Casio: Two new EXILIM digicams By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource (Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 09:00 EDT)Casio has today unveiled two new digital camera models, both of them fairly straightforward updates of existing models.
The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z1080 is closely related to the EX-Z1050 model that was announced back in January. Body, sensor, lens, LCD and all the rest of the hardware look to be identical. The changes are to be found in firmware - the video resolution now tops out at 848x480 pixels instead of VGA, ISO sensitivity has been bumped to a maximum of 6400 instead of 1600, and the addition of both Casio's YouTube video mode and face detection technology. All these changes to the camera result in 5MB less built-in memory available for photos - 11.4MB being free in the Casio Z1080.
The Casio EXILIM Hi-Zoom EX-V8 meanwhile updates the existing EX-V7 model with a higher resolution imager. Where January's EX-V7 had seven megapixels from its 1/2.5" CCD image sensor, the Casio EX-V8 crams in another for a total of eight megapixels. The flash strobe has also been moved onto the lens cover, leaving it slightly further from the lens than in the V7. The only other significant change is the addition of a trim piece on the lens cover that makes it easier to grip.
Both cameras will ship this September, priced at about $280 for the EX-Z1080, and $330 for the EX-V8.
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels) 3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels) 3648 x 2048 (7.5 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels) 2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels) 2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Modes: Auto, On, Off, Soft Flash, Red Eye Reduction Range: Normal: 0.3ft to 7.2ft (W), 3.3ft to 4.6ft (T); Rapid Flash: 1.3ft to 6.9ft (W), approx. 3.3ft to 4.6ft (T)
Creative
Digital Zoom
4x
Self Timer
Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie Format
H.264/AVC MOV / MotionJPEG AVI with audio
Storage
Recording Medium
SD/MMC, Built-in
File System
Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format
JPEG (EXIF v2.2)
Connectivity
Video
Yes
Computer
USB 2.0 High Speed
Other
Camera cradle
Power
Battery Type
Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor
Proprietary NP-50
Product Bundle
Flash Memory
11.6MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant
Yes
Internal Microphone
Yes
Internal Speaker
Yes
Tripod Mount
Yes
Remote Control
No
More Photos
Original Source Press Release:
CASIO INTRODUCES TWO STYLISH EXILIM® DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH YOUTUBE™ CAPTURE MODE
The EX-V8 is equipped with a 7X Optical Zoom and 8.1 Megapixels; the EX-Z1080 features High ISO 6400 Sensitivity and 10.1 Megapixels
DOVER, NJ, AUGUST 28, 2007 – Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., released two new EXILIM digital cameras today. The EX-V8 features a slim, yet powerful optical zoom like its predecessors in the EXILIM Hi-Zoom series. The EX-Z1080, the latest addition to the core EXILIM Zoom series, packs an outstanding range of functions into a compact size.
The EX-V8 delivers 8.1 effective megapixels in a slim shape that is compact enough to fit in the palm of the hand. The camera features a 7X optical internal zoom lens designed for quiet operation. The EX-V8 also offers four blur reduction technologies, including a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism.
The 10.1 megapixel EX-Z1080 produces beautiful photographs even when making large prints. It also enables high sensitivity photography up to a maximum of ISO 6400, and is ideal for photographing darker scenes and reducing blur caused by shaky hands and subject movement.
Both new models incorporate the EXILIM Engine 2.0 high-performance image processing module, which allows high quality movies to be recorded at the high compression rate of the next-generation H.264 standard. They also feature a YouTube™ Capture Mode, which enables users to shoot and save movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings for YouTube™, the leading online video community that allows people to discover, watch and share originally created videos. YouTube™ allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs and e-mail. Casio has also included an exclusive software application that makes it fast and simple to upload movies to YouTube™. This makes it easier than ever for people to enjoy “snapshot movies” of everyday fun, trips, and other occasions.
“Each year we strive to make advancements in our popular EXILIM digital cameras,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Sales for Casio’s Digital Imaging Division. “These models are no exception, as they blend many of the standard features EXILIM cameras are known for, with groundbreaking new technology such as YouTube™ Capture Mode, and the EXILIM Engine 2.0 high performance image processing module. If you ever needed an excuse to shoot photos and videos of friends or family these EXILIM cameras are it!”
The EX-V8 will have an MSRP of $329.99 and the EX-Z1080 an MSRP of $279.99. Both models will be available at retail in September.
Main Features of EXILIM Hi-Zoom EX-V8 & EXILIM Zoom EX-Z1080
High-quality movies using the H.264 standard
YouTube™ Capture Mode allows users to shoot movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings for uploading to YouTube™.
Comes with unique “YouTube™ Uploader for CASIO” software that enables users to upload movies to YouTube™ in as few as two steps.
The combination of face detection*1 technology and the auto-tracking AF system using motion analysis technology maintains both sharp focus and correct exposure for a human face
Blur reduction technologies driven by the EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module
Based on motion analysis technology, sets the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed.
Anti Shake DSP reduces blur due to shaky hands and subject movement, using high shutter speeds and high sensitivity settings.
Movie mode with electronic image stabilization function.
Other Features of the EXILIM Hi-Zoom EX-V8
8.1 million effective pixels, 7X optical zoom
CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism
2.5-inch Bright LCD display (maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m2 at the center of the screen)
Maximum 4 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)
Available in silver
Other Features of the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z1080
10.1 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom
BEST SHOT function with high-sensitivity shooting mode, up to a maximum of ISO 6400
2.6-inch Bright widescreen LCD display (maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m2 at the center of the screen)
Maximum 7 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)
Super Life Battery allows up to 370 shots to be taken when fully charged
Choice of four body colors: gray, black, blue, pink
*1. The face detection feature includes a face detection technology provided by OKI’s face image processing engine, FSE (Face Sensing Engine). *2. Number of shots can vary depending on the memory card used.
About Casio EXILIM is a registered trademark of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. “FSE” is a product provided by Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. For more information about “FSE”, visit OKI’s website at http://www.face-sensing-engine.com. YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc. Any other company or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of those companies. 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 www.casiousa.com.
Casio: Two new EXILIM digicams
