Casio EXILIM EX-Z750 Digital Camera

As you may have seen from my other reviews regarding cameras, I am not well-versed on camera lingo or the mechanics of taking good photos. I need something that I can point, push a button, and the photo comes out looking great, notwithstanding my ignorance. Also, it is important that the camera be small enough that I can easily and comfortably stuff it in my jeans pocket. This camera does it all. I have previously owned the Casio Exilim Z40,, the Z55, and now have upgraded to the Z 750. The Z 55 is a great camera--it takes outstanding outdoor photos at resolution up to 5 megapixels and takes adequate indoor shots. The battery life is incredible--it will take over 300 shots on a single charge. The Z 750 has all of the fine qualities of the Z55--long battery life, convenient size, big clear screen, and, like its predecessors, it also has Casio's "best Shot" feature, which is over 20 pre-set conditions for various scenarios such as "sunset" or "portrait", etc. Just set the Best Shot pre-set, snap the shutter, and your photo comes out like a pro. Battery life is even better than the Z55--you can squeeze out almost 400 shots on one charge from the Z 750, and, as discussed below, in addition to increased resolution (7.2 megapixels) it contains other desirable features that are absent on the Z 55.

I upgraded to the Z 750 for two reasons: (1) the z 750 has a light assist for focusing indoor shots, which from what I read helps in low-light situations, and (2) the Z 750 supposedly takes better movies than does the z 55. Having used this camera for approximately two months now, I agree on both counts--there is a slight improvement on some indoor shots, and there is a dramatic improvement with video--there is actually no comparison--if you think you may be using your camera for video, this is the one to get--the videos are much more clear and the sound is great when played back on your computer (the sound is a bit faint when played back on the camera). Also, as with the Z 55, it is nice that the length of videos is limited only by the memory you have for the camera--i have a 1 gb SD card--which will take hundreds of high resolution photos and over 30 minutes of high resolution video.

As with the Z55, the screen is large and easy to see, and it its nice that the camera has a separate viewfinder, as not only does it make it easier to frame your shots in bright sunlight, it also, in my opinion, is easier to hold the camera steady when using the viewfinder.


I have only a couple of slight quibbles: (1)the on/off button sticks out too far on the top and it is easy to accidentally turn the camera on while in your pocket or while simply handling. (2) the Z 750 has a rotary knob for presumable quicker access to its many features (you had to access the menu on the Z55 to reach features such as Best SHot, etc.)--the knob is cumbersome and gets in the way--it also looks and feels cheap--I prefer the more sleek look and feel of the Z 55 without the knob. Other than these two minor quibbles, this is an awesome camera.
You will notice I did not say anything about the 7.2 megapixel capacity--for some this alone may be reason to upgrade--for me, I rarely use more than 3 megapixels, and 5 is more than enough, so the increased resolution was not a reason to purchase this camera--but the light assist and vastly improved movie capability make it well worth the money to purchase this one instead of the z 55.