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Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 Review

Author	Cliff Smith
Published	4th Mar 2008
Manufacturer	Casio
Price	£112.17 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed	£129.00 (Inc VAT)
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Casio may not be the most prolific digital camera manufacturer, with a current range of 21 models, but it is one of the oldest, launching its first camera, the 0.3-megapixel QV-300 in 1996. Despite its long pedigree Casio today has only a tiny share of the camera market, around three percent in 2006, surpassed by relative latecomers such as Panasonic and Samsung. The only reason I can think of for this is that the Casio brand name is associated in the public consciousness with cheap calculators and digital watches, and therefore potential buyers tend to overlook its cameras in favour of more expensive models from Canon, Nikon or Sony. This too is strange, because Casio watches and calculators are generally very good, to say nothing of its professional music keyboards, cash registers and other electronic products. Furthermore, the Casio Exilim range contains some outstanding cameras, such as this EX-Z1080.

The Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 is a 10.1-megapixel compact camera with a 1/1.75-inch sensor, a 3x zoom f/2.8-f/5.1 lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.6-inch widescreen monitor. It has a range of advanced features, including friends and family face recognition, Anti-shake DSP and a maximum sensitivity of 3200 ISO. Comparable models from other manufacturers include the new Nikon S550 (£199), the Panasonic FS5 (£179) which Jamie reviewed yesterday, the Pentax Optio S10 (£149) and the Samsung NV15 (£149). The Z1080 is currently available for around £129, which makes is pretty competitive on price at least.

The Z1080 makes a good first impression. Although not one of Casio's slimmest cameras it is by no means bulky, measuring 91.1 x 57.2 x 24.2mm, and weighing 125g minus the battery. The body is all aluminium, and like most of Casio's range it is available in a choice of colours, including silver, black, blue, pink and the gunmetal grey of my review sample. Build quality is excellent, and the camera feels solid and robust. The shape is smooth with rounded corners, and the flush-folding lens means that it will slip easily into a jacket pocket or small handbag for a night out.

The wide-format 2.6-inch monitor doesn't leave a lot of room on the back of the camera, but the controls, consisting of only four external control buttons and a small D-pad, are sensibly designed, and they are not at all fiddly. The zoom control is a rotary collar around the shutter button, which leaves enough room on the back for a small textured thumb grip. Despite its size the Z1080 is quite comfortable to hold securely and handles surprisingly well.

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Mark said on 1st May 2009

To be brutally honest getting used to the 41 best shot modes is the hard bit. This does seem to be a hugely capable camera. On a ten day holiday I took 280 shots over a ten day p... more

Gonzalo Vilaseca said on 3rd June 2009

I can't seem to find this camera in Spain, it seems as it has been discontinued. Is there a new equivalent model from Casio?

MRS S. SHERLOCK said on 25th June 2009

DO NOT BUY CASIO

I bought a Casio digital camera (Elixim Z80) and the zoom has never worked. I sent it off to the Casio repair centre as the camera has a two year wa... more

Robert McKenzie said on 27th June 2009

I bought this from Comets for £80 last year in a half price sale - best £80 i spent. I use it for a pocket camera to whip out if I see anything of interest to capture ... more

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