Casio Unveils New Exilim Camera Models

By Greg Tarr On Jan 24 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — In addition to unveiling its Tryx new concept camera, Casio Computer used International CES to show an assortment of 2011 Exilim point-and-shoot models stressing resolution and zoom range.

Casio America presented five Exilim point-and-shoot models, including the EX-H30 ($250 suggested retail), ZR10 ($250), ZR100 ($300), ZS5 ($100) and ZS10 ($120).

The EX-H30 features 16.1-megapixel resolution, a 12.5x optical zoom lens starting at a 24mm wide angle, and the ability to capture up to 1,000 photos on a single battery charge.

The camera body measures less than an inch thick (0.95 inches), and includes built-in Slide Panorama technology that allows users to capture natural panoramic images.

The EX-H30 employs a 16-megapixel CCD with sensorshift technology, and the Exilim Engine 5.0 system offers clear and bright tonal color gradation. It records HD video in 720p format and includes a 3-inch (460,000-pixel) LCD.

The H30 will ship in March in a choice of sliver, black, red and gold.

The new Exilim flagship model ZR100 will ship in March and features a 12.1-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor with strong low-light performance, and a new Exilim Engine HS system using dual-core processors that work together for high-speed shooting and processing,

Also included in the ZR100 are 1080/30 fps HD video recording, sensor-shift image stabilization, built-in stereo microphone, full 12.5x optical zoom, and high-speed burst shooting for stills at up to 10-megapixel resolution while recording video.

There is also a high-resolution (460,000-pixel) 3-inch LCD, HDR functionality with HDR-Art, slow-motion video recording (up to 1,000 fps) and Slide Panorama.

Shipping in January is the EX-ZR10, which was previously announced at the 2010 Photokina Expo.

For lower-cost offerings, Casio unveiled the Exilim EX-ZS5 and EX-ZS10 models, each with a number of highperformance features, including 14.1-megapixel resolution and 26mm wide-angle lenses with a 5x optical zoom range.

The EX-ZS10 adds high-definition 720p video capture, while the ZS5 records in up to VGA (640 by 480) SD video resolution.

Both include a variety of shooting modes, such as Best Shot technology, which presents 23 scene modes with photos and descriptions to help users learn when to use them.

The cameras both have 2.7-inch LCD screens and USB charging of the battery.

The EX-ZS10 will be available in black, silver, red, pink and blue, and the EX-ZS5 will be available in black, silver, orange and pink. Both ship in March.

The company also announced the February launch of its Imaging Square (http://art.casio.com), an online service that will enable users to transform photos into art. The new service was said to have been based on the theme “New Art for My Life,” also expressed in the high dynamic range (HDR) functions of the new EX-ZR100 and Tryx cameras.

HDR is a shooting mode that will program the camera to take several shots with different exposures and instantly combine them into a single image with a high dynamic range.

The Imaging Square service is said to bring HDR-ART functionality, found in some of its higher-performing cameras, to the world so that everyone can enjoy photos in a whole new way and create their own new collection of Digital Photo Art. Imaging Square will be a one-stop shop for freedom of expression through Digital Photo Art and will be compatible with images taken from any brand of digital camera or device. Service features will be open to all, and will enable users to upload their image to make creative edits. Finished “digital photo art” can be saved on the Web site, shared with others or sent as a greeting cards.

Initial services will include: Digital Craft, which converts photos into compelling artwork; HDRArt craft and virtual painter; My Atelier, to store photos and projects; and Gallery, for publishing and sharing photos. Casio said the services will be continually expanded over time.