Casio Releases EXILIM EX-Z450 Digital Camera that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with New Intelligent AF

Enhancing the Fun of Creating Composite Moving Images with

Improved Dynamic Photo

August 18, 2009 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the addition of the EXILIM Zoom
EX-Z450 model to the EXILIM® digital camera lineup. Equipped with cutting edge technology, the EX-Z450 has Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, which means it automatically determines the focus and exposure area. The new model also comes with a CD-ROM containing graphics that can be used with Dynamic Photo, a unique function for creating composite moving images.

This stylish model is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera boasting a wide-angle 28 mm, 4X optical zoom lens (35 mm film camera equivalent). In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilisation mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking more beautiful scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of human faces.

Intelligent AF automatically detects the intended subject

In addition to usual face detection, just by pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. So when taking a picture of a pet or even scenery, Intelligent AF can help minimize the number of photos that have an out-of-focus subject, thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0.

Dynamic Photo expands the possibilities for easy and fun image creation

Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice*1 in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color. The new EXILIM model comes with a CD-ROM containing a selection of more than 150 types*2 of graphics, including Animated Characters such as a cake or a firecracker. These can be added to still images, ideal for the creation of animated electronic greeting cards. The CD-ROM also contains the Dynamic Photo Manager software for PCs, which enables users to easily attach composite moving images to emails. Dynamic Photo offers endless possibilities for touching the hearts of family and friends.

 
*1. Capturing separate photos with and without the subject, while keeping the camera in the same position.
*2. Including still and moving graphics

Shooting functions made possible by high-speed image processing

Intelligent AF
When the camera is pointed at a desired shot, the Intelligent AF function automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face, and determines the focus and exposure area accordingly.

Landscape Mode
This mode is for taking beautiful scenery shots. Users can choose between the Vivid Landscape option, which enhances only impressive colors, or the Mist Removal option, which produces clearer pictures when the atmosphere is misty or hazy.

Makeup Mode
The camera helps create beautiful pictures of people’s faces. This function ensures that faces are correctly focused and well exposed, adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight.

Handheld Night Scene function or Lighting function
The camera can automatically detect difficult situations, such as night scenes where there would normally be camera shake, and backlit scenes where faces or backgrounds can be poorly exposed, and then make the most appropriate settings. All the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take great pictures.

Dynamic Photo can create composite moving images ideal for animated electronic greeting cards

Without the need for a computer, Dynamic Photo enables users to cut out images of a moving subject that have been photographed, and combine them with a different still image that forms the background. The result is a unique still photo containing a moving subject. Dynamic Photo can be used to create highly original and creative electronic greeting cards. Thanks to improvements made to Dynamic Photo, fun composite moving images can now be created even more easily.

• A moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
• It is now possible to expand or shrink the size of the cut-out subject to suit the still image that it will be combined with.
• A Dynamic Photo can be converted into a Motion JPEG movie file right on the camera.
• Using the included PC software, Photo Transport, still images can also be uploaded to the camera for use in composite moving image creation.
• Eight different Animated Characters (such as a heart or a dinosaur) are included in the camera so that users can have fun decorating their still images.
• Comes with a CD-ROM containing a selection of more than 150 types* of graphics, including Animated Characters, for use in composite moving image creation.
• Using the included PC software, Dynamic Photo Manager, composite moving images can be easily attached to emails.

* Including moving and still graphics

High Resolution HD Movies

The camera also features an HD Movie function. Just press the dedicated Movie button to take beautiful movies at 1280x720 pixels.

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For more information, images or product loans please contact Launch Group:

Sophie Mackenzie on sophiem@launchgroup.co.uk or 020 7758 3948
Adam English on adame@launchgroup.co.uk or 020 7758 3923
or
visit exilim.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Casio is one of the leading international manufacturers of electronic consumer goods. True to its guiding principle of “creativity and contribution”, since it was founded in 1957 the company has dedicated itself to the development of products which are distinguished by having the latest technology and innovative design language. Today, the broad range of Casio products includes watches, digital cameras, mobile telephones, electronic dictionaries, computers, musical instruments, system equipment and electronic components such as LC displays. There are more than 13,000 employees working for Casio Computer Co. Ltd. throughout the world. Over 100 million products are supplied a year and in the fiscal year April 2006 to March 2007 alone, the company achieved a net turnover of 620 billion yen (approx. 5.26 billion US dollars). Further information about Casio products and our latest innovations can be found on the internet at www.casio.co.uk.