Digital Camera News and Reviews

Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z400

Casio has unveiled the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z400 digital camera that features Dynamic Photo function technology and a 12.1 megapixel sensor.

Some key features for the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z400:
-12.1 megapixel sensor
-4x optical wide angle zoom lens (28 – 112mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-Image stabilization
-Dynamic Photo function

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z400 camera will be available from March 2009 for about $299.99.

Press release:
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 1280×720 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.

Casio EXILIM EX-FC100

Among the six digital cameras that Casio announced at CES we find the Casio EXILIM EX-FC100, a card sized high speed digital camera. This camera is very similar to the EXILIM EX-FS10, but has 5x optical zoom and image stabilization.

Some key features for the Casio EXILIM EX-FC100:
-Burst shooting at 30fps
-Video mode at 1000fps
-5x optical zoom (37 – 185mm)
-9.1 megapixel sensor
-Image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Size: 99.0 x 58.0 x 23.0mm

The Casio EXILIM EX-FC100 camera will be available from March 2009 for about $399.99.

Press release:
High Speed EXILIM Models EX-FS10 and EX-FC100

Stylish, high-speed digital cameras that offer high-speed burst shooting

Two high-speed digital cameras that are convenient to carry everywhere
High-speed burst shooting and high-speed movie functions have been squeezed into these slim, compact, highly mobile cameras.

EX-FS10
In this card-sized camera measuring just 3.8” wide x 2.3” high x .64” thin, Casio has packed a newly developed 3X optical inner-zoom lens and a 2.5-inch high-performance Super Clear LCD. This high-speed model boasts an effective 9.1-megapixel resolution.

EX-FC100
The EX-FC100 is a compact camera measuring 3.9” wide x 2.3” high x .9” thin. It offers a 5X optical zoom lens with a CMOS shift anti-shake function and a 2.7-inch high-performance Super Clear LCD. This high-speed model boasts an effective 9.1-megapixel resolution.

30 shot-per-second high-speed burst shooting ensures that every crucial moments is captured
Both of these cameras can take up to 30 shots per second of high-resolution 6.0-megapixel images. What’s more, they can save up to 25 frames prior to the instant that the shutter button is actually pressed, so even if the user hits the shutter a bit late, that special moment will not be missed. The number of shots per second can be set at 30, 15, 10, 5, 3 or auto, and the user can set the total number of shots in one burst at 30, 20, 10 or 5.

Easy, convenient functions that make the most of high-speed burst shooting
These cameras can automatically record just the best of the images captured in a high-speed burst. Also, a number of images from a burst can be combined into a single image. It is this high-speed burst capability that offers the functionality for easily creating photos precisely in accordance with the wishes of the user. After taking a set of shots, there is no need to go to the trouble of manually select the best one.

Slow Motion View
By pressing a dedicated button during shooting, it is possible to view the movement of the subject in slow motion on the LCD monitor. The user can press the shutter while viewing the LCD monitor, selecting the perfect moment to capture from a scene that looks as if time has been slowed down.

High-Speed Anti-Shake and High-Speed Night Scene functions
These functions work because the cameras can combine a number of images taken in burst mode, and then align the position of the subject to form a single shot. This means that, even without a tripod, zoom photography and night shots are beautifully rendered, virtually making photo blur a thing of the past.

High-Speed Best Selection
To ensure that a natural, fleeting smile is captured, these cameras can automatically select the best image from a set of images taken in burst mode, with the subject smiling, with no photo blur, and with the subject’s eyes open. The best image will be saved.

Lag Correction
These cameras make it possible to set in advance the time lag between the moment that the user wants to capture and the actual time of taking the picture. This way, it is possible to capture that precious instant at any time, with minimal lag. This works because the cameras select from the images they temporarily store in their burst mode buffers the one image that was taken at the specified interval prior to the shutter being released, and just that image is saved.

High-speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
These cameras have a high-speed movie function that can record motion that is ordinarily too fast for the human eye to see, and then play it back in ultra-slow motion. The frame rate can be set at 1000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps. Also, even while recording a movie clip at the standard speed (30 fps), by pressing a single button the frame rate can be changed to the 210 fps high-speed mode.

HD Movie function
The HD Movie function will record beautiful videos at a size of 1280×720 pixels. Also, pressing the dedicated photo button while shooting an HD movie clip will capture a 6.0-megapixel still image.

Casio EXILIM EX-FS10

Casio has announced six new Exilim digital cameras at the CES this year. Among the cameras we find the Casio EXILIM EX-FS10 that offer burst shooting at 30fps and movie mode at 1000fps. The camera is pretty similar to its big brother, the EXILIM EX-FC100, but is a bit cheaper and misses some features like image stabilization.

