High Tech Hybrid: the Casio EX-P505 Digital Camera

The EXILIM PRO EX-P505 is a palm-sized yet high-performance digital camera with amazing still image and video capability. The EX-P505 features a 5X optical zoom, a 5.0 megapixel CCD imager, Casio's "EXILIM engine", and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen that makes angle shots a snap. It offers the same manual operation found on the EX-P600 and EX-P700, as well as high-quality video shooting capability at 30 frames per second, in VGA thanks to the incorporation of MPEG-4 technology.

The high resolution 5-megapixel imager along with the advanced Exilim engine ensures that remarkably detailed images can be taken with ease. The 5X optical zoom can be used during both snapshot and movie recording. Used in combination with the 8X digital zoom, this gives you total zoom capabilities of 40X and macro mode for distances as close as 1 cm. Fully automatic exposure control, aperture priority or shutter-speed priority, along with full manual exposure mode allows you to get as creative as you desire. The "BEST SHOT" function features 22 different scene modes to help you capture the best possible pictures in the most difficult situations.
MPEG-4 technology enables high quality video shooting in VGA size (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 frames per second with stereo audio, the length is limited only by available memory. "Movie BEST SHOT" allows the user to select from sample scenes for a wide range of shooting styles. "Short Movie" lets users film short movies during a single shutter, while other shooting and editing functions such as "MOTION PRINT" can be used to obtain a still image from a movie.

The EX-P505's high-speed startup enables shooting only 0.8 seconds after the power is turned on. Shutter release time lag of only 0.01 sec. means fewer "missed" shots when things are happening fast. Casio's Super Life Battery supplies enough power for approx. 220 pictures per charge. To help conserve the battery the camera power is automatically switched ON/OFF when the LCD panel is opened and closed. Pictures and movies can be quickly transferred to the host PC thanks to a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. That same USB interface can be used to print directly to any Pictbridge compatible printer without need of a computer.


Features Casio Exilim EXP505 5MP Digital Camera  :

5.1 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2560x1920 pixel images
Super-compact, durable and lightweight body
5x optical 38-190mm f/3.3-3.6 zoom, 8x digital zoom
Three AF modes: Spot, Multi (7 focus areas) or Free (anywhere in frame)
Automatic Macro focus coverage as close as 0.4"
2.0" rotating color LCD with histogram and EX-Finder displays
Auto, BestShot (22 modes), Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Full Manual and 4 Movie modes
MPEG-4 motion video w/stereo sound, 640x480 @ 30/15fps or 320x240 @ 15fps
Exposure metering: Multi-pattern, Center or Spot modes
Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
Built-in ND filter reduces light by 2.0EV
White Balance: Auto, 7 presets, manual WB
Shutter speeds of 60 seconds to 1/2000 second
Selectable ISO speeds from 50 to 400
Record and attach up to 30 second audio notes to images
Automatic popup flash with Flash Assist brightness correction
Rechargeable Li-ion battery and rapid charger
USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility
High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
7.5MB internal memory + SD/MMC card slot


Pros, Cons, and Ideal Users


After all the probing and poking, the real question is: Should you consider buying the Casio EX-P505? The answer is probably "yes," especially if any of these scenarios apply to you:
DSLR owner: If you already own a high-resolution digital SLR and want a lightweight digicam that does all the fun stuff your workhorse doesn't, the EX-P505 is a great choice. It's compact, has a swivel LCD, shoots great movies, captures 5-megapixel stills, and invites experimentation that DSLRs don't. Plus, you get to break out your 43-49mm filters that have been collecting dust on the shelf.

Digital media enthusiast: Can't decide if you're a photographer or a movie maker? This camera will scratch both itches nicely. Buy extra 1GB memory cards. The Mac platform is probably better for this activity because you can easily encode Casio's MPEG-4 files to QuickTime for easy editing and stitching together.

Road warrior: Totable size, long battery life, compact battery charger, high-resolution stills, movie-recording capability, and high fun factor make the Casio a wonderful travel partner. Don't forget the bundled A/V cord so you can plug the EX-P505 into your hotel TV and watch movies and slideshows of your adventures.

 Easy to use, extremely responsive, good for shooting at low angles (swivel LCD), plus movie making adds up to the perfect mom-cam. Baby's first steps are sure to be captured with the Casio nearby. Direct printing capability (via PictBridge) allows busy parents to bypass the computer and make prints directly from the camera (highly recommended just for the fun of it).

Emerging artist: Whether as a graduation gift for a talented teen or as a tool for your first stab at digital art, this camera lets you explore ideas in ways unique to most digicams
 

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