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Casio's Exilim Zoom logo. Courtesy of Casio Inc. Casio adds a zoom to its tiny Exilim cameras
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(Friday, January 10, 2003 - 16:15 EST)

New Jersey-based Casio Inc. has announced a new digital camera at CES which addresses the one major drawback of its existing Exilim credit-card digital cameras.

The new Exilim Zoom EX-Z3, as the name suggests, incorporates a zoom lens. This looks to be the same lens used in Pentax's just-announced Optio S digital camera, or a very similar design - and is noteable for sliding several elements out of the lens path when retracted to allow for a much thinner camera. The lens looks to be a good match for Casio's remarkably small Exilim cameras, and will certainly be a welcome addition for potential buyers. The EX-Z3 couples that 3x zoom with a 3.2 megapixel (effective) CCD sensor - another boost over its Exilim predecessors. Further features include 10MB of built-in flash memory and SD / MMC storage. The Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera will retail for $449.99 and will be available in April 2003.

Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z3
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Recording Element
1/2.5-inch square pixel primary color CCD
(Approximate Total Pixels: 3.34 million)
Effective Pixels 3.2 million
Image File Record Format
Snapshots JPEG (Exif. Ver. 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant
Movies AVI (Motion JPEG) with sound
Recording Media Built-in flash memory (10 MB), SD memory card/Multi Media card
Recorded Image Sizes

Snapshots:

Image Size (Pixels)
Resolution
Approximate File Size
Approximate Memory Capacity (Images)
Built-in Memory (10 MB)
SD Memory Card* (64 MB)
2048 X 1536
Fine
1.6MB
6
34
Economy
1.2MB
8
45
Normal
630KB
15
88
1600 X 1200
Fine
1.05MB
9
53
Economy
710KB
14
79
Normal
370KB
27
154
1280 X 960
Fine
680KB
14
82
Economy
460KB
21
126
Normal
250KB
40
220
640 X 480
Fine
190KB
52
294
Economy
140KB
71
386
Normal
90KB
111
618

Movie with Audio:

Image Size (Pixels)
Maximum Movie Length
Approximate File Size
Approximate Memory Capacity
Built-in Memory (10 MB)
SD Memory Card* (64 MB)
320 X 240
30 seconds
130KB/second (12 frames/second)
1 minute 20 seconds
8 minutes 20 seconds

* Matsushita products. Capacity differs according to manufacturer.

Image Deletion Single image; all images in memory (with memory protection)
Lens
smc Pentax lens (6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens), F2.6 (W) to 4.8 (T)
f = 5.8(W) to 17.4(T) mm; equivalent to approximately 35.0 to 105.0 mm when converted to 35mm film
Zoom 3X optical zoom; 4X digital zoom (12X total when optical and digital zoom are used in combination.)
Focusing
Contrast type Auto Focus; manual focus; macro mode; infinity mode; focus lock
Approximate Focus Range Normal: 40cm to infinity, 1.3’ to infinity
Macro: 6 to 50cm, 2.4” to 19.7”
Exposure Control
Metering Multi-pattern by imaging element
Control Program AE
Exposure Compensation -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter CCD electronic shutter / mechanical shutter; 1 to 1/2000 shutter speed
Aperture F2.6, F4.3, Auto
White Balance Auto; Fixed (4 modes); Manual
Sensitivity Auto, ISO50, ISO100, ISO200
Recording Modes Normal, Best Shot, Movie
Self-timer 10-second or 2-second countdown; Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash
Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction
Approximate Flash Range: 0.4 to 2.3 meters (W)
Viewfinder Monitor screen and optical viewfinder
Monitor Screen 2.0-inch digital interface TFT color LCD, (84,960 pixels; 354 X 240)
Playback Functions Playback zoom (4X); Resize; Trimming; Movie Playback; 9-image Screen; Invert; Rotate; Calendar Screen; Slideshow (Photo Stand)
Timekeeping Functions
Date and time (Current date and time is stored with image data.)
Auto Calendar up to 2049
World Time 162 cities (32 time zones); city names; date and time; summer time
Other Histogram; alarm with image; album feature; favorites folder
Input / Output Terminals USB cradle contact terminals
Power Requirements Special lithium ion battery
Dimensions / Weight 3.43” (W) x 2.24” (H) x .9”(D) (excluding projections); 4.44 oz
Bundled Accessories Special rechargeable lithium-ion battery; Special USB cradle; Special USB cable; strap, CD-ROM
More Photos
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Copyright (c) 2003, The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Copyright (c) 2003, The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Copyright (c) 2003, The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z3 digital camera. Copyright (c) 2003, The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Source: Casio Inc.

