Casio Exilim EX-V7

Implementing 7x optical zoom in an ultra-compact digicam seems like a major achievement, especially when the camera lens motor is completely internal, i.e. it doesn't protrude out of the body. But is it really effective? Do we have a superzoom killer here or just an overambitious project? Read on.

What I really like about the Exilim V7 are its accessories. I've always appreciated Casio giving this nice and handy leather pouch with its cameras, and sure enough, this comes bundled with one as well.

The second thing I liked about the bundle was the cradle. Though personally I always prefer that the camera has its own USB slot, so I can plug it in directly, I really appreciate how convenient the V7 cradle is. With a USB button and a slideshow button, you don't have to get into operating the camera yourself for these basic functions.

The camera has a slider mechanism that protects the lens as well as works as the camera's power switch. The top of the camera has a minimal look, with just the shutter release button. Everything else is on the back.

The control scheme of the camera is a bit on the unconventional side, but not in a good way like in the Samsung NV10. This one's kind of annoying with its tight and semi-sharp-edged jog dial and very tiny buttons. Even the zoom switch, which works directly with the biggest USP of the camera, is flat and very uncomfortable to use.

Usually the displays in Exilim cameras give you little to complain about, but here they seem to have gone wrong with that too. The 2.5" screen appears a bit too dull to give you a good idea about the camera's focus, and under bright sunlight it's extremely tough to get an idea of what the image on the screen looks like.