Casio EX-Z280, Z-33 Digital Cameras [Refreshes EXILIM ZOOM Line With Two New Starter Cams, Digital Video Included]

It would seem that most digital camera manufacturers are working diligently to spruce up their product portfolios in time for the holiday shopping season and Casio is certainly no different. They are among the latest to breathe new life into their line with the introduction of two new entry-level digital cameras. The latest introductions to the popular EXILIM ZOOM line, the 12.1MP EX-Z280 and the 10.1MP EX-Z33, offer the user digital video options and ease of use, both of which are sure to make these models popular with the gift-giving set.

Casio announced today that they would be launching two new entry-level digital cameras into their EXILIM ZOOM line of point-and-shoot models. The EX-Z280 leads the charge powered by the newly updated EXILIM Engine 4 processor that the company claims produces better image quality while also extending battery life. The EX-280 also sports several new features formerly unavailable in the lower-level models including 720p video recording and a new version of Dynamic Photo that allows the user to embed animated clip art on-camera. Without actually seeing that last one, I couldn’t tell you what that really means or why you’d want to do it. The compact gets a 26-104mm equivalent, wide-angle 4X lens and can also shoot at a wider light sensitivity range than most compacts, moving from as little as ISO 64 up to ISO 3,200.

The little brother to the EX-Z280, the EX-Z33, doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as its big brother. It uses the previous generation of Casio’s imaging engine so it won’t be able to record in 720p. For video, the EX-Z33 tops out at 480p widescreen. It also lacks the upgraded Dynamic Photo so its sensor has been reduced to 10.1MP and will shoot at a maximum ISO 1600.

The new Casio EX-Z280 EX-Z33 digital cameras are expected to begin shipping in September, and will sell for $180 and $120 respectively.