Casio Shows Budget-Friendly Z35, S7

(Credit: Casio)

Good news for consumers who are following a tight budget: Casio introduced two new ultra-compact digital cameras priced at $140 and under. The S7 and Z35 have 12.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lenses packaged in colorful 0.8-inch thin bodies.

Both cameras have a 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels, but their total resolution counts differ slightly. There is a subtle difference in their 3x lenses as well; they share the same equivalent 35.5-106.5mm, but the S7 manages to focus only as close-up as 4 inches while the Z35 can focus as close as 2 inches. 
 

The two budget-conscious cameras share similar automated modes including an Easy mode and a YouTube movie capture mode that Casio claims make the cameras friendlier to social networking sites. The Casio Exilim EX-S7, which will sell for $140 in the spring, can record 720p HD videos. The less expensive $110 Casio EX-Z35 has a dedicated movie button, but only records standard VGA and WVGA files. 
 
The pricier Casio S7 has a larger 2.7-inch LCD screen, more internal memory at 32.5MB, and Dynamic Photo function that Casio describes as “a Hollywood-like green-screen effect which adds animated graphics into still photos where users can create unique e-greetings to share with friends and family,” according to the Feb. 21 press release.
 

(Credit: Casio)

The Casio Z35, although less expensive, trumps the S7 in a few areas. Its flash can reach a few feet farther and its ISO can expand up to 3200 while the S7 stops at ISO 1600. The Z35 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen and 16.9MB of internal memory. Both new Exilim digital cameras have SD/SDHC media slots and are very compact. Each comes in five colors.
 
“Casio is committed to delivering high quality digital cameras that produce crisp images that capture life's vibrant colors in detail. Our goal is to create easy-to-use cameras for any lifestyle,” said Toshiyuki Iguchi, senior general manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. in the press release.