Product Description

Casio 7.2-megapixel EXILIM Hi-ZOOM EX-V7is the most powerful zoom in the stylish EXILIM series of compact digital cameras. It is the world's slimmest digital camera with a 7X optical zoom lens. Thinness is a defining quality in the EXILIM line, and the EX-V7 is no different as it easily fits in a shirt pocket or small purse. Audio WAV (stereo) Recording Media - Built-in flash memory (image area - 11.6 MB), SDHC Memory Card / SD Memory Card / Multimedia Card compatible (We advise buying an optional SD card of 1GB for practical use) Image Size (Pixels) Still images - 3072 2304, 3072 2048 (3 - 2), 2560 1920, 2048 1536, 1600 1200, 640 480; Movies 848 480 (UHQ Wide/HQ Wide), 640 480 (UHQ/HQ/Normal), 320 240 (LP) Focus Modes - Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus Exposure - Program AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual Exposure Four blur reduction technologies with new CCD shift system / New CCD shift system mechanically compensates for camera shake Records - Still images; still images with audio (maximum around 30 seconds); macro; self-timer; continuous shutter (normal speed, high speed, rapid flash), BEST SHOT, movies with audio (Normal Movie, Short Movie, Past Movie, Movie BEST SHOT), voice recording EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processor Sensitivity - ISO64, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800 Electronic-Flash Self Timer modes PictBridge Uses 1 NP50 Rechargeable Battery (included) Dimensions - 3.76 (W) x 2.35 (H) x 1.0 (D) (excluding projections,. 82 at thinnest part); Weight - Approximately 5.26 oz (excluding battery and accessories) Bundled Accessories - Rechargeable lithium ion battery, USB cradle, USB cable, AV cable, Special AC adapter, AC power cord, strap, CD-ROM software may vary

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19066 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Casio
• Model: EX-V7
• Dimensions: 2.35" h x .99" w x 3.76" l, .40 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
• 7x optical zoom with anti-shake; 2.5-inch LCD display
• Four blur-reduction technologies including new CCD shift system
• High-quality movies using next-generation H.264 video encoding method
• Stores images on SDHC or SD memory cards (includes 11.6MB internal memory); powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion battery NP-50

Manufacturer Description
Manufacturer Description Imagine -- one of the world's thinnest 7X optical zoom digital cameras with CCD Shift Stabilization for rock-steady pictures. That's the Casio EX-V7. Less than an inch thick. Packed with powerful, innovative features. Giving you pictures and video beyond compare.

A sophisticated, 7X optical zoom without the bulkiness of other cameras. Processing that automatically reduces noise, stabilizes imagery, even tracks moving objects for crystal-clear action capture.

Your pictures never looked better!

Exilim EX-V7SR Highlights

The 2.5-inch LCD makes it easy to set up and review your best shots

Super-Bright LCD A super-bright LCD, 3x brighter than previous models, greatly reduces image washouts when shooting outdoors. Amazing contrast so you can compose your shots or review and see it all in greater detail. And a variety of settings add to the versatility. The EX-V7 puts you in control!

4x Image Stabilization System The EX-V7 introduces four innovative technologies to reduce the risk of camera shake when taking still or video images. The camera's CCD Shift Stabilization technology helps create crisp, sharp images by mechanically suspending the CCD reducing the impact of camera shake. Casio's enhanced Anti-Shake DSP combines camera shake technology with motion analysis technology. With this technology the EX-V7 utilizes the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to capture a moving photo subject. When recording in video mode, the EX-V7 utilizes a video stabilization technology, different from CCD Shift or Anti-Shake DSP technology.

Sleek Design

Slim, compact size Smaller than ever -- and less than an inch thick! The Casio EX-V7 has the looks and feel that speak of quality to you and everyone who sees it. Its sleek, ultra-modern silver or black exterior encases some of today's most exciting technology -- to give you the control and results worthy of any professional. An ultra-high performance Exilim Engine 2.0 makes it all possible. Imagine: picture-taking that appeals to all your senses!

Control at Your Fingertips Whether you shoot stills or video, silently or capturing every sound... Whether you select automatic features or take full control... Every choice is at your fingertips. Ease of operation is a highlight of the EX-V7 you'll appreciate every time you use it.

Brilliant Pictures

7x optical zoom lens Whether you seek a wide view or want to capture distant objects up close, the 7x optical zoom lens provides crystal clear photos. Combine its capabilities with the camera's built-in digital zoom for even greater closesness with your choice of detail! Compose those pictures using the Super Bright LCD -- three times brighter than previous models!

