New Casio Cameras

March 9, 2011: This month sees the release of two new Casio Exilim digicams, the 12.1 megapixel EX-ZR100 and the 16.1 megapixel EX-H30.
The EX-ZR100 (RRP $499) is a flagship model with a 12.5x optical zoom covering focal lengths equivalent to 24-300mm (35mm format). A new Multi Frame SR Zoom technology doubles the camera’s zoom by using the high-speed processing power of Casio’s new Exilim ENGINE HS. Dual core processors work together to enable multi-image processing and support a 0.37 shot-to-shot time, slow motion video recording and high-speed burst shooting at up to 40 frames/second.
Up to 30 frames at 10-megapixel resolution cab be recorded in a single burst. The camera also features sensor-shift image stabilisation plus a new Pre-record Continuous Shutter mode that will start pre-recording images when the shutter button is pressed halfway. Video can be recorded at Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution at 30 frames/second with continuous auto focus and the EX-ZR100 includes a built-in stereo microphone for high-quality soundtracks. Users can also take advantage of slow-motion video recording, which can record fast-action events at a maximum speed of 1000 fps (224×64) as well as 480fps (224×160) and 240fps (432×320).
Other features include HDR-ART technology, which records a sequence of shots when the shutter is pressed and combines them into a single image with a high dynamic range. The HDR-ART function uses this HDR technology to apply local controls to contrast and saturation , offering three processing levels for different creative effects. A new Slide Panorama function enables instant recording of 360-degree images.
Casio’s 16.1 megapixel EX-H30 (RRP $399) is designed for travel photography and boasts a high-capacity that has been CIPA rated for up to 1000 photos/charge. Offered in silver, black, red, and gold, it features a 24-300mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens plus Casio’s Single Frame SR Zoom function, which extends the maximum telephoto range by 1.5x, providing the equivalent of an 18.8x zoom.
In addition to Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority shooting modes, the EX-H30 offers Casio’s Premium Auto mode, which automatically analyses the scene and sets exposure, ISO sensitivity, focus location, photo blur correction, tonal range, colour balance and noise reduction. Premium Auto will automatically distinguish night scenes, back lighting, a blue sky, green trees or a sunset and can sense whether there is a person’s face in the frame, the movement and position of the subject and whether a tripod is being used. If a human face is recognised, it will automatically apply Makeup Mode.
The EX-H30 also comes with a Silent Mode that prevents prevent the camera from emitting any sound or flash. A new Dynamic Photo function in both cameras lets users combine moving characters preloaded to the camera’s memory, with a still image or movie background of their choice. Both models come with 3-inch 460,800-dot LCD monitors. For more information, email ashleea@shriro.com.au.