Finally, compacts have reached the double-digit megapixel stage. Casio’s latest compact the Exilim EX-Z1000 packs a whooping 10-megapixel in a slim 92 x 58.4 x 22.4mm, 139g package. The camera also features Anti-Shake DSP for reducing handshake-blur, 3x optical zoom (38-114mm equiv), f/2.8-5.4 aperture and a ISO 3200 High Sensitivity BEST SHOT mode that seems rather gimmicky.
Then again, most experienced photographers will tell you megapixel isn’t the determining factor for a good camera, especially compact digital cameras. In fact, a 2 to 3 megapixel is sufficient for churning out great 4R prints. So unless you have plans to do large prints, a high megapixel camera won’t turn your shots into million-dollar ones. Neither will it make your girlfriend slim.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean the EX-Z1000 is a bad camera. In fact, it sports a 1/1.8″ sensor, which is larger than that found in most compact cameras, and even prosumer cameras such as Canon S2 IS and Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ20. Sensor size is important for image quality, which is the reason why SLR cameras are a giant step up from compacts - they have much larger sensor sizes, although I can’t vouch for any significant difference in image quality between a 1/1.8″ and a 1/2.5″ sensor.
Additionally, the EX-Z1000 features Anti-Shake DSP, which comes in extremely useful when trying to take slow shutter shots in low lighting conditions. It helps to achieve sharper pictures for half-hearted one-handed shots as well.
In short, never buy a camera just because it packs the highest megapixel rating in the market. Instead, look out for the less conspicuous features that are in fact more important than plain megapixel muscles.
May 1st, 2006 at 7:23 pm
looks good.. what’s the price tag on this baby?
May 1st, 2006 at 11:38 pm
Retail on this camera is $399.99 according to a press release from Casio.