Casio Exilim EX-P700

The Exilim EX-P700 packs a 7.2-megapixel CCD into the same compact form factor as the EX-P600 (   ; January 2005). The only visible difference is the stylish black finish, but this new model offers more than just additional pixels.

The EX-P700 features the same innovative Ex Finder we loved in the EX-P600. It fills the 2-inch LCD with a wealth of information, including a live RGB histogram. Manual Assist screens graphically illustrate the impact of manual adjustments to aperture and shutter speed, and a new Icon Help feature provides descriptions of various icons as you change settings.

While the EX-P700 offers full manual controls, it also sports no less than 27 Best Shot scene modes. There are two new Business Shot modes for pictures (like business cards, documents, or whiteboards) that are shot at an angle. These correct distortion right in the camera, but they crop images to a maximum of 1,600 by 1,200 pixels. A new Auto Macro feature automatically adjusts focus for macro pictures, and a new Flash Assist feature compensates for underexposed areas when using the flash.

You can capture uncompressed TIFF images, but there’s no RAW support which, given the multitude of advanced features, is regrettable. Movies are only 320 by 240 at 15 frames per second, but recording time is limited only by memory capacity.

The test pictures were somewhat disappointing. Our jury rated color as Good and sharpness as Very Good, but noticed excessive noise in the shadows.

The included remote control makes it easy to take pictures with a tripod. It doesn’t come with a memory card, but there’s 8.9MB of internal flash memory and a slot for an SD or MMC card.

Macworld’s Buying Advice

The EX-P700 is an excellent camera for a beginning enthusiast to grow into, but professionals looking for a second camera will be disappointed with the image quality and absence of RAW format.