Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z850

PMA 2006: The Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z850 camera is announced. 8.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, manual exposure and advanced flash options. Available from the beginning of March.

Casio Europe Press Release

High Resolution 8.1 Megapixel Images Highlight Casio EX-Z850 - New Digital Camera Offers Big Performance In A Small, Sleek Package

February 21, 2006, Norderstedt - CASIO Europe GmbH, in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its EXILIM ZOOM digital camera series with the stylish, compact, and high-resolution EX-Z850. Offering high quality 8.1 megapixel photos, the EX Z850 includes a 3X optical zoom, and offers both manual aperture and shutter speed priority AE options for advanced users who prefer to create customized images. The impressive 2.5” Super Bright LCD generates approximately 1,200 cd/m2 of luminescent output, making the monitor even easier to view when outdoors. The Casio EX-Z850 includes the latest version of the EXILIM Engine, featuring the Anti Shake DSP which considerably reduces the incidence of blurred images due to shaky hands or moving subjects, so you only have to worry about which shots to take, not how they will come out. In response to user’s high demand, the Casio EX-Z850’s Super Life Battery supports 440 shots per charge, providing convenient, long-lasting usability.

Notable new features on the EX-Z850 include flash functions for a variety of settings and situations, including; Rapid Flash, which enables three flash photos in only one second to completely capture a given moment; Soft Flash, which prevents overexposure of subjects photographed up close; and High Power Flash, which ensures that subjects are properly illuminated even when photographed as far away as approximately 12.1 meters. The EX-Z850 also includes Revive Shot, which refreshes faded colors of old photos by bringing them back to life in digital format, automatically adjusts for obliquity even when photos are shot while still in the album.

The EX-Z850 represents the latest technology and functions the EXILIM digital camera line has to offer. Easy to use automatically or customizable to user specifications, this camera offers the stunningly high quality images and versatility that comes only from CASIO.

EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z850 Main Features

Highly Efficient, Advanced Performance

* 8.1 megapixel CCD and retracting 3X optical zoom lens enable high resolution photography
* Large 2.5-inch, super bright TFT LCD display with 1200cd/m2 brightness* for easy viewing outdoors; also includes optical viewfinder
* Super Life Battery allows up to approximately 440 still images** , per charge on CIPA standards
* The EXILIM Engine features the Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blurring caused by shaky hands or moving subjects
* Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1.0 second***
* After the shutter is pressed, the image is recorded almost instantly, with only an approximately 0.005 seconds**** release time lag
* High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 seconds interval
* Subjects appear brightly on the display monitor even under low light conditions, enabling easy shot composition
* Manual aperture and shutter priority AE options can be set quickly via a convenient mode dial for customized photographs
* Set at maximum brightness, measured in center of screen
** When display is set at standard brightness
*** Using internal memory, with internal flash turned off
**** With internal flash turned off

Numerous Easy to Use Functions

* White LED light enables both still images and movies to be taken in low light conditions and acts as an AF assist light
* “Rapid Flash” enables three consecutive, high speed flash photos in only one second
* “High Power Flash” compensates for objects to be taken in poorly illuminated areas up to 12.1m away*****
* “Soft Flash” prevents over exposure when taking shots in Macro, etc.
* “Revive Shot” refreshes the colors of old, faded photos and saves them in digital format
* Zoom Continuous Shutter creates a shot within a shot—user selects area of image to zoom, taking 2 images with a single press of the shutter
* The 34 scene “BEST SHOT” enables selection of the appropriate camera setting for still images via a sample image menu
***** using ISO1600

High quality multi-use functions

* The “Quick Shutter” function reduces mistakes by facilitating simple and easy high-speed focusing
* The “Auto Macro” mode allows for automatic switching between macro mode and auto focus mode
* The “9-Point Multi AF” clearly indicates areas of focus when photographing subjects with multiple focus points
* The one-touch “EX” button allows easy manual adjustment of multiple camera settings on one simple screen
* The “Direct On” button allows quick startup in both shooting and playback modes
* Equipped with a cradle for charging batteries and easy connections to AV equipment / PCs

EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z850 Specifications

Imaging Element: 1/1.8-inch square pixel color CCD, 8.32 million total pixels, 8.1 million effective pixels
Image Files Format: Still images: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2), DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant
Movies: AVI (MPEG-4)
Audio: WAV
Recording Media: Internal flash memory (image area 8.0 MB), SD Memory Card, MMC compatible
Image Size(Pixels): Still images: 3264×2448, 3264×2176 (3:2), 2816×2112, 2304×1728, 1600×1200, 640×480
Movies: 640×480 (HQ), 640×480 (Normal), 320×240 (LP)
Still images:
Pixels Resolution File Size Approximate Memory Capacity (Images)
Internal memory (8.3MB) SD Memory Card* 256 MB
3.264 x 2.448 Fine 4.8 MB 1 48
Normal 3.18 MB 2 72
Economy 1.63 MB 4 140
640 x 480 Fine 360 KB 20 625
Normal 240 KB 30 938
Economy 120 KB 57 1.742

Movies:
Pixels Recording Time File Size Frames/ sec Approximate Memory Capacity
Internal memory (8.3MB) SD Memory Card* 256 MB
640 x 480 (HQ) Maximum recording time per file: 10 minutes 4.0 MB/sec. 30 Approx. 16 sec. Approx. 8 min. 21 sec.
640 x 480 (Normal) 2.1 MB/sec. 30 Approx. 31 sec. Approx. 15 min. 52 sec.
320 x 240 (LP) 2.45 MB/sec. 15 Approx. 27 sec. Approx. 13 min. 34 sec.
* When using Panasonic (Matsushita) 256 MB card
Lens/ Focal Distance: 7 lenses in 5 groups, with aspherical lens; F2.8(W) to F5.1(T); f= 7.9(W) to 23.7(T)mm (35mm conversion: approx. 38(W) to 114(T)mm)
Zoom: Optical 3X, digital 8X (24X when used together)
Focusing: Auto Focus with contrast detection,
Focus Modes: Auto Focus, Macro mode, Pan Focus (movie only), Infinity mode, manual focus
AF area: selectable spot AF, multi AF, free AF; AF Assist Light
Approximate Focus Range:
Auto Focus: 40 cm to
Macro: 10 cm to 50 cm
Infinity Mode:
Manual: 10 cm -
* Using optical zoom causes the above ranges to change
Exposure Control: Light metering: Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot by CCD
Exposure: Program AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual Exposure
Exposure compensation: -2EV to +2EV (1/3EV units)
Shutter: CCD electronic/mechanical shutter
Program AE: 1/2 to 1/1600 sec., Shutter Speed Priority and Manual Exposure AE: 60 to 1/1600 sec., Aperture Priority AE: 1 to 1/1600 sec.
Above Shutter speeds do not apply when using a BEST SHOT scene
Aperture: Program and Shutter Speed Priority AE: F2.8 to 8.0 (Brightness converted); auto switching
Manual Exposure and Aperture Priority AE: F2.8 / 4.0; auto switching
Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change
White Balance: Auto WB/ Fixed (6 modes) / Manual
Sensitivity: Still images: Auto* / ISO50 / ISO100 / ISO200 / ISO400
Movies: Auto
* Max ISO sensitivity is 1600 when the BEST SHOT Anti Shake or High Sensitivity scene is being used
Recording Functions: Still images; audio snapshot, macro, self-timer, Continuous shutter (normal speed, high speed, Flash continuous, zoom, multi), BEST SHOT, movie with audio (MOVIE BEST SHOT, Short Movie, Past Movie), voice recording
Self-timer: 10 seconds. 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash: Flash Modes: Auto Flash, ON, OFF, High Power Flash, Soft Flash, Red eye reduction
Flash Range: approx. 0.1 to 4.3 m (W), 0.5 to 2.4 m (T)
Flash Continuous Shutter: approx. 0.4 to 3.3 m (W), 0.5 to 1.8 m (T)
Viewfinder: Monitor screen and optical viewfinder
Monitor: 2.5-inch TFT color LCD, 115,200 pixels (480×240)
Timekeeping Functions: Date and time: Recorded with image data, Auto calendar: To 2049
World Time: 162 cities (32 time zones) worldwide, city name, date, time, summer time (daylight savings time)
Input/Output Terminals: Cradle connector
USB: USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) compatible
Microphone/Speaker: Monaural
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery life: Approx. 440 images (CIPA Standards)
Continuous playback: approx. 7 hours (still images)
Continuous recording: approx. 3 hours 20 minutes (movie)
Continuous recording: approx. 8 hours 20 minutes (voice recording)
Dimensions: 89 mm (W) × 58.5 mm (H) × 23.7 mm (D) (excluding projections; 19.9 mm at thinnest part)
Weight: Approx. 130 g (excluding battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB cradle, USB cable, AV cable, Strap, AC power cord, Special AC adaptor, CD-ROM

