December 18, 2009, Newsletter Issue #116: Casio Exilim C721 - Pricey, but Nice

Tip of the Week

A 5 MP digital camera isn't news. A waterproof, shockproof digital camera isn't news. A 3x internal zoom lens isn't news. And a digital camera/cell phone isn't news. But when you roll them all into one,  it ought to be news.


So why didn't the Exilim C721 make more of a splash when it arrived in June? Maybe it's the size. It's absolutely retro-sized for a cell phone. And it's even big for a 5 MP digital camera. On the other hand, if you have large hands - or prefer large print - you'll be in heaven.


The C721 offers some nifty features. It's a flip phone with a twist. When you open the phone, you can rotate the 2.2" LCD screen to the outside and then fold the phone closed again. This automatically powers up the camera, and the LCD becomes your view screen.


5 MP isn't a lot, but it's more than most phone cameras. And the oversized screen - for a phone cam, at least - makes composing your shots is a lot easier. All in all, it appears to be a nice camera AND a nice phone. So why haven't we heard more about it?


Maybe it's the price. At $280 with a two-year contract (from Verizon), it's not a cheap phone - or a cheap point - and-shoot digital camera. But if you need a rugged phone and/or a rugged camera, the Exilim C721 sure is worth a look.

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