Casio Announces EXILIM EX-Z280 & EX-Z33

Casio announced the new EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 and EX-Z33 compact digital cameras today. Both models target new digital camera owners or families looking for a second or replacement digital camera. The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 is a 12.1 megapixel digital camera with a wide-angle 26 mm 4X optical zoom lens. The EXILIM EX-Z33 is a 10.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens.Both new cameras will be available this September. The EX-Z280 will be offered in a silver body for $179.99. The EX-Z33 will come in black, light pink, vivid pink, silver, and blue for $119.99. Read on for a closer look at what each of the new models has to offer.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280
The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z280 features a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, Face Detection, a Handheld Night Scene function, a Lighting function, and a Makeup function. This camera also offers an Easy Mode function for new photographers with a simplified menu screen that offers the ability to change the image size, turn on and off the flash, and access to the self timer.

The camera also features an update to Casio’s Dynamic Photo feature. As a result of the update, users will now be able to add animated clip art to any picture using only the camera. As with previous iterations of the Dynamic Photo feature, you’ll also be able to cut out moving people or objects as if you were using a green screen and place them on other still backgrounds. The Dynamic Photo feature works together with the EX-Z280’s EXILIM Engine 4.0 to enable all of these features in camera without a computer.
The EX-Z280’s Tracking AF feature also takes advantage of the EXILIM Engine 4.0. This autofocus function automatically follows a moving subject. If a subject should leave the frame, the camera will remember the subject and detect when the subject reenters the frame. When the subject reenters the frame, auto focusing will resume.

For ease of use, the EX-Z280 offers a built-in YouTube mode that lets you easily record video at the ideal size and quality settings for fast and easy upload to the popular video sharing site using included software. For higher quality videos, you can also capture moving images using the EX-Z280’s 720p HD Movie function which captures videos at 1280x720 pixels. The EX-Z280 has a 2.7-inch wide TFT color LCD with 114,960 dots (479 x 240) for reviewing images and movies.

EXILIM EX-Z33


The EXILIM EX-Z33 doesn’t offer quite as many features as the aforementioned EX-Z280, but it does offer a lower price tag. This camera features a slim body that measures just 17.4 mm at the thinnest point and weighs approximately 3.6 ounces. You’ll also find a 2.5-inch wide TFT color LCD with 230,400 dots (960 x 240) on the EX-Z33. Other features include face detection and an Easy Mode designed for new users. The Easy Mode restricts photo settings to image size, flash on/off, and self timer.

Using the EX-Z33’s dedicated movie button, you can record widescreen movies with a 16:9 aspect ratio.Like the EX-Z280, the EX-Z33 offers a YouTube Movie Mode for easy recording and uploading videos to YouTube.