Casio has just unveiled two new compact sub-$200 point-and-shoot cams for their Exilim line, the EX-Z280 and the EX-Z33. Both cams feature widescreen video recording, 2.7-inch LCDs, and easy shooting with a Best Shot Mode and Face Detection.
The EX-Z280 is the higher-end model, with a 12.1MP sensor, a wide-angle 26mm 4x optical zoom lens, and a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism. It features Casio’s Exilim Engine 4.0 that’s claimed to improve image quality and lower power consumption, and adds fast, complex in-cam image processing. The new engine includes the Dynamic Photo feature that adds animated clip art to photos using the cam alone, and keeps a function that lets you crop out images of a moving subject out of a frame and into another (as seen on the previously-released EX-Z450 and Z90).
Other added features include a Make-Up mode that smooths skin and softens facial shadows, HD 720p video recording, and a YouTube Capture mode that records movies with a size and quality that’s optimized for YouTube uploads.
The EX-Z33 is a much cheaper model that doesn’t feature the Exilim Engine 4.0, so it doesn’t come with the new Dynamic Photo features and records widescreen video at a 480p (854×480) resolution. The more basic point-and-shoot cam is available in five body colors and sports a 10.1MP sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, and the basics for easy-shooting: easy mode, Face Detection, and a Best Shot mode. It also features the YouTube Capture mode for easy uploading to the video sharing site.
The EX-Z280 is priced at $180, while the EX-Z33 retails for $120. Both cams will be available within September.
Tags: Casio, Digital Cameras
