Essentially, the EX-G1 is the type of camera you'd take with you when you go snowboarding. It's designed to withstand multiple drops from 7 feet, work underwater at depths of 10 feet for 60 continuous minutes, and has a number of action-shooting modes. It also records wide-format movies at 848 x 480 resolution (30 frames per second).

The EX-G1 will be $300 in December, and available in either black or red. Just in time for snow season.

From what we can tell, you have a buddy hold the EX-FS10 while you hit balls at the range or on the course. The camera takes a look at the angles of your swing posture, then it chastises you with fierce blue and red lines. (Meanwhile, your buddy will purely use profanity.)
Otherwise, the Casio Exilim EX-FS10 is a typical, 9.1MP camera with perks like 1000fps burst mode, 720P video recording and 3x optical zoom.

Believe it or not, this particular camera is already out in the US, but it's lacking the virtual golf pro. Only Japan gets that firmware feature. [Akihabara News]

Other features include: a battery life of 1000 shots, a 3-inch LCD, CCD-shift image stabilization, max ISO 3200 sensitivity, dynamic photo function that coverts JPEGs into a motion movie file and 720p video recording capability at 30 fps. All in a package that measures under an inch thick. The Exilim EX-H10 will hit stores in July for $300.

CASIO RELEASES EXILIM HI-ZOOM COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA WITH ULTRA-WIDE ANGLE 24 MM, 10X OPTICAL ZOOM LENS

World's Thinnest and Lightest*1 Camera in its Class Features Battery Life of 1,000 Shots,*2 and an Advanced Dynamic Photo Function

DOVER, NJ, June 11, 2009 – Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the release of another groundbreaking digital camera, the EXILIM

Hi-Zoom EX-H10. With a thin, compact body and an ultra-wide angle 24mm, 10x optical zoom lens, this new model can take up to 1,000 shots*1 on a single battery charge - making it the perfect travel companion.

At the heart of the new EX-H10 is the EXILIM Engine 4.0, which delivers higher image quality and lower power consumption in an even more compact package. The new Engine's Multi-CPU*3 is specifically designed for high-speed image processing. Reflecting Casio's quest for perfection, the new camera provides the best in basic photography functions - beautiful imaging with reduced noise and long battery life for many hours of use. A high-performance 12.1-megapixel model, it also boasts a lens with outstanding optical capabilities - from wide angle to telephoto - and it features a number of Casio's totally original photographic functions.

Ultra-wide angle 24 mm, 10X optical zoom lens

Only Casio could find a way to pack a 10X optical zoom lens, large 3.0-inch monitor and a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism into such a slim, compact camera body, just .95" thin, convenient for travel. With ultra-wide angle starting at 24 mm (35 mm film camera equivalent) all the way up to 10x telephoto zoom, the photographer is ready for any scene - from huge buildings and other wonders at tourist destinations to distant figures in a landscape.

*1. As of June 11, 2009, based on a Casio survey of digital cameras with a 10X or greater optical zoom lenses.

*2. When photos taken in accordance with Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards.

*3. A package comprising a high-speed dedicated image processing CPU in addition to the usual high performance CPU.

"The development of the ultra-wide angle 24mm continues Casio's dedication to creating digital cameras that are packed with innovative features and new technology," said Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio's Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. "This new feature gives our camera enthusiasts the opportunity to capture their extraordinary moments in a variety of shooting environments."

Advanced Dynamic Photo function

Casio's original Dynamic Photo function, which creates composite moving images using the camera's own high-speed image processing technology, now does even more. When a moving subject is cut out of a number of images and combined with a different still shot that forms the background, the size of the subject can be changed to suit the background image. Next, the Dynamic Photo video can easily be converted in-camera into a Motion JPEG movie file. Moreover, moving graphics such as hearts and bouquets of flowers are included so that users can have fun decorating their still images using the Dynamic Photo function. Casio not only allows users to have fun taking and viewing photos, but also provides innovative new ways for them to create original images, right on the camera.

1,000-shot long battery life

Casio has reduced energy consumption by improving the circuitry and operational controls and designing a higher capacity battery, enabling the user to take 1,000 shots on a single full charge. The EX-H10 provides a convenient solution for people on the go. It's possible to take 100 pictures every day of a 10 day vacation, without ever needing to recharge, eliminating the need to pack a charger. The long-life battery gives users approximately 11 consecutive hours of viewing on a single charge.