Some key features for the Casio EXILIM EX-FS10:
-Burst shooting at 30fps
-Video mode at 1000fps
-9.1 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom (38 – 114mm)
-2.5″ LCD screen
-97.0 x 81.0 x 16.0mm dimensions
The Casio EXILIM EX-FS10 will be available in March 2009 for about $349.99.

Press release:
High Speed EXILIM Models EX-FS10 and EX-FC100

Stylish, high-speed digital cameras that offer high-speed burst shooting

Two high-speed digital cameras that are convenient to carry everywhere
High-speed burst shooting and high-speed movie functions have been squeezed into these slim, compact, highly mobile cameras.

EX-FS10
In this card-sized camera measuring just 3.8” wide x 2.3” high x .64” thin, Casio has packed a newly developed 3X optical inner-zoom lens and a 2.5-inch high-performance Super Clear LCD. This high-speed model boasts an effective 9.1-megapixel resolution.

EX-FC100
The EX-FC100 is a compact camera measuring 3.9” wide x 2.3” high x .9” thin. It offers a 5X optical zoom lens with a CMOS shift anti-shake function and a 2.7-inch high-performance Super Clear LCD. This high-speed model boasts an effective 9.1-megapixel resolution.

30 shot-per-second high-speed burst shooting ensures that every crucial moments is captured
Both of these cameras can take up to 30 shots per second of high-resolution 6.0-megapixel images. What’s more, they can save up to 25 frames prior to the instant that the shutter button is actually pressed, so even if the user hits the shutter a bit late, that special moment will not be missed. The number of shots per second can be set at 30, 15, 10, 5, 3 or auto, and the user can set the total number of shots in one burst at 30, 20, 10 or 5.

Easy, convenient functions that make the most of high-speed burst shooting
These cameras can automatically record just the best of the images captured in a high-speed burst. Also, a number of images from a burst can be combined into a single image. It is this high-speed burst capability that offers the functionality for easily creating photos precisely in accordance with the wishes of the user. After taking a set of shots, there is no need to go to the trouble of manually select the best one.

Slow Motion View
By pressing a dedicated button during shooting, it is possible to view the movement of the subject in slow motion on the LCD monitor. The user can press the shutter while viewing the LCD monitor, selecting the perfect moment to capture from a scene that looks as if time has been slowed down.

High-Speed Anti-Shake and High-Speed Night Scene functions
These functions work because the cameras can combine a number of images taken in burst mode, and then align the position of the subject to form a single shot. This means that, even without a tripod, zoom photography and night shots are beautifully rendered, virtually making photo blur a thing of the past.

High-Speed Best Selection
To ensure that a natural, fleeting smile is captured, these cameras can automatically select the best image from a set of images taken in burst mode, with the subject smiling, with no photo blur, and with the subject’s eyes open. The best image will be saved.

Lag Correction
These cameras make it possible to set in advance the time lag between the moment that the user wants to capture and the actual time of taking the picture. This way, it is possible to capture that precious instant at any time, with minimal lag. This works because the cameras select from the images they temporarily store in their burst mode buffers the one image that was taken at the specified interval prior to the shutter being released, and just that image is saved.

High-speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
These cameras have a high-speed movie function that can record motion that is ordinarily too fast for the human eye to see, and then play it back in ultra-slow motion. The frame rate can be set at 1000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps. Also, even while recording a movie clip at the standard speed (30 fps), by pressing a single button the frame rate can be changed to the 210 fps high-speed mode.

HD Movie function
The HD Movie function will record beautiful videos at a size of 1280×720 pixels. Also, pressing the dedicated photo button while shooting an HD movie clip will capture a 6.0-megapixel still image.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3

Sony has announced the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital camera that features Wi-Fi and a built in web browser which make it very easy to upload pictures and videos to the net. The camera also have a big 3.5″ LCD touch screen and 4 gigabyte of internal memory.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3:
-Wi-Fi
-Built in web browser
-10 megapixel
-3.5″ LCD touch screen
-4gb internal memory
-4x optical zoom lens

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 is now available for about $500.

Press release:
Sony Unveils World’s First Wi-Fi Digital Camera With Web Browser

Cyber-Shot Camera Lets You Share Your Memories in the Moment

LAS VEGAS (CES Keynote), Jan. 8, 2009 – With a focus on making photo sharing easier and more convenient, Sony today introduced the world’s first Wi-Fi® enabled digital camera that uploads photos and videos to Web sites through any public hotspot due to its built-in Web browser.

