Casio today introduced two new compact digital cameras with 3X optical zoom lenses and a high-resolution primary color CCD as well as debuted its new super-slim, credit-card sized EXILIM series of digital cameras with two new models.

The Casio QV-R4, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera, and the QV-R3, a 3.0 megapixel digital camera measure 3.5" x 2.5" x 1.2" to fit "fit comfortably in the palm of your hand." Some of the features include:

• The ability to store images on an SD memory card or on the 11MB of built-in flash memory, offering storage even when a card is not loaded or when the memory card is full.
  
  
• Both cameras offer a 3x optical and 3.2 digital zoom.
  
  
• "Coupling Shot" technology, which "makes it possible for two people to be included in the same image, even when they are the only two around."
  
  
• Pre-Shot, whch allows users to "compose the background you want and record
  it. A transparent view of the background image remains on the monitor screen so you can ask someone to record you against the background, using the monitor screen image as a guide."
  
  
• A World Time feature lets you keep track of the current time at home and in another time zone when traveling. It featurs up to three alarm times, allowing users to set a specific image to appear on the monitor screen as a reminder when an alarm time is reached.
  
  
• The cameras generate HTML files that make it possible to view recorded images on your computer screen in an easy-to-use album format, which can be used to browse or print album pages.
  
  
• A "Triple Self-timer" records three consecutive shots with a single shutter release button operation, allowing users to select one of three images when taking unattended group shots.
  
  

Both models will be available in July for $500 (QV-R4) and $400 (QV-R3).

EXILIM: credit card-sized digital camera

Casio has also introduced a new series of "exceptionally compact megapixel digital cameras." The first model in the EXILIM series is the EX-S1, which measures less than 0.5" inch thick. It meaasures 0.44" (thick) x 3.46" (wide) x 2.16" (high) and weighs about 3 oz (excluding battery and memory card).

Its sister model, the EX-M1 includes an integrated MP3-player, a movie player (with sound) and recording function in a footprint only slightly thicker (1.1 mm). It offers sound recording with short movies as well as individual pictures.

The EXILIM series has a 1.34 Mega Pixel resolution with 12MB of internal memory and supports SD/MMC cards for optional extended memory capacity. The optical viewfinder is supplemented by an 1.6" digital display and built-in flash. Both models include a dual-function cradle with USB connectivity for data transfers and a charger for the camera's lithium ion battery.

The two EXILIM digital cameras are housed in an all-metal, sleek casing, with a silver finish. They will be available in 'Summer 2002' for $300 (EX-S1) and $350 (EX-M1). The EX-M1 includes stereo headphones and a remote control.

by MacNN Staff