Casio Exilim EX-S12 12MP is built into the Exilim EX-S12, the new Dynamic Photo function allows the photographer to cut out the main subject of interest in an image that has just been captured and then combine it with another image to form the background. You can also cut and paste several rapid-succession images to create a moving subject on a still background. This function makes it easy to create composite scenes from an image juxtaposition that exists only in virtual reality, or they can create a composite image that conveys a certain message. Casio technologies like these are creating whole new avenues of enjoyment that go far beyond mere picture-taking, delivering greater creative and viewing pleasure.
The EX-S12 has a stylish body measuring just 3.7 inches wide, 2.1 inches high and .6 inches thin (.5 inches at the thinnest part). It boasts a 3x optical zoom and a super clear, 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor and has an effective 12.1-megapixel resolution. It is finished in a design with both the high-class feel and beauty of stainless steel.
Representing a significant upgrade from the Exilim Engine 3.0, the Exilim Engine 4.0 is a powerful electronic package comprised of an ordinary CPU and a high-speed dedicated image processing CPU. It delivers outstanding color reproduction and a rich tonal range that guarantees superior visual expression. Noise reduction at high-sensitivity levels also helps to produce high-quality, beautiful images. Even better, despite the new image combination functionality and other functions that entail complex processing, energy consumption is about 30 percent lower than before, which means longer battery life. The new engine successfully combines the pursuit of radical new functionality with improvements to many conventional camera features.
Helpful consumer’s review
This Casio EX-S12 was chosen over other compact cameras in the US market, due to its tiny size and price. My intention is to find a super compact but decent camera for my wife to travel with, where a full size DSLR is not desirable.
The camera started up quickly but does take about 2-3 seconds between shots (not bad considering that I had the automatic flash on and it’ll take time to charge up the capacitor). The buttons and the menu are intuitive and easy to figure out. The camera is packed with features that I’ll never use, such as BestShot, Youtube, Dynamic Photo, smile recognition, etc. On the other hand, I do find the historgram and the tripod mount highly benficial.
Battery life seems to be good. Although it didn’t make sense to have a compact camera, but the battery charger is as big as the camera itself, with a long power cable to the outlet. It’s a generic detachable cable so I’ll replace it with a shorter one (or shorten the one provided). I’ve not tried if I can charge the battery by using the USB cable only.
As for the resulting photos, it does a great job with portraits as I’m impressed with the smooth and natural skin tone that it produces. I had no problem with noise with the normal ISO setting. It produces beautiful, peaceful pastile color for landscape photos as well. I did not play with any camera setting to adjust the internal processing, but you’ll probably need to do so if you want photos with more contrast and more punch. It’s not an issue with me, since I can always post-process the files later via Photoshop. As with most point-n-shoot, too bad it doesn’t create RAW file format.
