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August 4, 2005 – Building on the recent success of their slim styled Exilim line, Casio released four new models today, all featuring a modified Exilim processing engine with new anti-shake digital signal processors applied. Adding to the Zoom segment of Exilim offerings by Casio are the 5 megapixel EX-Z500, 7.2 megapixel EX-Z120, 6 megapixel EX-Z110 and 5 megapixel EX-Z10.
Along with the implementation of an updated Exilim engine, the EX-Z500 features a new rechargeable lithium-ion battery, reportedly capable of taking 500 shots on a single charge. The EX-Z500 relies on a 3x optical zoom lens, with an aperture range of f/2.7-f/5.2 to refract images to its 5 megapixel 1/2.5 CCD. A large 2.7-inch 153,000-pixel LCD screen has also been applied to the camera’s thin 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.8-inch frame. With an available ISO range of 50-400 in both automatic and manual modes, the EX-500 is also able to capture images at ISO-800 when using the Anti-Shake or High Sensitivity modes. The inclusion of the additional ISO 800 rating may be attributed to reduced noise from the camera’s new processing engine.
The new Exilim processing engine is also expected to result in rapid shooting and performance speeds; according to Casio, the EX-Z500 contains a 1.6 second startup time and 0.01 second shutter lag. Audio and full-frame video capture modes are also provided, limited only by the amount of available memory. The EX-500 contains a SD/MMC card slot, in addition to its 8.7MB of internal memory.
The Exilim EX-Z500 will be available next month in the United Kingdom and Europe, at an estimated street price of 279.99 pounds ($498.20). No plans for a US release have currently been announced.
The EX-Z120 relies on a 7.2 megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD and features a 3x optical zoom lens, with an available aperture range of f/2.8-f/4.0. Like the EX-Z500, the EX-Z120 contains an ISO range of 50-400, with the ability to shoot at ISO-800 in Anti-Shake or High Sensitivity modes. Full-frame video capture with audio recording is offered, however the frame rate is limited to 28 frames per second. There are 32 preset modes, and manual focus controls are available in addition to macro, aperture priority and shutter priority modes. The camera is powered by two AA batteries and an SD/MMC card slot is provided, in addition to the camera’s 8.3MB of internal storage. The Exilim EX-Z120 is expected to be available next month, at an estimated price of $329.00.
"The Z-110 and Z-120 is Casio’s solution to simplicity," said John Clough, President of Casio, Inc. "It’s easy to use, making it perfect for people who don’t consider themselves "tech geeks", and by the same token offers a graduate "manual" level that customers can switch to once they’ve become comfortable with all of our high quality technical features. These are easy-to-use high quality, affordable digital cameras, and Casio is proud to be able to offer the variety that we do in the digital camera arena."
The Exilim EX-Z110 features a smaller 6 megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD, along with a 3x optical zoom lens with an aperture range of f/3.1-f/4.4. The EX-Z110’s available ISO range is the same as the EX-Z120, as is the camera’s 2-inch 84,960-pixel LCD screen. In addition to the camera’s 28 preset modes, users can also record audio and full-frame video. Manual focus controls are also provided, as are macro, shutter priority and aperture priority modes The camera includes 8.3MB of built-in storage as well as an SD/MMC card slot. The EX-Z110 is expected to begin shipping in October for $279.00.
Rounding out today’s release is the Exilim EX-Z10; containing 5 megapixels spread across its 1/2.5-inch CCD, the black bodied EX-Z10 is also designed with the same high-speed features as the EX-Z500, including a quick-shutter mode that facilitates high speed focusing. The EX-Z10 is fitted with a 3x optical zoom lens, with an aperture range of f/3.1-f/5.4. The sensitivity can be set within a 50-400 ISO range, with the ability to capture at ISO 800 in Anti-Shake or High Sensitivity modes. The EX-Z10 also contains an 84,960-pixel, 2-inch LCD screen and offers audio and full frame video capture. Manual settings are provided on the EX-Z10, along with macro, shutter priority and aperture priority modes. The camera also has an easy mode with simplified features and menus. In addition to the camera’s 8.7MB of internal memory, the Z10 is compatible with SD/MMC media. The EX-Z10 will be available in the United Kingdom and Europe in October; pricing is yet to be announced. There are no current plans for a US release.