New Landscape Mode

The EX-H10 also features a new Landscape Mode for capturing beautiful scenic photography. Unlike earlier landscape photography modes, which enhance the saturation of an entire hue, users can now select between the Vivid Landscape option that uses image analysis to determine and vividly enhance only the most important colors in the landscape or the Mist Removal option that makes weather-affected misty scenes look clear and bright.

The new camera will begin shipping to retail in mid July. The EX-H10 will have an MSRP of $299.99 and will be available in black.

Exilim is Casio's digital camera line, so when they've branded a phone with the name, you know the lens is going to get some attention. Who knows if the pictures look good (the camera line is not particularly well-reviewed) but it's got autofocus, an image stabilizer, and video recording, so it's likely one of the better phone cameras out there. Otherwise, you've got the standard Verizon features (VZ Navigator, visual voicemail, V Cast Music) in a rotating flip phone package that just happens to meet military standards for durability.

It's available today online, though at the very steep price of $279, and that's after a mail-in rebate and with a 2-year contract. That's more expensive than every one of Verizon's BlackBerry offerings and, in fact, the third-most-expensive phone in Big Red's lineup. Press release below. [Verizon]

RUGGEDIZED CASIO EXILIM WITH 5.1 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA NOW AVAILABLE FROM VERIZON WIRELESS

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW YORK – Verizon Wireless and Casio introduce the Casio® EXILIM, a picture perfect blend of digital camera functionality and entertainment features for the adventure seeker. The Casio EXILIM boasts a 180-degree rotating display, professional 5.1 megapixel camera and access to instant messaging, Visual Voice Mail and V CAST Music with Rhapsody.

Available color: Black and champagne

Key features:

· Meets military specifications 810F standards for: water (immersion and rain), humidity, salt-fog, shock, vibration, dust, solar radiation, altitude, and low and high temperature storage

· Camera and video capabilities –

o 5.1 megapixel auto focus camera with flash and optical 3x zoom

o Resolution adjustment: 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120

o Dedicated camera/video key

o Video capture and playback

o Best shot mode: off, person, scenery, night view, person and scenery, twilight, food, character, sports, party, monotone, sepia, reverse, high sharpness, high contrast and vivid

o Image stabilizer

o Auto focus: off, single point AF or 9 point AF

o Perspective adjustment

o Self timer: off, three, five or 10 seconds

o White balance: auto, sunny, shade, tungsten and fluorescent

· Supports up to 8 GB of optional removable memory (microSD™ card sold separately)

· Bluetooth® profiles supported: headset, hands-free, dial up networking, stereo, phonebook access and object push (for vCard/vCal)

Lifestyle features:

· VZ NavigatorSM-capable – customers can get audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 15 million points of interest and share the directions with others

· Visual Voice Mail – customers can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions

· V CAST Music with Rhapsody – customers can choose from more than 4 million songs to download over the air; get the master copy of the songs on their PCs; and sync favorite tracks, albums and playlists from their PCs to their phones using a USB cable

Price and availability:

· The Casio EXILIM is available for $279.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

· VZ Navigator is available for $2.99 daily access, and Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access. Other charges may apply when downloading or using applications.

· Customers can purchase the Casio EXILIM beginning today online at www.verizonwireless.com or in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. For additional information on any Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go online to www.verizonwireless.com.

The Exilim slow motion EX-F1 isn't new anymore, but it's still one of the most fun cams out there. What's key for me is the switch to quickly jump from 30 to 300fps, which I've mapped to the focus ring.

The song is These Days from the Royal Tenenbaums Soundtrack, which is one of my favorite movies. [Amazon]

Snowmodo is our snow sport winter meet up at Lake Tahoe, with prizes, discounts, tons of fun snow activities, a party and GADGETS. If you can make it (and people are coming from TEXAS) please RSVP. I'll let you wear my hat (below).

DOVER, NJ, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 — Casio America, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, today announced the release of its newest EXILIM® digital camera, the HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20. This remarkable new camera is capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,000 fps.

