Casio Exilim EX-V8 Announced and First Thoughts

The Casio Exilim EX-V8 is the latest compact ultra-zoom from Casio, succeeding the EX-V7. The V8 offers 8.1 megapixel resolution and a 7x optical zoom lens that is mechanically stabilized (the sensor shifts to counteract hand movement). A 2.5 inch Bright LCD does the framing of your shots and reviewing what you captured. The Exilim EX-V8 will be available in September 200 for $330. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the new model, so I have a few first thoughts.

Lens cover closed (view large image)

Lens cover open (view large image)

The camera is powered on by simply moving the lens cover to the side and it's ready to in just a couple seconds. The camera itself feels pretty sturdy, and it's built well. I'm not a huge fan of the zoom control (a slider switch on the back of the camera), but it's not bad to use.

Speed of operation seems very good, with minimal shutter lag, good cycle times and good focus times.

Another thing that's interesting, especially on a camera in this category is that the V8 has manual exposure modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual). These features aren't seen very often on very compact cameras, so it's a welcome addition.

I haven't had a chance to get into examining image quality yet, so you'll have to keep an eye our for the full review, coming in a few weeks.

EX-V8 Features:

• 8.1 megapixels
• 7x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch Bright LCD
• Face detection and auto-tracking AF
• Motion sensor to choose right combination of ISO and shutter speed
• Mechanical (sensor-shift) image stabilization
• AntiShake DSP
• Sensitivity to ISO 1600
• YouTube movie capture mode
• H.264 movie encoding
• Available in silver
• Approximately 240 shots per charge
• Accepts SD, SDHC, MMC media