Choose the shooting mode that best suits your subject

Filled with features Choose from a variety of automated features designed to improve every picture. Capture the moment even if the lighting isn't optimal. High Sensitivity helps avoid dark images even when the flash is not in use. Best Shot Mode, for photos and videos, will help you take pictures like the experts. With up to 43 settings available, you achieve ideal results in even the most complicated picture-taking situations. With Anti-Shake DSP you no longer have to worry about handshake or subject movement. Anti-Shake helps compensate for any motion as you press the shutter. And if you prefer, the EX-V7 also gives you the ability to set shutter speed, focus, and much more!

Pictures that speak for themselves A picture may be worth a thousand words -- but there are times a few from the subject would be invaluable. Now you can add up to 30 seconds of audio to any picture and save them together. Perfect for uploaded pictures destined for loved ones far away. The built-in microphone and memory make it easier!

Exilim Engine 2.0 The latest technology for digital photographic high performance. It's the reason the Casio EX-V7 delivers sharper, better pictures with higher resolution while saving power in an ultra-compact configuration. More versatility. More features. Less space than ever.

AF Auto Tracking Got a subject that just won't sit still? Not a problem with the AF Auto Tracking feature. Just aim, press lightly on the shutter button and the EX-V7 will continue to focus on your subject until the photo is taken. Now you can capture a memory you might otherwise miss!

Amazing Video

High-quality video Capture the moment -- and in full motion! Here's video image quality beyond what you'd dream from a camera so small, sleek and light. The next-generation H.264 video encoding method makes it possible. With the Casio EX-V7, you'll record -- and play back -- high quality video captured in remarkably small file sizes, giving you up to 3 hours of video with an optional 2GB memory card. Capture and preserve special moments anywhere: home, travel, stadium, or concert!

Zoom while recording Good things happening at a distance? Capture it all and bring it closer with the silent, 7X optical zoom lens. Imagine the impact your videos will have when you zoom in to capture the action. And the silent zooming capability helps keep the moment intact without any unwanted noise.

Take your best shot With the Movie Best Shot feature, all you need to do is select from on-screen examples the type of image similar to your subject (close-up subject, night panorama, etc.) and the EX-V7 automatically configures to give you the best exposure and quality for ideal video results!

Video stabilization Banish jagged or blurry action, whether it’s you or your subjects that are in motion. Your videos take on a professional quality with Exilim’s Video Stabilization technology, which digitally processes your video footage while recording, to minimize the effects of hand and/or subject movement. Stabilizer processing is also performed during playback, to ensure that your videos always look great. You’ll clearly see the advantages built into the Casio EX-V7!

Wide-screen and stereo The new wide-aspect ratios are no problem for the EX-V7. Take ultra high quality (UHQ) video in 16:9 wide screen format, if you choose, in MPEG-4 compression. Or choose from five other image quality settings!

Two built-in microphones mean you capture the sound in life-like stereo. You can even play back audio on the built-in speaker! The EX-V7 offers you H.264/AVC video encoding, compressing incredible video quality into smaller file sizes, so you can store more crisp, clear video in less bandwidth!

Sharing Your Videos and Photos

Share your creativity Let others share in enjoying the amazing quality of the pictures and video you take with your Casio Exilim EX-V7. Imagine them on a wide-screen plasma television. Make prints, of any size. Edit and burn your images to a disc. Save pictures in the format best handled by the Internet, then upload and share. Nothing’s beyond your realm. All it takes is imagination -- and the versatility built into the EX-V7!

Share using a TV You've captured some amazing shots and video -- now move the action to where it can be seen by all. Play back your recorded video on a TV, or view a slideshow of your stills. Choose your aspect ratio, even wide-screen 16:9. Zoom in on an image or view 9 at once! The USB cradle has a built-in AV outlet port, so connecting to your TV for big-screen viewing is a snap!

Share using a computer Transfer your movies and stills to a computer. Connecting is made simple with the USB cradle. Your video is easily viewed with the included QuickTime Player as well as other movie player software. The EX-V7 has in-camera editing features, and you can use the included, bundled computer software to edit your movies or photos to a fine polish. And when you have your stills and videos as you want them, you can save them or burn your files to a disc.

Share using the Internet You can upload your stills and movies, too, to share them with friends and family! Pictures for online posting can be automatically optimized with reduced file size and resolution, then stored in their own special folder, ready for you. Uploading is easy with the USB cradle -- even stills with up to 30 seconds of attached audio, perfect for loved ones far away.

