Casio Exilim EX-F1 as fastest digital SLR-like camera with CMOS sensor, better than Canon S5 and Panasonic TZ3

After SONY’s great ultra zoom camera – DSC-R1, the new Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is the next SLR-like camera with CMOS sensor. However, good guys from Casio made a clever step with this gadget. They do not want to run for useless mega pixels and put 6.6 million total pixels into 1/1.8 inch sensor. As a result, the Casio EX-F1 can shoot at an ultra fast speed - 60 frames per second.
Casio EX-F1 features
Let us look around Exilim EX-F1 features for better understanding, how this gadget can shoot speedy than a digital SLR camera. For more details look through Choosing a Digital SLR: Nikon D40s vs D300 or maybe FinePix S8000 vs Fujifilm S5 IS Pro.
6.6 Mega pixels with 12X Optical zoom
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high-speed CMOS sensor and high-speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive.
60 fps - Burst Mode
Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or five shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.
Pre-record Still Images
Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before. Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.
Slow Motion View
Users can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have slowed down the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment.
Rapid Flash
It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. In addition, the internal LED light allows high-speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.
High Speed Movie Recording Up To 1,200 fps
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can record high-speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select a recording speed of 300 fps, 600 fps or 1,200 fps. In addition, a Movie Button lets users quickly start movie recording without first switching from still image mode.
Full HD Movies
The camera features Full High-Definition movie recording capability. Users can record beautiful movies at a screen size of 1920 x 1080 pixels, at a rate of 60 fps. The Casio EX-F1 can be connected to an HD compatible television with a separately available HDMI cable to enjoy viewing movies.
Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 specifications
- Sensor: 1/1.8-inch high-speed CMOS Type CCD
- Pixels: 6.6 million total; 6.0 million effective
- Image sizes: 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1872 (3:2), 2816 x 1586 (16:9), 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
- STD Movies: 640 × 480 (30 fps)
- HD Movies: 1920 × 1080 (FHD HQ/FHD Normal, 60 fields per second), 1280 × 720 (HD LP, 30 fps)
- Hi-Speed Movies: 512 × 384 (300 fps), 432 × 192 (600 fps), 336 × 96 (1200 fps)
- File formats: Still: RAW (DNG 1), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2), DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant; Movie: MOV format, H.264/AVC, IMA-ADPCM (stereo)
- Lens: 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lens Approx. 36 to 432mm 35mm equiv. (12x Zoom) F2.7 (W) to 4.6 (T)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Operating Speed: High-speed Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 60 frames per second; Flash Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 7 frames per second
- 2.8-inch wide TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,160 dots (959 × 240)
- USB/AV port, HDMI Mini Connector (output), hot shoe, external microphone jack, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN); USB : Hi-Speed USB
- Weight (no batt) 671g
- Dimensions 127.7 (W) x 79.6 (H) x 130.1 (D)mm
Casio EX-F1 pros and cons
Good
- Full resolution at 60 fps
- Hot shoe
- RAW format
- External mic jack
Bad
- The price at $999 is an excess for SLR-like ultra-zoom cameras
- Mono speaker
- Longest menus ever
- No optical image stabilization in Movie mode
Conclusion
In my opinion, Casio can make much more interesting SLR-like camera than Canon S5 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. For more details look through Compare digital SLR-like cameras: from Canon S5, Olympus SP 560 and Sony H3, H9 to Panasonic FZ18 and Fujifilm S8000. What is more, the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is a right choice for those, who need fast digital camera for pets, kids and sport shooting. Moreover, this gadget is not bad for those, who do not want to busy oneself with huge SLR cameras and swapping lenses. There is just one trouble: the Casio EX-F1 costs much more than the Canon S5 IS or even great Fujifilm S9600. However, I hope that declared price about $1000 should be reduced. Or else this gadget cannot be attractive for consumers.