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Casio's EXILIM EX-Z1000 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Casio: New 10mpix EXILIM digicam
By
(Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 15:51 EDT)

In a worldwide announcement, electronics company Casio has today unveiled a new digital camera that takes its EXILIM lineup to a new resolution high

Just when you thought the megapixel war was over, the Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 offers a whopping ten megapixel resolution from a 1/1.8"-type CCD sensor, coupled to Casio's proprietary EXILIM Engine image processor. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 400 equivalent by default, with the ability to extend to ISO 800 in "Anti-Shake" mode (not to be confused with mechanical anti-shake systems employed in some digicams, this mode will increase sensitivity and hence shutter speed, although at the expense of extra noise and/or reduced image detail). Finally, the camera's sensitivity maxes out at ISO 3200 equivalent in the "High Sensitivity" Best Shot mode. It will certainly be interesting to see how Casio has managed to get a handle on noise from such a high resolution sensor, particular at a sensitivity that's ordinarily the territory of digital SLRs. Certainly, at 1/1.8" the EX-Z1000's sensor is a bit larger than those in many digicams, but it is still significantly smaller than any DSLR sensor - but packs in resolution and a maximum sensitivity that not many DSLRs exceed.

The Casio EX-Z1000 couples its sensor to an EXILIM-branded 3x optical zoom lens with a fairly standard equivalent focal length range of 38 - 114mm - a moderate wide angle to a moderate telephoto. There's no true optical viewfinder, so images must be framed on the camera's LCD display - larger and rather higher resolution than most at 2.8" and 230,400 pixels. Curiously, the LCD display has a 14:9 aspect ratio - which doesn't perfectly match up with any of the aspect ratios offered by the imager, although it is fairly close to the 3:2 mode. Exposures are controlled automatically, although a generous 37 Best Shot scene modes offer the user some input in how their images will turn out, while there are a choice of three metering modes and 2.0EV of exposure compensation in 1/3EV increments for a little further control. Images are stored on Secure Digital or MultiMediaCards, while 8MB of built-in memory will let you try the camera out when you open the box - and little else. With a maximum file size of around 4.2MB, you'll probably only fit a single shot at maximum resolution / minimum compression in the built in memory - so expect to buy a high capacity flash card alongside the camera.

Power comes from an NP-40 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery which is included in the bundle, and should be good for capturing 360 still images or a little over three hours of movies, or for a generous 13 hours of reviewing still images. Connectivity is via an included camera cradle, and consists of both video output (type unspecified), and USB 2.0 Full Speed connectivity - not to be confused with the USB 2.0 High Speed offered by many cameras these days.

The Casio EX-Z1000 also offers a few more unusual features. A "Rapid Flash" function allows up to three shots per second, where most cameras require much longer to recharge the flash strobe - although note that the speed comes at the expense of a 50% reduction in flash range in this mode. What Casio is calling a "Zoom Continuous Shutter mode" allows the user to see both a wide-angle and cropped "telephoto" shot on screen at once, and to capture both at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. A Quick Zoom function allows you to return the camera to a preset zoom level with a single button press. Finally, a "Revive Shot" mode is designed for taking images of faded photo prints, and attempts to restore the faded colors.

The Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 hits US stores priced at $399.99 in June 2006.

Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000
Casio's EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerCasio
Model NumberEX-Z1000
Dimensions3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9"
92.0 x 58.5 x 22.0mm
Weight139.0 g
4.9 oz
Planned Price$399.99
Planned AvailabilityJun 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.8" CCD
10.37 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2048 (7.5 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.8", 230,400 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeEXILIM Optical
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length7.9 - 23.7mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) / f/5.4 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemContrast Detection Multi / Spot with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.4" - 20" (6 cm - 50 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800* (Anti-Shake), 3200* (High Sensitivity Best Shot)
Shutter Speed4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, fixed (6 modes), manual, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Off, Soft Flash, Red Eye Reduction
Range: 10cm to 3.6m (W); 40cm to 1.9m (T)
Creative
Scene Modes37 Best Shot modes
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMotionJPEG (AVI) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 25 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherCamera cradle (included)
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-40
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger1 x proprietary NP-40 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory8.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Casio's EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Casio's EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 digital camera. Courtesy of Casio, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

CASIO INTRODUCES NEW 10.1 MEGAPIXEL EXILIM ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

Features Large 2.8-inch Wide and Bright LCD Display

DOVER, NJ, APRIL 26, 2006 - Casio, Inc. and its parent company, CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., have announced the release of the EX-Z1000, the latest exciting addition to CASIO's stylish series of EXILIM ZOOM digital cameras. The EX-Z1000 captures images of remarkable quality for its very compact size, and its new wide-format Super Bright LCD display gives users the power to enjoy instant, high-impact images of their shots.

