Casio Adds Budget-Friendly EXILIM EX-Z29
Casio unveiled its latest budget-friendly compact camera today, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29. While not a major departure from previous EXILIM Zoom cameras, the EX-Z29 adds a higher resolution sensor to the series. This new model maintains the EXILIM line’s user-friendly features and compact design.
The EXILIM EX-Z29 will feature a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7 inch LCD. Targeting casual photographers, the camera features 23 Best Shot modes with pre-programmed settings for a variety of shooting conditions. Face detection also helps users take quality 
photos without adjusting camera settings.
Other useful features include Anti-Shake DSP, which reduces blur caused by shaky hands or moving subjects. The EX-Z29 also features an Easy Mode, which presents the camera settings in three easy menus (image size, flash, and self timer). While shooting in Easy Mode, the user doesn’t have to check presets or make adjustments.
While shooting, you’ll see an operating panel on the right side of the LCD. This panel provides easy access to quickly change camera settings. There’s also a movie button for recording widescreen movies with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Another movie recording mode called YouTube Capture Mode will record and save movies at the ideal settings for YouTube.
Casio describes the camera as “Sleek & Sturdy,” thanks to its 3.64 x 2.16 x .91 inch (WxHxD) body. Look for the EX-Z29 in April for a suggested retail price of $149.99. It will be available in black, pink, blue, silver, and purple. Full specifications are below.
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EXILIM Zoom | |||
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EX-Z29 | ||||
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Number of Effective Pixels |
10.1 million | |||
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Image Sensor |
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1/2.5-inch square pixel CCD | ||
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Total Pixels |
10.35 million | |||
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File Format |
Still Images |
JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant) | ||
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Movies |
AVI format, Motion JPEG, IMA-ADPCM (monaural) | |||
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Audio (Voice Recording) |
WAV format (monaural) | |||
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Recording Media |
17.8MB built-in flash memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card | |||
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Number of Recorded Pixels |
Still Images |
10M (3648 x 2736), 3:2 (3648 x 2432), 16:9 (3648 x 2048), 7M (3072 x 2304), 4M (2304 x 1728), 2M (1600 x 1200), VGA (640 x 480) | ||
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Movies |
848 x 480 (WIDE) / 640 x 480 (STD) / 320 x 240 (LP) | |||
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Lens |
Construction |
6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens | ||
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F-number |
F2.8 (W) to F5.2 (T) | |||
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Focal Length |
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f=6.2 – 18.6mm | ||
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35mm Film Equivalent |
Approx. 37.5 to 112.5mm equivalent to 35mm film | |||
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Zoom |
Optical Zoom |
3X | ||
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Digital Zoom |
4X (12X in combination with optical zoom) | |||
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Focusing |
Focus Type |
Contrast Detection Auto Focus | ||
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Focus Modes |
Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Pan Focus, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus | |||
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AF Area |
Spot or Multi | |||
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Exposure |
Exposure Metering |
Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by CCD | ||
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Exposure Control |
Program AE | |||
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Exposure Compensation |
-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps) | |||
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Shutter Type |
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CCD electronic shutter, mechanical shutter | ||
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Shutter Speed*1 |
Auto |
1/2 to 1/2000 second | ||
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Night Scene (BEST SHOT) |
4 to 1/2000 second | |||
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Aperture |
F2.8 (W) – F8.0 (W) (ND Filter is being used) (Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change) | |||
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White Balance |
Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day White Fluorescent, Daylight Fluorescent, Tungsten, Manual WB | |||
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Sensitivity (SOS/REI)* |
Still Images |
Auto, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600 | ||
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Movies |
Auto *SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity. REI: Recommended Exposure Index. | |||
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EXILIM Zoom | ||
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EX-Z29 | |||
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Self-timer |
10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer | ||
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Built-in Flash |
Flash Modes |
Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red Eye Reduction | |
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Flash Range |
Normal: Approx. 0.15 – 2.8 m (W) Approx: 0.4 – 1.5 m (T) *Range is affected by optical zoom. | ||
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Flash Charge Time |
Approximately 6 seconds | ||
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Recording Functions |
Snapshot, Macro, Self-timer, Continuous Shooting (Normal Speed CS), BEST SHOT, Face Detection, Movie (Normal Movie, For YouTube), Voice Recording *Audio recording is monaural | ||
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Playback Functions |
Playback Zoom (8X), 12-image Screen, Star-up Images, Rotate, Re-size, Trimming, Copy, BGM Slideshow | ||
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Other Functions |
Key Customization, PictBridge, Video Output (NTSC/PAL) | ||
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Image Deletion |
One image / All images With memory protect function | ||
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Approximate Maximum Audio Recording Times |
After Recording: 30 seconds per image Voice Recording: 53 minutes 11 seconds (when using built-in memory) | ||
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Monitor Screen |
2.7-inch wide TFT color LCD, 114,960 dots (479 x 240) | ||
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Viewfinder |
LCD Monitor | ||
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Timekeeping Functions |
Date and Time |
Recorded with image data | |
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On-image Time Stamp Function |
Yes | ||
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Auto Calendar |
To 2049 | ||
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World Time |
162 cities in 32 time zones, city name, date, time, summer time | ||
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Input/Output Terminals |
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USB/AV port | |
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USB |
USB | ||
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Microphone |
Monaural | ||
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Speaker |
Monaural | ||
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Power Source |
Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-60) x 1 | ||
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Power Consumption |
3.7V DC, Approximately 3.4W | ||
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Dimensions (Excluding Projections) |
3.64” (W) x 2.16” (H) x .91” (D) | ||
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Thinnest part: .8” | |||
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Weight (Excluding Battery and Accessories) |
Approx. 125g (excluding battery and bundled accessories) | ||
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Bundled Accessories |
Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, USB cable, AV cable, strap, CD-ROM | ||
*1. May differ according to camera setting. *2. Aperture changed by optical zoom or recording mode. *3. SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity. REI: Recommended Exposure Index.