EXILIM is a registered trademark of CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD. Any other company or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of those companies.

Specs are subject to change w/o notice

Published: Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Reader Comments

1. Sounds great--when can I get one?

   Lisa Powell at 10:57pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2006

2. Great camera, shame about the video quality being worse than the z750, lets hope theres a firmware fix. Or people will buying the z750 in droves. And these will be gathering dust on the shelves.

   Craig at 03:00pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

3. Vidio is ok, this is a still camera. And thats where it shines. Great images, great flash, LED light is good, big BRIGHT screen, small, has optical viewfinder, I can go on and on. Those who are whining about the vidio are in my opinion purchasing the wrong electronic device, they want a VIDEO camera, not a still camera. Some people what their ice cream to have no calories and taste great, and guess what? It ain't happening. Enjoy it for its indended purpose.
   And in my opinion, its a GREAT camera.

   Dave at 03:22pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

4. Agree with both points in two and three, Though casio are claiming this as the z750's replacement, think they have slipped up, after all they have used the same basic design, why not leave the video the same. I am sure they will sort it out, making it even more outstanding.

   paul at 03:33pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

5. The only difference between the video quality of the z750 and the z850 is the HQ mode. In normal mode the quality of both cameras are the same, but in HQ mode on the z850 I get grainy bits whenever the conditions are darker than usual. I am sure Casio will release an update for the firmware to fix this soon. The only difference I can see between normal and HQ modes is the audio quality. In good lighting tests, both normal and HQ modes look more or less the same, excellent quality video for a stills camera. If not having grain in bad light means I have to stay in normal mode with the z850 then so be it. Besides, the audio isn't that much worse and I get double the record time than I would in HQ mode.

   john at 02:20am on Friday, March 31, 2006

6. I have a z750. When I first got the z750, it took great shots, but now the autofocus seems on the blink. Unfortunately, the camera is out of warranty. I can send it back to Casio for repair $$ or I can take advantage of their trade-in program and purchase the upgraded z850. Please, give me your opinions.

   Seymour Rubinstein at 06:43am on Monday, April 03, 2006

7. trade-in for the z850. z750 was good for its time, but z850 is faster, has much better flash (over 12meters compared to the lame 2 meter something of z750) and frankly its a better camera. Video functions? Listen to john above, record normal mode and wait for firmware update.

   mackey at 07:39am on Monday, April 03, 2006

8. The 850 video is NOT the same in NQ as the 750. It's far worse. I have a 850 and both modes are far worse than any of the 750 samples i have seen which is probably 8-10. A fix is possible but no one really knows whether there will be one for sure or just how close to the 750 it will be after the fix. But trust me, there's no comparison between the 750 and 850. As a still camera the 850 is fantastic. But the video isn't on par with any of todays other compact cameras including other casios. True the HQ mode is worse than the NQ mode, but it is defective in both modes. the NQ is acceptable at very best under ideal conditions.

