Casio Z16: Entry-level 12mpix, 3x zoom compact

Go to:
Previous Item	Current News	Next Item

Casio Z16: Entry-level 12mpix, 3x zoom compact
By Mike Tomkins
(Monday, September 20, 2010 - 08:00 EDT)

Rounding out its Photokina announcements for the day, Casio America Inc. has unveiled the EXILIM EX-Z16 digital camera.

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z16 features the combination of a twelve megapixel CCD image sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens with a rather tight 35.5mm wide angle. On the rear of the Casio EX-Z16's 0.9-inch thick body lies a 2.7-inch color TFT LCD display, the only method of framing or reviewing movies, as the EX-Z16 lacks any form of true optical viewfinder.

The Z16 can capture still images to a maximum of 4,000 x 3,000 pixels, and movie clips at up to 848 x 480 pixels. Sensitity ranges from ISO 64 to ISO 1,600 equivalents. The Casio Z16's images and movies are stored on SD or SDHC cards (but not the newest SDXC types), as well as in 14.9MB of built-in memory. . Power comes from an NP-80 lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack. Connectivity includea USB 2.0 High-Speed data, and a standard-definition NTSC / PAL video output.

The Casio EXILIM Z16 ships from September 2010 in the US market. Pricing is set at around US$100. For more details, read our Casio Z16 preview.

Casio EXILIM EX-Z16

General
Camera Type	Compact
Manufacturer	Casio
Model Number	North America: EX-Z16
Dimensions	3.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. (99 x 58 x 22 mm)
Weight	4.9 oz (140 g)
Planned Price	$100
Planned Availability	September 2010
Image Capture
Sensor Type	CCD 1/2.3-inch type 12.54 megapixels (total) 12.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio	4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions	4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels) 4000 x 2656 (10.6 megapixels) 4000 x 2240 (9.0 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)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	No
LCD	2.7 in. diagonal 230,400 dots (76,800 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type	Exilim Optical, 6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens 3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	6.3 - 18.9mm (actual) 36 - 107mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/2.9 - f/7.3 (wide) - f/5.4 - ??? (tele)
Focusing System	Contrast Detection Auto Focus: Intelligent, Spot, Multi, Tracking Does not have AF assist lamp Manual focus possible
Focusing Range	Normal: 40" - infinity (99 cm - infinity) Macro: 32.2" - 204" (79 cm - 500 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes	Program
Metering Modes	Multi pattern, Center Weighted, Spot by CCD
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Tungsten, manual WB
Internal Flash	Modes: Auto, Flash off, Flash on, Red eye reduction Range: Approx. 0.3ft - 10ft (W), Approx. 2ft – 5ft (T)
Creative
Digital Zoom	4x
Self Timer	Yes, 2, 10, Triple seconds
Time Lapse	No
Movie Format	AVI Motion JPEG IMA-ADPCM mono ith audio
Storage
Recording Medium	SD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File System	Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	JPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
Video	Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary NP-80
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary NP-80 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory	14.9MB 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 Sleek Entry-level Exilim Z-16

Stylish Design Blends with Easy Functionality for Outstanding Pictures

DOVER, NJ, September 20, 2010 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the addition of the entry-level EX-Z16 to its EXILIM® family of digital cameras. Marrying Casio’s sleek design with a host of easy-to-use capabilities – including Easy Mode, YouTube™ capture and a simplified user interface – the EX-Z16 makes taking great pictures amazingly simple.

This newest member of the EXILIM family boasts superb 12MP image quality, as well as 3x optical and 4x digital zoom capabilities. The Easy Mode interface offers a simplified menu, dedicated movie button, and a YouTube capture feature that enables users to record and share live-action videos with just a few clicks.

“We wanted to round out our Exilim digital camera line to include simplified functionality that is beneficial to consumers, and the EX-Z16 definitely achieves this goal,” said Toshi Iguchi, Senior General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Casio America Inc. “The EX-Z16 doesn’t just take outstanding photos and videos, it captures beautiful, natural and organic shots that you’ll share and cherish with friends and family.”

EX-Z16 Features

Sleek, Stylish Design
Casio EXILIM has redefined digital camera “style” by introducing the world’s first super-slim and sleek camera models. The new EX-Z16 is no different, embodying the smooth design and functionality that EXILIM is known for. It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and features smooth lines and an array of beautiful colors to choose from.

New Simplified Easy Mode User Interface Makes Taking Great Pics a Snap
Even the most inexperienced photographer can take gorgeous photos with the EX-Z16’s Easy Mode User Interface. The only settings you have to adjust on our 2.7-inch LCD screen are image size, flash and self timer – the camera does the rest! Best of all, your options are displayed on a simplified menu, making your adjustments quick and easy. Add in automatic Face Detection technology that automatically provides optimum focus -- even in less than optimal lighting -- and the EX-Z16 can help you take the best shots of your life.

Integrated YouTube Capture Mode for Easy Video Sharing
This feature enables you to easily record family moments or fun times with friends. Video is optimized to a web-friendly 640 x 480, H.264 format for quick transfer to YouTube, through Casio's YouTube Uploader software. Then simply share with a few clicks of your mouse.

Big, Bright LCD Screen Brings Your Scenes to Life
Our 2.7-inch LCD (230K) screen provides an increased brightness and higher contrast, which gives you better image contrast, even in bright light situations. The wide 180‑degree viewing angle makes it easy to line up your shots from any perspective, ensuring that what you see is what you get.

BEST SHOT Function Produces Beautiful Photos with Just a Touch
The EX-Z16 also offers BEST SHOT technology, which automatically analyzes your scene and applies the best settings for capturing perfect images and video. This feature applies face detection, auto focus and exposure settings to a total of 23 types of scenes, offering optimal configuration in just about any setting or situation.

The EX-Z16 will be on store shelves in September and retail for $99.99.

EXILIM and BEST SHOT are registered 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 www.casiousa.com.

###

Go to:
Previous Item	Current News	Next Item

[an error occurred while processing this directive]