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Casio's EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera. Photo provided by Casio America Inc. Casio ZR100: Speedy long-zoom compact
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 16:30 EST)

Kicking off a variety of announcement for the Consumer Electronics Show, Casio Computer Co. Ltd has revealed the EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera, as well as announcing plans for US availability of the EX-ZR10.

The Casio ZR100 is based around a backside-illuminated twelve megapixel image sensor and an EXILIM Optical branded 12.5x zoom lens, and includes sensor-shift image stabilization to fight the effects of blur from camera shake. The standout feature of the Casio EX-ZR100 is its speed, achieved courtesy of a dual-core EXILIM Engine HS image processor. The EXILIM ZR100 can shoot an impressive 30 frames at ten megapixel resolution, at a speed of 40 frames per second.

Images and movies are framed and reviewed on the Casio EXILIM ZR100's 3.0" Super Clear TFT LCD display. The EXILIM EX-ZR100's ISO sensitivity ranges from a minimum of ISO ISO equivalent, through to a maximum of ISO 3,200 equivalent. A couple of more unusual features available on the Casio EX-ZR100 are its Slide Panorama and HDR-ART modes, each of which captures multiple source images, combines them in camera, and then outputs a single image.

US pricing for the Casio EXILIM EX-ZR100 is set at around $300, with availability expected from March 2011. For more details, read our Casio ZR100 preview.

The Casio ZR10, meanwhile, was announced at the Photokina trade show last year, and initially wasn't scheduled for release in the USA. That has now changed, and the camera is planned to ship here this month, priced at US$250. This model is covered in our Casio ZR10 preview.

Casio EXILIM EX-ZR100
Casio's EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera. Photo provided by Casio America Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerCasio
Model NumberNorth America: EX-ZR100
Dimensions4.1 x 2.3 x 1.1 in.
(105 x 59 x 29 mm)
Weight7.2 oz (204 g)
Planned Price$300
Planned AvailabilityMarch 2011
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCMOS
1/2.3"
12.75 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2656 (10.6 megapixels)
4000 x 2240 (9.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Capture SpeedContinuous: 40.0 frames per second for 30 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
460,800 dots (153,600 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type9 lenses in 8 groups, including aspherical lens
12.5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length4.2 - 53.0mm (actual)
24 - 300mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.0 - 7.9 (wide) / f/5.9 - ??? (tele) with ND filter
Focusing SystemContrast Detection: Intelligent, Spot, Multi, Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 20" (1 cm - 50 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed15 - 1/40000 second
Exposure odesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering ModesMulti pattern, Center Weighted, Spot by CMOS
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day White Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Tungsten, Manual WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash off, Flash on, Red eye reduction
Creative
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Self TimerYes, 2, 10, Triple seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatMOV H.264/AVC IMA-ADPCM stereo with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherAV output terminal (NTSC/PAL), Mini HDMI
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-130
Product Bundle
SoftwareCD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-130 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesCMOS image sensor is back-side illuminated type, sensor-shift image stabilization, HDR, HDR ART, BEST SHOT, Premium Auto, Still In Movie, Dynamic Photo(Play mode only), Slide Panorama, Full 1080p HD Movies. Available in black.
More Photos
Casio's EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera. Photo provided by Casio America Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera. Photo provided by Casio America Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Casio Announces New Flagship Camera For Its Exilim® Lineup

Revolutionary New EX-ZR100 Takes High-Speed Processing and Shooting to the Next Level

LAS VEGAS, NV, January 5, 2011 ― Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., today unveiled the 12.1 megapixel EX-ZR100, the new flagship model for the company’s popular EXILIM® family of digital cameras. Blazingly fast, the EX-ZR100 is powered by Casio’s new EXILIM ENGINE HS with dual core processors, which work together to offer consumers a high-speed shooting experience unlike any other. From high-speed image processing to slow-motion video recording, the next generation EXILIM EX-ZR100 represents a dramatic advancement beyond today’s traditional digital cameras. Also joining the EX-ZR100 is the EX-ZR10. Announced at the 2010 Photokina Expo, the EX-ZR10 is the younger sibling of the more advanced EX-ZR100, and will begin shipping in January 2011.

“Casio is continuously pushing the envelope for what’s possible when it comes to digital cameras, and nothing embodies that approach more than the new EX-ZR100,” said Toshi Iguchi, Senior General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Casio America Inc. “The EX-ZR100 combines our most advanced imaging technologies and is indicative of the level of innovation that consumers can expect from Casio. This is a camera that we’re proud to call our flagship model for 2011.”

