 Just Point and Shoot... |
| Review Date: May 5, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Vladimir Ratner, Upstate NY |
After I've tried another model, EX-Z60 (you can read my review of that one also if you'd like), and fell in love with it, I did some more research, and decided to go with a Z600 instead. I also considered a Z750, Z850, and S600 models as well, but still chose Z600 over the other ones. You might want to ask why? Well, I was looking for a true P&S (point and shoot) type of camera, and both Z750 and Z850 are more for someone who wants manual control. There are also a lot of complaints about Z850's poor video quality (amongst other problems), and Z750 has some kind of a lens defect. In any case, like I said I didn't want a "professional" camera, although I do know quite a bit about digital photography (I used to work for Kodak in Digital Imaging Department for a few years), but was looking for something a little more simple to use. Of course, picture quality and price were some things that I considered when looking for a camera. I used to own a Canon prior to purchasing Casio, and I have also tried a few other brands/cameras as well; Kodak, Sony, and some others. None of them have really impressed me. I continued to look around, and last week I came across a Z60 at Walmart (great return policy, btw), so I gave it a "shot". I was literally blown away by the picture quality. Add to it a bunch of cool features, a nice looking design, and a reasonable price, and you've got yourself a "perfect" camera. Now, back to why I chose Z600 over Z60, and why I didn't buy an S600. After I "discovered" for myself Casio Exilim series, specifically Z60 model, I did some more research and realized that Casio has actually a lot to offer. Believe or not, they've just released a 10MP compact digital camera! In any case, using selected criteria, I've narrowed down my search to Z60, which I've already tried; Z600, which I've only heard/read about; and S600, which a very good friend of mine owns. I was very indecisive for some time, but finally decided to go with Z600. Here is a list of Pros and Cons for a Z600 (I got it two days ago from BeachCamera), and a little bit of comparison between it and the other two models:
Pros:
Design - It's very compact, yet it's very convenient to hold and operate. I got it in silver finish, and it looks totally awesome! How does it compare to Z60 and S600? In my opinion, it's slightly better looking than a Z60. It's also just a bit smaller, and weighs a little less. Also, and this is very important to me, the zoom on the Z600 is right on top of the shutter button, which I think is very convenient - you zoom in or out on the object, and then take a picture using the same finger. On a Z60, however, and it might be just a slight inconvenience for some people, and other might not even notice it, the zoom buttons are actually on the back of the camera, to the right of the display. Like I said, not a big deal, and probably a matter of preference. Now, the S600 - well, this is by far the best looking digital camera that I have ever seen. It's called a Card Camera, because it looks and feels like a credit card. There is no doubt it will attract a lot of attention from people around you. Why didn't I buy an S600 then - read on and you'll find out.
Picture Quality - Awesome!!! Bright, crisp, clear, and very "color-true"... especially in Macro mode (when you shoot an object up close). I have shot pictures in normal conditions, poor light conditions, indoors, outdoors, portraits of people, food, trees, architecture, and anything else you can possible think of, and it has yet to disappoint me. Z60's picture quality is just as good. S600, on the other hand, suffers from underexposure and blurriness a little bit. Maybe I'm been too picky here, but when I put my pictures next to what the friend of mine shot with his S600, I could clearly see the difference - mine been better that is.
Features - Amazing, simply amazing. For a little tiny compact camera, it's packed with various modes and features. Anti-shake stability control, 33 best shot modes (including EBay mode, where the pictures are specifically optimized for selling items on EBay) are just to name a few. I would also like to mention a huge 2.7" LCD (display), but I want to put it in a separate category. Z60 has pretty much the same features. For some reason though I think anti-shake (or DSP - Digital Stabilization Process) feature works better on a Z600. S600, however, lacks a few things, like EBay mode for example. It does, however, takes video in MPEG-4 format, comparing to AVI on a Z600 and Z60. It's a much better format in a sense that it's a better quality format, and also requires 5 times less space. That could be a selling point for some people, but I think the main reason for a camera is not to take videos, but to take pictures, and in this category both Z600 and Z60 are hands down better. Plus, the video on a Z600 and Z60 is not that bad either.
Display - Huge, super bright 2.7" LCD. It's not only bigger than the 2.5" on Z60, and 2.2" on S600, but it is also specifically designed to be able to see under bright sunshine - something that neither Z60 or S600 have to offer.
Battery Life - I thought that Z60's battery life was good. I didn't think it was possible, but this one is even better. It lasts forever!!! S600 is not even close.
Price - Z60 is the cheapest one in the bunch. Z600 is about 20 bucks more (shop around online, but I found BeachCamera to have the best deal so far), but considering you are getting a bigger display and slightly better functionality, I think it's well worth it. S600 is a bit pricy though. It's about 50 bucks more than the Z600, and 70-80 comparing to Z60. In my opinion, you're just paying for the looks.
