Casio Exilim EX-Z3DDA Digital Camera [3MP 3xOptical]

The 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor captures sharp and brilliant images of up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, which can printed at sizes of up to 11 by 14 inches. The lens of the EX-Z3 uses a new three-segment telescoping mechanism that makes it possible to provide 3x optical zoom capabilities in an amazingly thin camera configuration. The stylish card design of the camera is made possible by stacking chips to reduce space requirements by about 40 percent (as compared to the Exilim EX-S2 and EX-M2). The EX-Z3 also features a 4x digital zoom.

Images are stored on 10 mb of internal memory, which stores about eight images with settings at 2048 x 1536. If you want more memory, the expansion slot is compatible with any MMC or SD memory card. You can quickly and easily transfer your files on to a PC or Mac using the USB port for computer editing and sharing with friends and family.

In addition to taking still photos, the Exilim can also record AVI movie clips. The movie can be as long as 30 seconds at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The EX-Z3 is ready to shoot less than two seconds after it is activated. A release time lag of only 0.01 seconds (from when the shutter release button is fully depressed with the monitor screen and built-in flash turned off and focus locked) helps to ensure that the user is able to capture the image seen in the viewfinder when the shutter release is pressed.

The two-inch TFT LCD monitor screen included on the EX-Z3 features a digital interface for a clearer display of images. Each date of the full-month calendar screen shows a thumbnail of the first image recorded on that date. This visual diary makes it possible to quickly locate specific images.

Many of the Exilim's settings can be modified, among them programmed exposure, white balance and flash. When you shoot in the "best shot" mode you can select a stored photo that looks similar to the photo you want to take and the camera automatically configures to achieve that look.

The Exilim comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has an approximate battery life of 65 minutes. The camera itself measures 3.43 by 2.24 by 0.9 inches and weighs 4.44 ounces without the battery. Other standard accessories are a hand strap, CD-ROM with imaging software, USB cradle and cable and AC adapter for cradle.

Defying the petite size of the camera, the EX-Z3 is the first EXILIM model to feature an in-built, high-performance 3x optical zoom lens; in addition to a 4x digital zoom. A new type of 3 segment telescopic zoom mechanism and stack MCM chip mounting technique enables the EX-Z3 to retain the distinctive EXILIM 'credit card size' height and width. The new EX-Z3 is a mere 22.9mm at its widest point and only 19.7mm at its thinnest.

The EX-Z3 features Casio's own digital interface for clearer display images, with a large 2.0" TFT LCD that can be used both as a viewfinder for composing images, as well as for viewing your images instantly. The ability to integrate short movies with sound is a well-loved feature on the EX-M2 and, as such, has been incorporated into the EX-Z3. Users can now record up to 30-second clips of video with accompanying sound.

The EX-Z3 even features Casio's quick response feature that has become an USP for all its digital cameras. Casio's unique technology enables the camera to power up and be available to shoot in just over a second.

Original Casio technology also enables a shutter release time lag of 0.01 second, resulting in almost instantaneous image capture after pressing the shutter release button.