Five New Casio Cameras

August 25, 2004: Casio will release five new digital still cameras in the next 4-6 weeks, offering improved features and incorporating several new functions.

Top of the range is the Exilim Pro EX-P700, which has a similar build and features to the popular EX-P600 model but comes with a 7-megapixel sensor. However, the new model sports a 4x optical zoom lens, which can be coupled with 4x digital zoom to provide 16x image magnification. It also has a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, which offers users even more performance from the same body size. Features that made the P600 popular, such as fast response times and a well designed menu system are also offered in the new model, giving users of all types a full range of features and functionality. A new Business Shot function that straightens distorted pictures automatically, also raise the bar one notch higher in terms of usability.
Other performance functions include flash assist, which compensates for underexposure in areas which are not reached by flash, seamless transition from macro to AF mode and the use of icon pop-ups to guide the user during the switching of settings. Other features include auto bracketing for exposure, white balance and focus plus a multi-bracketing setting that adds colour effects.
The Exilim Card EX-S100 brings two ‘world firsts’ to the Casio line-up.

Claimed as the smallest optical zoom camera on the market, it measures 88 x 57 x 16.7 mm and weighs just 113 grams (without battery and accessories). It is also the first camera to use ceramic lens technology, providing a great advance in optical quality with even greater strength than glass. The EX-S100 features a stainless steel body and a 2.8x zoom lens with an equivalent focal length of 36-102mm in 35mm format. It has a 3.2-megapixel sensor and can capture movie clips at QVGA resolution and 15 frames/second. Rapid start-up allows pictures to be taken approximately 1.4 seconds after the power is turned on and shots are recorded approximately 0.01 seconds after the shutter is released. The burst mode allows shots to be captured at approximately 1.2 second intervals, with image playback of approximately 0.1 seconds between photos when scrolling. A Direct On function allows one-touch access to shooting or playback modes.
New additions to the Exilim Zoom range are the 5-megapixel EX-Z55 (RRP $899) and EX-Z50, both of which feature the Exilim Engine and power-saving facilities. The

EX-Z55 is equipped with a large 2.5-inch LCD screen plus optical viewfinder, while the EX-Z50 has a 2-inch LCD screen. Both models come with 3x optical zoom lenses and high quality aluminium bodies with a comfortable hand grip plus a docking cradle. Many features offered in the EX-P700 are also provided, including the Business Shot function, Best Shot selection, extended recording of video plus sound and Auto Macro shooting. Voice recording is also supported and the Photostand feature allows users to display a slideshow of images while the camera sits in its cradle.
Casio has extended its QV-R series of digital still cameras with the QV-R61, a 6-megapixel camera with improved image quality and responsiveness. Featuring a 3x optical zoom lens and large 2.0-inch LCD screen, this model is due to go on sale on 1 September. Other key features include a fast start-up time of approximately 1.0 second plus a 0.01 second release time lag. The QV-R61 also features a high-speed continuous shooting function that captures up to three shots in one second. Many of the features provided in the EX-P700 and Exilim Zoom cameras are also provided, including Flash Assist, Auto Macro, Business Shot and Icon Help.

Full details of the new models (including expected retail pricing) will be available from local distributor, Hagemeyer, ph: 1300 728 606.