The Casio EX-Z400, EX-Z270, and EX-S12 are three new digital cameras featuring the improved EXILIM Engine 4.0 image processing engine. This allows moving subjects to be cut and pasted onto still backgrounds or other images. The 12 megapixel Casio EX Z400 has a wide-angle 28 mm, 4x optical zoom lens, 3 inch LCD screen, and CCD shift anti-shake mechanism. The 10 megapixel Casio EX Z270 offers a wide-angle 28 mm, 4x optical zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen, and CCD shift anti-shake mechanism. The slim, stainless steel 12 megapixel Casio EX S12 features a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD screen. All available in March 2009, the Casio EX-Z400 will cost $299.99 and be available in brown, gold and pink, the Casio EX-Z270 $229.99 in black, gray, gold and pink, and the Casio EX-S12 $249.99 in silver, pink, green and black.

Casio America Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NV, JANUARY 8, 2009 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., released some exciting details about its upcoming digital camera models today. Soon to be released are the EXILIM models EX-Z400, EX-Z270, and EX-S12, which make the most of Casio’s high-speed image processing engine to enable users to cut and paste moving subjects onto still backgrounds.

Taking advantage of the high-speed image processing abilities of Casio’s state-of-the-art EXILIM Engine 4.0, which is built into these models, the new Dynamic Photo function allows the photographer to cut out the main subject of interest in an image that has just been captured and then combine it with another image to form the background. Users can also cut and paste several rapid-succession images to create a moving subject on a still background. This function makes it easy for users to create composite scenes from an image juxtaposition that exists only in virtual reality, or they can create a composite image that conveys a certain message. Casio technologies like these are creating whole new avenues of enjoyment that go far beyond mere picture-taking, delivering greater creative and viewing pleasure.

Casio has set up a special website (www.exilim.com/dp/) that demonstrates many interesting ways to use the Dynamic Photo function. Following the release of the cameras, Casio will offer new services that expand the fun of the Dynamic Photo function.

EXILIM Models EX-Z400, EX-Z270, and EX-S12
New high-speed image processing engine allows moving subjects to be cut and pasted onto still backgrounds or other images

Newly developed EXILIM Engine 4.0 built in
Representing a significant upgrade from the EXILIM Engine 3.0, the EXILIM Engine 4.0 is a powerful electronic package comprised of an ordinary CPU and a high-speed dedicated image processing CPU. It delivers outstanding color reproduction and a rich tonal range that guarantees superior visual expression. Noise reduction at high-sensitivity levels also helps to produce high-quality, beautiful images. Even better, despite the new image combination functionality and other functions that entail complex processing, energy consumption is about 30% lower than before, which means longer battery life. The new engine successfully combines the pursuit of radical new functionality with improvements to many conventional camera features.

Dynamic Photo function, where the subject moves against a still background
Thanks to the high-speed image processing capability of the new engine, a moving subject can be cut out of a number of images that have been shot and combined with a different still shot that forms the background. A unique digital camera image where only the main subject in the photo is moving can be created using just the camera, with no editing on a computer.

Other functions that utilize the new image processing engine

Hand-held night photography (EX-Z400 and EX-Z270 only), and shooting in adverse lighting conditions
In cases where it can be difficult to get a good shot, such as with night scenes which tend to result in photo blur, or where backlighting can cause poor exposure of faces or the background, these cameras automatically analyze the situation and make the most appropriate settings. This means that all the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take beautiful pictures.

Tracking AF
Using the image analysis technology in the new engine, the ability of the auto focus function to automatically follow a moving subject has been refined. In addition to improvements to the accuracy of auto focus tracking, when a subject leaves the frame the camera makes a record of it, and when the same subject once again enters the frame it is recognized by the camera, and auto focusing is resumed.

Makeup function
In addition to recognizing faces and adjusting focus and exposure accordingly, these cameras can make adjustments to smooth skin in images and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight, creating beautiful photographs of people’s faces. The photographer can choose from one of twelve levels of skin beauty using different strengths of image processing, and can shoot after viewing the results in the LCD monitor.

HD Movie function
Just by pressing the dedicated movie button, these cameras will record beautiful HD movies at a size of 1280x720 pixels.

A complete lineup

EXILIM EX-Z400
This model boasts a wide-angle 28 mm, 4X optical zoom lens and has an effective 12.1-megapixel resolution. It also features a large 3.0-inch high-resolution and super clear LCD monitor and the CCD shift anti-shake mechanism. The long life battery can take around 550 shots on a full charge.

EXILIM EX-Z270
This camera offers a wide-angle 28 mm, 4X optical zoom lens and has an effective 10.1-megapixel resolution. Its stylish form houses a CCD shift anti-shake mechanism and a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor.

EX-S12
This camera has a stylish body measuring just 3.7” wide x 2.1” high x .6” thin (.5” at the thinnest part). It boasts a 3X optical zoom and a super clear,  2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor and has an effective 12.1-megapixel resolution. It is finished in a design with both the high-class feel and beauty of stainless steel.

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