Casio EX-Z400 Review

The compact Casio EXILIM EX-Z400 is based around the latest iteration of Casio's EXILIM Engine image processor series, the Casio EXILIM Engine 4.0. Said to offer 30% lower power consumption, this dual-CPU processor includes one CPU that's dedicated solely to image processing - and the power on offer in the Casio Z400 is such that Casio is able to offer some really unusual features, such as the ability to crop a moving subject from several still image frames, and then overlay it on a prerecorded background. Other functionality attributed to the new image processor includes the Casio Z400's Handheld Night Photography mode aimed at fighting image blur and poor exposure in low-light shots, a Makeup function that offers twelve-step control over softening of the subject's complexion and facial shadows, and finally a Tracking Autofocus function said to offer improved accuracy even after the subject briefly exits the image frame altogether.

The Casio EXILIM Z400 is based around a 1/2.3"-type 12.1 effective megapixel CCD image sensor and an EXILIM-branded 4x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm wide-angle. The Casio EX-Z400's CCD is mounted on a sensor-shift mechanism, providing true mechanical image stabilization. A 3.0-inch LCD display with 230,400 dot resolution offers the EX-Z400's only option for framing and reviewing images, as there's no optical viewfinder on this model. The Casio EX-Z400 records 12.1 megapixel still images or movies at up to 720p (1280 x 720 pixel) resolution on SD / MMC cards, and offers both USB 2.0 High Speed and NTSC / PAL video connectivity. Power comes from a proprietary NP-40 Lithium Ion battery.

The Casio EX-Z400 will ship in the USA from March 2009, with pricing of about $300. Body colors will include brown, gold and pink.