Casio EX-S12 Review

The compact Casio EXILIM EX-S12 is based around the latest iteration of Casio's EXILIM Engine image processor series, the Casio EXILIM Engine 4.0. Said to offer 30% lower power consumption, this dual-CPU processor includes one CPU that's dedicated solely to image processing - and the power on offer in the Casio S12 is such that Casio is able to offer some really unusual features, such as the ability to crop a moving subject from several still image frames, and then overlay it on a prerecorded background. Other functionality attributed to the new image processor includes the Casio S12's Makeup function that offers twelve-step control over softening of the subject's complexion and facial shadows, and its Tracking Autofocus function said to offer improved accuracy even after the subject briefly exits the image frame altogether. The S12 does lack the Handheld Night Photography mode found on its other EXILIM Engine 4.0 siblings, the EX-Z400 and EX-Z270, however,

The Casio EXILIM S12 is based around a 1/2.3"-type 12.1 effective megapixel CCD image sensor and an EXILIM-branded 3x optical zoom lens with a 36mm wide-angle. The Casio EX-S12 also lacks the true mechanical image stabilization of the Z400 and Z270. A 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,160 dot resolution offers the EX-S12's only option for framing and reviewing images, as there's no optical viewfinder on this model. The Casio EX-S12 records 12.1 megapixel still images or movies at up to 720p (1280 x 720 pixel) resolution on SD / MMC cards, and offers both USB 2.0 High Speed and NTSC / PAL video connectivity. Power comes from a proprietary NP-60 Lithium Ion battery.

The Casio EX-S12 will ship in the USA from March 2009, with pricing of about $250. Body colors will include silver, pink, green and black.