In March of this year, Casio released the EXILIM Pro EX-F1, the world’s fastest digital camera*. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed burst shooting at 60 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,200 fps, helping users catch each decisive moment, and even capturing motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive. These features have created a totally new genre of digital photography and won the respect and admiration of camera enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.

*As of September 16, 2008, based on a Casio survey for consumer market digital cameras.

While maintaining the ability to perform at speeds unmatched by the world’s top digital SLRs, the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20 is designed to appeal to a broader range of users. In addition to simplifying controls by placing all shooting mode settings on a single dial, Casio also gave the EX-FH20 a 20X optical zoom on a surprisingly compact body, 27% smaller and 28% lighter than the EX-F1. Its speed and ease of use truly puts this camera in a class of its own. In recognition of these unique characteristics, with today’s release of the new

- more -
Casio Announces New High Speed Exilim Digital Camera…add one

EX-FH20, Casio has launched the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series, which includes this camera and the even faster EX-F1. Casio expects the revolutionary capabilities of its HIGH SPEED EXILIM cameras to generate entirely new applications for digital photography.

“Casio continues to create a new digital camera market focusing on high speed capabilities with the introduction of the innovative HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Sales for Casio’s Digital Imaging Division. “The new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series allows for images to be captured faster than ever before without compromising image quality.”

The EX-FH20, MSRP $599.99, will be available in black at retail stores in October.

9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom lens
The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens that can close in on subjects with a powerful 20X optical zoom. The camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots.

Never miss a photographic opportunity, with high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7 megapixel (3072 x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-high speed burst shooting at up to 40 fps. Users can select from seven burst settings, allowing them to capture from 1 fps up to 40 fps in a single burst. Further, users can prerecord up to 40 still images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Even if they press the shutter a little late, they will still catch that vital moment.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
The EX-FH20 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select from recording speeds of 1,000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps and can also switch from the standard speed of 30 fps to high speed recording at 210 fps during recording at the touch of a button. The EX-FH20 makes it easy to capture critical moments on video.

High Speed Anti-Shake function
This function corrects images by automatically synthesizing multiple images captured during high speed burst shooting.

High Speed Night Scene setting
With or without a tripod, this feature ensures that high speed night shots come out clear and beautiful.

HD Movie function
The EX-FH20’s HD Movie function records at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps.

Woodhead compensated for the 1200fps' paltry 336x96 frame size by stitching four different Mentos tests together, and the results are awesome. Globs, ribbons and rings of Coke that are impossible to track in real time come to life when seen in slow-motion.

Watch out later today for another homemade slow-mo video; things will only get messier. [Robert Woodhead]

You've already seen the slow-mo tomato blending, and you've seen the slow-mo DIY backyard Discovery Channel. You get it, it can do slow-mo. But there are other features that stand to be demo'd on video, so take a look:
Let's recap exactly what talents the camera has that have not, in any meaningful combination, been seen before in a consumer-level camera:
• Slow-mo video shooting at 300, 600 and 1200 frames per second
• Fast-slow-fast shooting from 30fps to 300 and back to 30 — I call this the "she walked in the room" mode, because it's what they do in cheesy 80s movies to indicate the protagonist's love interest
• High-speed 6-megapixel shots at 60fps
• Strobe shooting of stills at 7 frames per second with standard flash; 60fps with LED flash
• Full-resolution still shooting while capturing HD video
• Fly-in and fly-out auto modes, which capture still shots at 60fps when the subject enter or exit the frame

EX-F1 as Camcorder
As a camcorder, it covers a lot of bases. In HD mode, it can shoot 60 "fields" at 1920x1080—that's code for 1080i—and 30 "frames" at 1280x720, all the while letting you take a total of 20 6-megapixel still shots. Since David Pogue's review ran, Casio published firmware 1.02 that fixes a major complaint: When shooting video, you now can actively use the 12x optical zoom lens.

We've covered the slow-motion camera already quite a bit, but let me be clear: it shoots 300, 600 or 1200 fps and encodes them on the fly to an H.264 file at 30 frames per second. So 1 second of shooting equals 10 seconds of footage. This causes some challenges, like long periods of lag between action, but there's a very easy in-camera editing tool that deletes all unneeded footage. You can't use the zoom in high-speed mode, but trust me, there's no time to zoom when you're shooting like that.

