The Casio EX-Z55 is a thin, stylish, 5-megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD screen. It features high performance operation in an easy-to-use, compact design.
High-resolution images captured by the CCD with 5 million effective pixels. 3x optical zoom in a compact body Large 2.5-inch digital interface TFT LCD screen The viewfinder has been built into the LCD screen allowing the use of an optical viewfinder in addition to the image provided on the LCD screen High-quality lightweight aluminum body with comfortable handgrip From the Manufacturer
- Long battery life for extended shooting on a single battery charge
- Up to 400 photos can be taken on a single charge, based on CIPA standards for battery life measurement
- 10% longer battery life than the previous model (EX-Z40), with a greater number of pixels and a larger display screen (EX-Z55)
- Quick response thanks to high-speed design
- The camera automatically selects fixed-focus Auto Pan Focus mode for instantaneous response when the shutter is pressed rapidly
- Direct On function for one-touch operation of either picture taking or playback modes.
- Rapid start-up allows shooting approximately 1.6 seconds after the power is turned on (with flash off); images are recorded approximately 0.01 seconds after the shutter is released
- 0.1-second high-speed playback for photo scrolling
- Business Shot function compensates for photos taken at an angle and records them as though taken from straight ahead
- Best Shot allows settings to be chosen by selecting from a collection of sample images
- Extended shooting of video with sound can be performed until the memory is full
- Noise Reduction processing makes night scenes more beautiful
- Auto Macro function enables automatic switching between Macro and AF modes
- Seven-point Multi-Autofocus automatically selects the optimum focus point location
- Flash Assist function provides exposure compensation for areas not reached by the flash
- Icon Guide function uses a pop-up guide to help the user when switching settings
Voice recording function with playback from the camera’s speaker Photostand feature allowing a slideshow of images while the camera sits in its cradle Calendar function shows thumbnail images of photos taken on any specified date World Time function allows the user to set the camera to the local time in one of 162 cities in 32 time zones around the world Store special photos or those you don’t want others to see in your own Favorites folder Create HTML albums in the camera which can be viewed directly by Web browsers
- Connects directly to PictBridge and USB Direct-Print compatible printers.
- 9.3MB internal flash memory, compatible with SD memory card/Multi Media Card (not included)
- Menu display possible in one of 10 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese
- Photo Loader software allows automatic transfer of images to a PC at the touch of a single button on the USB cradle
- Compatible with ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and Print Image Matching III
Test Report
EX-Z55 HAS IT ALL!, October 30, 2004 Reviewer: R. Enck - This camera is absolutely wonderful! In searching for a new digital camera, I was looking for several things...small size, excellent picture quality, and fast reaction time. Not many things...just big improvements over my last camera (a Nikon Coolpix). The Exilim Z55 has these features and MANY MORE! I do my research - and this camera came out on top!
Below is my review(...)
I cannot believe how much thoughT Casio put into the features and orgnaization of this camera. You can access each feature quickly and easily. In a short time I was already able to use almost all the features of this camera (I never figured out half them on my other camera, or they would take so long to change that I didn't bother). I didn't really care about the large LCD display when buying the camera...but now it's one of my favorite features. Because of this display, I can switch between the different scene modes easily. At the press of the button I can access the 23 different scene modes and decide which one to use. because of the big LCD display, there is room for Csaio to give the user a short description of what each scene mode does right on the camera...so I understand when to use it and what it is doing. Also, when alter modes such as white balance, you can see on the LCD displayhow the change will affect the picture. This is because the icon help menu pops up on top of whatever you are viewing (no blue screen). And, of course, the large LCD display makes it very easy to see pictures, aand delete the ones that you don't want (another easy thing to do at the puch of a button. These two things (ease of use and LCD display) did not go into my decision to buy this camera but have been surprisengly wonderful and helped me really anjoy and get the most out of my camera.
