exilim

Casio's high-speed camera gets practical

When Casio announced its high-speed megazoom, the EX-F1, the novelty of its 1,200 frames per second maximum movie frame rate sent creative juices flowing. But a variety of factors--disappointing camera features and quality, a too-high $999 price tag, relatively limited distribution and a somewhat problematic file format--combined to keep the F1 from becoming a really viable product. Casio seems to have learned a lesson from that experience. Though the F1 will remain on the market, its follow up, the EX-FH20, seems more grounded in market realities, though the sacrifice is less-stunning frame-rate specs.

Here's how they compare:

'Casio releases three new Exilim digital cameras'

I put quotes around the headline on this post because I took it from the press release announcing these new compact cameras, proving that even Casio didn't know how best to get attention for them. Even the deck is kinda lackluster: "EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 Features New Imaging Engine for Superb Photography; EX-Z85, a Stylish New 9.1 Megapixel Camera." Not exactly awe-inspiring stuff, but I'll give you the details, since they do have a couple features worth mentioning.

The Exilim EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 are nearly identical; the Z300 is a 10.1-megapixel pocket camera and the … Read more

Casio's thin Z150 offers a wide view

Though I've yet to see one of these ultraslim ultracompact cameras produce great photos, the specifications on Casio's new Exilim EX-Z150 have me crossing my fingers.

The 8-megapixel camera incorporates an f/2.6-5.9 28-112mm-equivalent 4x zoom lens, which offers the widest angle of view we've seen at that size, and is one of the few ultracompacts in general to provide it. Since people usually use cameras like this for group and travel snapshots, the wide angle is a nice feature to have. It also offers sensor-shift image stabilization; while most of its competitors do too, … Read more

Casio's new EX-Z9 camera offers lots of color, little cost

Casio expands its digital camera lineup with the Exilim Zoom EX-Z9, a budget shooter with a scant price tag and a surprising selection of colors. While it doesn't present any new features compared to previous Exilims, it should still appeal to both budget- and fashion-minded consumers.

The Z9 uses a 37.5-112.5mm-equivalent, F/2.8-5.2 3x zoom lens, typical for a compact budget shooter, along with a slightly-later-than-usual 2.6-inch widescreen LCD. Like most Casio Exilim cameras, the Z9 offers nearly two dozen "Best Shot" scene preset modes, along with an "Easy Mode" … Read more

Firmware Ahoy: Casio unleases a deluge of Exilim camera updates

Firmware fans, feast on this! Casio has released firmware updates for not 1, not 2, but 10 of its Exilim digital cameras. The Exilim EX-S880, EX-V8, EX-Z8, EX-Z12, EX-Z15, EX-Z77, and EX-Z1080 will receive fixes to their in-movie white balance systems, and the Exilim EX-Z5, EX-Z6, and EX-Z7 will get support for 8GB or larger SDHC memory cards. Mosey on over to Casio's support site to download these minor upgrades. You'll have to provide the camera's serial number before you can get the files, though.

Casio's new Exilim V8 and Z1080 have nothing to do with engines or HDTV

Less than two months after Casio announced the Exilim EX-Z77 and S880, the company has unveiled two new digital cameras. The Exilim EX-V8 offers a 7x zoom in an ultracompact shell; the EX-Z1080 features the highest ISO sensitivity we've seen yet on a Casio camera.

The Exilim EX-V8 replaces the EX-V7 as Casio's higher-zoom camera. The 8-megapixel V8 keeps its predecessor's 7x zoom, 38mm- to 226mm-equivalent, f/3.4 to 5.3 lens, giving it the highest zoom power of the current crop of Exilims. Like the V7, the V8 uses sensor-shift image stabilization to help reduce … Read more

Casio teams up with National Breast Cancer Foundation for special camera bundle

Usually I'm not a big fan of pink cameras, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception. Casio just announced that it will be releasing a special edition of the Exilim EX-Z75 to help fight breast cancer. Casio is working with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

The special-edition pink EX-Z75 will be available throughout October in a bundle with a pink-ribbon-embossed camera case and a pink ribbon lanyard. The bundle will retail for $180 and will help sponsor the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can already find … Read more

Two new Casio Exilim cameras

Casio announced two new digital cameras today. They're quite different in price, resolution, and features, but both cameras share the same characteristics as every other Casio Exilim we've seen so far: they're small and slim.

The EX-Z75 is a follow-up to the company's budget-priced Casio Exilim EX-Z70. The 7-megapixel shooter is essentially identical to the Z70, except for its slightly larger 2.6-inch LCD screen. The Z75 has the same sensor, 3X lens, digital image stabilization, and 34 scene settings. The $230 camera might be worth a look when it hits stores in March, but you … Read more