Casio Introduces Two Stylish New EXILIM Digital Cameras with YouTube™ Capture™ Mode; Agreement with Popular Video Sharing Site, YouTube™ Connects Casio with Video Enthusiasts
Casio, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release of two new digital cameras with the cutting-edge EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module. In conjunction with the release of these cameras, Casio, Inc. announced their agreement with YouTube to include a unique YouTube Capture mode and bundle software to provide ideal settings for recording, storing and uploading video on the company’s newest EXILIM digital cameras — EX-S880 and EX-Z77. This agreement represents an effort by Casio, Inc. to directly engage the YouTube community by simplifying the process of creating and sharing videos.
“The increased popularity of video sharing Web sites such as YouTube offers a great opportunity for innovation,” said John Homlish, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Casio, Inc. “We recognized that there was a demand for an easier way to upload high-quality video and are thrilled to be the first digital camera company to be able to offer a solution for consumers.”
Casio’s YouTube Capture mode records in next-generation MPEG-4 H.264 high quality video format; this provides an ideal compression ratio that allows users to record longer without having to sacrifice the quality of their movies. This mode also provides sharp resolution (640 x 480) and a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. Casio is providing consumers with a groundbreaking tool to get videos recorded and uploaded directly to YouTube in as few as two steps! Casio has also included an exclusive software application that makes it seamless to upload movies to YouTube. This technology will also allow users to upload multiple videos at once, making it easier than ever before to share original content online.
“We are constantly looking for ways to make it simpler for our community to create and share videos,” said Hunter Walk, YouTube product management. “The YouTube Capture mode featured on these Casio EXILIM cameras is remarkably innovative and easy to use, and will further expand and diversify the incredible range of originally-created content for which YouTube is known.”
The stylish 8.1 megapixel EXILIM Card EX-S880 is the latest addition to the popular EXILIM Card series, known for its sophisticated design in a thin card size. The sophisticated 7.2 megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77 joins Casio’s successful EXILIM Zoom series, whose excellent balance of superior functionality and stylish, compact look characterize the EXILIM brand. Both models add enhanced movie functionality and are the first within the line to feature YouTube Capture mode.
The new cameras also feature a blur reduction function that uses motion analysis technology, an auto-tracking AF system, and face detection technology. The combination of face detection technology and the auto-tracking AF system ensures that, once the focus locks on to a person’s face, it will stay sharp and maintain the right exposure, even if the person moves. Casio has made it much easier to capture beautiful portraits.
Exclusive to the Casio EXILIM line of digital cameras in the U.S., and featured in the EX-S880 and the EX-Z77 is the eBay Best Shot Mode. eBay Best Shot takes photos at a size that is image optimized for display on eBay, allowing picture takers to more quickly and easily create photos for selling items on eBay. For ease of use, eBay photos are stored in a special eBay directory.
The EX-S880 is available in red and black with an MSRP of $299.99. The EX-Z77 is available in black, blue, pink and silver with an MSRP of $229.99. Both cameras will be available at retail in August. 
Casio will have the marketing exclusivity for the YouTube feature during the Holiday ’07 season. All cameras that feature YouTube Capture mode will feature a custom YouTube sticker logo, licensed by YouTube. YouTube Capture mode will be included in Casio’s 2007 Holiday line-up of EXILIM digital cameras. The cameras with YouTube Capture mode and the upload functionality software will be available in a bundle package to be sold during the holiday season, allowing users to receive all the hardware and software necessary for upload for one price.
Main Features of EXILIM Card EX-S880 & EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77
- High-quality movies using the H.264 standard
- YouTube Capture Mode allows users to shoot movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings for uploading to YouTube™.
- Comes with unique “YouTube Uploader for CASIO” software that enables users to upload movies to YouTube™ in two easy steps.
The combination of face detection*1 technology and the auto-tracking AF system using motion analysis technology maintains both sharp focus and correct exposure for a human face.
- Blur reduction technologies driven by the EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module
- Based on motion analysis technology, sets the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed
- Anti Shake DSP reduces blur due to shaky hands and subject movement, using high shutter speeds and high sensitivity settings
- Movie mode with electronic image stabilization function.
