Casio EX-F1: The Best Prosumer Camera on the Market?

[Jeremy Charette]

<img border="0" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1212027771.usr17787.jpg" /><br /><p>So my girlfriend tells me I'm working too much, and that I need a hobby. Why not photography? Currently I shoot by numbers. As in, if I take hundreds of photos, statistically speaking, at least a couple will be good. Probably not the best approach.</p><p>I've been looking at DSLRs, but I keep coming back to the Casio EX-F1. It's not a DSLR in the strictest sense of the word (there's no movable mirror or optical though the lens viewfinder), but it does <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwYw_t1nfT4">so much more</a> than a pure DSLR ever will. HD video, ultra high speed video (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlicfTzFEPo">up to 1200 fps</a>), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoSrLnfogdU">60 fps stills</a>, auto exposure bracketing (useful for HDR), 7 fps flash photos...it seems like there's nothing it can't do. It has a hotshoe for an external flash, and can accept standard 62mm lens filters and attachments. The price tag is a little steep at around $1000 USD, but that's comparable to what an entry level DSLR and some good glass would cost.</p><p>So, is the EX-F1 the best prosumer camera on the market...or not?</p>

[Vincent Ferrari]

Unless video is REALLY important to you, I wouldn't go with this thing. Get yourself a Nikon D60 or Canon XSi / XTi / XT and some good glass to go along with it. If you get really into the hobby, you can grow with either of those. The Casio is sort of locked in.

The high speed video is very cool, but I wouldn't buy it just for that.

That's just me, though.

[Jason Dunn]

I just spent about 30 minutes reading various reviews around the web, checking out the videos you linked to, and wow, this is one cool piece of technology. I'd say that if video is important to you, there's really nothing else in this class - but if still images are more important to you than video, this isn't a great solution. The creative opportunities with this camera in terms of what it can do with video are mind-numbing...I got really excited about what was possible in watching the demos! But the lack of ability to change lenses, the high noise at higher ISOs, and frankly the mushy photos...make me think this still has the "Casio curse" which is the lack of ability to take really sharp photos.

Check out this image for instance:
http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/7/casio-test-photos.jpg

Or this one:
http://www.infosyncworld.net/resources/products/casio/casio_exilim_pro_ex-f1_s00.jpg

Those just aren't great quality pictures compared to even an entry-level DSLR.

So, like Vincent says, it depends on what you want to use it for: if photography is really 90% important to you, get a Nikon or Canon. If both video and photos are important in equal measure, snap this up! :D

[Jeremy Charette]

Yeah, that's why i'm not exactly sure. The still photos aren't up to par with a decent DSLR. That said, the ability to shoot 60 fps into a buffer is pretty compelling. This camera can capture that "magic moment" in ways no DSLR can. That seems to be my biggest problem. I'm either too quick or too slow on the shutter, or someone blinks, or I miss the action.

The big downside for me (besides the point & shoot quality stills) is the fact that it only shoots auto exposure brackets at 2-3 fps, not 60 fps. That's no better than an entry-level DSLR. Part of the reason I'm looking at prosumer cameras is the ability to do AEB, so I can start experimenting with HDR photography.

It's either this, or the XTi or XSi.

Though truthfully, I kinda want both. :D

[ptyork]

I really do think that this type of thing is the future for all but professional photographers. This made by Canon or Nikon or Pentax or anyone with a bit more oomph in the digital image processing world and a good, low compromise (i.e., not SUPER zoom) lens would probably produce fantastic images. I don't see why it wouldn't. Sure, you won't have that f1.4 50mm portrait lens or f2.8 throughout 20-135mm that you'd be able to get with a DSLR (and a large budget), but I consider myself a pretty good photographer and I am just too often without my DSLR (or more often without the ideal lens) and/or without my camcorder. I PERSONALLY wouldn't get a Casio (unless it is strapped to my wrist--yes I'm a snob) and certainly not the first generation of something like this, but it is wicked-cool tech that will improve with time and more experience.

[Jason Dunn]

The big downside for me (besides the point & shoot quality stills) is the fact that it only shoots auto exposure brackets at 2-3 fps, not 60 fps. That's no better than an entry-level DSLR. Part of the reason I'm looking at prosumer cameras is the ability to do AEB, so I can start experimenting with HDR photography.

Well, you can always to the Raw exposure trick - take your raw file, put it it -2 stops exposure, export as JPEG, set to 0, export as JPEG, then set to +2 exposure and export as JPEG. That's what I did with this image and it worked out pretty well:

Regular RAW to JPEG:
http://photos.jasondunn.com/gallery/4869870_Q3PSX#290250942

HDR version of the same RAW file:
http://photos.jasondunn.com/gallery/4869870_Q3PSX#290249637

[Jason Dunn]

I really do think that this type of thing is the future for all but professional photographers.

Yeah, I agree - but both Canon and Nikon need to get their heads straight on the whole video thing...all Canon and Nikon P&S cameras (with the exception of the Canon TX1) are several generations behind the video capabilities of Kodak, Casio, etc.