As you saw in the video above, there's also a mode for going from standard-def 30fps to slow-mo 300fps and then back again, what I call the "she walked into the room" mode. It's pretty cool, and probably more useful than just standard slow-mo.Also, to recap: when shooting at 300fps, you get "standard" video resolution of 512x384. At 600fps, it drops to a tolerable widescreen, 432x192. But when you shoot in 1200fps, you end up with a bizarre 336x96, really long and thin. There's also a major loss of light when switching from standard to slow-mo, and then each subsequent jump. 1200fps is only good outdoors on a very sunny day, but even 300fps is no good in any kind of dim light. It makes sense, of course, but you need to consider it, especially if you're into experimental amateur porn cinematography.

Auto-focus is decent for still shooting, but I sometimes found for slow-mo video that it was simpler just to go manual. If you start recording slow-mo video out of focus, there's very little hope that it will focus during your shot.

One other frustration I experienced was that videos occasionally came out garbled or unreadable. I hope the 1.02 firmware update has a fix for that—I can only assume it's a known and fixable problem, albeit an annoying one.

EX-F1 as Still Camera
To be clear, this camera is the anti-DSLR. It's as digital as you can get, so you have to expect some photographic shortcomings. But the tradeoffs are reasonable, with still options that are not available anywhere else.

You can shoot full-resolution 6-megapixel stills at up to 60fps, to ensure that you get a decent pic of a fast-moving subject. I preferred to use something more like 7fps or 15fps with pets and kids, since they're not that fast, and you have no idea how annoying it can be to flip through 60 or more identical-looking shots. As with slow-mo video, you do lose the higher f-stop settings when you set it for 60, as everything would just be pitch black. What you do get, though, to compensate, is a strobe flash. Though Pogue thought it was too explosive, I thought it works well when you need it. As you can see from the screenshot above, you can use a real flash up to 7fps, and then you have to switch to a mellower LED light, which can't illuminate everything, but is better than nothing. We intend to subject this camera to some further in-the-trenches club shooting courtesy of Gawker video guy Nick McGlynn (shown here helping me demonstrate flash-strobe mode): The coolest easy-to-miss still settings are the fly-in and fly-out modes: You train your shot on an object like a birds nest or hummingbird feeder, press the shutter and wait until the critter arrives. The camera shoots continuously at 60fps, but only starts saving when it detects the motion, presenting you with a solid set of 60 stills for you to choose the best ones. The other mode does the opposite. You aim it at a critter that is not moving, and when it starts to move, and exit the frame, the camera saves the shots, so you get a dramatic action shot of its departure. As I hinted, low-light shooting isn't great, and the tiny, experimental CCD CMOS in the camera is especially noisy. ISO 1600 is a rainbow of nastiness, and should only be used as a last resort: Shadows are even pretty noisy at lower ISO settings—here's 800:Annoyances aside, I found the EX-F1 to live up to our Bestmodo status because of its versatility and originality. It's nice and rugged, too, capable of withstanding being flung into the air (what good is slow-mo if you can't move fast?). It had a nice long battery life, too: I shot for six days straight—gathering plenty of video and tons of rapid fire full-resolution stills—before the battery died.

Update: Some of you asked about memory capacity, and even though I was shooting with an 8GB SDHC card, the hard limit is 4GB of video. For stills, the buffer can hold 60 shots. Here's the details, from Casio:

The limit would be 4GB of [video] recording. So at 1080i you are looking at about 40 minutes. Now if you had a 8GB card you could [stop and] then take another 40 minute video, but the file system hits 4GB and has to stop recording. [For stills] you can take 60 shots before the buffer is full. So you can do 60fps for 1 second or 30 fps for 2 seconds, 20 fps for 3 seconds, etc.

Everything is a twitch here, a blur there—you have to realize that this whole two-minute video consists of just 10 to 12 seconds of real life, shown at 300fps or 600fps. (1200fps turned out to be too much of a novelty, too dark to be practical, as you can see in the tomato-blender vid.)

