Casio EX-Z550 Review

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z550 is based around a 1/2.3" 14.1 megapixel CCD image sensor behind an EXILIM Optical branded 4x zoom lens which features a useful 26mm wide angle. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.6 to f/5.9 across the zoom range, and focusing is possible to a minimum of just five centimeters in Macro mode. Images are framed and reviewed on a 2.7" LCD display with 230,400 dots of resolution, and the Casio Z550 doesn't include any form of true optical viewfinder.

The Casio EXILIM Z550 uses contrast detection autofocusing, and include face detection capability. Metering choices are multi-pattern, center weighted, and spot, and shutter speeds from 4 to 1/2000 second are on offer. The Casio EX-Z550's ISO sensitivity ranges from a minimum of ISO 64 equivalent, through to a maximum of ISO 3,200 equivalent. Images are stored on Secure Digital / SDHC cards or in 24.5MB of internal memory. Power comes from a proprietary NP-80 lithium ion rechargeable battery, rated as good for 250 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards.

A couple of more unusual features on the Casio EXILIM EX-Z550 are its landscape and makeup modes. In the former, the Casio Z550 owner can capture either Vivid or Mist Removal landscape photos, with the option controlled via a dedicated button and two steps of control available for the strength of the effect. In the makeup mode, the Casio EX-Z550's face detection function is used to locate subjects' faces, which are then automatically adjusted to yield smooth skin tones and softened shadows, with twelve steps of control over the effect. Again, this function is accessed via a dedicated button.

US pricing and availability for the Casio EXILIM EX-Z550 was not known at press time.