The first time we looked at the Sanyo VPC-MZ2EX, we figured Sanyo had sent us the wrong camera. Surely this is just the AZ1EX with a purple stripe down one side?
The two cameras share more than just identical casings; the entire physical body and control scheme is present across both cameras, meaning that we were instantly aware of where all the camera settings were and what they did. It does mean that our caveats about the controls of the AZ1 equally apply here, though.
Someone at Sanyo must like purple; the MZ2EX we were sent is all silver but for a transparent purple stripe on the left hand side of the camera's face. It doesn't serve any purpose whatsover, apart from standing out.
The MZ2EX's main claim of differentiation is that it has half the resolution of its bigger brother; 2 megapixel rather than four. This translates into a smaller selection of resolution choices. At the top end, you've got 2,000x1,496 pixel images, then a middle ground 1,600x1,200 and the absolutely normal 640x480 that even very cheap cameras offer. Like the AZ1EX the MZ2EX ships with a 16MB memory card. That's not enourmous, but with the lower resolutions on offer it'll take you longer to fill the card, so it's perhaps more appropriate at this price level. At highest resolution you can expect to get 14 shots before needing to upload anything; 23 at middle resolution and 145 at 640x480, which would appeal to anyone with a lot of web photography needs.
Using the MZ2EX is almost identical to the AZ1EX; same interface, same slightly annoying layout of somewhat stiff controls, same sized LCD. For some reason the MZ2EX has a splash screen that comes up when moving between camera functions; the AZ1EX just stays resolutely black at such times.
Like the AZ1EX, it's entirely possible to just leave all settings on automatic and enjoy a good photographic experience. We found that the automatic focus was a touch shakier than that on the AZ1EX, meaning it's a touch harder to get the correct automatic focus in a hurry if you're in a low light situation.
The MZ2EX comes with the same Ulead software bundle as the AZ1EX; presumably Sanyo got a good deal on a job lot of software. In the case of the MZ2EX it's arguably better suited; where they seem to be pitching the AZ1EX at a semi-professional user, the MZ2EX sits more in a keen amateur category, and that's a market that tends to prefer its photographic manipulation simple and straightforward. We tested the MZ2EX with Windows 2000 and Windows XP environments. Under Windows 2000, you can treat the MZ2EX as just another removeable drive, while Windows XP will prompt to use its own digital camera wizard every time the camera is plugged in. Windows 98 users will need to install drivers for camera recognition to kick in.
Battery life for the MZ2EX was very good. Like its bigger brother, it uses rechargeable batteries, and ships with the same mystifying four cell recharger. The camera will automatically power down after a minute in shooting mode if nothing happens, which further stretches battery life. After a week's intermittent use of fully charged batteries, they had only dropped to around halfway.
At AU$899, the MZ2EX is a good buy. It's a capable camera suitable for novices and those not seeking exceptionally large resolution photos -- which is most average consumers. You'd probably want to invest in a larger memory card just to give yourself backup 'film', but the 16MB on offer is enough to at least get you started.
Sanyo VPC-MZ2EX
Company: Sanyo
Price: AU$899
Distributor: Selected Resellers
Phone: 1300 360 230
3%
2%
