Steve's Digicams - Breaking News - Casio 08/25/2004 Press Release

Casio Announces New 7-Megapixel EXILIM PRO with 4X Optical Zoom

Top of the line in the EXILIM series of stylish digital cameras

August 25, 2004, TOKYO, JAPAN – CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD. today announced the EXILIM PRO EX-P700, a remarkable high-performance, high-resolution model in the EXILIM^® range of digital cameras. The EX-P700 offers the operating ease users have come to expect from compact cameras, along with stunningly beautiful high-resolution images thanks to a 7.2 million pixel CCD imaging element and a full array of features that make photography a breeze.

The EXILIM CARD, ZOOM and PRO ranges of compact cameras are enjoying explosive popularity around the world owing to their unique combination of high performance and stylish design, using the very latest in high-density integration technology. Their compact size enables users to take them anywhere, anytime for truly satisfying and high quality picture taking.

Following in the footsteps of the EX-P600, which recently won the prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association’s (EISA) ‘Camera Of The Year 2004 – 2005’ award for digital compact cameras, the EX-P700 offers some additional improvements that make it an even more impressive, flexible package. New to the EXILIM PRO range is a 4X optical zoom (coupled with 4X digital zoom), combined with a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, offering users even more performance from the same body size. With its amazing 7.2 million pixel CCD and fast-response design, this high-end digital camera assures a new level of imaging capability. Its full array of functions and features, such as the Business Shot function that straightens distorted pictures automatically, also raise the bar one notch higher in terms of usability.

This camera truly closes the performance and usability gap between conventional compact cameras and full-sized models, giving enthusiasts and casual picture-takers alike the superior portability of an EXILIM camera with the breathtaking high-resolution images afforded by much more expensive fully-fledged professional-type models. The EX-P700 represents the best of both worlds in the realm of digital photography.

EX-P700 MAIN FEATURES

• Ultra high-resolution 7.2 million pixel CCD with 4X optical zoom The stylishly designed stainless steel body houses an ultra high-resolution 7.2 million pixel CCD imaging element and high-performance Canon 4X optical zoom lens to deliver photo quality on par with professional-type digital cameras.

• Comprehensive high-speed design Thorough attention to faster response throughout the operation cycle in all areas of design has resulted in a start-up time of approximately 2.0 seconds and a 0.01 second release time lag. The EX-P700 also features a high speed continuous shooting function that can take 3 photos per second up to 5 photos.

• New high-performance functions

• Flash Assist -- Operates during flash photography to compensate for underexposure in areas which are not reached by flash

• Auto Macro -- Automatically switches between Macro mode and AF mode

• Business Shot -- – Business Shot function compensates for photos taken at an angle and records them as though taken from straight ahead

• Icon Help -- Uses pop-ups to guide the user during the switching of settings

• Advanced imaging features

• Auto Bracketing -- Exposure, white balance and focus position are quickly set with a single press of the shutter. In addition, the multi-bracketing feature enables a variety of shots with different color effects to be taken in combination with the rapid shooting function.

• Quick Response -- Manual shooting is made easier with the large 2.0" high-definition TFT LCD screen, which clearly displays all necessary information about shooting and effects. Manual settings can be easily changed on-screen for quicker shooting.

EXILIM ZOOM EX-P700 General Features

• Advanced image noise reduction processing for improved image quality, especially when shooting at night.

• Built-in speaker for voice recording and audio snapshot playback, as well as movies with audio.

• High-speed startup – the camera is ready to shoot about 2.0 seconds after power is turned on (with flash off).

• A release time lag of only 0.01 second. The image starts to be recorded virtually as soon as the shutter is pressed.

• Multi-Auto Focus for automatic selection of the optimum focus point location from a 7 point multi-focus area. Free Auto Focus for selecting your own desired focus point location.

• Manual Assist gives a sample picture of the effect of changes in the manual settings.

• High-speed playback scrolls at 0.1 second per image for faster and easier image searches.

• Large 2.0-inch TFT LCD scratch-resistant acrylic panel monitor.

• EX-FINDER graphically displays the picture information via the LCD display

• RGB Histogram creates a histogram in red, green, or blue separately for the optimum picture balance.

• The Best Shot Mode accesses 27 camera setups in an instant. Simply select a sample scene similar to the image you want, and exposure compensation, white balance, and other settings are configured automatically.

• Select the Bulb photography mode, which takes a continuous exposure, and use the included remote control to take perfect pictures without the blurriness.

• Synchro-terminal enables the connection of an external flash device.

• Full-month calendar screen shows a thumbnail of the first image recorded on each date.

• Slide Show function lets you enjoy a picture show right on the camera’s LCD display.

• The Alarm function sounds an alarm and displays a specified image at a preset time. A voice message can also be selected to play back at the alarm time.

• World Time lets you select one of 162 cities in 32 time zones around the world as your home time. When traveling to another time zone, simply select the applicable city, and time and date settings are adjusted automatically.

• Triple Self-timer records three consecutive images, so you can select and keep the best one.

• The camera stores images in a Web browser-viewable format that allows you to browse images in an on-screen album.

• Internal 8.9MB flash memory, with a card slot that supports use of an SD memory card or MMC (memory card not included).

• Favorites folder lets you store your favorite or private images so they are not displayed during normal playback.

• Connects directly to PictBridge and USB DIRECT-PRINT compatible printers.

• Complies with ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching III.