Shooting slow-mo takes some getting used to, and because you end up with long stretches of zero movement, the in-cam video editor is not just a luxury but a necessity. In the end, though, everything looks like it's ready for Discovery Channel. I think that chipmunk's gonna be a star. [Casio Exilim EX-F1 Full Review on Giz]

This is probably the happiest tradeoff of resolution to slow-mo devastation. The first video records at 512x384, while this one drops you down to a funky widescreen 432x192.
The 1200fps setting is pretty much a novelty more than anything else, since you need a ton of light, and it records at an all too wide 336x96. We had to crop it so that it made any kind of sense, but here's a screengrab of the original vid:There's more to come with this fun little camera, but we wanted to give you a rather violent taste straight away. You're welcome. [Casio Exilim EX-F1 Full Review on Giz]

And for those of you who can't get that song out of your head, here's a link to the 99-cent MP3 on Amazon. [Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap]

EXILIM Card EX-S10 — the world's smallest and thinnest* stylish 10.1 megapixel digital camera

Casio's EXILIM series was born with the appearance in 2002 of a "wearable card camera" — a digital camera with a very slim form. The new EXILIM Card EX-S10 maintains all of the powerful functionality of the cameras that were later developed in that line (high pixel count, zoom functionality, LCD monitor, photo functions, etc.) but it also embodies a return to a stylish thin form and a strong design presence.
* As at January 6, 2008, for 10-megapixel class digital cameras. Based on Casio survey.

Thin form with a refined design
The camera's stylish body, measuring 94.2 mm wide, 54.6 mm high and 15.0 mm thin (13.8 mm at the thinnest part) is the product of Casio's relentless pursuit of thinness. It is finished according to two design requirements — a high quality feel created by the stainless steel body, and a unique beauty derived from its coloring. The camera comes in four colors — red, blue, silver, and black.

10.1 million effective pixels, and a 3x optical zoom lens
This new camera's thinner, smaller body was made possible without sacrificing high resolution image quality using a newly developed 1/2.3 inch CCD. Its high resolution images can be used to create beautiful prints even when enlarged or when the image is cropped.

2.7-inch wide and bright LCD offers high contrast
The camera incorporates Casio's newly developed Super Clear LCD. This produces extremely sharp and vivid images, thanks to its high contrast ratio and its 230,160 dot high resolution. The display can be viewed easily from above, below, left or right thanks to its wide viewing angle, and it is extremely bright, making it easy to see even in daylight.

Auto Shutter function automatically records the moment of a smile or the instant when hand shake ceases
Using motion blur detection technology, the camera can automatically take a photo at the instant when hand shake or subject movement ceases. Users can also automatically capture the moment of a smile, the instant when subject movement due to panning ceases, or the moment when their own face fills the frame as they point the camera towards themselves.

iTunes-compatible H.264 video
The camera uses the H.264 video standard, which utilizes the AAC audio codec widely enjoyed in Apple's iPod, etc. It is also possible to record movies in an appealing wide format. The camera also features a Movie Button which makes movie recording easy.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z80 — a small 8.1 megapixel digital camera with a smart design

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z80 is a digital camera that features a very compact, tightly formed design which offers the functionality needed to easily take photos and shoot movies, yet also offers a design feel conducive to carrying it around almost like a fashion accessory. It is available in six body colors — pale pink, vivid pink, green, blue, black, and silver. With this model, Casio has sought to create both functionality and design that are "easier" and "more fun."

A smallish, smart form
This camera's smart form, with height kept to a minimum, makes it compact enough to be cradled in the palm of the hand. The body features a finely brushed finish, and the contrast with the mirror finish on the ring surrounding the lens accentuates the camera's scintillating presence.

8.1 million effective pixels and a 3x optical zoom lens
Thanks to the use of the EXILIM Engine 2.0 high-performance image processing module, which makes full use of Casio's proprietary technologies, users can enjoy taking beautiful pictures with very low noise with this high performance 8.1 megapixel model.

Auto Shutter function automatically records the moment of a smile or the instant when hand shake ceases
Using motion blur detection technology, the camera can automatically take a photo at the instant when hand shake or subject movement ceases. Users can also automatically capture the moment of a smile, the instant when subject movement due to panning ceases, or the moment when their own face fills the frame as they point the camera towards themselves.

iTunes-compatible H.264 video
The camera uses the H.264 video standard, which utilizes the AAC audio codec widely enjoyed in Apple's iPod, etc. It is also possible to record movies in an appealing wide format. The camera also features a Movie Button which makes movie recording easy.