The new EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 packs a powerful punch in a sleek, compact package. Small enough to be held in the palm of the hand, its 10.1 megapixel digital camera still captures super high-resolution images that reproduce crystal-clear even in very large sizes-perfect for printing or on-screen viewing of those priceless, once-in-a-lifetime shots. And there's more. This new model is the first in the series to incorporate a large 2.8-inch, Wide and Bright LCD display. CASIO makes the most of this extra screen space to offer great new functions like simultaneous viewing of a wide angle and a telephoto shot, and a convenient right-side set of icon controls.

High resolution 10.1 megapixel digital camera with large CCD
The EX-Z1000 has an effective 10.1 million pixels, powered by a large 1/1.8-inch format, high resolution CCD. Add the EXILIM Engine high-performance image processor and the camera delivers highly expressive images and reproduces a wide tonal range.

Large 2.8-inch, Wide and Bright display
The EX-Z1000's LCD display is a large, crystal-clear 2.8-inch monitor in an attractive wide format. This high-resolution, 230,400 pixel LCD displays images and data with outstanding clarity and fine detail. With a maximum brightness of 1200cd/m2, the EX-Z1000's Wide and Bright display makes viewing in bright outdoor light easier than ever before.

Since the moment of its debut in 2002, the EXILIM series has been transforming the digital camera market. EXILIM cameras are slim and stylish, packed with superior functionality, and astonishingly easy to use. Users appreciate EXILIM's unique combination of compact size, intuitive controls, large displays, and long battery life. And the series continues to break new ground, with the recent introduction of functions like Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blurring due to unsteady hands or moving subjects, and the Super Bright display.

"We are very excited to announce the addition of our EX-Z1000 to the EXILIM ZOOM series of compact, stylish and easy-to-use digital cameras", said Bill Heuer, Senior Vice President of Casio's Digital Imaging Division. "The high resolution and large, bright 2.8" LCD in the new EX-Z1000 offers consumers even more possibilities in capturing and sharing their memories, and Casio is proud to be able to offer such cutting edge technology", he continued.

The EX-Z1000 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available at retail in June.

EXILIM is a registered trademark of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. Any other company or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of those companies.

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipments solutions, established in 1957. Casio Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com

* * *

EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 MAIN FEATURES

Superior performance, amazing image quality, and functionality for beautiful photographs

  • 10.1 million effective pixels.
  • A high dynamic range, 1/1.8-inch CCD, which delivers low-noise imaging.
  • The ability to zoom between 4.3X and 17.1X*1 with no reduction in image quality.
  • BEST SHOT function with high-sensitivity shooting mode, up to a maximum of ISO 3200.
  • Anti Shake DSP, which is built into the EXILIM Engine image processor, reduces blurring due to unsteady hands or moving subjects.
  • Rapid Flash function enables up to three shots per second, enabling high-speed flash photography.
  • Fast power-on function, so the first shot can be taken just 1.3 seconds*2 after switching on.
  • Release time lag of only approximately 0.002 seconds,*3 allowing the shot to be captured practically instantaneously with the push of the shutter button.
  • High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 second interval.
  • Super Life Battery allows up to 360 shots*4 to be taken, measured by CIPA standards.

*1 This applies with image size set anywhere from VGA to 5 megapixels. Zoom ratio can be enhanced by cropping an image.
*2 Using internal memory, with built-in flash off.
*3 With built-in flash off.
*4 With LCD display set to standard brightness.

Large, wide-format LCD display built for ease of viewing

  • Large, 2.8-inch, wide-format LCD monitor lets users enjoy high-impact images of their shots.
  • High-resolution, 230,400 pixel display presents clear, detailed images and data.
  • Wide and Bright display (brightness: 1200cd/m2 *5) makes viewing in bright outdoor light easier than ever before.
  • Display button can be used to change display formats with just one touch.
  • Display utilizes a vertical stripe pixel array, ensuring that the menus are clear and easy to read.
  • Right edge of the display shows operational icons, enabling easy operation and quick review of settings.
  • Multi-image function can display 12 images on a single screen.

*5 On the highest brightness setting, measured at the center of the screen.

Photographic functions designed to take advantage of the camera's high resolution

  • The revolutionary Zoom Continuous Shutter mode allows the user to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously with only one press of the shutter button.
  • Revive Shot refreshes the faded colors of old photos, bringing them back to life in digital format.
  • Quick Zoom feature enables instant switch to a preset zoom ratio with just one touch of a button.
  • 37 different types of BEST SHOT sample images. Users can choose one of these samples to make sure their photos come out just right.
  • Movies can be taken in VGA size (640 x 480 pixels) at 25 frames per second (Motion JPEG).

Other functions for intuitively easy operation

  • Quick Shutter function allows for fast focusing, reducing focusing error.
  • Auto Macro mode allows for automatic switching between auto focus mode and macro mode.
  • 9-Point Multi AF function clearly shows areas of auto focus when photographing subjects with multiple focus points.
  • Direct On function allows users to press a single button to quickly start the camera in either shooting or playback mode.
  • Multi-function cradle can be used to recharge the battery, connect to a PC to download images, and connect to audiovisual equipment. The cradle also functions as a photostand, allowing users to view an image slideshow.

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