NewsJune 2005

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Casio Exilim EX-S500

Casio has added to its Exilim Card range with the super slim EX-S500. The 5 megapixel camera is 13.7mm at its thinnest point (excluding protrusions). Despite only having a 3x optical zoom, the S500 features Anti-Shake DSP and also has a 2.2-inch LCD. Movie capture is 640x480 at 30fps and there's also a Past Movie funtion, which enables recording five seconds before the shutter button is pressed. The stainless steel-bodied camera is available in meister gray, fiesta orange and nordic white in July (Europe) priced £299.99.

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Press Release:

CASIO’S Next Generation EXILIM CARD Digital Camera

Featuring Virtually Blur Free Photography and State-of-the-Art MPEG-4 Movies

June 9, 2005, Tokyo, Japan -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced the release of the newest addition to the EXILIM CARD digital camera series. True to the series, the EX-S500 model is barely bigger than a credit card and just 13.7 mm at its thinnest point. Packed into the pocket-sized body are 5.0 mega pixels and MPEG-4 quality movie recording capabilities, allowing more than one hour of standard video recording when using a 1GB SD memory card. And, with Casio’s EXILIM Engine’s Anti Shake DSP, blurry pictures are nearly a thing of the past.

The EX-S500 is a culmination of Casio’s core technologies, combining cutting-edge miniaturization and digital expertise with state-of-the-art movie recording capability. As with all digital cameras in the EXILIM Series, the EXILIM CARD features Casio’s EXILIM Engine, an image processing module that makes possible the high quality images, quick operation, and low power consumption that has made the EXILIM the camera of choice for many users. The latest version of the EXILIM Engine features the Anti Shake Digital Signal Processor, which reduces blurring caused by shaking hands or moving subjects, while the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions ensure that photos are properly focused.

In addition to virtually blur-free pictures, 5.0 mega pixel resolution and 3X zoom capability means high quality pictures as well. A large 2.2-inch TFT LCD screen makes still and video photography easy to shoot, and the lithium ion rechargeable battery allows up to 200 shots on one charge.

The pocket-sized EX-S500 is quick and easy to use for both business and pleasure. Comparable in size and weight with most cell phones, the EX-S500 is conveniently portable, taking high quality pictures and movies anywhere, anytime.

HIGH PERFROMANCE & HIGH QUALITY FROM A ULTRA-THIN CARD SIZED CAMERA

• 5 mega pixel CCD makes for high resolution picture taking
• Miniaturized digital camera with a retracting 3X optical zoom employing high density technology resulting in a 77 cc volume just 16.1 mm thick (thinnest point: 13.7 mm)
• Uses the EXILIM Engine image processing module, which includes the Anti Shake DSP
• MPEG-4, VGA(640×480 pixels), 30 frames/second enables high quality movie taking
• Super life battery allows up to 200 pictures per charge, based on CIPA standards
• Movie can be shot continuously for 1 hour and 20 minutes
• 1 hour of movies can be taken in “Normal” mode using a 1GB SD memory card
• Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 1 second*1
• After the shutter is snapped, picture is taken almost instantaneously with an approximately 0.008 seconds*2 release time lag
• High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 seconds interval*3
• Continuous shutter function enables photos to be taken in approximately 1 second intervals, limited to available space on memory card
• Digital interface TFT LCD 2.2 inch screen for easy viewing
• AF assist light function allows for perfect focus in dark places
• Beautiful color body is brilliant and smooth, due to a special “electrical coating” process enhancing the look and feel of the stainless steel body

*1 using internal memory, with internal flash turned off *2 with internal flash turned off
*3 depending on the type of memory card used

EASE OF USE

• The camera shutter can be easily operated with the index finger, and the “Direct Movie” button easily operated with the thumb
• Blurring, due to both shaky hands and moving subjects, is reduced by the Anti Shake DSP
• Perfect pictures and movies can be taken using one of the 33 different “BESTSHOT” settings
• One-touch “BESTSHOT” button that allows you to select the appropriate setup for your shot
• The “Snapshot-in-Movie” function allows you to take still pictures whilst shooting movies
• High Sensitivity setting included in “BESTSHOT” ensures pictures come out bright even without the flash
• The “Quick Shutter” function supports high-speed focusing simply and easily
• The “Auto Macro” mode allows for automatic switching between macro mode and auto focus mode
• The “Direct On” buttons allows quick startup in both shooting and playback modes
• The “MOTION PRINT” function can convert movies into a series of nine or just one snapshot for printing
• Movies can be zoomed in during replay
• “Past Movie” function enables movie recording from 5 seconds before the recording button is pressed
• “Short Movie” function enables movie recording for up to a total of 8 seconds, adjustable before or after the shutter is pressed
• “Movie Editing” feature offers three ways (beginning, middle, end) to cut unwanted scenes from a movie
• The “Flash Assist” mode compensates for any under-illuminated areas of the shot
• The “Icon Help” function provides icon guidance when adjusting camera settings

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES

• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed facilitates rapid data transfer
• The USB cradle functions as a charger as well as a simple way to connect the camera to a PC or TV without the need for additional equipment
• Includes “Photo Loader” software which facilitates easy transfer of pictures to a PC
• Windows Media® Player 9 (movie playback software) and Ulead Movie Wizard SE VCD (movie editing software) included
• Menu display language can be set to Chinese (simplified and traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
• Compatible with PictBridge and USB Direct Print for direct connection to printing device
• Compatible with ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) as well as PRINT Image Matching III
• Internal 8.3 MB flash memory, SD memory card/MMC compatible* *memory card not included

Casio EX-S500 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 5.3 million pixels total • 5 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 2560 x 1920 • 2560 x 1712 (3:2) • 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 (HQ) • 640 x 480 (Normal) • 320 x 240 (Long play)
File formats	• Still: JPEG • Movie: MPEG-4 • Sound: WAV
Lens	• 38 - 114 mm (35 mm equiv) 3x optical zoom • F 2.7 - 5.2
Digital zoom	Up to 4x
Focus	• Contrast type AF •Manual
AF area modes	• Spot • 9-point multi
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 40 - infinity • Macro: 17 - 50 cm
Metering	• Multi pattern • Center-weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 50 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400
Exposure compensation	+/-2EV in 1/3 stop steps
Shutter speed	1/8 - 1/2000 sec
Aperture	F 2.7/4.3 varies with optical zoom
Scene modes	33 BESTSHOT modes
White balance	• Auto • Fixed • 6 modes
Self timer	• 2 or 10 sec • Triple self-timer
Flash	• Built-in • Auto, on, off, red-eye reduction • Range: 0.4 m 2.8 m (W) 0.4 - 1.4 m (T)
Viewfinder	None
LCD monitor	• 2.2 " TFT LCD • 84,960 pixels
Connectivity	• USB • AV out
Print compliance	• PictBridge • EXIF 2.2 • PIM II
Storage	• SD card • 8.3 MB card supplied
Power	• Lithium ion battery • Charging cradle • AC adapter
Weight (no batt)	115 g (4.05 oz)
Dimensions	90 x 59 x 16 mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.6 in)

Additional images