Fun and easy to use focusing frames
In addition to the usual rectangular focusing frame found on the LCD monitor, users can also choose other playful design, such as a heart shape, for the focusing frame. When the subject is crisply in focus a clear heart shape is displayed, but when the image is not in focus the heart shape breaks up. Not only fun, this is a useful tool that makes it easier than ever to get the focus right.

Face detection function* finds faces of family members and focuses on them
If the faces of the people who users want to be in sharpest focus are prerecorded, the camera can use face detection technology to simultaneously detect up to ten faces. When it recognizes any of the prerecorded faces, it prioritizes them when determining correct focus and exposure. This feature can be useful when ordinary face detection technology would have trouble focusing as desired, such as when a number of people are lined up for a portrait and the picture-taker's family members are at the rear of the group.
*The face detection feature includes a face detection technology provided by OKI's face image processing engine, FSE (Face Sensing Engine).

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z200 and EX-Z100 — two 10.1 megapixel digital cameras with a wide 28 mm lens and 4x optical zoom

The high resolution, 10.1 megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z200 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 models feature an EXILIM series first — a 4x optical zoom lens that can shoot as wide as 28 mm (equivalent). Also, in addition to the usual recognition technologies, the intelligence of these cameras has been enhanced. They incorporate automatic scene differentiation and allow the shutter to be released automatically, thanks to Casio's commitment to keep improving the convenience offered by digital cameras.

Wide-angle 28 mm lens with 4x optical zoom
These cameras allow zoom photography between 28 mm and 112 mm (35 mm film camera equivalent). This increases photographic enjoyment, from wide angle photography suitable for capturing large subjects or shooting up close in small spaces, right through to telephoto work.

10.1 million effective pixels for high resolution photographs
The new thinner, smaller bodies of these two models were made possible without sacrificing high resolution image quality using a newly developed 1/2.3 inch CCD. Their high resolution images can be used to create beautiful prints even when enlarged or when the image is cropped.

CCD shift anti shake function in the EX-Z200
The EX-Z200 employs an anti shake function that compensates for blur by moving the imaging element. Of course, both models incorporate Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blur by raising the camera's sensitivity and therefore increasing shutter speeds.

2.7-inch wide and bright LCD offers high contrast
These cameras incorporate Casio's newly developed Super Clear LCD. This produces extremely sharp and vivid images, thanks to its high contrast ratio and its 230,160 dot high resolution. The display can be viewed easily from above, below, left or right thanks to its wide viewing angle, and it is extremely bright, making it easy to see even in daylight.

Auto Shutter function automatically records the moment of a smile or the instant when hand shake ceases
Using motion blur detection technology, the camera can automatically take a photo at the instant when hand shake or subject movement ceases. Users can also automatically capture the moment of a smile, the instant when subject movement due to panning ceases, or the moment when their own face fills the frame as they point the camera towards themselves.

AUTO BEST SHOT analyzes scenes to determine an appropriate shooting mode
These cameras can automatically analyze the scene to be captured and choose an appropriate shooting mode. The six scenes that can be distinguished are: people, scenery, night scenes, night scenes with people, close-ups, and moving subjects. These cameras were also designed to be very user-friendly, and it is easy to quickly change to another shooting mode associated with the scene type that the camera recognizes.

H.264 video, which can be enjoyed in wide format
These cameras utilize the H.264 video standard, which lets users record beautiful movies with the latest high compression technology. Users can enjoy wide format movies in a 16:9 aspect ratio. These cameras also feature a Movie Button for easy movie recording.

The worldwide propagation of Hello Kitty gear once made no sense to me, until my research uncovered the obvious: there is a gargantuan Hello Kitty queen that needs to be slaughtered. I'm off to the East the find the nest. Who's with me? [newlaunches]

Something you won't see in the press release: this isn't a real SLR since no mirror is used. So internally it resembles a point-and-click more than its dSLR competition. Prototype spec dump after the jump.

