Casio Exilim Pro P600 6MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

by Casio

Product Details

Product Manual [6.59mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001D56TG
• Item model number: P-600U
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,900 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 7, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Adding power to its stylish Exilim line, Casio's Exilim Pro EX-P600 offers advanced features that will please both photographic pros and advanced amateurs. The compact EX-P600 has a refined stainless steel body design, 6-megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, ultra-fast 0.01-second shutter release lag time, large 2-inch LCD monitor, and a wide range of manual controls to help you get just the right image.

Optics and Resolution
With the EX-P600, you can capture images in resolutions up to 2816 x 2112 pixels; other resolution modes include 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. It also has a 2816 x 1872 (3:2 aspect ratio) mode. In addition to JPEG capture, images can also be recorded directly from the CCD to TIFF format to avoid any degradation of picture quality.

This lens features a high-performance Canon 4x optical zoom lens with 10-stage aperture settings. It also has a 4x digital zoom, for a total 16x zoom. The lens has an automatic barrier for protection, and can be used in conjunction with the three optional Canon conversion lenses (X 0.7 / X 1.5 / close-up) to increase the camera's flexibility.

Movie Mode
In addition to still images, the EX-P600 can also capture video clips with audio at 320 x 240 pixels. The length of your movie is only limited by the size of memory available (either internal RAM or external memory card).

More Features
In addition to a start-up time of approximately 2-seconds and approximately 0.01 second release time lag, the EX-P600 has a high-speed continuous shutter function to take 3 photos per second--up to 6 photos in succession.

By pressing the shutter button once, you can use the auto bracketing function to take either 3 or 5 photos, applying different effects to each one. In addition to exposure variation (AEB), white balance (WBB), and focus positioning (AFB), the Multi Bracketing feature also enables you to choose variations of color, portrait, sharpness, saturation, and contrast levels, letting you pick the very best shot.

The camera's photographic information, such as shutter speed, aperture, and focusing can be displayed graphically on the 2-inch, high-definition LCD monitor (115,200 pixels), making it easy to quickly adjust settings manually. By pressing the EX Button, the levels for white balance, ISO sensitivity, metering, and AF area settings can be displayed and adjusted on a single screen.

Other features include:

• Convenient wireless remote control is included for slow shutter and self-timer photos
• External flash equipment can be used with the Sync Terminal
• Photos taken with the camera in a sideways position are automatically displayed upright thanks to a built-in horizontal/vertical position sensor

Direct Printing
The EX-P600 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your printer, without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong)

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored in the built-in 9 MB memory, or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a proprietary, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.84 x 2.66 x 1.78 inches (1.03 inches at thinnest point) and weighs 7.94 ounces (excluding battery)

What's in the Box
This package contains the Exilim Pro EX-P600 digital camera, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, battery carger, card remote control, USB and A/V cables, strap, and CD-ROM with image editing software.

Product Description

Casio EXILIM PRO 600 6 Megapixel Digital Camera with 4X Optical / 4X DigitalZoomBasicResolution, response, and operating time. If these are the benchmarks bywhich today's digital cameras are judged, the new EXILIM PRO is one of the mostadvanced digital camera ever. A 6-million effective pixel CCD combines with 4Xoptical zoom to deliver images of amazing resolution and clarity. As thevanguard model of the EXILIM lineup, the EX-P600 features the very best inperformance, function, styling, and ease of operation.High SpeedRegardless of how many features a digital camera has, speed is one of themost important considerations.From startup, to Auto Focus, shutter release time lag, and more, EXILIM PRO isdesigned and engineered to provide the ultimate in nimble, high-speed operation.A high-speed continuous shutter lets you record up to six images at a rate ofthree images per second, even at maximum resolution. With the Multi ContinuousShutter mode, you can record 25 consecutive images with the press of the shutterbutton.BracketingCASIO's original new Multi Bracketing feature lets you specify a variablesetting and create multiple versions of the same image with a single press ofthe shutter button. You can specify one of a total of six different variables,including saturation and sharpness. In addition, three types of Auto Bracketingprovide you with the means to vary exposure (EV value) and other settings as yourecord a series of consecutive images.New Ex FinderThe new EX Finder superimposes a wealth of imaging data over the image on themonitor screen. This provides you with an overview of all major image settingsat a glance, and the means to change settings in an instant.High-resolution ImagingEXILIM PRO is packed with a powerful collection of features and functionsthat provide you with the tools you need to record beautiful, high-resolutionimages. The EX key lets you configure settings with the touch of a button. AManual Assist feature provides guidance that simplifies manua

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Compact Camera With Easy To Use Features, April 22, 2004

By 

Michael Hamrah (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Casio Exilim Pro P600 6MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

You know when you buy something, having a high expectation, and when you get it, you're still amazed at how great it is? For me, this happened when I bought this camera. I knew this camera would be small, fast, and loaded with a ton of features, but I didn't know just how great it would be.

I wasn't actually shopping for a 6MP camera, but all of the 5MP compact cameras really didn't cut it. But the combination of features on the EX-P600, combined with the 4x Optical Zoom (16x Digital) and 2.0" LCD said go for it. But when I started using the camera I realized I made a really smart move. Casio obviously spent a great deal of time coming up with an intuitive interface to access everything. In just a few steps you can set any feature on the camera, and the 2.0" LCD screen offers enough real estate to know what your doing.

In simple point and shoot mode, the EX-P600 offers great pictures with little wait time between shots. Auto focus is a snap, and you don't need to think about anything else. I like the Best Shot mode, which lets you select from 25 different presets for optimal results in various settings. Portrait, Nighttime, scenery, etc.. It even has a coupling mode so you can take a picture of your friend, and have your friend take a picture of you, and have it be the same image. No more asking somebody to take your picture!