Picture quality - wonderful. On the Exilim z-40, people complained about low light picture quality. Not on the z-50. Casio has done several things to correct it...this camera has flash assist (see casio website for more info on this), as well as gives the user the ability to quickly change the flash intensity. I'm telling you, if you use the features of this camera (which is not hard to do at all)...your pictures will come out great! Color saturation is beautiful and the pictures are very crisp and clear. At the stores, I took pictures with this and 3 different cameras (a Nikon, Kodak, HP)...the Casio's pictures were great (looked like 35 mm camera pictures), clear, crisp, colorful... and not as dark as some of the others. And this was before I knew how to use any of the cameras features.
Fast reaction time...no more missing that first smile, the half second you child actually looks at the camera, or the one second someone takes to blow out the last candle on the cake. Casio's ex-z55 turns on in 1.5 seconds and takes the picture within .01 seconds after pressing the button. I LOVE IT!!!!
Battery life! They just keep going and going and going. You can take like 400 pictures with this camra on one battery! I don't worry about taking time to view pictures, play around with modes, etc because I know I still have plenty of battery life let. This first day I got this camera, I played around with it contantly fr hours and at the end of the day, still had a full bar. Plus, Casio gives you a rechargeable battery which you can recharge right in the camera by putting the camera into the cradle/docking station (another nice feature; also provided) each night. Now that I mentioned it...the docking station. Need to download picutres...no more messing with wires and connecting them to the back of the computer. Just place the camera into the docking station (which is plugged into your computer at all times (if you choose and I would), and download them. Not to mention, your battery won't go dead downloaded pictures, as the docking station will power it while you download. See what I mean...CASIO THOUGHT OF IT ALL.
Along with several other cameras, after much research I narrowed it down to this camera and the Canon S500, but after reading many reviews about the dreaded E18 error which eventually leaves the camera unusable, I leaned more to this one and I am so glad! The Exilim has a steel case so is not subject to change of pressures, and tempurture problems as some other aluminum bodies camera. Seriously, if you are looking for a pocket size camera with many features and great piture quality. Take a look at this camera...you will be impressively surprised. I appreciate a company who takes the time to really think about their product, how to make it easy to use, and really makes improvements over their last model. I don't give out 5 stars to everything, normally I don't even leave reviews on things I have purchased, but I am so impressed with this camera and really think people need to come and check it out.
If you want to see this model in person, most Circuit City's have one on display. Go take a look...you won't be disappointed.
I'll be sure to update this review if I do find out anything unfortunate...but I don't think I will need to. Hope this information helps...Good luck with you're new camera and ENJOY!
A great little camera, January 5, 2005 Reviewer: J. Doyle (Chicago, IL) - I bought this camera based on the reviews on Amazon, and overall I am quite pleased with it. I bought it to replace my Olympus C3040 zoom, which took beautiful pictures until it died. This camera is so much smaller, lightweight, and so much easier to use than my Olympus was. The battery power is amazing. It seems like it never needs charging. My Olympus took four AA rechargeables, and I had to charge it every time I used it. This one, in contrast, plugs into its own little charging dock, and I really believe them when they say it will take 400 pictures on one charge. I have never run out of power yet. My only complaint is that the flash is a little weak, which makes my indoor photos less than perfect. But that truly is my ONLY complaint. My outdoor photos are beautiful. I was able to use it right out of the box, without even reading the manual, because the menus are so easy to navigate and use. It's just a great little camera.
JUST THOUGHT I'D LET YOU KNOW, January 5, 2005 Reviewer: Lord Brocktree "Brockers" (Salamandastron) - I just want to educate you on a topic you may not think about.
This topic is the fact that some people write reviews that are from the company to make you buy it. Take the one written on this product, the one that is first, and decide for yourself.
I am not denying Casio's product, I am merely informing you on this issue.
I would have to say overall the camera was good, some features I would take off.
Casio is a reliable brand, though, because my camera fell in the water and it still works perfectly (was it luck or the camera?)
Thank you for reading my informative review.
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