Effective pixels: 6.0 million
Imaging element: 1/1.8 inch high speed CMOS sensor
High speed burst: 60 images per second at 6 million pixels (JPEG)
High speed movie: 300fps, Motion JPEG, AVI format, VGA
Lens/focal distance: 12 lenses in 9 groups, F2.7-4.6, approx 35mm to 420mm
Zoom: 12X optical
Image stabilization: CMOS-shift
Screen: 2.8-inch widescreen TFT color LCD, approx 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Color LCD, approx 200,000 pixels
Dimensions: 127.5mm x 79.5mm x 130m (650g minus battery, etc)

As the translated press release puts it, "the high speed animated picture photographing function...catches the movement discernibly." You can say that again!

It can also hit a ridiculous 60fps in still shooting mode—perhaps not enough to capture the bullet whizzing into the pig's head, but definitely good enough to watch a ninja clap a sword in his hands. [Press Release via Akihabara News]

10.1 million effective pixels, 3x optical zoom
Best Shot function
High-sensitivity shooting mode
ISO 6400
2.6-inch bright widescreen LCD display
Brightness of 1000 cd/m at the center of the LCD screen
Maximum 7 shot/second high-speed continuous shutter (at 2.0 megapixel)
Super Life Battery allows up to 370 shots to be taken when fully charged
Movie mode with electronic image stabilization function.
High-quality movies using the H.264 standard
YouTube Capture Mode for uploading to YouTube
Comes with unique "YouTube Uploader for Casio" software
Choice of five camera body colors: gray, black, blue, pink and gold

The EX-Z1080 costs $279.99. [Let's Go Digital and via Press Release]

Hmm, I thought. Is this just a chance for Casio to perk up an already-launched camera and inject some new sales whoomph into an old product? It seems that the pink camera is the same old same old, but the camera case is "embossed with the pink ribbon and a pink lanyard." Great, I've always wanted a pink lanyard. Hasn't everyone?

But that's just me being Princess Cranky-Pants on a Friday morning. If repackaging a oldish product for charity means that money will be raised for a shitty little disease ("a portion of the proceeds will be going towards the NBCF" said the nice PR person without specifying exactly how much) then one should suspend one's cynicism and applaud Casio for doing something a bit nice.

Hopefully the money is going toward research, rather than the awareness side of the NBCF, but I'll shut up now. The NBCT Exilim costs $179.99 and you could make a breast very happy indeed.

CASIO, INC. THINKS PINK IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER Casio Partners with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to Offer Special-Edition EXILIM Digital Camera Bundle DOVER, NJ, JULY 20, 2007 - Breast cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women and their families each year. It's a disease that can strike any one at any time - no one - man or woman is exempt. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is devoted to building awareness and finding a cure while sharing stories and information about breast cancer. This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Casio, Inc. will release a special-edition camera bundle, featuring a pink EX-Z75, a camera case embossed with the pink ribbon and a pink ribbon-clad lanyard to show their proud support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The EX-Z75, a 7.2 megapixel digital camera which is part of Casio's highly-regarded zoom line of EXILIM cameras, will be available as a special bundle in the month of October to help raise awareness of NBCF's mission - Help for Today...Hope for Tomorrow. "The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded to give help, support and hope to those facing breast cancer," said Janelle Hail, Founder and President of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. "We thank Casio, Inc. for joining us in helping save lives through education and early detection." The EX-Z75 is packed with a 2.6-inch wide LCD display, Anti-Shake DSP for reducing photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects and eBay mode which allows for photographs to be easily uploaded at the appropriate size for selling on eBay or for personal web use. "We are proud to be a sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation," said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Casio's Digital Imaging Division. "We hope that by purchasing the EX-Z75 in honor of breast cancer patients and survivors, users will capture every valuable moment with their friends and family." The special-edition pink EX-Z75 will be available beginning October 2007 and can be purchased at Staples, Sears, Adir, Fred Meyer, BJ's, Nexcom and AAFES. The bundle package will have an MSRP of $179.99, and will proudly sponsor the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, please visit www.casiousa.com.

Casio Introduces Two Stylish New EXILIM® Digital Cameras with YouTube™ Capture™ Mode

Agreement with Popular Video Sharing Site, YouTube™ Connects Casio with Video Enthusiasts

DOVER, NJ, JULY 10, 2007 - Casio, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the release of two new digital cameras with the cutting-edge EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module. In conjunction with the release of these cameras, Casio, Inc. announced today their agreement with YouTube to include a unique YouTube Capture mode and bundle software to provide ideal settings for recording, storing and uploading video on the company's newest EXILIM digital cameras - EX-S880 and EX-Z77. This agreement represents an effort by Casio, Inc. to directly engage the YouTube community by simplifying the process of creating and sharing videos.

