Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
- 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
- 3x optical plus 4x digital (12x total) zoom lens with autofocus
- Store images on 10 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital/MMC cards
- Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included
Early Adopters Pick:May 2003 One the tiniest 3.2-megapixel digital cameras in the world, the 0.9 inches thick Casio Exilim boasts a 3x optical zoom, a release time lag of about 0.01 seconds and a 2-inch LCD screen.
With a super-slim design and measuring the height and length of a credit card, the Casio Exilim EX-Z3 is sure to turn heads as you effortlessly snap high-quality digital photos. Don’t let the size fool you, the EX-Z3 is equipped with a 3.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 10 MB of built-in memory, and full-motion movie recording.
Optics and Resolution
The 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor captures sharp and brilliant images of up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, which can printed at sizes of up to 11 by 14 inches. The lens of the EX-Z3 uses a new three-segment telescoping mechanism that makes it possible to provide 3x optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin camera configuration. The stylish card design of the camera is made possible by stacking chips to reduce space requirements by about 40 percent (as compared to the Exilim EX-S2 and EX-M2). The EX-Z3 also features a 4x digital zoom.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on 10 MB of internal memory, which stores about eight images with settings at 2,048 x 1,536. If you want more memory, the expansion slot is compatible with any MMC or SD memory card. You can quickly and easily transfer your files onto a PC or Mac using the USB port for computer editing and sharing with friends and family.
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Exilim can also record AVI movie clips. The movie can be as long as 30 seconds at a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels.
More Features
The EX-Z3 is ready to shoot in less than 2 seconds after it is activated. A release time lag of only 0.01 seconds (from when the shutter release button is fully depressed with the monitor screen and built-in flash turned off, and focus locked) helps to ensure that the user is able to capture the image seen in the viewfinder when the shutter release is pressed.
The big 2.0-inch TFT LCD monitor screen included on the EX-Z3 features a digital interface for a clearer display of images.
Each date of the full-month calendar screen shows a thumbnail of the first image recorded on that date. This visual diary of images makes it possible for you to quickly search for and locate specific images.
Many of the Exilim’s settings can be modified, such as programmed exposure, white balance, and flash. When you shoot in the “best shot” mode you can select a stored photo that looks similar to the photo you want to take and the camera automatically configures to achieve that look.
Power, Size, and Contents
The Exilim comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has an approximate battery life of 65 minutes. The camera itself measures 3.43 by 2.24 by 0.9 inches and weighs 4.44 ounces without the battery. Other standard accessories are a hand strap, CD-ROM with imaging software, USB cradle and cable, and AC adapter for cradle.
Rating: 
(out of 16 reviews)
List Price: $ 419.99
Price:
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Review by jemaerca for Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
Rating:
pros:
- the main selling point of this camera is its small size: 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.9 in, weighing in at 5.1oz.
- 3MP resolution, 3x zoom in a very compact package.
- average three megapixel resolution.
- low image noise at low ISO settings.
- allows manual white balance.
- has 21 scene modes!
- good reliable metering.
- low image noise at low ISO settings.
- wide range of focus options including manual focus!
- histogram display in live view and play modes.
- solid build quality.
- fast startup time.
- cool feature: while in its cradle, pushing the dock’s photo button turns the EX-Z3 into a small digital frame: the display shows the images it currently holds, displaying each for several seconds.cons:
- no video out capability at all.
- some chromatic aberrations.
- some vignetting visible.
- average photo quality with soft edges.
- images noisier than competition.
- no buffering means a longer wait before you can take your next shot.
- no AF assist light.
- high redeye occurrence.
- no image parameter adjustment.
- blue cast when using flash.
- the LCD is a full 2″, but is low resolution.
- metal body scratches easily.
- only JPEG format is supported.
- below average auto focus speed.
- longest shutter setting is 1 second.
- only 10MB of built-in memory provided so add $$ to your budget to buy external memory.
- proprietary battery – again, a few more bucks for a spare.
- you need to remove external memory in order to access images saved in internal memory.the casio ex-z3 is very similar to the pentax optio S with the optio being even more compact than the casio. as such, they share most of the same strengths as well as issues. my biggest complaints are the soft images at the corners and the lack of buffering. a camera with better photo quality (but bigger and only has 2x zoom) is canon’s sd100.i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.
Review by stabz for Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
Rating:
This is truly a fun camera to play with. Here’s the deal: you get 3.2megapixil pictures from a machine thats the size of your credit card. What else can you want? It’s true that the camera’s viewfinder is a bit awkward, but the 2″ display helps a lot. There’s a little bit of noise in the pictures but I find the colors come out very well, even in dark settings. The size of the camera makes you want to be delicate with it, but it is made of sturdy materials. The control menu is straightforward, pretty much dummy-proof. Admittedly, the D-pad is small, but one will get used to it in hours. You can see that Casio had to make everything small for the 2″ LCD screen.
The Best Shot feature will save you time with adjusting settings. At the same time, there are a couple of manual settings that you can fool around with (the EV shift and ISO settings). The video recording is decent, but it only lasts 30secs – then you’ll have to make a new file. All in all, this is not for the photography enthusiast, but instead for fun snapshooters. Definitely the Canon S-series or the Panasonic Lumix are better candidates if you want the “camera feel”, but the casio is more of a fashion statement. The looks and design is remarkable. Watching the Pentax lens expand out boggles my mind every time I turn it on. If nothing else, it’s the greatest conversation starter. Nothing compares to it (not even the Optio-S). Just take it out in public, people WILL turn heads.
Review by C. Lee for Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
Rating:
I liked the Exilim much better than the Optio S. I am a current Pentax Optio S owner but had the Exilim previously. I used the Exilim extensively for my honeymoon and loved it! The only 2 cons I experienced with the Exilim is 1)the flash is not powerful so not ideal for taking pictures in dim light and 2) the docking station broke after the first month. If Dell, the reseller, wouldn’t have hassled me about replacing the docking station I would not have returned it.I found the Exilim to be much more user friendly and better designed ergonomically. The 2 advantages of the Optio S is that it performs better under dim lighting and is slightly smaller. My primary gripe with the Optio is with its super slow shutter speed. My goal was a simple point and shoot camera to conveniently ‘capture the moment’ after I have my baby. Adults can’t even sustain a genuine smile/pose long enough for me to take a good candid shot let alone expect an infant to. I feel like I keep missing the moment vs capturing it. The downside outweights any potential advantage to me, unless your primary targets are still lifes in dim settings. Though in most respects both cameras are very comparable, I still think the Exilim is a superior camera overall. In retrospect, I would’ve reordered another Exilim.
Review by Amy C. Bates for Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
Rating:
there may be a way to recharge the battery on this camera w/o using the docking station but I have yet to determine it – due to this limitation I give this camera three stars as it takes much of the flexibilty away – which is exactly why you’d buy a camera this small…other than that, the interface is solid, the optics great and the size and weight make it fun to play with.
Review by Jordan N. Clark for Casio Exilim EX-Z3 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom and Dock
Rating:
I’m not really a very good reviewer, so instead here are links to the two best digital camera review sites around. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/ex-z3.htmlhttp://www.dpreview.com/reviews/casioexz3/If you are comparing this camera to the Pentax OptioS, you probably already know the cameras are very similar, but in the end both reviewers above gave the Casio Exilim Z3 a slightly higher rating.