.99, and ships March 2008. ISO and shutter speed range are unknown at this point, and specifications are preliminary.