"The increased popularity of video sharing Web sites such as YouTube offers a great opportunity for innovation," said John Homlish, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Casio, Inc. "We recognized that there was a demand for an easier way to upload high-quality video and are thrilled to be the first digital camera company to be able to offer a solution for consumers."

Casio's YouTube Capture mode records in next-generation MPEG-4 H.264 high quality video format; this provides an ideal compression ratio that allows users to record longer without having to sacrifice the quality of their movies. This mode also provides sharp resolution (640 x 480) and a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. Casio is providing consumers with a groundbreaking tool to get videos recorded and uploaded directly to YouTube in as few as two steps! Casio has also included an exclusive software application that makes it seamless to upload movies to YouTube. This technology will also allow users to upload multiple videos at once, making it easier than ever before to share original content online.

"We are constantly looking for ways to make it simpler for our community to create and share videos," said Hunter Walk, YouTube product management. "The YouTube Capture mode featured on these Casio EXILIM cameras is remarkably innovative and easy to use, and will further expand and diversify the incredible range of originally-created content for which YouTube is known."

The stylish 8.1 megapixel EXILIM Card EX-S880 is the latest addition to the popular EXILIM Card series, known for its sophisticated design in a thin card size. The sophisticated 7.2 megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77 joins Casio's successful EXILIM Zoom series, whose excellent balance of superior functionality and stylish, compact look characterize the EXILIM brand. Both models add enhanced movie functionality and are the first within the line to feature YouTube Capture mode.

The new cameras also feature a blur reduction function that uses motion analysis technology, an auto-tracking AF system, and face detection technology. The combination of face detection technology and the auto-tracking AF system ensures that, once the focus locks on to a person's face, it will stay sharp and maintain the right exposure, even if the person moves. Casio has made it much easier to capture beautiful portraits.

Exclusive to the Casio EXILIM line of digital cameras in the U.S., and featured in the EX-S880 and the EX-Z77 is the eBay Best Shot Mode. eBay Best Shot takes photos at a size that is image optimized for display on eBay, allowing picture takers to more quickly and easily create photos for selling items on eBay. For ease of use, eBay photos are stored in a special eBay directory.

The EX-S880 is available in red and black with an MSRP of $299.99. The EX-Z77 is available in black, blue, pink and silver with an MSRP of $229.99. Both cameras will be available at retail in August.

Casio will have the marketing exclusivity for the YouTube feature during the Holiday '07 season. All cameras that feature YouTube Capture mode will feature a custom YouTube sticker logo, licensed by YouTube. YouTube Capture mode will be included in Casio's 2007 Holiday line-up of EXILIM digital cameras. The cameras with YouTube Capture mode and the upload functionality software will be available in a bundle package to be sold during the holiday season, allowing users to receive all the hardware and software necessary for upload for one price.

Main Features of EXILIM Card EX-S880 & EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77

• High-quality movies using the H.264 standard

• YouTube Capture Mode allows users to shoot movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings for uploading to YouTubeTM.

• Comes with unique "YouTube Uploader for CASIO" software that enables users to upload movies to YouTubeTM in three easy steps.

• The combination of face detection*1 technology and the auto-tracking AF system using motion analysis technology maintains both sharp focus and correct exposure for a human face.

• Blur reduction technologies driven by the EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module

• Based on motion analysis technology, sets the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed.

• Anti Shake DSP reduces blur due to shaky hands and subject movement, using high shutter speeds and high sensitivity settings.

• Movie mode with electronic image stabilization function.

Other Features of the EXILIM Card EX-S880

• 8.1 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom

• Wide viewing angle, 2.8-inch Bright wide screen LCD display (maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m2 at the center of the screen)

• Maximum 4 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)

• Data Storage function enables users to carry data transferred to the camera from a computer

• Choice of two body colors: black and red

Other Features of the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77

• 7.2 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom

• 2.6-inch widescreen LCD display

• Easy Mode, which displays simple shooting menus on the right side of the monitor.

• Maximum 5 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)

• Choice of four body colors: silver, black, blue and pink