Composite Moving Image Creation Even Faster with Improved Dynamic Photo Function in New EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 Models

DOVER, NJ — AUGUST 18, 2009 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release today of two new additions to the EXILIM digital camera lineup. The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 both are equipped with Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, allowing the models to automatically determine the focus and exposure area.  In addition, Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo function, for composite moving image creation, is now faster and easier to operate, allowing users to produce animated electronic greeting cards and other digital creations. 

New to the Casio EXILIM lineup is the Intelligent AF feature which, in addition to the line’s usual face detection technology, automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area.  By simply pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF ensures a focused, crisp picture without an out-of-focus subject.  Taking pictures of your family pet or even beautiful scenery can be done in a snap, utilizing Intelligent AF to help minimize the number of photos that need to be taken to get a perfect picture.  Thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0, users can enjoy taking quality photographs with ease. 

Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice* in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shot, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
* Capturing separate photos with and without the subject, while keeping the camera in the same position.

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 is built with a stylish design, producing a 12.1 effective megapixel image while boasting a wide-angle 28 mm 4X optical zoom lens.  In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking enhanced scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of a person’s face.  The high performance features Casio is known for are evident in this camera, while the image quality is never sacrificed with the addition of new functions.  

Also announced today was the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 – a high-powered 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens.  The EX-Z90 offers advanced based performance and a wide range of functions.  The camera’s stylish design creates a fashion accessory for users that can fit in your pocket, clutch or the palm of your hand. 

“Casio continues to create cameras that come equipped with high-powered, cutting -edge technologies such as the new Intelligent AF feature and improved Dynamic Photo function which creates a whole new picture taking and sharing experience for users,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “The two new additions to the EXILIM line continue to demonstrate Casio’s commitment to producing quality digital cameras that can be utilized by novice users and professional photographers.”

The EX-Z450 will have an MSRP of $199.99 and will be offered in champagne.  The EX-Z90 will have an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available in pink and black, making it the perfect fashion accessory for consumers.  Both cameras will begin to ship to stores in early October.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90
Digital Cameras that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with Intelligent AF

Both models have an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels

EX-Z450
This stylish model features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,400 dots of high resolution, as well as a lens ranging from 28-mm wide angle (35 mm film camera equivalent) all the way to 4X optical zoom. Its advanced base performance is supported by a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, and longer battery life lasting about 550 shots on a single full charge.
EX-Z90
Compact enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the EX-Z90 comes in a range of colors that appeal to sophisticated women, and is designed to feel like a fashion accessory. In order to accent the camera’s attractive color, the 3X optical zoom lens barrel is rendered in black.

Shooting functions made possible by high-speed image processing

Intelligent AF
When the camera is pointed at a desired shot, the Intelligent AF function automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face, and determines the focus and exposure area accordingly.

Landscape Mode
This mode is for taking beautiful scenery shots. Users can choose between the Vivid Landscape option, which enhances only impressive colors, or the Mist Removal option, which produces clearer pictures when the atmosphere is misty or hazy.

Makeup Mode
The camera helps create beautiful pictures of people’s faces. This function ensures that faces are correctly focused and well exposed, adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight.

Handheld Night Scene function* or Lighting function
The camera can automatically detect difficult situations, such as night scenes where there would normally be camera shake, and backlit scenes where faces or backgrounds can be poorly exposed, and then make the most appropriate settings. All the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take great pictures.
* EX-Z450 only

Dynamic Photo can create composite moving images ideal for animated electronic greeting cards

Without the need for a computer, Dynamic Photo enables users to cut out images of   a moving subject that have been photographed, and combine them with a different still image that forms the background. The result is a unique still photo containing a moving subject. Dynamic Photo can be used to create highly original and creative electronic greeting cards. Thanks to improvements made to Dynamic Photo, fun composite moving images can now be created even more easily.

• A moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color.

• It is now possible to expand or shrink the size of the cut-out subject to suit the still image that it will be combined with.

• A Dynamic Photo can be converted into a Motion JPEG movie file right on the camera.

• Using the included PC software, Photo Transport, still images can also be uploaded to the camera for use in composite moving image creation.

• Eight different Animated Characters (such as a heart or a dinosaur) are included in the camera so that users can have fun decorating their still images.

High Resolution HD Movies

The camera also features an HD Movie function. Just press the dedicated Movie button to take beautiful movies at 1280x720 pixels.