Casio EX-Z1200 early results

[Batford]

Like most people I was suspicious of the ever increasing pixels manufacturers have been squeezing onto tiny CCD sensors. BUT I was pleasantly surprised when I checked the early test images from the 12Mp Z1200, so much so that I went out and bought one.

Having had a couple of days to check it out, if anything, my opinion has improved. Now I hear you thinking, he's easy to please, but let me say that I have a 12Mp, full 35 frame size CCD, Canon 5d and some far too expensive lenses!

Admitedly, as you increase the ISO you begin to see some noise appear. But at ISO 50 and 100 you will be pleasantly surprised by the resolution, it will be interesting to see the formal resolution test results when the reviews start to appear.

Here's an oddity, the camera has no iris. You can chose f2.8 or f8 and the f8 appears to be achieved by a neutral density filter which helps deal with the noise that would normally appear due to diffraction at lower apertures. I had heard that other manufacturers are using this strategy.

Here's some test images-
http://arena.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/...5/1001212/?P=2

http://allabout.co.jp/computer/digit...9A/index15.htm

For me, recording detail is important and the Z1200 can do this and I don't even know I'm carrying it around.

I would be interested to hear from others with experience of this model.

Batford
ps This site gives very helpful test images taken at different settings.
http://www.letsgodigital.org/html/re...er-photos.html