Casio Exilim Camera Review

September 14, 2009 | 1,892 Comments | 15,273 views

It seems that Casio is a technology company best known for their functional line of watches and calculators. My first calculator was a Casio. But did you know they also offer an extensive line of digital cameras? I didn’t I until I had the opportunity to try one for myself.

Casio Exilim Card S12SR Quick Specs

12.1 Megapixels
3x optical zoom
2.7 in LCD
HD Videos, Youtube ready

Among many of the standards features are also two very exceptional capabilities.

Makeup Mode – This function helps smooth skin in images and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight creating letting your true beauty shine through photographs.

Dynamic Photos – This feature 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. Perfect for creating birthday cards, holiday cards and even ebay auction product images. You can check out the full capabilities of this feature by visiting the Casio Dynamic Photo Special Site.

This little camera packs a big punch with a variety of shooting modes to help you get the best picture with the least amount of effort and knowledge. Some of the modes available with one touch:

Auto Best Shot
Dynamic Photo – removes the background from the subject for you
Portrait
Scenery
Children
Sports
Pets
Flowers
Night Scene
Sundown
ID Photos
Documents and many more!

Our Experience

During the past month of shooting over 600 photos with the Casio EX-S12R I realized something. I’m in no way a professional photographer but with the right camera, that doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, anyone can take beautiful photos, including myself. In this case, clearly photos can speak louder than words…

In addition to the beautiful photos, I love the ease of switching modes with a one touch button that allows you to navigate between modes with an example icon to help you select the perfect one.

Emmaleigh, age 6 months, taken in Best Shot mode

Mums, front yard, taken in Flower mode

Smoked Sausage and Brocolli Dinner, taken in Food mode

Corn Maze, taken in Scenery mode

Kaydence, age 2, taken in Portrait mode

Emmaleigh, not very happy with me, taken in Monochrome mode

The one thing I love about being able to have a voice online through reviews is that I get to share features of products that the manufacturer often forgets to highlight. For instance, the Casio EX-S12R is one of the slimmest cameras I’ve ever used. Check it out in comparison to a Bic pen, pocket video camera and Nikon Coolpix. When you’re out and about with the kids, diaper bag busting at the seems, this is the camera that is the perfect fit for your pocket.

As gorgeous as the photos from this sleek pocket camera came out I can only image the amazing quality of the Casio Exilim High Speed line of cameras including the EX-F1, made for professional photography in mind.

Improvements Needed

Issue 1 – The on/off switch is inconveniently placed very close to the photo capture button. On several occasions my finger pressed the button to snap a picture but hit the off button at the same time, turning the camera off and losing the photo. At a local event a stranger was kind enough to take a family photo for us and did the exact same thing twice.

Issue 2 – While taking photos there is a noticeable lag time between shots. The message “busy…please wait” will display for anywhere from 5 to 7 seconds after each photo. This can present a problem when photographing children as we all know how quickly photo opportunities pass by with their busy little bodies.

Overall Impressions

Despite the few issues I encountered I would say this camera is worth far more than the $249.99 price tag. Between the incredible photos, pocket size design and point and shoot capabilities I would highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for those qualities.

My husband was so impressed with the ID Card shooting feature he intends to replace the cameras his staff uses with the Casio Exilim.

GIVEAWAY WINNNER

chosen by random.org

One (1) lucky reader will win a Casio Exilim EX-S12 in Silver.

Giveaway Entry

Required Entry
Visit the entire line of Casio cameras online and tell us which one you like the best and why it would be perfect for you photo taking needs.

Optional Extra Entries

Required entry must be completed before extra entries qualify. Leave an additional comment for the value of each extra entry.

1 entry – tell me which photo you like best

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1 entry each – become a follower, email subscriber or grab the button at my new blog featuring Casio photos, Food for Five

Giveaway Rules

See 3 Kids and Us Eligibility and Winner Selection Policy. Contest ends 10/15/09. Special Note – Open to US AND CANADA

Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by Casio for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by any form of compensation.

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