by Casio
Casio Exilim EX-Z40
Cost: $400
casio.com
Barrier to Entry: Controls not terribly intuitive
The Luddite Likes: Size, video, numerous settings
Verdict I’m not giving it back
Tuesday, Noon I admit it: I’m excited. I’ve been wanting a camera that’s easy to carry, and this one is smaller than my wallet.
Tuesday, 2p.m. Manuals are for grandparents. I’m ready. I snap a few shots of the office, but it feels as if something’s not quite right.
Tuesday, 3p.m. I discover playback. Apparently, I was recording video clips. Didn’t know it had video. Sweet.
Wednesday, 11:30p.m. Recording videos of drunken St. Patrick’s Day revelers elicits unfriendly stares. Time to put camera away.
Friday, 3:15 p.m. At the hospital to take pics of a recovering friend. Battery dead. Go home, recharge, return. Memory full. Can’t find delete. Finally spot a trash-can icon. Free some space.
Monday, 10 a.m. Notice there are 21 settings, including one called “text.” Shoot a magazine page (very Bond) and the result is shockingly readable.
Tuesday, 7 p.m. I plug the camera into my laptop, press the USB button, and the weekend’s photos pop up on the screen. Amazing. Now what do I do with them?