Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z57: camera, photo frame, diary

By Mary Lojkine on 18 April 2005, 4:21pm

Casio's contribution to the digital camera world can be summed up in four words: "small camera, big screen". Although it does make larger cameras, it's best known for the ultracompact Exilim Card and Exilim Zoom ranges.

The Exilim Zoom EX-Z57 is a 5.0 megapixel model with a massive 69mm (2.7-inch) display. The LCD is so large that using it as a viewfinder feels like navigating the world with a heads-up display. There's no need to look around, because you can see everything on the screen, in full colour and with loads of detail. On the other hand, it has to work well, because it takes up so much space that there's no room for an optical viewfinder.

The big screen is also great for reviewing images. You can pass the camera around without feeling that you're asking people to enthuse about images that are smaller than postage stamps. You can even use it as a desktop photo frame. When the camera is sitting in its charging station, the screen faces towards you, and you can start a slideshow by pressing the Photo button. If you don't want to display everything, you can restrict the show to photos from the Favorites folder, or just choose a single image.

The third thing we like about the EX-Z57 is the calendar display, which organises your photos by shooting date. It's a great way to find the pictures from cousin Judy's christening or Auntie Marge's 50th anniversary knees-up.

We'll have to go to a few more parties to test all the features. Watch for a full review after that. -ML