Start of a new era of digital cameras

Admittedly, I was since the publication of the press release from Casio really looking forward to the Exilim ZR10. Finally, a compact camera that has enough processing power to generate from several high-speed (HS) recording new images with different effects. For the technophile shutterbugs exactly the right toy. After unpacking it takes quite some time to find your way on the various menus and to identify what effects are used in what situation best. Probably the most widely used effect HS is probably the generation of "High Dynamic Range" (HDR) images, that does the camera in my opinion very good. Even in difficult lighting conditions (eg dark rooms with narrow and bright windows) conjures up the camera, from the my previous equipment could only dream of. The only reasons to turn off HDR in normal situations are the slightly higher battery consumption and the slight blur that occurs due to the recording process. In addition to HDR, there are a lot of other features built-HS. So an image with amazing high contrast and good sharpness, for example, because of the extremely light-sensitive CMOS sensor from a series of pictures that were taken during the night, are calculated. Another feature turns the 7x optical zoom, a 14-fold. A comparison with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 (10x optical zoom) confirmed the validity of a statement. According to the manufacturer The HDR Art function creates artistic photos that are completely different to conventional ones - for one or the other photo is a welcome change. The advertised in the promotional video 360 degree panorama function returns useful results in many situations, due to the zoom function is disabled, however, only limited use.

Mainly I got the camera ordered for the advertised video functions. The camera provides this to several recording modes. Recording of Full HD video (1920x1080 at 30 frames per second, the codec: H.264 / AVC) with stereo sound (44100Hz sample rate, codec: DVI / IMA ADPCM) does the camera excellent. Also zooming and autofocus are possible during recording. The engine sound of the zoom is only slightly perceptible, and the pressing of controls during recording can be heard. The connection of an external microphone is not possible, but that would clearly asking too much for this type of camera. Especially interesting for athletes is the ability to record movies with 240 or 480 frames per second. The resolution is not particularly high (224x116 or 432x320), but movements can be perfectly analyzed. Playback of the video in the different modes is done quickly and easily. It is also possible during playback of Full HD video zooming. Another practical feature is the built-in basic video editor, can be cut out at the portions of the recorded video.

The built-in software in the Version 1.00 attempts to make the manifold possibilities of the camera clearly selectable. Due to the complexity, some bugs still exist, for example, the upper right corner in the recording of 'normal' images and videos is slightly dimmed when the camera has not been turned on with the 'Play' button.

Overall, the developer of the camera but have done a great job. It's amazing for me as a computer, how much computing power and functionality (including battery and SD card) combined in a 176-gram device. I am with the camera more than satisfied and look forward to a firmware update.

+ The built-in high-speed programs work perfectly, the calculation of the images within 1-2 seconds.
+ Small and handy.
+ Good image quality and excellent video quality in FHD with stereo sound.
+ High-speed video at up to 480 frames per second.
+ Rapid shutter response (0.024 seconds).
+ Continuous shooting: 30 frames per second at 3648x2736.
+ Bright and outdoors easily visible monitor.
+ Macro mode up to 2cm possible.

- To quickly zoom.
- Panorama function 'only' in the 28mm wide angle mode possible, this is when you take a mountain panorama is not optimal because the round lying mountains seem very far away.
- HDR images can not in 16: 9 mode are recorded.
- Smaller software error exists.

Update 12.1.2011: The above-mentioned "Firmewarebug" the darkened upper right corner turned out to be isolated defects - cameras of the same type with a locally-based electronics store showed a different behavior. After a call at Amazon me immediately a replacement has been sent, the works properly.