Sorry, Casio, but you’re just not at the top of my list when it comes to thinking about digital cameras. I mean, aren’t you the folks who specialize in creating cheap digital watches?

Yet something gives me pause. The Casio Exilim EX-S880 appears to have won a following.

Comparable to the Canon PowerShot A470 I wrote about last time, this one can be found for a fairly low price (starting at $119.99), weighs less than five ounces (sans batteries and media card) and has a 3x optical zoom. It actually beats the PowerShot in the resolutionary war — 8.29 vs. 7.4 megapixels.

What I like about this camera — without having held it in my hands — is what one reviewer says on PriceGrabber: skidlin writes: “I got this camera for my father, who is a devoted follower of Casio. At first, I thought I should get him a Canon but decided to let him have what he wanted. I never expected the Casio to turn out so great…” That’s great writing. Why? Because it so captures my initial opinion. skidlin goes on to say, “The design is slick and clean, the presentation of the menus is very nice. The great playback option especially with the musical background captures my heart.” Plus, apparently, the pictures are “great.”

Ramkib likes the big LCD screen (2.8 inches vs. 2.5 for the PowerShot).

And mspute from GA appreciates the widescreen video format, which is 848x 480 at 30 frames per second. With a four gigabyte SDHC memory card, it can record up to two hours of video. Plus, says mspute, there’s a dedicated video recording button.

Julian3399 from MA considers one weakness the fact that you have to recharge this in the docking station. Since I’m used to that with my current camera, an old PowerShot, that’s not such a burden to me.

OK, Casio, maybe it’s time I took a new picture of you.

Posted on June 4th, 2008 by dian