Casio Introduces New Digital Cameras EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 and EX-Z33

Casio America, Inc. is proud to announce the release of two new digital camera models today, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 and EX-Z33. The newly designed EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 and EX-Z33 are the ideal cameras for new comers to digital photography or families seeking a second or replacement camera. Both models feature modernized features and improved image processing that simplify capturing images of family, friends, special events, holidays and everything in between with ease.

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera boasting a wide-angle 26 mm 4X optical zoom lens in a stylish and slim compact body. It comes complete with Casio’s standard high-performance features, such as CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism and Face Detection function. The Easy Mode function helps new comers grasp camera settings by offering a simplified menu screen for seamless navigation.

Casio EXILIM EX-Z280

At the heart of the new EX-Z280 is the EXILIM Engine 4.0, which delivers higher image quality and lower power consumption in an even more compact body. The high-speed dedicated image processing CPU, in addition to an ordinary CPU, allows the camera to perform complex processing right on the camera. An update to Casio’s Dynamic Photo feature now lets users add animated clip art to any picture without software and using only the camera. These creations can be printed or output as an e-greeting videos that can be emailed or posted on social networking sites. Casio’s innovative function retains a prior function for cutting out moving people or objects as if from a Hollywood green screen, and placing them into other still backgrounds without the need of special software.

Reflecting Casio’s commitment to producing high quality photographs, the new cameras provide feature rich and enjoyable photography functions — beautiful imaging and easy of use for all level of user. Other noteworthy features include Makeup function which not only recognizes faces but adjusts focus and exposure offering optimal conditions for the perfect picture. Handheld Night Scene function and Lighting function automatically detects and corrects difficult situations due to poor lighting, camera shake and backlit scenes where subjects-people or scenery can be poorly exposed.

The EX-Z280 also features a 720p HD Movie function which takes quality videos at 1280x720 pixels. YouTube™ mode also enhances this feature by allowing users to record video and save at the ideal size and quality settings for fast and easy inclusion on the popular video sharing site.

The EXILIM EX-Z33 is a 10.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z33 features a quick access dedicated movie button that allows users to record widescreen movies with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Additionally, the EX-Z33 is compatible with commercially available SD memory cards. This camera combines a stylish, slim body with high-powered features that allow on-the-go photographers the ability to capture a memorable moment where ever they are.

“Casio strives to develop innovative digital cameras with exciting features for new comers and professional photographers that enhances their photo taking experience,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “We are thrilled to expand the popular EXILIM lineup with the additions of the EX-Z280 and EX-Z33.”

The EX-Z280, available this September 2009, will have an MSRP of $179.99 and will be offered in a silver body color. The EX-Z33 will also be available in September with an MSRP of $119.99. The EX-Z33 will boast stylish new colors, including black, light pink, vivid pink, silver and blue.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280

A high-performance, stylish digital camera

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera boasting a wide-angle 26 mm 4X optical zoom lens (35 mm film camera equivalent) in a stylishly slim, compact body. Needless to say, it comes complete with Casio’s usual high-performance features, such as a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism and Face Detection function.

EXILIM Engine 4.0 built-in

The EXILIM Engine 4.0 features a high-speed dedicated image processing CPU in addition to an ordinary CPU, allowing the camera to perform complex processing such as is required to allow users to combine images right on the camera. Casio developed the new engine to make possible beautiful, high-quality images, with outstanding color reproduction and a rich tonal range that guarantees superior visual expression, and noise reduction at high-sensitivity levels.

Various new functions make the most of the new EXILIM Engine 4.0

New Dynamic Photo e-Greeting function

This innovative function has been updated with the ability to add a number of different animated graphics to still pictures in the camera; these creations can be easily viewed on the monitor or printed. The picture with its added animation can also be converted to movies that can be emailed or posted on social networks as e-greetings. The Dynamic Photo function still retains its original ability where a picture having a moving subject can be automatically cut-out as if from a Hollywood green screen, and added to another still background image in the camera. The newly created moving subject and still background image can be converted into a movie and shared, and all of this takes place in the camera without the need of special software.

Makeup function

In addition to recognizing faces and adjusting focus and exposure accordingly, the camera can make adjustments to smooth skin in images and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight, creating beautiful photographs of people’s faces. The photographer can choose from one of twelve levels of skin beauty using different strengths of image processing, and can shoot after viewing the results in the LCD monitor.

Handheld Night Scene function and 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.

Tracking AF

The camera incorporates an autofocus function that automatically follows a moving subject. When a subject leaves the frame the camera makes a record of it, and when the same subject once again enters the frame it is recognized by the camera, and auto focusing is resumed.

High Resolution 720p HD Movies

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

YouTube™ Movie Mode

Movies can be recorded and saved using the ideal size and quality settings for the world’s most popular video sharing site, YouTube™. Recorded movies can be easily uploaded to YouTube™ using the included computer software.

Easy Mode helps new comers become an expert with common settings

Using Easy Mode, photo settings are restricted to just image size, flash on/off and self timer, and these are displayed on a simplified menu screen.