Casio Exilim EX-S100 3.2MP Digital Camera with 2.8x Optical Zoom

Other products by Casio

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 2 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002ZA7I8
• Item model number: EX-S100
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,699 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 30, 2004

Product Description

Product Description
How fast is really fast? The EXILIM Card EX-S100 has a shutter speed of 0.01 second after successful focusing. Which means there is little that is fast enough to escape you!Changing between the normal focus and the macro range is really fast - with the Auto Macro function. The macro region, i.e. the close-up region of the EX-S100, comprises distances between 17cm and 50cm. Before each photo, the camera measures the distance to the motif and automatically sets the right focal range. Every picture is thus crystal-clear, even close up to important details.With the development of the world's first ceramic lens CASIO makes digital photography more compact than ever before. The special advantages of the ceramic material: high stability, high coefficient of refraction and the property that it can be manufactured and installed in a size much smaller than that of glass. Only in this way, for example, is it possible to integrate a 2.8x Zoom in the extremely flat EXILIM Card EX-S100.BESTSHOT functions are practically pre-settings for different motifs and lighting conditions. The EXILIM Card EX-S100 offers 23 BESTSHOT modes. You can also create, store and call up your own modes with BESTSHOT at any time. New: 2 integrated Business Shot programs for distortion-free reproduction of business cards and projection charts.For flash photos, the background often remains too dark and the motif is not fully illuminated. The solution: Flash Assist. With this function, the brightness of the motif is automatically enhanced.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best compact as of 10/26/04, October 26, 2004

By	Contra Death - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had this camera for roughly two weeks. It has given me no problems so far as craftmanship or functionality. It is razor thin, has an optical zoom and is roughly the size of a credit card. Despite its size, it feels relatively rugged due to its metal construction.
I did a lot of research before buying this. I heard of several complaints that I shall address
-image quality: I think it is good, though I read one review with a complaint. I actually liked its pictures more than those of its brother, the 5 megapixel z55!
-controls: I read that the controls on the camera, physically (button placement) and in the computer menu, were not intuitive. I disagree. I have big hands and the buttons still feel natural to my touch. As for the menu, it is very easy to use. I figured out the functions quickly on my own, with little use of the manual. There are even convenient touches such as a pause when switching between the optical and digital zoom so that you don't use the digital unless you are sure you want to.
-LCD: in all fairness, this LCD is not top-notch. The size (2"), angles and brightness are fine, but the image quality is dissappointing and this is too bad considering that there is no viewfinder.

You may wonder why I have given five stars to a camera with a noticeable flaw; here's why. In its category (credit card digi cams), it is the best. It rules in size by a long shot, has good image quality, is very easy to use and from I have seen so far, is reliable. The indoor images are supplemented by multiple easy to use preset settings or a great flash; outdoor photos also have presets and look great. The LCD is dissappointing, but the image quality of that does not really matter if the pictures turn out well anyway. If you want a camera for serious photography, I do NOT recommend this camera, but I wouldn't recommend ANY compact digital camera; cough up the dough and sacrifice the space for an digital SLR. As for snapshots, pictures for vacation, family, everday life, etc... choose this one. This camera is the best on the market for what it is: a portable, high image and build quality zoom camera.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This holiday season's coolest digicam, November 23, 2004

By	Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

The new Casio Exilim EX-S100 continues the company's tradition of making super-thin, credit card-sized digital cameras, only this time it has a retractable 3x optical zoom which is just amazing to watch as it comes out and goes in. Supposedly Casio engineers had to invent a new kind of ceramic lens to make it fit inside the EX-S100's thin (~0.6") body. It weighs less than 5 oz. even with its proprietary LiIon battery.

The image quality on this camera is typical of consumer-grade, cmopact digital cameras, which is to say it's acceptable for everyday shots. The first reviewer had a good point that this camera is perfect as a second digital camera; I think it's good to have a more powerful camera that gives you more controls and more pixels if you want to do any semi-serious photography (e.g., travel photography). The EX-S100 is perfect for carrying around and snapping pictures in the park, on the street, or at a party. Its relatively fast recycle time also makes it easy to use when you are in the mood for candid shots, plus the 2.8X optical zoom helps pull things closer. (The optical zoom is important here since its 3MP resolution does not allow for a lot of cropping.)

The LCD screen on the back is big and bright but the resolution could be better. This means the image on the LCD is a bit coarse. This sucks because this camera doesn't have an optical viewfinder.

This last point raise an important performance issue: because the camera is light and doesn't have a viewfinder, when you compose your shot through the LCD, be sure to hold the camera very steady! Don't pinch it hard. Just relax but keep your arms, wrists and hands steady. Press the shutter after you insale and as you hold you breath. Learn to use your thumbs to counter-act the downward force from the press-down on the shutter. This simple tip should steer you clear of lots of blurry pictures... after you practice. :)

This camera is definitely the hottest digital camera this holiday season, hence the price premium for a 3MP shooter. Is 3MP enough? I think it is for most everyday situations. If you plan to crop a lot later on and still want gorgeous 6x4" or larger prints, you should consider a 4MP or 5MP camera. But I bet 95% of us consumers don't crop 95+% of the time, and this Exilim is really to be used as a point-and-shoot, so the 3MP is not a real issue. As I mentioned, the overall picture quality of this "card cam" (I think that's what Casio's calling them now) is pretty good, better than 3MP digital cameras from just a couple years ago.

So, if you want an impressive second digital camera or just want a thin and small and stylish camera for everyday photography, the Exilim deserves a serious look.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great things come in small packages, June 29, 2005

By	Josh (Pittsford, NY) - See all my reviews

PROS:
-big screen
-if set to high sharpness it takes amazing pictures
-very small
-simple to use
-fast start up
-lightweight
-attractive design
-comes with a dock
-movies go as long as there's free space on the memory card
-movies with sound
-many sceen settings

CONS:
-the screen could be better but it's still pretty good quality
-no carrying case
-average picture quality...which is now a problem for me because i'm getting more into photography...

This camera is definately worth the $220 that I spent. (walmart.com)