Casio EX-Z1200 Moves to 12 Megapixels

Casio's new Exilim EX-Z1200 camera offers 12 megapixel resolution, 2.8 LCD viewfinder, face detection, and a high-quality movie mode.

Casio has announced the EX-Z1200, a new top-line model in its Exilim digital camera line offering a 12.1 megapixel resolution, face detection technology, image stabilization, and a high-quality movie mode. The camera supplants last year’s EX-Z1000 model, which marked Casio’s first Exilim to crack the 10 megapixel barrier.

“The newest addition of the slim, stylish EXILIM line represents Casio’s continuing objective to produce innovative products fit for everyone’s needs,” said Bill Heuer, VP of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division, in a statement. “The EX-Z1200 incorporates the same characteristics from the EX-Z1000 and adds new features such as face detection and motion analysis technology which make photographs more life like.”

The EX-Z1200 offers a 12.1 megapixel CCD with a 3× optical zoom, a CDD-shifting image stabilization system to help eliminate blurring due to camera motion, along with in-camera digital blur reduction technologies. The camera also offers face detection technologies which can track a human face in its frame and correct focus and exposure for that face as the camera ad subject move. The camera also offers a 3 shot/second burst mode (at three megapixels), and sports a 2.8-inch LCD display. Users can store images to SD/SDHC memory cards, and the camera has 11.4 MB of on-board memory. The camera offers a series of movie modes for folks who don’t want to carry around a separate camcorder—including options for a 848 by 480 “HQ Wide” mode—although video recording time is apparently limited to 10 minutes per file regardless of resolution.

Casio is also offering a new feature in the Z1200: eBay Best Shot mode, which takes images automatically sized for best display on the online auction site eBay (like, say, if you wanted to sell that now-outdated Z1000 or that “fun” Casio musical keyboard). The eBay mode includes an auto macro function for snapping pictures of tags and small items like jewelry, and stashes all eBay mode images in a special directory.

The Exilim EX-Z1200 should be available at retailers beginning in mid-July at a suggested price of $399.99. Silver and black versions will be available.