When it comes to putting together a great digital camera, Casio appears to have hit all the key points on its checklist with the Exilim EX-Z1000. Ultra-thin camera body? Check. Extremely high resolution? Check. Large LCD screen? Check. Reasonable price? Check. Easy-to-use and handy features? Check.

Casio has set the bar extremely high for its competitors with the EX-Z1000. Casio has given this digital camera 10.1 megapixels of resolution in a model that costs less than $350, something that very few other models can match. With 10.1 megapixels of resolution, the EX-Z1000 can create professional-quality prints of 20x25 inches and larger. Casio also has added a low-resolution automatic shooting mode aimed at those who need quick photos for online auctions.

You'll find the EX-Z1000's 3X optical zoom lens creates sharp, vibrant photos in nearly all lighting conditions. This digital camera also can shoot at extreme close-ups, just a few inches from the subject. The EX-Z1000's small, built-in flash won't light an entire room, but it works pretty well for shooting small groups from within a few feet.

The 2.8-inch LCD is bright and sharp. You may experience a few problems viewing the LCD in bright sunlight because of reflection problems, but it works very well in low light conditions.

Response times for the EX-Z1000 are very impressive, as well. In our tests we shot the first photo in less than 2 seconds after pressing the power button, and shutter lag is not noticeable. Shot-to-shot delays ranged from 2 to 4 seconds, but you can use one of the continuous-shot modes -- which range from five photos in 5 seconds to three photos in about one-half second -- to overcome these delays.

Now consider that you'll receive all of these top-end features in a digital camera that measures less than 1 inch in thickness, and you'll understand why Casio has created one of the best values in models currently available.

The only serious drawback to the EX-Z1000 is that its LCD serves as the camera's only viewfinder, which can be a big problem for some photographers. You'll also have to purchase a memory card, as this digital camera's 8MB of internal memory isn't enough to store many photos. Beyond those minor problems, the EX-Z1000 will work well for a variety of photographers. Simply put, it is one of the best digital cameras around.


Pros: One of the best values currently available, high-end resolution, ultra-thin camera body, great response times
Cons: LCD serves as only viewfinder

Warranty
1 year, limited