Verdict

Pros

• Attractive design, wide-angle zoom, solid image quality

Cons

• Awkward position of flash

The last couple of years have seen an explosion in 10x zoom compact camera category, with the relatively compact size and versatile zoom range appealing to a broad range of potential buyers, so what sets the Casio EXILM EX-H5 from Casio out from the crowd?

Casio EXILM EX-H5 review – Features

The Casio EXILM EX-H5 sports a 12.1Mp sensor, and for the price, there’s a very impressive focal range offered, running for a wide-angle 24mm to 240mm – ideal for those wanting to cram loads into the frame, while also being more generous than more pricer alternatives out there. Married to this is an image sensor-shift image stabilization system to counteract unwanted camera shake.

There’s a 2.7in screen (though we’d have liked to have seen a 3in screen) with a relatively reasonable resolution of 230K pixels, and a solid ISO range from 100-3200. Though it may not be a massive deal breaker, video recording is only at 720p and not the more desired 1080p.

Casio EXILM EX-H5 review – Design

The styling of the EXILM EX-H5 works well. Following on from similar designs in the Casio stable, the two-tone black and silver finish looks the part.

The exterior is predominantly plastic, and while the two-finish is attractive, does mean there are separate parts used which could be a weak point if dropped. The lens barrel does have a high-end feel however, with the camera weighing in at 156g.

If there’s a complaint however, it’s the positioning of the flash – the way it’s positioned above the lens, it’s easy to have a finger obstruct it and dull the flash in some circumstances.

Casio EXILM EX-H5 review – Performance

There’s no manual control, but there’s a range of Scene settings (42 to be precise) – known as BESTSHOT (BS), with specific Scene Modes such as Portrait and Landscape offering in-camera image processing.

Portrait mode features a skin smoothing setting set via a slider, and the Landscape mode offers Dynamic Photo to add punch to pics, as well as a mist removal option.

There are no manual controls however, so if you wanted to take control of aperture and shutter speed yourself, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The rear of the camera is kept to a minimum, with minimal button placement. In use, and the EXILM EX-H5 is pretty straightforward to get to grips with – the interface is clearly laid-out and easy to navigate, while it’s quick to use.

AF is neither slow nor lightning fast, performing solidly, while the focusing tracking function is a handy addition.

Casio EXILM EX-H5 review – Image Quality

For the priced-point the EXILM EX-H5 is aimed at, it delivers a solid set of results. Metering performed consistently well during our tests under a range of lighting conditions, producing well-exposed shots in our images.

While not spectacular, ISO performance was good, though it’s best to avoid the higher ISO settings if you can, while the detail displayed was good.

Casio EXILM EX-H5 review – Verdict

The EXILM EX-H5 is a solid 10x zoom compact camera, looking the part, while also having the bonus of that wide-angle coverage. If you decide to go with the EXILM EX-H5, you won’t feel short-changed, though there are more desirable options out there.

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