ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Casio used the
2010 PMA Show here to unveil several
new point-and-shoot digital still cameras
designed to appeal to budget sensitive
camera shoppers.
The EX-S7 and EX-Z35 are positioned
as entry models in the line but include a
full package of features.
The S7 offers 12-megapixel resolution
and uses Casio’s Exilim Engine 5, which
improves image processing and the life
of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
The lens is a 3x f3.1-5.6 36-107mmzoom,
and the LCD screen measures
2.7 inches. Controls were simplifi ed with
the inclusion of a dedicated one-touch
movie-record button for shooting video
clips in up to 720p resolution.
The S7 (shipping this spring at a $139
suggested retail) also features Casio’s
Dynamic Photo mode. This is in-camera
photo/video editing software that
enables photographers to essentially
green-screen a subject in motion taken
in a burst of about 20 rapid frames.
The motion image clip is then superimposed
over still or video image backgrounds
to create a dramatic motion
portrait. Background images can be
taken with the camera or imported for
editing.
The unusual photos can be can be
shared on a blog or uploaded to You-
Tube using the included software.
The EX-S7 will be available in a choice
of black or purple.
The EX-Z35 (shipping in March at a $110
suggested retail) also offers 12 megapixel
resolution, dedicated movie button
and the same lens as the S7; however, it
offers a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen.
Movies are captured in 848 by 480 (wide
screen), 640 by 480, or 320 by 240-pixel resolution.
It uses a lithium-ion battery and,
like the S7, records to SD/SDHC memory
cards. The EX-Z35 will be offered in black,
silver, pink, purple and blue.
Both cameras include an Easy Mode
that simplifi es camera operation to turning
the flash on or off, changing the image
size and turning on the timer.
Also included in both models is Casio’s
YouTube Capture Mode, which automatically
records and saves movies in the optimal
size for uploading to YouTube.
Casio also gave showgoers a glimpse
at some new concept Digital Art Frames
that provide a host of new capabilities,
including showing Dynamic Photo motion
image clips, high-speed clips, photos
that look like paintings, and the ability
to take an image and combine it with
a digital clock.
A company spokeperson said Casio
may introduce the frames in late 2010. No
pricing has been determined.
