Overview
The Casio Exilim EX-S12 is a 12 megapixel pocket camera with a 3x zoom lens. It is one of the slimmest digital cameras around. It is easy to use and can shoot High Definition movie footage.
Why Buy The Casio Exilim EX-S12
The main attractions are likely to be the compact size of the camera, plus ease of use. More or less anyone should be able to use this camera.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
3x
2.7 inches
94.2 x 54.6 x 14.9mm
112g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
This picture looks good to me. On close inspection I can see the Exilim EX-S12 has handled the glare from the sun well, apart from some of the blue lines on the boat taking on a purple tinge.
There are one or two minor imperfections in this picture. If you blow it up to full size you will start to notice a touch or purple fringing here and there. The Exilim EX-S12 also struggles to show much detail in the darker areas of the shot. Those points aside you should not have any major issues as long as you are not over ambitious with the size of prints you make.
Even in the more distant areas of the shot focusing works well. It is above average and there is plenty of detail in areas such as the roofs of the houses. The colours work well too. This picture has a warm glow to it.
There is plenty of brightness in this photo and I like the way the Exilim EX-S12 uses the light. As with the second picture there is a touch of purple fringing rearing its head here and there. I also feel that this camera sharpens the images a little more than I would like to see. Again if you are only planning to make snapshot sized prints this is unlikely to be an issue.
Portraits
This shot is darker than I would like to have seen. I repeated the test and I produced the same result a second time as well. This may be the reason why the shot lacks a bit of definition in my opinion.
To my eyes this photo is less than pin sharp. That is a bit disappointing as the camera should not find it difficult to focus in these conditions. On the plus side the lighting is even.
Although this picture was taken indoors and no flash was used the lighting should have been sufficient to have produced a better shot than this. It has a dull look to it and the photo lacks definition.
Macro, Colours and Noise
I must admit I struggled with my macro test shot. You do need to be 10cm away from the subject before focusing kicks in. This is further away than most cameras need to be. If close up photography is important to you then it is best to look elsewhere.
Overall I like the colours produced by the Exilim EX-S12. Using my second outdoor test shot as an example there have a subtler feel to them than many brands manage.
Noise creeps in quite quickly once light falls away. Although this is very common with digital cameras it was very noticeable with the Exilim EX-S12.
Summary
There are one or two places where this camera does not manage to hit the heights and this does leave a couple of question marks against the camera. It is much better outside in bright light.
Style
This is one of the slimmest digital cameras around. It has a very simple design and is available in pink, silver, green and black
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.45 seconds
16.15 seconds
0.52 seconds
19.63 seconds
2.54 seconds
Ease of Use
As with other Casio digital cameras you should not have much of a problem getting used to the Exilim EX-S12. You can opt to display key functions on the right hand side of the menu. This makes them very easy to access and change.
Points I Like
Options displayed on the right hand side of LCD screen - ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Closer macro mode
Verdict
This is a very competitive market. Although the Casio Exilim EX-S12 does a fair job I feel there are better value models around.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Casio Exilim EX-S12 Review Casio Exilim EX-S12 Specification Casio Exilim EX-S12 Sample Images Casio Exilim EX-S12 Features
Review Date
September 2009
