The Casio Exilim EX-S3 3MP Digital Camera is a masterpiece.
Consistently awesome photographs when set on the "fine" setting (no pixelated images).
Operating it is a no-brainer even though it has a lot of high-end user adjustable features. The "best shot" feature takes any quesswork out of the picture-taking process.

You will need an additional mmc card (256 Megs recommended).

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This camera rocks!

My overall rating of this tiny digital camera has been positive so far. When buying a digital camera, I basically wanted to focus on shutter speed since my last digital camera, Kodak LS 443's shutter speed was so slow compared to Casio Exilim. I also wanted a lightweight digital camera. I also had a budget in which I didn't want to spend tons of money on a gadget in which will be replaced by a newer higher-tech gadget later on. And wanted a user-friendly digital camera in which I didn't need to carry their manual with me. Here were my reasons for buying this digital camera:

First of all, I bought this camera after my x-bf got his Exilim M2 which I fell in love and had to get my own Casio Exilim. It is such a small digital camera in which I take with me in purse and can snap a quick picture anywhere and anytime.

Second of all, it has a HUGE LCD display which makes it easier to see what your picture will look like when you are trying to center the picture.

Third of all, price of this digital camera was very reasonable compared to other high-end digital camera, like Sony.

Fourt of all, it is such an user-friendly digital camera that I didn't need to read the manual at all.

Lastly, I set my picture resolution to FINE in order to see the best picture quality and I love the fast shutter-speed. Keep up the great work @ Casio. I can't wait for S100 price to go down since that will be my next gadget purchase. It's too bad that Casio is not being sold in a lot of the bigger electronics store but more available online in which case, I bought it from Amazon.com site. I bought this camera last 5/2004 and it still takes excellent pictures. I take a lot of events pictures.

Lovely camera, great photos while it lasts. Fits wonderfully in your pocket. But that's exactly the problem--the camera seems to be extremely heat or moisture sensitive. Though I was careful not to carry it with anything else that might scratch it, small "blooms" or spots gradually form on the LCD display and inside the lens, ruining both the viewfinder and the pictures. Perhaps this is the reason they have discontinued this model.

I've owned this little camera for about 5 months now and I can't say enough good things about it. First off, there are no malfunctions or irritating complications that I can speak of. This camera takes GREAT pictures! Don't get me wrong it's not a 6+ mega pixel, but it's definetly all you need if your not a professional photographer. If you're someone that likes quality photographs, photos that aren't blurry but crisp and clear, and like to be able to print them out with the same crisp results. Then this is a camera you should seriously take into consideration. Another great thing about it is it's size. It's in no way a nuisance, ever! It's very lite and fits into any pocket. It gives you lots of options on the camera and they are easy to access and use,(not meaning to be sexest) but for the guys as well as the ladies. It gives you the ability to fix any not so greatly taken pictures by letting you zoom in and center vertically and horizontally any picture. Not on your computer when you get home, but immediately after you take it(on the camera itself). If you can't tell, I've been impressed with this camera. I think you would be too!

I have several Olympus Digitals that are excellent (5050 in particilar). But this Casio goes with me wherever I go. Consequently, I have taken many more pictures with this camera than with all the others combined (over 2500 in a year's time).

As for the case issue, I slip mine into an eyeglass case - the kind that is felt lined and has a pocket/belt clip attached. It fits nicely in my shirt pocket, dosen't fall out when I bend and
can be removed (and put back) in an instant.

Also, it is somewhat wide angle so it is great in small rooms.

Try it, you'll love it.

I bought this camera because, like a lot of people, I hate being burdened by a camera when taking a trip/vacation/outing. And, for that purpose it works great.

So far, this camera has been to Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans (pre-flood), London, New York, Galveston, South Padre Island, San Francisco, Dallas, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Acapulco and on a cruise to destinations like Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Let's face it, this things been around! And through all of that, it has worked flawlessly giving me image after image of wonderful photos, some which even grace my home as photos and many of which are in photo albums.

I challenge those who say their pictures aren't clear or come out terrible. With proper usage, the camera can take excellent pictures. But, if you're looking for something to take wonderful nature photos of beautiful vistas, this isn't the camera for you. This one is for quick pictures, close up, not requiring excessive zoom. This is your "I just spotted someone famous camera and need to take a quick picture".

So, why only 4 stars you ask? Only because it's digital zoom sucks and is probably the single negative trait which is contributing to reviewers claiming it takes bad pictures of poor quality.

After reading some of the negative reviews on this little technological gem, I felt obligated to write my own review.

I've owned the EX-S3 since 2003 and still take it with me everywhere I go in 2006. I hang in around my neck on a small chain and carry it in my hand at other times. I've taken photos in the rain and it's been with me in 113 degree weather in the Mojave desert. It has never missed a step! As far as optical zoom is concerned, I don't use it. I take the photos into Photoshop and crop them there, no problem. By the way, that photo at the top of the page of the outdoor mall, is mine. It was taken while I was walking. The result is exactly the way it came out of the camera ... no Photoshop, no adjustments. Judge for yourself!

Finally, I'm always suspicious of people who write negative camera reviews and then, in the same breath, mention other cameras and brands they like better. No, I don't work for Casio. Yes, I own other digital camera brands.

I've had this camera for 3 years. I'm not a professional photographer, so it's great for me. Once I learned the settings, the pictures came out great. I especially love the compact size. My only wish is for a faster shutter speed. I recommend this to anyone.