Early Adopters Pick: September 2002. The smallest digital camera that comes with a 2-megapixel sensor, 12 MB of built-in memory, full-motion movie recording, MP3 player, and voice recorder.
With a super-slim design and having the height and length of a credit card, the Casio Exilim EX-M2 is sure to have heads turning as you effortlessly snap high-quality digital photos. Don't let the size fool you, the EX-M2 is equipped with a 2-megapixel sensor, 12 MB of built-in memory, full-motion movie recording, MP3 player, and voice recorder.
Optics and Resolution
The 2-megapixel CCD sensor captures sharp and brilliant images of up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels, creating prints with sizes of up to 8 by 10 inches. Focusing is fixed for effortless operation, and the 4x digital zoom brings you up close to the action. Most other digital cameras are slow in operation, but the Exilim's speedy start-up time, lens, and CPU get to work so that, when the camera's turned on, a photo is taken in 0.01 seconds of pressing the shutter, capturing that otherwise lost moment.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on 12 MB of internal memory, which stores about 24 images with settings at normal resolution. If you want more memory, the expansion slot is compatible with any MMC or SD memory card. You can quickly and easily transfer your files onto a PC or Mac using the USB port for computer editing and sharing with friends and family.
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Exilim can also record AVI movie clips with sound. The movie can be as long as 30 seconds at a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels.
More Features
Many of the Exilim's settings can be modified, such as programmed exposure, white balance, and flash. When you shoot in the "best shot" mode you can select a stored photo that looks similar to the photo you want to take and the camera automatically sets up to achieve that look. You can easily keep track of all these modes using the large 1.6-inch color LCD screen.
The Exilim also plays MP3s of various frequencies and bit rates, and is even VBR-compatible. The voice-memo function can record up to 50 minutes on the internal memory.
Power, Size, and Contents
The Exilim comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has an approximate battery life of 65 minutes. The camera itself measures 3.46 by 2.16 by 0.49 inches and weighs 3.2 ounces without the battery. Other standard accessories are a hand strap, CD-ROM with imaging software, USB cradle and cable, AC adapter for cradle, remote controller with LCD, and stereo headphone.
1 How to use MP3 player on it.
1. Install drivers from CD.
2. Plug the cradle into usb port (don't forget to plug it into outlet too)
3. Put the camera into cradle.
4. Charging LED should be on now. Press on/off button on camera. It should switch camera to USB mode.
5. If u installed drivers correctly, then when u load up some file browser in My Computer folder where all drives are listed, there should appear a Removable Drive (D: for example, that's right, that's ur camera). Click on it and u are in cameras memory. There are two folders - 1 for pics and 2 for mp3s. Just copy mp3 files to that directory and u all set.
2 Good in size, bad in quality.
when i just bought it, its compactable size seemed to be its biggest advantage. however,its battery life isn't that good as it could only last for at most 2,3 days. sometimes, lesser than a day if many pictures were to be taken. also,its metal finish ain't that good as it is scratchable easily.Not good if you were prepared to have it with you for the rest of you life.thus, i find that only its size and mp3 function is a big plus for this little camera, without the fact of its poor quality of pictures. but hey, wad can you expect from a 2 megapixel camera...
3 very cute camera.
I purchased this camera instead of a higher quality camera because of its size and its functions. The mp3 player part of it is awesome and the size of it is very convenient. its a great camera, although the quality of the pictures arent that great. i recommend this camera for people looking to take everyday pictures, but if you're looking for quality, this camera might not satisfy you. i bought a 256 memory card with it, and it allows me to have as many things on my camera as i desire. great design very stylish.. =]
4 A thing of beauty
I bought my girlfriend the Exilim S2 about a year ago, she got fed up with me using it, so I had to buy my own. The thing is just amazing. Simple to use, in a beautiful, sturdy, magnesium, credit-card sized body. And the battery lasts ages. Picture quality on the lower resolution settings isn't so good, and the digital zoom is rubbish, but that's hardly the point. This is a camera for snaps, moments where you just want to reach into your pocket and snap what's in front of you. The computer interface is a doddle - I use it with my Mac, and all the file formats are standard so you can use it with just about anything. I know about five people that have gone out and bought this camera after I demonstrated it to them, I should be getting commission from Casio!