Original Source Press Release:

CASIO, INC. DEBUTS THE EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z3 DIGITAL CAMERA AT CES 2003 - THE LATEST ADDITION TO ITS EXILIM CAMERA SERIES

The EX-Z3 Incorporates 3X Optical Zoom, 3.2-megapixel CCD and a Built-in 2-Inch Monitor Screen in a Simple to Operate, Stylish Credit Card-Sized Camera

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, LAS VEGAS, NV -- January 9, 2003 – Casio Inc. today announced the arrival of the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z3, the latest addition to its EXILIM series of credit card-sized LCD digital cameras. Designed for the photography aficionado with an on-the-go lifestyle, the EX-Z3 features a CCD that boasts 3.2 megapixels, a high-performance 3X optical zoom lens, plus a host of additional photographic features to make capturing the highest quality photos simple for anyone. Like the initial EXILIM 1.24 and 2.0 megapixel cameras introduced last year, the EX-Z3 packs the features of a full-sized camera in a thin, compact configuration, 3.43” (W) x 2.24” (H) x .9” (D) and lightweight, 4.44 oz – small enough to tote in any pocket or purse – portable, wearable, fashionable technology for today’s lifestyles.

“The tremendous response from last year’s release of our first EXILIM models truly shows that our target audiences were more than ready for our high fashion, go-anywhere digital camera,” said John Clough, president, Casio, Inc. “This year, with the EX-Z3, we are thrilled to expand our premier EXILIM line by adding even more photographic features. Everything about the new EX-Z3 was designed and engineered for the ultimate in simple operation and fashionable styling.”

The EXILIM EX-Z3 will retail for $449.99 and will be available in April 2003.

EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z3 FEATURES

  • 3X optical zoom lens built in to a slim card-size camera
    The lens of the EX-Z3 uses a totally new type of 3-segment telescoping lens mechanism that makes it possible to provide 3X optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin camera configuration. The stylish card configuration of the camera is made possible by “Stack MCM” mounting, which makes it possible to stack chips and reduce space requirements by about 40% (compared with the MCM mounting method used for the EXILIM EX-S2 and EX-M2).
  • Quick response ensures capturing the images you want
    The EX-Z3 is ready to shoot in less than 2 seconds after it is turned on. A release time lag of only 0.01* seconds helps to ensure that the user is able to capture the image seen in the viewfinder when the shutter release is pressed.
    *Time from when the shutter release button is fully depressed with the monitor screen and built-in flash turned off, and focus locked.
  • Big 2.0-inch LCD monitor screen
    The big 2.0-inch TFT LCD monitor screen included on the EX-Z3 features a digital interface for a clearer display of images. The monitor screen can be used to compose images, and a collection of display features helps to make image viewing easier and more fun than ever before.
    • Photo Stand Feature
      Placing the EX-Z3 onto its cradle and pressing the Photo button starts a slideshow of images currently in camera memory. The camera can even be set up to display the desired images whenever it is placed on the cradle.
    • Calendar Screen
      Each date of the full month calendar screen shows a thumbnail of the first image recorded on each date. This visual diary of images makes it possible for you to quickly search for and locate specific images.
  • 3.2 million effective pixels for high-resolution imaging
    The EX-Z3 CCD provides 3.34 total pixels of high-resolution digital imaging. This level of resolution makes it possible to capture all the nuances of subtle flesh tones and fine details of scenery shots. Primary color filtering ensures vivid colors every time.
  • Best Shot Mode for instant setups
    The Best Shot Mode provides optimum camera setups in an instant. The user simply selects the sample scene closest to the desired image, and the camera’s light metering, exposure compensation, saturation, and other settings are configured accordingly. The EX-Z3 has total of 21 sample scenes built in, including “Coupling Shot” and “Pre Shot”.
    • Coupling Shot
      When there are only two people present, Person A composes the image of Person B against a background and presses the shutter release. This freezes the image on the monitor screen. Then they switch places, and Person B composes the final image now with Person A included. The final recorded image shows both Person A and Person B, as if they were both standing in front of the camera.
    • Pre Shot
      With Pre Shot, photos can be taken against any specific background, by selecting the background and pressing the shutter release. This freezes the background image on the monitor screen. Frozen backgrounds can then be used as composition guides, with the final recorded image reflecting the subject against the selected background.
  • Triple Self-timer
    The Triple Self-timer records three consecutive shots with a single shutter release button operation so that the user can select the best of the three shots.
  • World Time and Alarm functions
    For traveling photographers, the World Time and Alarm functions are useful to keep the user “on time” anywhere in the world. World Time enables selection of 162 cities in 32 time zones around the world as personal home time. When traveling to another time zone, users simply select the applicable city from the menu, and time and date settings are adjusted automatically. The camera also contains a total of three independent alarms and a feature that allows a selected image to appear when an alarm time is reached.
  • Automatic image transfer to computer
    • Photo Loader
      The procedure to download photos is accomplished by connecting the cradle to the computer’s USB port, placing the EX-Z3 onto the cradle, and pressing the cradle’s USB button. From there, the PhotoLoader software automatically transfers all JPEG and AVI files in image memory to the computer.
    • Photohands
      Photohands provides image-editing capabilities for color, contrast, brightness, and other parameters. To start Photohands, users simply click the Photo Loader print button.
Bundled Software
Name Functions Provider Windows Macintosh
Photo Loader Image transfer, e-mail attachment*1
Casio
XP / 2000 / Me / 98
OS 7.6.1 – 9
Photohands Image retouching, printing
XP / 2000 / Me / 98
--
USB Driver USB connection
XP*2, 2000, Me, 98
OS 8.6 – 9,10.1 – 10.2*2
Internet Explorer Web browser and e-mail
Microsoft
--
OS 7.6.1 – 9,10.1
DirectX Playback of video clips
XP/2000/Me/98
--
Acrobat Reader PDF file reader
Adobe Systems
2000/Me/98/95/NT4.0
OS 8.6–9,10.1
*1: E-mail attachment is supported by the Windows version only.
*2: Windows XP users and users of Macintosh OS9 and greater should use the standard driver that comes with their operating system.
  • Album feature
    The EX-Z3 stores images in a Web browser-viewable that allows you to browse images
    in an album format. The album feature uses HTML format, which means you can
    incorporate an album directly into a web site, and even print directly from the album.
  • SD/MMC memory card slot
    In addition to its 10 MB of built-in Flash Memory, the EX-Z3 also supports use of a thin, compact SD memory cards and MMC cards (not included). An easy operation copies images between a memory card and built-in memory.
  • Favorites Folder
    To keep special images private, 320 x 240 size images can be copied to a Favorites folder located in the camera built-in memory. Images in the Favorites folder do not display during normal image playback, which means you can keep your personal images private when carrying them around in camera memory.
  • Key Customization
    Key customization enables assigned recording mode, exposure compensation, white balance, ISO sensitivity or self-timer functions to the left/right controller buttons. These settings may be changed by simply pressing the left or right control button.
  • ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching II compliant
    ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching II support helps to make printed images look better than ever before.
  • EPSON USB DIRECT-PRINT compliant
    The camera’s USB cable can be directly connected to an EPSON USB DIRECT-PRINT compatible printer for printing without going through a computer.

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., markets calculators, business organizers, handheld personal computers, keyboards, digital cameras, handheld color TVs, timepieces (Wrist Technology), cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio, the unexpected extra – for more information visit our web site at www.casio.com.

Casio is a registered trademark of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. "The unexpected extra" is a trademark of Casio, Inc.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP and Outlook are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. PENTAX is a registered trademark of PENTAX Corporation. Other company, product, and service names used herein may also be trademarks or service marks of others.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

* * *

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