   me at 12:59am on Friday, April 07, 2006

9. yup as a stills camera the 850 whoops da 750 hardcore. 850 has better battery life and is hella faster. it was designed as a stills camera so the video mode fix can take it's time for all I am concerned

   mackey at 11:45pm on Saturday, April 08, 2006

10. im thinking of gettin the Z850 but not 1oo% ive looked around @ other camera's but this seems to have the best reviews... i will b usin it in clubs wiv laszrs n all that and want to take some crazy pics of lazers n all that do u know if this will b the perfect camera ??

    steve t at 05:37pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2006

11. Does anyone know for sure if the apparent problem with the Z850 video is going to be addressed by Casio? I want to purchase a Z850 but if the video is sub-standard, I'll look elsewhere. Thanks.

    Hiram at 01:41pm on Friday, April 21, 2006

12. after having scoured the web, i got really excited about the Z850, UNTIL i read about the video -- i hate having to lug two cameras when one can work, and have great videos of my 4 year old first skiing, ...as a result. Anybody know whether Casio is fixing this? Also, the initial Exilims had shutter lag of sub 1 second, so 1.8 seconds seems a regression.

    Rkki at 07:16am on Saturday, April 22, 2006

13. GUYS
    
    The problem is fixed with 1.1b firmware update. ONLY use 1.1b not 1.10 version( Which doesn't have a fix for Video)
    
    Cheers

    Gopal Paruchuri at 03:49am on Thursday, August 24, 2006

14. Great Comments on a great camera. Check out my site for the best price online, only available for the U.S.
    
    Can any one tell me if they have seen it for less than $399.99!

    Richy at 03:33pm on Sunday, October 22, 2006

15. http://www.digital-camera-solutions.com

    Richy at 03:34pm on Sunday, October 22, 2006

16. I see various grouses from people who are not happy with the video quality. You are buying a high quality digital still camera that is capable of taking video. Still pictures come first. If you wish for high quality movies then do what most sensible folks will do and buy a video recorder that can take still pictures. Oh,I see,then you will be complaining about the poor stll quality,some people are just not happy.This is one of the best small pocket cameras available today,picture quality is nothing short of stunning and I have lots of very high quality 19 inch prints from mine. These come out far better than from my Nikon D70 with 18-70 zoom lens.Don`t believe me? I don`t really care as I know it to be a fact.My sales of pet pictures and family groups depend on it.Some complain in forums of out of focus/fuzzy images.A lot of the time this is camera shake but mostly it is not setting the two stage shutter correctly so camera is not pre-focusing before it takes picture,you need the two stage set right for better shots.I would not buy the Z1000 as it has no manual setting.Other than that if you are content to use it in idiot mode all the time then buy it,but if you can buy this one cheaper get it of course,you will not get better pics with the 1000.you only think you should as it has 10mp.

    donna at 02:20am on Sunday, October 29, 2006

17. if you want great pictures DO NOT USE 1.1B!
    it makes your pictures blurry!!
    It's very unprofessional but Casio did it again! made a firmware that fixed (partially) the video but made worst the photos.. I returned my camera to Casio support because i got always fuzzy pictures but it was only a firmware problem!!
    
    evidences, look here:
    http://randsco.com/index.php/2006/05/11/casio_ex_z850_video_problems
    under "November Update: Firmware v1.1B makes images blurry."
    
    here:
    
    http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1015&message=20716938
    Z850 fuzzy pics? it's the fw 1.1B!!

    Leo at 09:49pm on Thursday, November 16, 2006

18. I've just downloaded the latest update 1.2b. for the EX-Z850(avail from March 2007). As I've only had the camera a couple of weeks, I've tried various movie shots and found some problems with quality. I then updated to the 1.2b update and it appears better. The only drawback I can find is that the field width is reduced in the HQ mode. Can anyone else comment on this firmware upgrade?

    Ian Taylor at 08:37pm on Thursday, March 22, 2007