Casio releases two new compact cameras for beginners

Anaheim, Calif. (IDG)– Casio released two new Exilim compact cameras aimed at novice photographers at PMA 2010 in Anaheim on Sunday.

The 12-megapixel EX-S7 has 3x optical zoom and can record 720p HD video. It also features Casio’s Dynamic Photo setting—a green-screen type effect that allows the user to delete a moving person from the background of an image, or remove the subject of an image and pop them onto an alternative background. Face Detection ensures that people are in focus and properly exposed.

The EX-Z35 is another new 12-megapixel offering from Casio that is meant to appeal to the entry-level camera user. Widescreen videos (16:9) can be recorded with the touch of one button.  Like the EX-S7, the EX-Z35 has 3x optical zoom and face detection.

Both cameras include an Easy Mode that limits the user’s powers to turning the flash on or off, changing the image size, and turning on the timer. The menu is also simplified in this mode to prevent any unwanted settings changes.  Casio’s YouTube Capture Mode, which automatically records and saves movies in the optimal size for uploading to YouTube, is included on both models.

The $110 EX-Z35 will be available in March and the $140 EX-S7 will be available later this Spring.