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.

• 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.

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Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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