Rating: Summary: Lack of AVI mode for the US only Review: I was disappointed to find that the US model of the Exilim Z4U camera has fewer features then the foreign model. Mainly the movie feature is missing. I contacted Casio to find what was up and if an upgrade would be available. After contacting Casio I received the following reply.Well basically You need the EX-Z4 ( one without the "U"). This one is not officially released in the US by Casio Inc Do an internet search for the model which should take you to international store that sells them There is no info available on a future "fix" Don't buy the US model.
Rating: Summary: After looking at other cameras....get the Canon S400 Review: I had the EX-Z3 but returned it when I heard that the Z4 was coming out (see review below). I hesistated to buy it since it did not have .avi capability. In the meanwhile, I extensively tested the Minolta Xt (really sucks at everything, would not recommend) and then the Canon S400. The S400 takes superior pictures. The Z3 would frequently take pictures out of focus, but is hardly a problem with the S400. Also, the flash is underpowered but not in the S400. The .avi movies are better in the S400. The only advantage that the Z4 has are price (but by only $40), lighter (but the S400 is pretty compact) and in the only department that really mattered, the Z4 does have a much faster cycle time for taking flash pictures. Even if they came out with new firmware to enable .avi in the Z4 I am sticking with my Canon.
Rating: Summary: One star lost for Movie Capturing Review: I am not going to talk technical & features, other reviews covered most aspects. I think it's helpful to mention that I contacted Casio directly re the support of .avi file format (movies) in the Z4U version (US version), and I was informed that a law suit filed in the USA prevented them from shipping the camera with that feature within the states, and that they may offer free firmware update online when the case is closed so that EX-Z4U supports avi's. For those who wonder, EX-Z4U is exactly the same EX-Z4 without the movie support, therefore, if you were able to get your hands on a Z4, then go for it. I also purchased a SanDisk 512MB SD card which gave me the liberty of shooting photo as much as I needed without the fear of running out of memory. Both are great gadgets, I'm going to add the fifth star when Casio fulfills the promise and offers the software update
Rating: Summary: Great form, terrible function Review: When I got this camera, I was really impressed. The size is great (just bigger than an Altoids tin), the screen is huge, the zoom is 3x optical and you can choose not to use the digital zoom, the camera is very easy to use and set up, the review function was better than other cameras I've seen, since you can really quickly see your photos, store your favorites in the camera's own memory, and use a '"calendar" function to see what photos you took on any given day. But... I took about 50 pictures in a variety of conditions. Upon transferring them to the computer, I realized they generally looked terrible. They looked like what people's worst ideas of digital photos would be: lot of "noise" - like really grainy film, things not in focus, etc. I also uploaded them to Shutterfly, as I've done with 400+ other photos, and had them "developed" to see if the problem was somehow with my monitor, but no, the pictures are unaccpetable for any kind of camera: film, digital, or otherwise. (Oh, and Shutterfly had difficulties uploading several of the photos, for unknown reasons.) I bought this camera because of the small size, the "cool" factor, and its features. I also bought it to improve on my current 1-megapixel camera. My 1-megapixel camera (Fuji Finepix 1400) takes vastly better pictures than this camera. I'm returning this camera and am scared off of all Casio digital cameras now.
Rating: Summary: ex Z-4U Not all it could be....... Review: Things to like about this small camera are the many feautures, the large LCD screen and battery life, docking station is a plus for ease of use. BUT, the camera has problems with color balance in most modes, flash shots come out weak and with a blue tint over the full frame.. Color saturation is not up to a Cannon or a Nikon by any means of viewing, including the finished print. As an outdoor snapshot point and aim its fine, but look at Cannon or Fuji (VALUE) FOR A BETTER DEAL in the $300 price range.
Rating: Summary: Great for the Average Photographer Review: This camera has everything your average photographer needs. It is very simple to use and takes EXCELLENT Pictures. It doesn't have a movie mode b/c that is what video camera's are for. It is easy to take along anywhere you go, so that you can capture all the memories you want.
Rating: Summary: I am very impressed Review: Well I wanted this for xmas and I got it, however I was still very skeptical, for such a small camera how could it take good pictures? But I was surprised it takes excellent pictures and is very easy to use, the screen is very large and instead of making my eyes hurt it is a pleasure to look at, the buttons on this are easy to use even with my oversized hands. The best shot feature is wondurfull, it makes this cameras already good pictures even better, I love the coupling shot, I made it look like there was 1 of my friends twice in the same picture. For size comparison, pull out your credit cardand look at it this is how large the camera is and is as thick as the average persons thumb. If I had any complaints it would be that with the internal memory you only get around 7 to 10 pictures depending on the best shot feature and what size the picture file is, so be prepared to spend an extra 50$ on a memory card. Over all I am very impressed casio did a great job.
Rating: Summary: A Great product that exceeded my expectations Review: I bought this camera at a local retailer and I feel as though it has definitely been the best of my purchases. I use this camera only for pictures and it has exceeded my expectations numerous times. I believe this is a quality product at a reasonable price. I would recommend this camera to anyone wanting a digital camera.
Rating: Summary: Great camera (But no movie mode!) Review: This would have been a great camera if it had the movie mode. I love the short little movies I take with my Canon. I read several reviews but missed the part about movie mode only available in the European market. It takes great pictures and is very compact. I love the 'BestShot' modes and the 2 inch screen. But if I had to do it again, I'd search for another model with movie mode...
Rating: Summary: Everything I expected Review: I've had the camera about 1 week now and love it. So many features /and controls you've got to read the manual to use/understand them all! I doubt anyone will use them all but it's nice to know they are there. The camera is very easy to personalize if you like. Takes GREAT pictures (digital zoom is basically worthless although it is on most cameras). Most liked features: Small size, large 2"sreen, very versital. Dislikes: only one so far... it is too easy to "format" your memory card by accident(which erases all pictures on the card even if they are protected). It should require more than one push of a button to do this. I wrote to Casio suggesting a prompt "Are You Sure?". This has happened twice... once by me learning the camera and once by someone familar with digitals checking out the camera. So be careful! Oh and it should come with a case! Not having movie capability was not important to me. Only improvement I'd like to see is ability to direct connect to TV for viewing of pictures on-screen (my daughters Olympus has that feature!)
|