Casio Exilim EX-Z600

Ultra compact cameras are usually considered under-performers. While compact cameras are the ones with all the great features like manual focus/exposure, more shot settings and better zooms, the ultra-compacts usually end up cutting out on some of these features due to space constraint. The Exilim EX-Z600 breaks that myth and proves that size truly doesn't matter.

Build
As expected from a brand that makes ultra-compact digital cameras, the Z600 is small and slim enough to fit in any pocket without looking obnoxious. The black metallic body (also available in other colors), looked great on the model we received. Much like Kodak's V series of digicams, this one too doesn't sport any form of a hand grip, but I guess that's the price one pays for the size advantage.

Z600 goes for the minimal design with the few and well separated buttons. Though the buttons on the back of the camera are a bit sunk in, there never was a time when I had to rely on my fingernails to get a response out of them. Even the top of the camera is minimal with the power button, the shutter release and the zoom switch.

The 2.7 inch screen takes up a generous amount of space at the back, but that's excellent considering that even with the size, there never is a slowdown in the screens refresh rate. Moreover, when I tested the camera in bright sunlight, the screen stayed visible enough for me to get a very good idea of the picture's framing.

The camera lens is folded deep into the body itself, and protrudes out as soon as you switch it on. Works a lot better than having a lens constantly sticking out of the slim body.