Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z450, EX-Z90 Point-and-Shoot Cameras [4X Optical Zoom, 720p HD Video, Intelligent Auto-Focus]

Casio announced today the launch of their latest PaS digital cameras, the Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 and Exilim Zoom EX-Z90. The pair of cameras is equipped with a new Intelligent AF system and 720p HD video recording. Both 12MP cameras feature a slim, compact design and the latest version of Casio’s Dynamic Photo function.

Both the Z450 and Z90 will feature a new auto focus system that Casio calls Intelligent AF. This function basically adds even more detection algorithms to the existing face detection technology so that it will now auto-focus on more than just faces. According to Casio, it “automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face,” and should automatically adjust exposure and focus to best capture the non-human (or human) subject.

Casio has also tweaked their Dynamic Photo function for the Z450 and Z90. Previous Exilim cameras use a version of this technology that allows the user to separate a moving subject from the background of a photograph. The cut-out image can then be combined with a different background. Previous models required the user to capture two images – one with the subject and one without. Now, users will be able to record just one image to achieve the same effect. The catch, however, is that your subject will need to be in front of a flat background of a single color.

The Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 will couple a 12.1 MP sensor with Casio’s Exilim Engine 4.0 image processor. It offers a step up in baseline specs from the EX-Z90 with sensor-shift image stabilization, a 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens and a slightly larger 3.0-in LCD. It’s also capable of high-speed burst shooting at up to 10 fps at a reduced resolution.

The Exilim Zoom EX-Z90 picks up some style points with a sleek, slim body and available three color options. It sports a 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35-105mm) and a 2.7-in LCD with 230K resolution.

Look for both cameras to hit store shelves in early October. The Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 will start at $199.99 and the Exilim Zoom EX-Z90 at $149.99.