Other Features of the EXILIM Card EX-S880
- 8.1 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom
- Wide viewing angle, 2.8-inch Bright wide screen LCD display (maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m2 at the center of the screen)
- Maximum 4 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)
- Data Storage function enables users to carry data transferred to the camera from a computer
- Choice of two body colors: black and red
Other Features of the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77
- 7.2 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom
- 2.6-inch widescreen LCD display
- Easy Mode, which displays simple shooting menus on the right side of the monitor.
- Maximum 5 shot/second*2 high-speed continuous shutter (only at 2.0 megapixel image size)
- Choice of four body colors: silver, black, blue and pink
*1. The face detection feature includes a face detection technology provided by OKI’s face image processing engine, FSE (Face Sensing Engine).
*2. Number of shots can vary depending on the memory card used.
SPECIFICATIONS
| EXILIM Card EX-S880 | EXILIM Zoom EX-Z77 | |||
| Effective Pixels | 8.1 million | 7.2 million | ||
| Imaging Element | 1/2.5-inch square pixel color CCD | |||
| Total Pixels | 8.29 million | 7.38 million | ||
| Image File Format | Still Images | JPEG (Exif Version 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant | ||
| Movies | H.264/AVC,MOV format | |||
| Audio | WAV (monaural) | |||
| Memory | Built-in Flash Memory | Image area: 10.8MB | Image area: 11.4MB | |
| Recording Media | SDHC Memory Card / SD Memory Card / Multimedia Card / Multimedia Card plus compatible | |||
| Image Size (pixels) | Still Images | 3264×2448, 3264×2176 (3:2), 3264×1840 (16:9), 2816×2112, 2304×1728, 1600×1200, 640×480 | 3072×2304, 3072×2048 (3:2), 3072×1728 (16:9), 2560×1920, 2048×1536, 1600×1200, 640×480 | |
| Movies | 848×480 (UHQ Wide/HQ Wide), 640×480 (UHQ/HQ/Normal), 320×240 (LP) | |||
| Data Size | Still Images | Built-in Flash Memory | Approx. 2 shots (Fine) / 4 shots (Normal) / 6 shots (Economy) | Approx. 2 shots (Fine) / 4 shots (Normal) / 7 shots (Economy) |
| (when set at maximum image size) | SD Memory Card 1GB*1 | Approx. 210 shots (Fine) / 393 shots (Normal) / 579 shots (Economy) | Approx. 224 shots (Fine) / 418 shots (Normal) / 616 shots (Economy) | |
| Movies | Recording Time | Maximum Recording Capacity per File: 4GB*2 | Maximum Recording Time per File: 10 minutes | |
| Built-in Flash Memory | Approx. 10 seconds | Approx. 13 seconds | ||
| SD Memory Card 1GB*1 | Approx. 18 minutes 53 seconds | Approx. 18 minutes 55 seconds | ||
| Operating Speed | Power on to First Shot*3 | Approx. 1.0 seconds | Approx. 1.4 seconds | |
| Shutter Release Time Lag*3 | Approx. 0.008 second | Approx. 0.004 second | ||
| Image Playback | Approx. 0.1 second/image | |||
| Shot to Shot Time*3*4 | Approx. 1.6 seconds | Approx. 1.3 seconds | ||
| Continuous Shutter*4 | Approx. 1.0-second intervals | Approx. 0.7-second intervals | ||
| High-speed Continuous Shutter*5 | Maximum is 4 frames per second | Maximum is 5 frames per second | ||
| Rapid Flash | Maximum is 3 frames per second | Maximum is 3 frames per second | ||
| Lens | Construction | 6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens | ||
| Maximum Aperture | F2.7 to 5.2 | F3.1 to 5.9 | ||
| Focal Distance | f=6.2 to 18.6mm | f=6.3 to 18.9mm | ||
| 35mm film equivalent | Approx. 38 to 114mm | |||
| Zoom | Optical Zoom | 3X | ||
| Digital Zoom | 4X (12X in combination with optical zoom) | |||
| Focusing | Contrast Detection Auto Focus | |||
| Focus Modes | Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Pan Focus, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus | |||
| AF Area | Spot, Multi or Tracking | |||
| AF Assist Lamp | Included | Not included | ||