Cons:
Well, once again, it's a matter of preference, and I realize that for some people it might be a plus, but I don't like the USB cradle. You have to use it not only for transferring pictures, and hooking the camera up to the TV, but also for charging the battery. Slight inconvenience, but an inconvenience nevertheless... at least for me. I believe S600 also comes with the USB cradle. Z60 just has cables, and I would really prefer that with the Z600. Maybe I'll just buy those separately.
Summary:
There you have it... I think I've made the right decision with buying a Z600 over Z60 or S600. It's a very nice camera and I am enjoying it enormously. I hope you will too. |
BEST COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA ON THE MARKET
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| Review Date: April 21, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Stephen M. Rosenman, Marlton, NJ United States |
We have tried all other brands, Fuji, Sony, Cannon and Nikon-and in the compact 'card size' category, nobody does it better than Casio Exilim: the EX-Z600 is even better!
Pros:
-New faster processing means lens opens and closes instantly and take pictures FAST and anti-shake technology (actually works)
-Screen is higher resolution than in the past, and the brightness and hard protective panel over it makes it one of the best and most durable screens out there, also 2.7" (unlike ppor Cannon displays)
-Buttons, menus and operation is VERY easy (unlike Niko and Sony)
-Pictures are color true, very crisp and overall high quality
-Battery life is insanely long--you cannot even attempt to drain it in one day! Best in market!
-Very small yet comfortable and easy to manage
-Comes w/ cradle
Cons: Battery must be charged in cradle but you can buy OEM battery chargers |
love it!
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| Review Date: June 13, 2006 |
| Reviewer: L. Hartley, North Lauderdale, FL |
Great little camera
-fast shot (can shoot 3 pics in a sec, depending how you set it up)
-anti shake feature
-clear picture
-different templates for different picture environments
-compact design
-large LCD
-long battery life (up to 550 per charge)
-attractive sleek design
-comes in three colors (I got silver and love it)
what more can you ask for from a snapshot camera? If you are not a professional photographer and are looking for a good camera to capture moments in everyday situations you will love this camera. I recommend it highly!
Only con:
-It does not have a view finder (which is good for daylight). I never really used the view finder since usually you just aim and shoot but this might be a drawback for some. |
AWESOME FOR BUSY BABIES
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| Review Date: May 16, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Jill Mcgee, Levittown, Pennsylvania United States |
My son is about to turn 1 year old and I've been researching a new camera for awhile now. My problem with my old canon(which we paid about $250 for) was the fact that it took too long to take the picture and with a busy baby like mine he would move and I would miss the shot. Also if he would wave his hand around and the picture would be blurry. So I first saw the commercial for the Sony Cybershot where they portray a moving object and the picture still comes out clear. Therefore I decided to research all cameras with "anti-shake" capabilities. I found 3 that I liked and decided on the Casio Exilim in blue. There are so many features and although I paid $300 for it, it was very well worth it. Let me tell you the speed this camera's shutter has. I can take picture after picture in record time.
I even took the camera and waved it around as I was taking a picture and it was still clear. No blurriness at all. The 2.7inch display is so nice and the camera is so slim you can throw it in your pocket, purse, diaper bag, wherever.
Every picture seems so clear. At 6MP they should come out real nice on my photo printer.
With his first birthday right around the corner I'm so happy I got a new camera in time. I don't want to miss any moment of it. All the features on this camera are great and I'm looking forward to better capture memories of my son. I highly recommend to any parent with busy children. |
A star is born
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| Review Date: August 12, 2006 |
| Reviewer: P. Monette, Mariposa, Ca United States |
Great camera, love the size of the unit, the 2.7" screen, the speed of turning on/ taking pictures/flash pics. It's really fast. I bought a high speed 2 GB card for fast operation. A case is not included but recommended.
The docking works quite well, the USB upload to the PC for pictures is also very fast. I have Windows XP, did not have to load any software; simply plugged the USB cable from the craddle to the PC.
The printed manual is not useful, the CD manual is very good but you obviously need a computer. I found the camera easy to use, good intuitive design. I like the payback and record buttons, along with their associated menus. The large 2.7" screen is quite an important feature for the "ease of use" for this camera.
The macro feature works well, the colors are vivid in all mode.
Remember this a point and shoot camera. The 6 MP is overkill for most of us but, the larger file size allows you to crop a picture, yet you still have sufficient resolution for an 8X10 print (using the normal file setting!)
I tryed the movie mode, I will stick with my Camcorder. The USB upload to the PC degrades the image; I had better luck with putting the SD card in my card reader.
I was replacing a Nikon CoolPix 990; I was looking for a useable/readable screen, longer battery life, fast recycling in mormal/flash operation for faster picture taking, great color, great resolution, 3X or more zoom, 4-6 MP, small size...this it! |
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