Casio Exilim Ex-Z500 digital camera

Casio Exilim Ex-Z500 digital camera
SENSOR 1/2.5"CCD(5.76x4.29mm)5.0MP LENS 6.2-18.6 (36-114mm equiv) f/2.7-5.2
SHUTTER SPEEDS l/8-l/2000sec
EXPOSURE MODES Program plus 31 Best shot (scene modes)
ISO Auto, 50-400
FLASH Auto plus 4 modes max range 2.4m
VIEWFINDER None 2.7inch digital TFT LCD
OTHER 640x480 @30fps Video, SD
POWER Li-ion cell
DIMENSION/WEIGHT 8.5x57x20mm/112g

Another slimline supermodel from Casio's Exilim range Casio has been making svelte digicams for ever. This five-megapixel model claims that you can take 500 pictures on a single battery charge. The Casio has a full range of focusing and exposure options and a reasonable ISO range of 50- 400, though noise appears as you go up the range. The 3x lens has a reasonably fast maximum aperture (f 27) at wideangle but a shake-inducing f 5.2 at the 114mm end.Tne Best Snot mode features 31 variations on a theme including a different setting for business
cards and white boards. Like many of the Exilimrange this is an object of desire. There's nothing to frighten the novice but you have to ferret around in the multiple menus to get access to features that others control with one button. The Z500 turned in a pleasing set of results. Image processing is, by and large, well executed, and despite the fact that the 27in LCD's colours bear no relation to the scene or the result, they're nicely rendered,with natural greens. The only downside is when light levels drop and camera shake appears. In good lighting, the Casio EX-Z500 will deliver images you can be proud of. Particular caution is required when hand-holding in low light. At its suggested retail price, the Exilim is a rich boy's toy, but you'll find a street price that's a steal. This camera is not for those who want to shoot in available light However, for those who shoot with flash in the dark or in bright sunshine only, this camera is capable of excellent results.