Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been waiting forever for a digital camera with decent quality that allowed optical zoom when capturing video so I didn't need to carry a separate video camera. Finally Casio delivers with this model that lets you silently zoom upto 7x (wow!) when using the camera. Previous models disabled optical zoom during video capture to prevent the lens mechanism noise from being captured, but this one is almost silent. To give some context I have been using Casio's EX-Z750, and I can say this is a much better camera, especially in terms of video capture.
Pros:
- 7x optical zoom. Note this lens is completely internal so nothing protrudes out. Not sure how Casio managed to do this but kudos to them.
- Use of the full 7x optical zoom during video capture.
- The new H.264 video encoding codec produces extremely good video compared to older models. Previous models tended to produce more grainy video, especially in low light. Also includes stereo audio recording!
- Fairly small size. Not quite as small as the Optio but still very small. Anything smaller is really too small to hold comfortably for me.
- Retains ability to use manual aperture and other controls including histograms
- Very good best-shot modes including new high-sensitivity modes for low light situations.
- The flash can be kept continuously on for use as a video light.
- Support for the new SDHC cards, the bigger capacities are certainly useful for capturing video.
- New optional widescreen modes for video
- First Casio model to incorporate mechanical image stabilization in addition to digital for both stills and video.
- As opposed to older Casio models, allows imprinting date and time on photos.
- Allows users to customize use of buttons
- Whole bunch of other features too numerous to mention. Take a look at their website. Casio is an old name in the electronics business and knows how to make user-friendly gadgets.
Ok, now for some things NOT done right:
- My biggest complaint is that the only way to charge battery is through the docking station. This means you need to carry a docking station with you when travelling. Previous models had after-market external battery chargers you could buy, but I haven't seen one for this model yet. And no, old chargers don't work since this is a different battery form factor.
- The docking station is also the only way to connect the camera to a PC, though I got around this by using the SD card reader on my PC.
- On the subject of batteries, this one has about half the life as compared to the EX-Z750, 850 or 1000 models. Given the docking station requirement to charge, you will need to buy a spare battery eventually.
- The image stabilization mechanism is a little noisy. Scared me the first time till I found out that was normal.
- The autofocus mechanism tends to "hunt" a bit especially zoomed in.
Overall, many more positives than negatives. Definitely recommend this camera. Note its also available in black, though not everywhere.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio Exilim EX-V7SR 7.2MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
MD) CL) MU) CASIO EX-V7SR DIG CAM
