Casio Exilim Pro EX-FH20 review

Fun as these features are, the F1 didn't have much going for it beyond the novelty value of the speed gimmick. Fortunately, the FH20 is more of an all-rounder: the drop in speed is balanced by a longer zoom, higher resolution and more useful features. The number 20 is given equal prominence on the other side of the lens, denoting the 20x optical zoom. With a creditable 26mm wide angle lens, the FH20 is a versatile superzoom to challenge the longest zooms in the market.

The usual features are also present and correct, including face detection, image stabilisation and Casio's wealth of best shot scene modes.

Performance
There's no denying the 1,000fps video mode is cool -- in theory. Doing something clever that plays to the camera's strengths -- we fired a confetti cannon for our video review -- can look beautiful, a heartbeat's action unfolding in ghostly detail.

The FH20 is a speed demon, firing up to 40 full resolution still frames per second, and low-resolution video goes even faster

Sadly, the actual video at that speed looks horrible. The speed means you really need the scene to be flooded with light, and resolution is so low that the resulting frame is tiny, at 224x56 pixels. We recommend sticking to frame rates of around 200fps when you approach VGA resolution. Even that is head-spinningly faster than the usual, and affords stunning effects when used cleverly.

The stills burst mode also fires at speed, but every burst requires a couple of seconds for the camera to process the images, during which the camera cannot be used. The fast modes are great for capturing motion such as sport or performance, but you do have to use some anticipation when you snap, as one burst leaves the camera out of action for the next few seconds, and if something more interesting happens in that time you're left frustrated.

As an everyday snapper, the FH20 holds up well. Autofocus is fast, purple fringing and noise aren't too marked, and despite the length of the lens, distortion is negligible. Images are crisp, with plenty of manual control and control over colour levels.

Conclusion
The Casio Exilim EX-F1 without a doubt casts a shadow over the Exilim Pro EX-FH20; while that first-sgeneration model was faster, the FH20 is in many ways a better camera. The speed is still there, but now the camera's everyday specs are more realistic. The fast modes get to just be fun rather than having to carry the FH20, which stands up as a decent superzoom to challenge the likes of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18. And enormous fun they are, as the FH20 takes another step towards realising the full potential of digital photography.

Edited by Cristina Psomadakis