5 A cute, sleek and wonderful product
Functions are ver attractive, image quality are good. it is really compact for the travel lover to carry this multi-funciton digital camera with MP3 recorder. But I haven't figured out how to download the MP3 from computer to the camera?? can somebody make it in details and post it here? thanks a lot!!
6 style & convenience=5 stars, pictures=3 stars
I am overall pleased with my purchase.
PROS:
1. really nice style; eye-poppingingly small; attractive aluminum finish; fits in pocket/take it with you everyday.
2. fast response (due to fixed focus lens which is also a con); ready to take a picture almost instantly.
3. video mode is very fun; takes decent mpeg videos with sound even in low light; i use this feature a lot.
4. mp3 function is awesome; except included earbuds are useless (too big for ear hole); good battery life.
CONS:
1. picture quality only fair; fixed focus optimal for subjects around 3-5 ft away. closeups & landscapes not so sharp. low light stiuations for stills pretty bad (i dont like to use flash).
2. quality of remote unit for mp3 is bad. after only 2 months the wire crapped out (must jiggle and hold in a certain position for sound to come through).
3. battery life for stills & videos could be better but not really bad.
4. only 8MB built in memory; i recommend buying 256MB SD card (i wasted money on separate 64 & 128 cards)
you could get better optics in a similarly small package (the sony dsc-u20 for example; sharper pictures but poor video quality, no sound or mp3, cheap plasticy case); but the combination of the mp3 function, fast response as well as attention getting style made this the choice for me.
7 It does it all and does it real good...
I love it! this camera is so compact, tiny yet it has impressive features. It's really a point and shoot gadget that amateurs or the inexperienced can get away with easily. eawsy put, it's very convenient to use.
Picture quality is very good both when viewed in ur pc and when you have them printed. not much difference from the higher pixel brands. It has several best shot modes - portrait, scenery, nightshot, sepia, and balck and white! amazing! The movie image is pretty good and the mp3 player feature is a terrific add on!
i carry it anywhere for that "can't turn back time" moments with my family and friends. it's definitely a great buy.
i just really wish it comes with it own carrying case which is as compact as the camera itself. just so you know, we can get away with scratches on the screen, nicks on the body and bumps maybe.
still, it's all worth your bucks!!!
8 Fits in your pocket and does so much!
I love this camera! It is so easy to carry around with you. I use the MP3 function daily, and now also have a camera on me at all times to take shots of interesting things. I also use the video function a fair bit - just need to figure out how to email video "greetings" to people. I plan on using it to email birthday wishes to friends/family.
The buttons on the camera are small, but fairly easy to use - I don't have any difficulty using them. The on/off button is quite close to the power button so you need to be careful which one you are pressing. It is very easy to add MP3s onto the camera - connect the camera to your PC and copy and paste as you would move any other files. Very simple!
My only complaint about this product is the accompanying software is not user-friendly. I don't like how it downloads all of your pictures into one library. It is very difficult to access a single picture because they are all lumped together in a combined file. One minor concern is the battery - it uses a rechargable lithium battery. So you need to put it into the cradle to recharge. The battery is excellent(5 hours), but if the battery runs out, you can't just run to the store and buy more. This hasn't posed a problem for me, but is something to be aware of if you are planning on using the camera all day (i.e. don't play the MP3 player when you are out taking pictures for the day if you don't have access to your recharger)
The 12MB onboard memory is enough for just taking pictures. If you plan on using the MP3 function, and taking full advantage of the video and sound recording capabilities, you need to buy a SD memory card (these are pricey). I originally bought a 64MB card, which gives you about 1 hour of music play (but that uses up the card). I recently purchased a 256MB card and recommend others purchase at least 128MB. I have over 40 songs on my 256MB card, and still have room for over 300 normal sized pictures, or about 16 30-second videos. For everyday use, this is perhaps too much memory, but if you plan on travelling, you'll need it.
This product is perfect for anyone who travels a fair bit. I really like how it combines several useful features into one product. I don't know how good the quality of the pictures are in professional terms. I am just your average user - the pics look great to me. This camera also comes in a 1.2 megapixel version - I purchased this one (2.0 megapixel) because the pictures had better depth. There is only a 4X digital zoom - this means your pictures lose clarity as you zoom in. The latest version of this camera has an optical zoom, but the camera is about twice as thick, and does not include the MP3 player. I find the 4X digital zoom is adequate for my needs. Overall a fantastic product!
