Casio's Exilim EX-Z75 is attractive in three important areas for photographers who are interested in an ultra-compact digital camera: Relatively high resolution (7.2 megapixels), a very small camera body, and a sub-$200 starting price. Most of the EX-Z75's other features, however, are below average, which makes it difficult to recommend this model to most photographers. You could spend a little more money and receive a far stronger package.

Casio has included a 3X optical zoom lens with the EX-Z75, which matches the average zoom found on ultra-compact models. Unfortunately, the EX-Z75 has no image stabilization feature, which could lead to some blurry photos in low-light conditions.

We found that response times are average with this model. You can shoot your first photo about 1.5 seconds after pressing the power button. Shutter lag averages about one-half second, meaning you might miss a spontaneous photo from time to time. Shot-to-shot delays were a little disappointing, measuring about 2-5 seconds, depending on whether or not the flash was in use.

The EX-Z75 is one of the thinner cameras available, measuring about 0.77 inches in thickness and fitting easily in almost any pocket. One potential problem with the EX-Z75's thin body, though, is that while placing the camera in your pocket, it's possible to switch on the camera by inadvertently pressing the record button on the back of the camera. (You can, however, use the menu structure to remove the "power on" capability of the record button.)

You'll find the EX-Z75 in four colors: Silver, black, blue and pink. The EX-Z75 is extremely easy to use; you can basically take it out of the box, insert the battery and a memory card and begin shooting. The menu structure is easy to understand. Casio also includes several present scene modes, which make it easier to achieve the best possible exposure.

A problem for the EX-Z75 is in its 2.6-inch liquid crystal display (LCD). The screen's resolution isn't very sharp, and it can be difficult to see whether images are in focus. Just because an image is blurry on the EX-Z75's LCD doesn't mean it will print blurry; it might actually be in perfect focus. Magnifying this problem is the fact that the EX-Z75's LCD serves as this camera's only viewfinder.

Probably the biggest problem for the EX-Z75, however, is its image quality. The EX-Z75's images seem to contain a lot of noise, and unlike other budget-priced models, the noise problems aren't limited to photos taken under extremely low-light conditions; you won't be able to make large prints from noisy photos.

The EX-Z75 definitely sparks a mixed set of feelings. On one hand, this ultra-compact camera looks great, fits in a pocket with no problem, and costs less than $200. On the other hand, image quality is a serious problem if you want to make large prints, and the EX-Z75's LCD is nowhere near as sharp as it should be. Ultimately, if budget and camera size are extremely important to you, the EX-Z75 might be worth considering; if you want better performance, however, you'll probably want to look at spending a bit more money for a different model.


Pros: Very small camera, good response times, low starting price, good-looking model with color choices
Cons: LCD has low resolution, images look blurry on LCD, camera images have a lot of noise, no image stabilization, no viewfinder

Warranty
1 year, limited