High-Speed Processing Power
The EX-ZR100 incorporates a 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor which will help users capture high-resolution, low-noise images even in dimly lit environments. The camera also features sensor-shift image stabilization to help reduce the blur associated with hand movement for even better results. The sensor-shift stabilization technology also allows users to capture impressive 1920x1080 full-HD video at 30 frames-per-second (fps) with continuous auto focus. In addition, the EX-ZR100 features a built-in stereo microphone, and even offers users the ability to leverage the camera’s full optical zoom and capture digital still images with high-speed burst shooting (10 megapixel), all while recording video.

The camera’s high-performance CMOS sensor is complimented even further by Casio’s advanced EXILIM ENGINE HS with dual core processors, which further enhance the digital imaging experience for consumers. Together, the EXILIM ENGINE HS with dual core processors drive the high-speed capabilities of the EX-ZR100 and are responsible for the camera’s industry leading, .37 second shot-to-shot time, slow-motion video recording as well as high-speed burst shooting. With burst shooting, consumers can capture 30 10 megapixel images at a maximum speed of 40 shots per second. Adding even more versatility, the EX-ZR100’s Pre‑record Continuous Shutter will begin pre-recording images when the shutter button is pressed halfway, ensuring users will not miss a single critical moment even if they’re a little late in snapping the photo. All photos and video can be reviewed on the camera’s high-resolution three-inch LCD (460k).

Getting Creative
The new EX-ZR100 encompasses a number of unique shooting modes, such as slow-motion video recording, Slide Panorama, and Casio’s HDR-ART technology, which consumers can use to build on their creativity and better express themselves through images. With slow-motion, users can record fast-action events at a maximum speed of 1,000fps (224x64), revealing detail that’s simply too fast for the naked eye to see. Additional high-speed frame rates include 480fps (224x160) and 240fps (432x320).

With Casio’s HDR technology, each press of the shutter button actually takes several shots with different exposures and instantly combines them into a single image with a high dynamic range. This ensures that both light and dark areas are clearly visible in the photograph and that washed out or overly dark areas are minimized. The HDR-ART function uses this HDR technology to create beautifully artistic photographs. It locally controls the contrast and the level of color saturation of the analyzed subject, and achieves the kind of awe-inspiring effects that used to be possible only using dedicated software, all with just one press of the shutter button. The effects of the HDR-ART function can be set at three different processing levels, so now anyone can easily create dramatic, eye-catching HDR images that suit their artistic tastes and are sure to impress.

Users can also get creative with Slide Panorama, which will give them the ability to pan the EX‑ZR100 across a scene, such as an expansive landscape, to capture 360-degree images. Unique about Casio’s Slide Panorama is the fact that the function can detect moving subjects or peoples' faces and will not use these subjects for the combined points. This makes it easy to take more natural panoramic images. The EX-ZR100 also makes using the camera fun thanks to its Dynamic Photo function. With Dynamic Photo, users can combine moving characters preloaded to the camera’s memory, with a still image or movie background of their choice.

Optics That Pack a Punch
Casio’s new flagship EXILIM model doesn’t fail to impress thanks to a robust lens that boasts a powerful 12.5x optical zoom and a focal length of 24mm-300mm (35mm film equivalent). Packed within a compact body that measures under an inch thick (0.95-inches), the ultra‑wide‑angle and telephoto capabilities of the EX-ZR100’s lens will allow users to fit more into the frame or get in close, no matter how near or far they may be. Furthermore, Casio greatly enhances the 12.5x optical zoom of the EX-ZR100 with its Multi Frame SR Zoom technology, which doubles the camera’s zoom to achieve a zoom that’s equivalent to a 25x optical zoom. Far more advanced than traditional digital zooms found on today’s digital cameras, Multi Frame SR Zoom leverages the high-speed processing power of the EXILIM ENGINE HS to capture and combine several images at once to produce a final photo with no loss of image quality.

The Casio EX-ZR10 is available in black and will ship in January 2011 for $249.99
The Casio EX-ZR100 will be available in black and will ship in March 2011 for $299.99

EXILIM, Dynamic Photo and BEST SHOT are registered trademarks or trademarks of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. YouTube is a registered trademark of YouTube, LLC. Any other company or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of those companies.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit http://www.casiousa.com or http://pressroom.exilim.casio.com.

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