Print to save -- or share Prepare your pictures to show them at their best. Use the EX-V7 to resize or crop, and save the results in-camera. Correct brightness, contrast, distortions, or even improve an old photo. Create multi-layered pictures. Grab a still frame from a video movie! The only limit is your imagination.

Ready to print? You have a wide range of options. The EX-V7 offers PictBridge, for connecting directly to supporting printers. Or use the memory card in a printer with memory card slots. Want even more flexibility? Upload your images to your computer, to edit and print with the included, bundled software!

Customer Reviews

At last, a manufacturer gets it right!
I have been waiting forever for a digital camera with decent quality that allowed optical zoom when capturing video so I didn't need to carry a separate video camera. Finally Casio delivers with this model that lets you silently zoom upto 7x (wow!) when using the camera. Previous models disabled optical zoom during video capture to prevent the lens mechanism noise from being captured, but this one is almost silent. To give some context I have been using Casio's EX-Z750, and I can say this is a much better camera, especially in terms of video capture.

Pros:
- 7x optical zoom. Note this lens is completely internal so nothing protrudes out. Not sure how Casio managed to do this but kudos to them.
- Use of the full 7x optical zoom during video capture.
- The new H.264 video encoding codec produces extremely good video compared to older models. Previous models tended to produce more grainy video, especially in low light. Also includes stereo audio recording!
- Fairly small size. Not quite as small as the Optio but still very small. Anything smaller is really too small to hold comfortably for me.
- Retains ability to use manual aperture and other controls including histograms
- Very good best-shot modes including new high-sensitivity modes for low light situations.
- The flash can be kept continuously on for use as a video light.
- Support for the new SDHC cards, the bigger capacities are certainly useful for capturing video.
- New optional widescreen modes for video
- First Casio model to incorporate mechanical image stabilization in addition to digital for both stills and video.
- As opposed to older Casio models, allows imprinting date and time on photos.
- Allows users to customize use of buttons
- Whole bunch of other features too numerous to mention. Take a look at their website. Casio is an old name in the electronics business and knows how to make user-friendly gadgets.

Ok, now for some things NOT done right:
- My biggest complaint is that the only way to charge battery is through the docking station. This means you need to carry a docking station with you when travelling. Previous models had after-market external battery chargers you could buy, but I haven't seen one for this model yet. And no, old chargers don't work since this is a different battery form factor.
- The docking station is also the only way to connect the camera to a PC, though I got around this by using the SD card reader on my PC.
- On the subject of batteries, this one has about half the life as compared to the EX-Z750, 850 or 1000 models. Given the docking station requirement to charge, you will need to buy a spare battery eventually.
- The image stabilization mechanism is a little noisy. Scared me the first time till I found out that was normal.
- The autofocus mechanism tends to "hunt" a bit especially zoomed in.

Overall, many more positives than negatives. Definitely recommend this camera. Note its also available in black, though not everywhere.

Not quite up to my expectations
I just purchased this camera last night. I was thrilled to finally get my hands on this because I absolutely loved my Casio Z750. I've been using a Fuji Finepix F30 in the interrim time since my Casio kicked the bucket. Now that I have both cameras side by side, I must say that the F30 image quality is so much better that it makes me sad that I just spent a bundle on this Casio product. The EX-V7 is better in some respects. I will compare the two cameras a bit, since I currently have both.

Zooming while taking video on the EX-V7 is great and it even has a variable speed zoom, but the camera can't hold a decent focus whether I'm zooming or not. The image is so washed out without the sharpness turned up a couple of notches, it appears blurry. Filming in widescreen format is fun, too, but even though it is filming in HQ I don't notice great image quality. The images from an indoor scene are grainy and not even old-school camcorder quality. In fact, when I play the HQ video on my computer monitor I consistently get distortion lines flickering across the image anytime there is camera or subject movement. This might have something to do with the compatibility of my system with the camera, but it is unpleasant nevertheless, and may happen to other people.

The color tones on skin, and the indoor range of the flash are very poor in comparison to the F30.

The location of the lense is a bit problematic as my left hand typically uses that space on the camera for stabilization.

Start up and cycle time on this Casio is as wonderful as on my z750.

Image playback, magnification and moving, and file deletion on the EX-V7 is amazingly speedy in comparison to the F30.

