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Casio's EXILIM CARD EX-S600 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Casio Japan, Europe: New EXILIM digicam
By
(Monday, October 24, 2005 - 10:06 EDT)

Press releases published today on opposite sides of the globe from the Japanese and European branches of electronics company Casio announce the upcoming launch of a new digital camera model, the EXILIM CARD EX-S600.

Closely based on the existing EX-S500 model, the EX-S600 features an updated CCD imager with higher resolution of six megapixels, as well as slightly closer macro focusing distance of 15 centimeters, 50% improved battery life in CIPA tests, an LCD display that is said to be twice as bright as in past models, and a new "Revive Shot" mode which aims to restore bright colors to images of prints that have gradually faded over the years. Other features are much the same as the original EX-S500, including a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.2" LCD display, power from an NP-20 Lithium Ion battery, 8.3MB of built-in memory, SD / MMC card storage, and a bundled cradle that provides high-speed USB, video and DC input connectivity.

Pricing has not been announced at this time, but the camera will go on sale in Japan from November 18th, and follow in Europe from early 2006. Plans for sale in other markets have not been disclosed at the time of this writing. Three body colors will be available in Europe - Sparkle Silver, Fiesta Orange, and Mistral Blue. A fourth color will be available in Japan, dubbed Luminous Gold.

Casio EXILIM CARD EX-S600
Casio's EXILIM CARD EX-S600 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Casio
Model Number EX-S600
Dimensions 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.6"
90.0 x 59.0 x 16.1mm
Weight 115.0 g
4.0 oz
Planned Availability Mar 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
6.18 megapixels (total)
6.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions 2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels)
2816 x 1872 (5.3 megapixels)
2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality 3 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.2", 84,960 pixels
Lens
Lens Type 3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes (movie mode only)
Focal Length 6.2 - 18.6mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.7 or f/4.3 (wide); f/5.2 (tele)
Focusing System Contrast (spot / 9-point multi) with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity)
Macro: 6.1" - 20" (15 cm - 50 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1600* (Anti-Shake or High Sensitivity modes)
Shutter Speed 1/8 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes multi-pattern, center-weighted, CCD spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, 6 presets, manual, Manual
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction
Range: 0.4 to 2.8 meters (W); 0.4 to 1.4 meters (T)
Creative
Scene Modes 34 "Best Shot" scene modes
Digital Zoom 4x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format AVI (MPEG 4) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Camera Cradle
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-20
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger Proprietary NP-20 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 8.3MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
More Photos
Casio's EXILIM CARD EX-S600 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's EXILIM CARD EX-S600 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

CASIO's EXILIM CARD Boasts Advanced Movie Recording Capability

New Digital Camera Reduces Camera Shake in Movies, Takes Quality Photos

October 24, 2005, Norderstedt - CASIO Europe GmbH, in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its EXILIM digital camera series with the EXILIM CARD EX-S600, the next evolution in this popular line of ultra-slim card-sized high resolution digital cameras. In addition to 6 mega pixel photos, a major addition to this line is the EX-S600's ability to reduce camera shake instantaneously when recording quality MPEG-4 movies.

The EX-S600's ability to take state-of-the-art movies instantly and easily adds to the versatility and fun of this powerful and high quality digital camera. The EX-S600 fits conveniently in any pocket to go where ever you go, ready to quickly capture special moments. No matter how spontaneous the situation, the EXILIM engine's Anti Shake DSP reduces blurring caused by shaky hands and/or moving subjects, and the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions ensure that photos are properly focused.

In addition to enhanced resolution, the EX-S600's 3X zoom and increased battery life allowing up to 300 shots per battery charge provide significant photographic flexibility. The BEST SHOT menu includes the new Revive Shot, created specifically for taking digital pictures of old album photos. Revive Shot adjusts for obliquity as well as brightly refreshes faded colors. Whether framing a shot, reviewing images, or watching movies, everything is brighter when displayed on the adjustable 2.2 inch LCD-approximately twice as bright as previous models, making it ideal for outdoor use. Small enough to conveniently carry wherever you go, the EX-S600 has one-touch buttons that allow quick start up of the camera to view images and take pictures, as well as one for taking movies, all designed to quickly capture special moments. The EX-S600 connects easily to a TV or PC via the multi cradle, which also doubles as the battery charger.

The EX-S600 continues the EXILIM CARD tradition of offering cutting-edge technology packed into a small, slim, and stylish body. With high quality photos, advanced movie recording capabilities, and a tremendous range of remarkable functions, CASIO once again exceeds expectations by providing a conveniently portable means of preserving memories to be cherished for a lifetime.

EXILIM CARD EX-S600 Main Features

High Performance, Card-Sized Highlights

  • 6 mega pixel CCD makes for high resolution picture taking
  • Ultra slim digital camera with a retracting 3X optical zoom employing high-density packaging technology resulting in a 16.1 mm thickness (thinnest point: 13.7 mm)
  • The Super Life Battery allows up to 300 still pictures per charge on CIPA standard
  • The Super Life Battery provides 1 hour and 50 minutes of movie recording per battery charge
  • The Anti Shake DSP (digital signal processor) reduces blurring caused by shaking hands or moving subjects
  • The bright new digital interface TFT LCD 2.2 inch screen is easier to see when using the camera outdoors

Convenient and Multivariate Functions

  • "Revive Shot" refreshes faded colors of old album photos, bringing them back to life in digital format
  • When photographing subjects with multiple focus points, the 9-Point Multi AF function takes simultaneous meter readings at nine different points, automatically selecting the best ones, resulting in a clearly focused shot
  • The "Quick Shutter" function reduces mistakes by facilitating simple and easy high-speed focusing
  • The "Auto Macro" mode allows for automatic switching between macro mode and auto focus mode
  • Perfect pictures and movies can be taken using one of the 34 different "BEST SHOT" settings

Assorted High Quality Movie Functions

  • MPEG-4, VGA (640×480 pixels), 30 frames/second enables high quality movie recording
  • The movie stabilizer function instantaneously reduces camera shake when recording movies*
  • 1 hour of movies can be taken in "Normal" mode using a 1GB SD memory card
  • The "Direct Movie" function instantly starts movie recording with a press of the Movie button
  • The "Snapshot-In-Movie" allows you to take a snapshot during movie recording
  • Using the "MOTION PRINT", movies can be converted into a series of nine or just one snapshot for printing
  • The "Past Movie" starts movie recording from 5 seconds before the Movie button is pressed
  • The "Short Movie" enables movie recording for up to a total of 8 seconds, adjustable before or after the shutter is snapped
  • The USB cradle not only charges the camera battery, but is also a simple way to connect the camera to a PC or TV to enjoy photos and movies with no need for additional equipment
    * Camera shake reduction achieved electronically

Enhanced Quick Responsiveness

  • Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1.0 second**
  • After the shutter is snapped, picture is taken almost instantly, with only an approximately 0.007 second*** release time lag
  • High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 seconds interval
  • The "DIRECT ON" button function allows quick startup in both shooting and playback modes
    ** Camera shake reduction achieved electronically
    *** with internal flash turned off

The EXILIM CARD EX-S600 in three colours "Sparkle Silver", "Mistral Blue" and "Latin Orange" is available from retailers at the early beginning of 2006. The price is not fixed yet.

Further information also under www.casio-europe.com or www.exilim.com.

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