The new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital still camera answers one of the most pressing needs for photo enthusiasts: how to share those amazing photos and video clips of family, friends and events as soon as you shoot. The Cyber-shot camera makes it easy to upload images and video directly to popular photo and video sharing sites wherever a Wi-Fi connection is available.

“Research shows that our customers greatly value sharing images and video clips, but they often forget or don’t have enough time if they wait to get home to upload images,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera provides the simplicity and convenience of sharing in the moment, while the impulse is still fresh in people’s minds.”

The camera can wirelessly connect to any public hotspot, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and airports. Like a computer, the camera can connect to free or fee-based hotspots, as well as to secure and unsecured access points.

The new DSC-G3 model comes with complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi access to Sony’s Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012. It includes Wi-Fi access at thousands of AT&T hotspots across the United States, including Starbucks®, selected book stores and major quick-serve restaurant locations, as well as hundreds of upscale hotels and airports.

“By collaborating with Sony to launch the first digital still camera with a built in Web browser and embedded access across the entire AT&T Wi-Fi service network, we’re enabling consumers to gain quick and convenient access to Sony’s Easy Upload Homepage through thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots across the country,” said Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T’s emerging device organization. “The wireless capabilities and cutting-edge features of the G3 camera with the reliable coverage of AT&T’s Wi-Fi network offers a unique consumer experience.”

Uploads Made Easy
The new camera makes it easy to connect to the Internet and upload images. By pressing the WLAN button on the camera, you can open its embedded Web browser.

After connecting to the Internet via wireless access points, the camera automatically navigates to the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, which includes direct links to photo sharing sites like Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums; video sharing sites like YouTube™ and Dailymotion™; and a photo and video sharing site, such as Photobucket™. Also, the DSC-G3 camera allows you to access other sharing sites for uploading photos and videos through its Web browser.

Through the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, you can send e-mail notifications from the sharing Web sites to let friends and family know that you have posted new images and videos for viewing. This is perfect for sharing with loved ones that were not with you when you took the pictures or shot the videos.

When friends and family are nearby, you can use the camera to access photos you may have already uploaded to sharing sites and display them on its high resolution 3.5-inch LCD screen.

The camera supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines. By connecting to such DLNA-compatible devices as Sony BRAVIA® televisions via access points, photos in the camera can be played back with high-definition quality. In addition to BRAVIA TVs, the camera can connect to other DLNA-compatible devices, such as Sony VAIO® PCs.

Smart Camera
In addition to its wireless sharing capabilities, the new camera is built for high-performance imaging. The 10-megapixel camera is about three-fourths of an inch thin and includes a 4X optical zoom Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens. Although compact enough to fit in the camera’s slim dimention, this lens provides excellent sharpness and color accuracy.

The Intelligent Scene Recognition™ feature automatically identifies a total of eight types of scenes — backlight, backlight portrait, twilight, twilight portrait, twilight using a tripod, portrait, landscape and macro — and automatically optimizes camera settings for each challenging shooting situation, taking an additional shot in low and bright light scenarios.

With Sony’s Face Detection technology, the DSC-G3 camera detects faces in a scene and adjusts auto focus (AF), auto exposure (AE), flash and white balance accordingly. It can also distinguish between children and adults, allowing users to to prioritize faces according to their preference.

Combining the Intelligent Scene Recognition feature with Face Detection technology, the camera includes an anti-blink function that helps make closed-eye photos a thing of the past. The camera automatically takes two shots and then determines whether the subject(s) have closed eyes. It will record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology automatically captures a smile the moment it happens. You can use the adult or child priority setting when shooting scenes containing both adults and children, and the camera will distinguish one face from another.

The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) determines the best exposure and contrast settings in almost any shooting environment, giving images a natural look with clearer details that match what you see with your naked eye. DRO also balances the contrast in scenes with strong highlight and shadow, recovering detail normally lost in shadow areas. Combining the benefits of Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with high sensitivity mode, Sony’s Double Anti-blur feature helps reduce camera shake blur, especially when there is low light.

Photo Library
The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 model is also a “photo album in your pocket” and has 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ screen is perfect for photo-like viewing with high contrast and wide-angle viewing. This Xtra Fine LCD screen delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots) that is approximately four times higher than conventional LCDs.

The camera also makes it easy to sort thousands of images. While shooting, images are organized automatically in albums by date. All images in an album can be displayed simultaneously as thumbnails on the screen, and the desired image can quickly be selected.

There are four ways to view photos: standard folder view, date view, favorites and event view. Images can be stored and managed on both the camera’s 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card.

In addition to the in-camera organization and search functionality, bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC. The software lets you search and organize images by event or face, and you can display images in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Pricing and Availability
The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera is now available in black for about $500. The camera and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.