Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release today of two new additions to the EXILIM digital camera lineup. The EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 both are equipped with Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, allowing the models to automatically determine the focus and exposure area. In addition, Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo function, for composite moving image creation, is now faster and easier to operate, allowing users to produce animated electronic greeting cards and other digital creations.
New to the Casio EXILIM lineup is the Intelligent AF feature which, in addition to the line’s usual face detection technology, automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. By simply pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF ensures a focused, crisp picture without an out-of-focus subject. Taking pictures of your family pet or even beautiful scenery can be done in a snap, utilizing Intelligent AF to help minimize the number of photos that need to be taken to get a perfect picture. Thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0, users can enjoy taking quality photographs with ease.
Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice* in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shot, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
* Capturing separate photos with and without the subject, while keeping the camera in the same position.
The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 is built with a stylish design, producing a 12.1 effective megapixel image while boasting a wide-angle 28 mm 4X optical zoom lens. In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking enhanced scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of a person’s face. The high performance features Casio is known for are evident in this camera, while the image quality is never sacrificed with the addition of new functions.
Also announced today was the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 – a high-powered 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z90 offers advanced based performance and a wide range of functions. The camera’s stylish design creates a fashion accessory for users that can fit in your pocket, clutch or the palm of your hand.
“Casio continues to create cameras that come equipped with high-powered, cutting -edge technologies such as the new Intelligent AF feature and improved Dynamic Photo function which creates a whole new picture taking and sharing experience for users,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “The two new additions to the EXILIM line continue to demonstrate Casio’s commitment to producing quality digital cameras that can be utilized by novice users and professional photographers.”
The EX-Z450 will have an MSRP of $199.99 and will be offered in champagne. The EX-Z90 will have an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available in pink and black, making it the perfect fashion accessory for consumers. Both cameras will begin to ship to stores in early October.
EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90
Digital Cameras that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with Intelligent AF
Both models have an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels
EX-Z450
This stylish model features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,400 dots of high resolution, as well as a lens ranging from 28-mm wide angle (35 mm film camera equivalent) all the way to 4X optical zoom. Its advanced base performance is supported by a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, and longer battery life lasting about 550 shots on a single full charge.
EX-Z90
Compact enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the EX-Z90 comes in a range of colors that appeal to sophisticated women, and is designed to feel like a fashion accessory. In order to accent the camera’s attractive color, the 3X optical zoom lens barrel is rendered in black.
Shooting functions made possible by high-speed image processing
Intelligent AF
When the camera is pointed at a desired shot, the Intelligent AF function automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face, and determines the focus and exposure area accordingly.
Landscape Mode
This mode is for taking beautiful scenery shots. Users can choose between the Vivid Landscape option, which enhances only impressive colors, or the Mist Removal option, which produces clearer pictures when the atmosphere is misty or hazy.
Makeup Mode
The camera helps create beautiful pictures of people’s faces. This function ensures that faces are correctly focused and well exposed, adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight.
Handheld Night Scene function* or Lighting function
The camera can automatically detect difficult situations, such as night scenes where there would normally be camera shake, and backlit scenes where faces or backgrounds can be poorly exposed, and then make the most appropriate settings. All the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take great pictures.
* EX-Z450 only
Dynamic Photo can create composite moving images ideal for animated electronic greeting cards
Without the need for a computer, Dynamic Photo enables users to cut out images of a moving subject that have been photographed, and combine them with a different still image that forms the background. The result is a unique still photo containing a moving subject. Dynamic Photo can be used to create highly original and creative electronic greeting cards. Thanks to improvements made to Dynamic Photo, fun composite moving images can now be created even more easily.
- A moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
- It is now possible to expand or shrink the size of the cut-out subject to suit the still image that it will be combined with.
- A Dynamic Photo can be converted into a Motion JPEG movie file right on the camera.
- Using the included PC software, Photo Transport, still images can also be uploaded to the camera for use in composite moving image creation.
- Eight different Animated Characters (such as a heart or a dinosaur) are included in the camera so that users can have fun decorating their still images.
High Resolution HD Movies
The camera also features an HD Movie function. Just press the dedicated Movie button to take beautiful movies at 1280×720 pixels.