[tabi13]

I started reading this post and just after reading first line I was ready to bash the idea of getting this camera but as I read further I couldnt help but want it somewhere deep down (and gave my DSLR setup this condacending look as if to say, you cant do the 300, 600, 1200 fps can you)

In the end I came to one conclusion though, this camera is not for me cuz stills speak to me in ways video NEVER can though this camera did put videos in a very interesting light.

Anyway I will lay it down for you, if you are not a HUGE photography fan and plan to do most of your photography in bright lit days shooting sports and wildlife etc, this camera MIGHT be a good choice but if you want to shoot indoor architecture, pictures at nights in parties etc or nightscapes go for the DSLR.

Also this camera will help (and promote) your current approach towards pictures, i.e. shooting by numbers. I mean thats what this camera promotes, take so many pictures that you cant miss the right shot and a few HAVE to be decent at a whopping 60fps.
But then you will never really get into 'PHOTOGRAPHY' as a hobby. It will be something slightly different, like "lets see what interesting thing I can capture at high speed today". I think this camera will generate a new kind of hobbyist. Maybe that will be more your thing. I mean a hobby is a hobby is a hobby.

Personally though the challenge assossiated with using a DSLR setup to catch tough shots like the Dolphin jumping or a bird in flight makes ACTUALLY catching a great shot give me an unparralled high! (And in so much better quality than this camera will ever produce)

Edit: I still think the Panasonic DMC-FZ30 and the DMC-FZ50 are the best fixed lens prosumer cameras out there for their IQ (Image quality), DSLR like handling, controls, features (like spot metering) and a SUPERB lens through a great 12x (35-420 35mm equivalent) range thats VERY sharp.
For the record I own a Sony A100 and a Panasonic FZ30 which I have not been able to give up even after the Sony Purchase because sometimes its just more convenient to carry a camera with a fixed lens that covers 35-420mm lens

[Neil Enns]

If you'd like another opinion on the camera, try this review from Luminous Landscape: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/casio-exf1.shtml. It's less of a "here are the bells and whistles" review than the others you'll find.

Neil

[yslee]

I like what tabi has said. A gold star for him!

So it really boils down to whether you want to do normal photography or its offshoot of high-speed multi-frame subjective-selection photography.

[Jeremy Charette]

I think what I really need is both the EX-F1, and a good low end DSLR, such as the Canon XTi.

One feature that really turns me off about most DSLRs: Compact Flash cards. They're overpriced, and I already have 8GB and 16Gb SDHC cards.

Neil, thanks for the link, I'd seen that review but hadn't looked at the videos they posted before. The HD video in particular is suprisingly good.

Another feature I forgot about: motion capture. Set it down, and when it sees movement it snaps off 60 frames at 60, 30, or 15 fps. Great for catching the kids raiding the cookie jar!

[Jason Dunn]

I think what I really need is both the EX-F1, and a good low end DSLR, such as the Canon XTi.

It seems that way. Although given the size of the EX-F1, it's going to be a pain to carry both...maybe when you go someplace you'll have to decide if if's pure photo or more video/photo. I carry my Canon SD870 for video purposes when I carry my D300. If only the EX-F1 was smaller - I'd settle for 50% of the features if it were 50% smaller. I bought a Flipstart video gizmo for video as well.

One feature that really turns me off about most DSLRs: Compact Flash cards. They're overpriced, and I already have 8GB and 16Gb SDHC cards.

You're in luck: many of the entry-level DSLRs are switching to SD cards. The Nikon D60 uses SDHC cards for instance.

Another feature I forgot about: motion capture. Set it down, and when it sees movement it snaps off 60 frames at 60, 30, or 15 fps. Great for catching the kids raiding the cookie jar!

No doubt - that's awesome. Who knew I'd learn anything useful from Gizmodo, but their review was pretty good - the "fly in" and "fly out" settings on the EX-F1 are amazing!

[tabi13]

I think what I really need is both the EX-F1, and a good low end DSLR, such as the Canon XTi.

One feature that really turns me off about most DSLRs: Compact Flash cards. They're overpriced, and I already have 8GB and 16Gb SDHC cards.

Neil, thanks for the link, I'd seen that review but hadn't looked at the videos they posted before. The HD video in particular is suprisingly good.

Another feature I forgot about: motion capture. Set it down, and when it sees movement it snaps off 60 frames at 60, 30, or 15 fps. Great for catching the kids raiding the cookie jar!

You know what? Get the EX-F1. Enjoy the features but if you are serious about photography, step away from the high fps drive mode and put it in manual mode. Use the LIVE view screen (that is JUST becoming more common in DSLRs) to get you more familiar with how changing aperture and shutter speeds are effecting the picture. Use it to learn the basics and then you will yourself start seeing the limits of this camera as a photgraphic tool and you can then buy a DSLR when you know the EXACT reasons for upgrading from experience rather than reading what other people have said. :)
And you will have some stunning high speed videos and candid shots to show for the time spent with the EX-F1 :)

YSLEE: Thank you for the golden star :)

[Jeremy Charette]

tabi: You get another gold star. Well said.

[tabi13]

tabi: You get another gold star. Well said.

Well thank you Jeremy. Be sure to share what you eventually end up getting (along with some unique 600 and 1200 fps motion captures if you get the EX-F1) :)