9 I LOVE THIS CAMERA
This camera is soooo cute! I am so happy with my purchase. I'm not really a tech wiz but it was pretty easy to navigate. I'm the type of person who hates carrying this but I don't mind with my Exilim. It's so light and fun to use. It makes me want to take pictures! The only thing is I haven't figured out how to use the MP3 Player
10 great product
I have this camera/MP3 player for a month now and I take it anywhere. the most usable feature for me is the MP3 player !
the camera is for fun and play.
I like to take lot of pictures and taking an expensinve camera in my pocket is not an option, so when I saw exilim I was amazed. this was what I was looking for and finding that it could be am MP3 player was a big bonus. later I found out that it was the other way around.
after recieving this camera, I started download MP3 from the internet and finally I had time to listen to the kind of music that I like, and not what you get on the radio or in music stores, so a whole new world has been open for me. by the way, the ear plugs are great too and you get a controller too.
the pictures are great, I work in many factories so I take pictures of the machines that I work on and the lighting are usually very bad, but on maximum resolution the pictures are great and the color definition is great too, I did not use even once a color enhance filter on the images.
so, if you like multimedia, this is a must!
11 A multitasker's dream gadget.
The camera does what it promises, It takes your voice notes, it takes good pictures, but you have to have really still hands to avoid blurry images. This is a tiny device. Having tiny fingers will help you a lot too.
Disadvantage #1 it is so small I forget I am carrying it and when I least expect it, it is on the floor, and I am histerical about maybe having shattered it to pieces.
Disadvantage #2 It carries your favorite tunes (once you get someone to download your mp3's on it, I haven't figured that feature yet) Even if the sound is digital, you can't mega bass it, the earbuds do not have the capacity to reproduce low spectrum sound.
12 Amazing camera
I normally carry a Minolta SLR with me wherever I go, so the size of the Casio EX-M2 was an immediate relief, especially when compared to other models on the market. This is the smallest digital camera out there, but its size isn't reflected in storage capacity or features. I took over 70 pictures at 640x480 normal resolution and was very happy with the image quality when uploaded to my pc (it holds over 50 640x480 at the best imgage quality without additional memory and can take up to 1600x1200). The LED screen is bright and clear which makes it easy to frame your photos without using the view finder (which can be difficult given the camera's size). It powers on quickly (app 2 seconds) and has only a minimal shutter delay. It also powers off on its own to save battery life, but so far I haven't had any problems with running low. The audio and video quality are good when uploaded, but the audio playback speaker on the camera itself is a little muted and tinny (which is to be expected). This is definitely a daytime or close-in nighttime camera as the effective flash distance is about 10 feet, but you will be surprised at the quality of images you get from a camera this small (about half the size of a cigarette pack).
The only drawbacks are 1) no optical zoom and 2) the LED screen is exposed, so it frequently gets fingerprinted, and 3) the power and shutter buttons are next to each other so it's easy to shut the camera off when you're trying to take a picture. However, these are minor flaws in design that are well outweighed by the EX-M2's ease of use and versatility. This is a solid camera at a great price and highly recommended for people looking for a good point and shoot digital. (4 1/2 stars)
13 Poor picture quality and weak flash
Very cute camera but the picture quality is not that great. The flash is very weak.
14 Poor picture quality and weak flash
Very cute camera but the picture quality is not that great. The flash is very weak.
15 Very Nice
The camera is extremely nice.. its small.. light weight.. the picture quality is nice.. even though while taking the picture using digital zoom just blows it up and makes it blurry.. other than that the quality its fine.. transfering files to and from the camera is easy..once its hooked up.. its detected as a removeable disk.. where you can preview all the images, delete, edit, and store.. you can also put mp3s on it.. there is already a seperate folder where you can put the mp3s... the battery life of the camera is fairly decent.. i was listening it for about 5 hours and it used only half the battery... while taking pictures... about 50 pictures with lcd and flash on will take almost half the batterys power.. the power button and the shutter button is very easily distinguishable and wont be that easily pressed unless you have enourmous fingers.. overall this camera is worth the money
16 Pretty Nice
This camera is the smallest out there.. smaller than the size of your avg deck of cards.. even though the 2 MP seems very little, but the image quality is very crisp when set on the highest resolution and on the FINE quality... since i brought the 128 SD card. i dont mind much of the size.. with that.. i can take 119 pics on the card and 11 using the internal memory.. i havent used the mp3 yet so i dont know the quality of it as for the battery life..