If you want to get really into it, pretty much everything on the camera- focusing, exposure, white balance, color filters, are adjustable. You can even create custom presets and have it show up in best shot mode. You can not only access everything from a Menu, but it has a quick settings button where you can tab thru all the current camera settings.

Some downsides are the camera doesn't come with an SD card, so you have to buy one separately, which adds on to the price tag. Also, it doesn't come with an AC Adapter, just an external charger, so you have to take the battery out to of the camera to charge it, unless you get the AC Adapter. It also has an "ex" mode where all this data comes up when you take a picture. The plus side is you can see all the settings on the screen, the downside is it looks like you're flying an F-16. But you don't have to have it on, the regular mode tells you everything you need to know.

All in all, if you want a camera to last a couple of years, this is yet. The high resolution 6MP CCD will offer room when higher resolution printers come out, and the advanced feature set will let you have more creative control when you're ready for it, but it's not even too hard to figure out. This is a really smart camera, not just a good one. This camera even has a remote control, so no more running into the picture and wondering when the flash will be for those group shots!

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Make that 4.5 stars (no option for halves!), April 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Casio Exilim Pro P600 6MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought this camera, after a long, extensive, detailed search, to replace my venerable Casio QV-4000. I originally shyed away from another Casio because they are not a mainstream player in the camera market. But after a few rounds of re-evaluating what my priorities and needs were, this one met all my requirements for a replacement:

- (Much) Faster startup, shutdown, and between-shot times
- No lens cap!
- Much smaller and lighter than the QV-4000
- More zoom
- Larger image
- Good quality optics
- No loss of manual controls
- LCD is actually usable in direct sunlight!

This one has all those features, plus several new and other things I might not have even thought of. Probably one of the most useful, after the bigger zoom, bigger CCD and faster startup, will be the ease in *getting at* the various controls. Though you can point and shoot just like any camera, you can make all sorts of settings with remarkably few button pushes.

A reviewer elsewhere mentioned how this camera doesn't use the CF memory format of the older Casios. Duh, look at the size of the camera! It's amazingly small, considering what it packs. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of a paper manual in the box. You have to read it off your computer or use a ton of paper to print it. Notice you can download it here from Amazon to find out a lot about the camera.

It starts and behaves very fast. Scrolling through photos in playback is lightning fast. I also like the *small* battery charger, and the fact that it doesn't have a big annoying cord. Just plug it straight into the wall; great for travel!

I like the large 2" LCD. I could see it fine outside on a sunny day. It has plenty of resolution for my 42 year old eyes. It would be nice if it could zoom in a little closer, but 8x is good. I also like the Best Shot feature, where the soft focus mode is very cool. Also having fun with the high-speed modes, including the one that makes 25 tiny pictures in very rapid succession on a single frame.

There is also a feature carried over from my older Casio, which I didn't see mentioned in any reviews. The flash does have three power levels. This is great if you want to "overflash" a subject that's further from the camera, or lighten it up for some gentle fill.

Highly recommended if you like a camera with lots of controls and features. I'm sure this is currently the most functionality you can get in a camera of this size with these major features.

If you're like me you need a decent-sized card. Get the Sandisk Ultra II. Best price from a reputable vendor I found right here. Also an extra battery, though the one that comes with it is supposed to be long-lasting.

Some weak points:
- Though I hated the dangling lens cap on my previous camera, I worry about the delicate lens shutter on this one. Certainly not as strong or protective from dust and moisture as a cap, but that's what a case or bag is for.
- Flash is a little weak, with short range. I guess this is to be expected from a tiny camera.
- Folder and filenames no longer have the date in them. This was real handy with my older pictures. Wherever you stuck one, you could always reference when it was taken.
- No user-friendly RAW mode. Though you can access it through an undocumented diagnostic and setup menu, there is no common software to work with the files. It would be nice if Casio enabled this.

That list is all minor stuff for me. My rating of 4.5 is just to say there's room for improvement, which is always true. I'm glad I chose this camera, even though the price has already dropped $30 in the week or so since I ordered it. Oh the fun of being an early adopter!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Leader of the pack!, July 24, 2004

By 

Cerius Photobug "serious" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Casio Exilim Pro P600 6MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I would be classified as an advanced amateur. The P600 is my second digicam. I use a Nikon D100 for serious work, shoot in the RAW mode, edit on a color profiled monitor with Photoshop and print on a 6 color photo printer. I've owned 5 digicams over the last 8 years-none were perfect. There is always a trade-off when seeking portability, lens quality,speed, feature, ruggedness, low noise and resolution. At this time the CASIO P600 is the leader: 6 megapixels, 4x optical zoom high quality Canon lens, small size in a rugged body,quick startup, good ergonomics, big (2inches) viewing screen,unlimited movie mode, advanced menus and extensive features etc. This is the best compact digicam I've owned to date. Drawbacks: CASIO's somewhat spotty reputation for service,lack of a printed manual, relatively small amount of on-board memory, expensive proprietary battery (many others have this problem viz: Nikon, Canon etc.), limited software, inaccessable RAW mode, non-standard USB connection, lack of flash shoe (Canon G5 has one-Casio does have external flash sync) and few other nit-picky concerns. I considered the Olympus 5060 but it was bigger and bulkier, had less optical zoom, and lower resolution. It was close. You need to decide what features are important. I would point out that comments by other reveiwers about the lack of a memory card and difficulty with the USB connector suggest that they were very new to the experience of using digicams and might have been happier with a less expensive, simpler rig.