The autofocus works much more consistently on the EX-V7. The F30 gets the focus wrong on occasion and the EX-V7 is nailing it pretty consistently so far. I have notice, however, that once I magnify my Casio images, they seem to lose a bit of detail. This could be related to the image stabilization.

One of the biggest things I miss in the EX-V7 is the EX button. For every tweak you want to make to the adjustments, you have to cycle through the menu. Granted, Casio has one of the best and most intuitive menu systems out there, but it is not cool to have to scroll through many options just to find your white balance or your EV shift. Casio definitely blew it on this one. It is a big downgrade.

It is also sad that there is no macro button to quickly select. This must be done through the focus selection menu.

This camera still has a great set of selections to choose from and is still very speedy, but it doesn't measure up to the Casio Z750 in video quality or ease of use. The video and image quality of the Fuji FinePix F30 is markedly better in an indoor setting and slightly better in an outdoor setting. It is a little easier to see that the video is of higher quality on the EX-V7 when video is taken in bright outdoor light, but I still can't stand the horizontal lines across my screen throughout the movie.

Overall, I'm more pleased with my F30 because the image and video quality is more pleasing to the eyes. The V7 is a good product and doesn't ruin the Casio name. If I didn't have a camera to compare side-by-side, I wouldn't have known as much about what I did not like in the image quality. If you already have this camera, enjoy it's many features once you get used to working your way through the menu system. If you haven't purchased it yet, weigh the options and figure out if you want a camera that will take better pictures indoors and in low light. If so, I would recommend the F30.

10 days with EX-V7
I agree with the points of the other reviewers. Note the manual mentions to store the battery in the drained state for extended periods. I plan to order a second battery, but will probably have it charged all the time. An extra docking station will make things easier while on holiday. There is also a mention to edit or delete photos through the photo software not while connected to a PC. I used to "cut" the photos from my old camera using Windows, but for this one it looks like I'll just format the media in the camera to erase them once they are "copied" to the PC hard disk. The dock station does make it easy to charge, view, and access the media, so no need to get an SDHC reader for new 4 and 8 GB SD cards. The camera is a little heavy for a pants pocket with the battery. Heading to Disney in a week, so looking forward to some real-world results.

After a few days in Disney, this camera is growing on me. I can see the need to pre-focus (wait for green) on this camera compared to my last because the default depth of field is more narrow. Pressing the button down all at once will (according to the manual), focus to infinity and not give great results in some cases. Battery life has been very good. Will comment more then I upload the photos and movies.

I'm back from Disney, and I have uploaded my pix. I took pictures on a 4 GB SD card and at the 7 megapixel and 2 megapixel modes using the best picture quality setting. I also took a few movies at the medium movie quality. I'm not a professional (at all), and had the camera in full auto mode the whole time (no time to stop the action for a manual camera setting! And who would listen to me?). The only thing I did was turn on and off the flash to suit the setting and use the built-in 2 second timer to rest the camera for some night shots. I kept image-stablization set to the hardware-setting, not the one that includes both hardware and software. I read that somewhere.

I took some pictures of the thunder mountain ride - standing on the sidelines, and of the tea cups thing, and of a foutain at night, and then some.

I'm not someone to tweak pictures after I upload them. This camera produced some great shots after pressing the button that were razor sharp and full of color (think Gold film if you remember) when looking at them on Windows XP default picture viewer thing zoomed to 400%. I have to stress again the need to pre-focus - required. Wearing the camera in the front pocket of my jeans did cause the twirl-dial to change settings, so once I took a movie instead of a picture (Humpff). I recommend checking the setting when taking the camera out (I don't use a case, will probably never buy one, I'm point and shoot). I took a movie of the Disney band on mainstreet and the sound quality and stereo was great - and the picture spot on (Quicktime 7 required for playback). On a roller coaster (I filmed the entire ride - while remaining quiet!), the wind noise was terrible, but I was going 60 mph. The coaster was at night and the camera did better than some of those "Cops" videos we see from professional camera feeds.

This camera promises a lot with its price-point and manual settings, but I would absolutely not expect to get SLR (do people still own these?) quality with 7x zoom out of the front pocket of my jeans (at least for now - technology marches on). What I did get was a point-and-shoot camera (that has many manual settings) that does two amazing things in one package (albeit slightly weighty), zoom-point-shoot and take great (leading edge) videos. Ideal vacation campanion, and therefore part of my travel kit. I would think there are less expensive cameras for point and shoot people (with less zoom or more pixels), and other $400+ cameras for the professionals. Choose wisely.