July 19, 2007 Casio's latest EXILIM Digital Camera release is embracing the widespread penetration of the Youtube phenomenon by including YouTube capture mode software for recording, storing and uploading video. Following a trend already apparent in recent product releases from Apple and LG, the new EX-S880 and EX-Z77 facilitate multiple movie uploads directly to YouTube and other video sharing web sites as well as adding optimization for eBay photos and enhanced blur reduction and face recognition capacity.
Such video sharing sites have made it much easier to present video material to a wide audience. Other users have the option of ‘responding’ to videos with footage of their own and comments, but in the past uploading such footage has been, to some, a prohibitively complicated process. Casio addresses this by reducing the process to two easy steps via its “YouTube Uploader for CASIO”. Through this development, Casio joins other companies like Apple and LGin facilitating easy YouTube functionality. Casio’s YouTube Capture mode records in next-generation MPEG-4 H.264 high quality video format; this provides an ideal compression ratio that allows users to record longer without having to sacrifice the quality of their movies. Sharp resolution is also provided (640 x 480) and a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. The 7.2 megapixel EX-Z77 and the 8.1 megapixel EX-S880 both make use of the cutting-edge EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module. Linked to this is a blur reduction function which uses motion analysis technology and an auto-tracking automatic focus system.
The EXILIM cameras also feature a ‘face recognition’ capacity which, once the subject is recognized as a human face, maintains the optimum focus for portrait photography. The sophisticated image processing module makes it possible for this focus to be maintained even if the subject moves. Another interesting feature is the eBay Best Shot Mode. eBay Best Shot takes photos at a size that is image optimized for display on eBay, making the sale of items a much more simple process. The Casio EXILIM cameras are certainly not the first product to attempt this (http://www.gizmag.com/go/7228/) yet their impressive image processing module does represent a new development.
Costumers in the United States can purchase both products from August. The EX-S880 is available in red and black for US$299.99. The EX-Z77 is available in black, blue, pink and silver at US$229.99.