EX-Z450 / EX-Z90 Specifications
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EXILIM Zoom |
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EX-Z450 |
EX-Z90 |
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| Number of Effective Pixels |
12.10 million |
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| Image Sensor |
1/2.3-inch square pixel CCD |
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| Total Pixels |
12.39 million |
12.70 million |
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| File Format | Still Images |
JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant) |
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| Movies |
AVI format, Motion JPEG, IMA-ADPCM (monaural) |
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| Audio (Voice Recording) |
WAV format (monaural) |
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| Built-in Flash Memory (Image Area) |
35.7MB*1 |
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| Recording Media |
SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card*2 |
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| Number of Recorded Pixels | Still Images |
12M (4000 x 3000), 3:2 (4000 x 2656), 16:9 (4000 x 2240), 8M (3264 x 2448), |
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| Movies |
HD: 1280 x 720 (24 fps) / STD: 640 x 480 (30 fps) / LP: 320 x 240 (15 fps) |
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| Recording Capacity (Maximum Image Size Setting) |
Still Images (JPEG) |
SD Memory Card 1GB*3 |
Approx. 122 shots (Fine) / 234 shots (Normal) / 350 shots (Economy) |
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| Movies | Recording Time |
Maximum Recording Capacity per File: 4GB*4 |
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| SD Memory Card 1GB*3 |
Approx. 5 min. 27 seconds (HD) |
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| Continuous Shutter | High-speed Continuous Shutter |
Approx. 10 frames per second at 1280 x 960 pixels (Up to 20 shots) |
Approx. 4 frames per second at 1600 x 1200 pixels |
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| Flash Continuous Shutter |
Approx. 3 frames per second at 1600 x 1200 pixels (Up to 3 shots) |
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| Lens | Construction |
7 lenses in 6 groups, including aspherical lens |
6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens |
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| F-number |
F2.6 (W) to F5.8 (T) |
F3.1 (W) to F5.9 (T) |
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| Focal Length |
f=4.9 to 19.6mm |
f=6.3 to 18.9mm |
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| 35mm Film Equivalent |
Approx. 28 to 112mm |
Approx. 35 to 105mm |
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| Zoom | Optical Zoom |
4X |
3X |
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| Digital Zoom |
4X (16X in combination with optical zoom) |
4X (12X in combination with optical zoom) |
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| HD Zoom |
25.0X (image size: 640 x 480 pixels) |
18.7X (image size: 640 x 480 pixels) |
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| Focusing | Focus Type |
Contrast Detection Auto Focus |
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| Focus Modes |
Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Pan Focus, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus |
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| AF Area |
Intelligent, Spot, Multi or Tracking |
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| AF Assist Lamp |
Yes |
No |
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| Focus Range*5 (From Lens Surface) |
Auto Focus |
Approx. 3.94” to infinity (W) |
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| Macro |
Approx. 3.94” to 1.64’ |
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| Infinity Mode |
Infinity (W) |
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| Manual Focus |
Approx. 3.94” to infinity (W) |
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| Exposure | Exposure Metering |
Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element |
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| Exposure Control |
Program AE |
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| Exposure Compensation |
-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps) |
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| Shutter Type |
CCD electronic shutter, mechanical shutter |
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| Shutter Speed*6 | Auto |
1/2 to 1/1000 second |
1/2 to 1/2000 second |
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| Night Scene |
4 to 1/1000 second |
4 to 1/2000 second |
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| Aperture*5 |
F2.6 (W) to F7.0 (W)*7 |
F3.1 (W) to F5.6 (W) |
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| White Balance |
Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day White FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, Manual WB |
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| Sensitivity (SOS/REI)*8 | Still Images |
Auto, ISO64, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600, ISO3200 |
Auto, ISO64, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600 |
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| Movies |
Auto  |
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| Other Recording Functions |
Image Stabilization Mechanism |
CCD-shift image stabilization |
No |
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| Make-up Mode |
Yes (12-level steps) |
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| Landscape Mode |
Yes (Vivid Landscape: 2-level steps / Mist Removal: 2-level steps) |
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| Handheld Night Scene |
Yes |
No |
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| Lighting Function |
Yes |
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| BEST SHOT |
Yes: 39 scenes |
Yes: 32 scenes |
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| Dynamic Photo |
Yes |
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| Multi-motion Image*9 |
Yes |
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| YouTube™ Capture Mode |
Yes |
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| AUTO BEST SHOT |
Yes |
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| Voice Recording |
Yes |
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| Face Detection |
Yes |
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| Auto Shutter |
Yes |
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| Self-timer |
10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer |
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| Built-in Flash | Flash Modes |
Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Soft Flash, Red Eye Reduction |
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| Flash Range*4 |
Approx. 0.3 to 14.7ft (W), approx. 1.6 to 6.6ft (T) |
Approx. 0.3 to 12.1 ft (W), approx. 1.96 to 4.59 ft (T) |
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| Monitor Screen |
3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), |
2.7-inch TFT color LCD, 230,160 dots (959 x 240) |
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| Timekeeping Functions | Date and Time |
Recorded with image data |
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| On-image Time Stamp Function |
Yes |
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| Auto Calendar |
To 2049 |
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| World Time |
162 cities in 32 time zones, city name, date, time, summer time |
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| Input/Output Terminals |
USB/AV port |
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| USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
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| Microphone |
Monaural |
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| Speaker |
Monaural |
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| Power Requirements |
Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-40) x 1 |
Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-60) x 1 |
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| Battery Life | Number of Shots*10 (CIPA Standards) |
Approx. 550 still images |
Approx. 230 still images |
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| Continuous Playback (Still Images) |
Approx. 9 hr. |
Approx. 5 hr. |
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| Continuous Recording (Voice Recording) |
Approx. 13 hr. |
Approx. 5 hr. |
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| Dimensions (Excluding Projections) |
3.8 (W) x 2.2 (H) x 0.84 (D)in |
3.53 (W) x 2.03 (H) x .76 (D)in |
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|
Thinnest part: 0.76in |
Thinnest part: 0.7in |
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| Weight (Excluding Battery and Accessories) |
Approx. 4.58oz |
Approx. 3.59oz |
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| Bundled Accessories |
Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, AC power cord, USB cable, AV cable, strap, CD-ROM |
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Source: Casio