| Focus Range | Auto Focus | Approx. 15.75″ *6 to ∞ | ||
| Macro | Approx. 5.9″ to 19.69″ *6 | Approx. 3.94″ to 19.69*6 | ||
| Infinity Mode | ∞ | |||
| Manual Focus | Approx. 5.9″ *6 to ∞ | Approx. 3.94″*6 to ∞ | ||
| Exposure Control | Metering | Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element | ||
| Exposure | Program AE | |||
| Exposure Compensation | -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps) | |||
| Shutter*7 | CCD shutter, mechanical shutter | |||
| Program AE | 1/2 to 1/2000 second | |||
| Night Scene (BEST SHOT) | 4 to 1/2000 second | |||
| Aperture*8 | F2.7/F8.0*9, auto switching | F3.1/F4.4, auto switching | ||
| White Balance | Auto, fixed (6 modes), manual | |||
| Sensitivity (SOS/REI)*10 | Still Images | Auto*11, ISO64, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800 | Auto*11, ISO50, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800 | |
| Movies | Auto | |||
| Other Recording Functions | Still Images with Audio | Audio Recording: maximum around 30 seconds | ||
| BEST SHOT | 39 scenes | 41 scenes | ||
| Voice Recording | Yes | |||
| Self-timer | 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer | |||
| Built-in Flash | Flash Modes | Auto, Off, On, Soft Flash, Red Eye Reduction | ||
| Flash Range | Approx. .49′ to 12.8′ (W), approx. 1.31′ to 6.56′ (T) | Approx. .33′ to 11.48′ (W), approx. 1.97′ to 6.23′ (T) | ||
| Rapid Flash | Approx. 1.31′ to 5.58′ (W), approx. 1.31′ to 2.95′ (T) | Approx.1.31′ to 5.58′ (W), approx. 1.97′ to 2.95′ (T) | ||
| Monitor Screen | 2.8-inch TFT color LCD (14:9), | 2.6-inch TFT color LCD (14:9), | ||
| 230,400 pixels (960×240) | 114,960 pixels (479×240) | |||
| Timekeeping Functions | Date and Time | Recorded with image data | ||
| On-image Time Stamp Function | Included | |||
| Auto Calendar | To 2049 | |||
| World Time | 162 cities in 32 time zones, City name, date, time, summer time | |||
| Input/Output Terminals | USB cradle connector | USB/AV connector | ||
| USB | USB2.0 (Hi-Speed) compatible | USB2.0 (Full-Speed) compatible | ||
| Microphone | Monaural | |||
| Speaker | Monaural | |||
| Power Requirements | Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-20) x 1 | |||
| Battery Life | Number of Shots*12 | Approx. 220 still images (CIPA Standards) | Approx. 190 still images (CIPA Standards) | |
| Continuous Playback | Approx 4 hr. (still images) | Approx 3 hr. 10 min. (still images) | ||
| Continuous Recording | Approx 5 hr. 10 min. (voice recording) | Approx 3 hr. 10 min. (voice recording) | ||
| Dimensions (excluding projections) | 3.72″ (W) x 2.38″ (H) x .68 (D) | 3.74″ (W) x 2.32″ (H) x .78″ (D) | ||
| Thinnest Part: .54″ | Thinnest Part: ,64″ | |||
| Weight (excluding battery and accessories) | Approx. 4.52 oz | Approx. 4.16 oz | ||
| Bundled Accessories | Rechargeable lithium ion battery, USB cradle, USB cable, AV cable, Special AC adaptor, AC power cord, strap, CD-ROM | Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, AC power cord, USB cable, AV cable, strap, CD-ROM |
Specifications subject to change without notice.
*1. When using Panasonic (Matsushita) Pro High Speed 1GB SD Memory Card. *2. Within limits of memory and battery life. *3. With built-in flash off. *4. When set at maximum image size and normal image quality. *5. Image is fixed at 1600×1200 pixels and normal image quality. *6. Range is affected by optical zoom. *7. Shutter speed range may be different depending on the BEST SHOT scene. *8. Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change. *9. F8.0 is the aperture when an ND filter is being used. *10. SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity. REI: Recommended Exposure Index. *11. When using Anti Shake function, maximum is ISO 800. When using BEST SHOT “High Sensitivity” function, maximum is ISO 1600. *12. Auto Mode, standard brightness monitor setting.
