Filling the gap between standard 3x optical zoom point-and-shoots and 18x compacts is the 7x Casio Exilim EX-V8, the longest zoom in Casio’s current product line. As the sophomore version to the V7, the 8.1-megapixel V8 carries a heavily-marketed YouTube mode in hopes of winning over the Internet video-obsessed generation. The Casio V8 has an introductory price of $329.99.

Geared toward the advanced point-and-shooter, the Casio V8 garners attention for both the right and wrong reasons. Even though it has recognizable YouTube branding and advanced video functions, the camera falls short in still image quality. The Exilim V8’s color reproduction is surprisingly poor. Particularly inaccurate are blues, greens, yellows, and reds, which negates a good portion of the color spectrum. Although the colors are off, the camera’s saturation levels are good, so images won’t look flat or too punchy. The camera tends to produce “soft” photos that lack detail because of excessive undersharpening. Images taken in low light at high ISO settings look terribly noisy, particularly when the ISO is set to Auto.

The portable V8’s strength lies in its built-in 7x optical zoom lens. Vacationers will appreciate the non-extending lens since sand and dust often find their way into the tiers of telescoping lenses, such as the one on the Samsung NV7 OPS. With CCD-shift image stabilization to compensate for hand shake, the Casio V8 beats out its electronically-stabilized 7x competitors, such as the Pentax Optio Z10 and Samsung L77.

The Exilim V8’s still picture performance is poor, but the camera’s saving grace is its video performance (and catchy YouTube hook). The V8’s Movie mode performs above average, with good color and exposure. The Casio camera also has a generous selection of Movie modes and built-in editing functions. The YouTube mode is an evolution of an earlier concept between Casio and eBay for still images. Essentially, the YouTube mode and included software record movies using a different compression so users can upload to the popular video sharing site faster. Setup time is standard for any software, and the programs are relatively easy to use. The YouTube function might have other manufacturers wishing they partnered with YouTube first. It’s a name the V8’s target audience is familiar with and is the only thing setting the camera apart from its competition. It may be gimmicky, but it will generate attention.  

The 7x optical zoom category is still reasonably small, with just a handful of offerings. The V8, however, has a higher price tag than most of its competitors, along with inferior performance. The camera’s video capabilities and YouTube branding help it emerge as a reasonable budget alternative for shooting Web-destined video, but the V8 lacks the image quality necessary for producing frame-worthy stills.