August 4, 2005, Tokyo, Japan -- CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its lineup of high quality digital cameras with the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z500. The new 5.0 megapixel EX-Z500 with 3x optical zoom boasts CASIO’s Anti Shake DSP technology, a large high-resolution 2.7-inch TFT color LCD display, and the longest battery life of the entire CASIO range — up to 500 shots on a single charge. These cutting-edge features are packaged in a sleek new ergonomically shaved body design, further enhancing the sharp and distinctive look of the EXILIM ZOOM series.

CASIO’s EXILIM series of digital cameras epitomize advanced miniaturization culminating in slim, compact bodies, and digital technologies that make them faster, smaller, and more powerful. CASIO’s EXILIM Engine with Anti Shake DSP, large high resolution LCD displays, and super long battery life help position the EXILIM range at the forefront of the digital camera market. The latest EXILIM ZOOM model is a perfect balance of form and function personified by its advanced features and contemporary look.

Built into the slim and beautiful body is the Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects, while the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions ensure that photos are properly focused. In addition, the High Sensitivity Mode produces clear shots with a bright background without the flash, even when lighting is dim The extra-large 2.7-inch TFT color LCD display features fine resolution of 153,600 pixels, yet battery life is further lengthened, facilitating an amazing 500 shots per charge. Convenient one-touch DIRECT ON buttons that enable fast start up for quick shots and photo viewing, as well as a practical 31scene BEST SHOT button make the EX-Z500 even more easy to use.

With all the performance and functions users have come to expect from CASIO packaged in a stylish new body, the EX-Z500 provides convenient, longer-lasting portability combined with cutting-edge technology, ensuring beautiful pictures to last a lifetime.

EX-Z500 Main Features

High Performance, Advanced Capabilities   • 5.0 megapixel high resolution CCD and retracting 3X optical zoom • High quality images, high speed, and long lasting battery in a miniaturized package with EXILIM Engine image processing module • The latest version of the EXILIM Engine features the Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blurring caused by shaking hands or moving subjects • Super Life Battery allows up to 500 still pictures per charge on CIPA standard • High-resolution 153,600 (640 x 240) pixel large 2.7-inch digital interface TFT LCD display • AF assist light function allows for perfect focus in dark places Slim, Ergonomically Shaved Design   • Slim retractable 3X optical zoom lens results in a camera that is just 20.5 mm thick (18.6 mm at thinnest point) • LCD display convexity has been eliminated, resulting a completely flat rear camera surface • Zoom lever and shutter button combined into one • Equipped with a one-touch “BEST SHOT” button that allows you to select the appropriate mode for your shot Enhanced Quick Responsiveness   • Once powered on, the camera is ready to take pictures in approximately 0.9 seconds*1 • After the shutter is snapped, picture is taken almost instantaneously with an approximately 0.007 seconds*2 release time lag • High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 seconds interval • Continuous shutter function enables photos to be taken in approximately 0.9 second*3 intervals, limited to available space on memory card • The “DIRECT ON” button function allows quick startup in both shooting and playback modes *1 using internal memory, with internal flash turned off *2 with internal flash turned off *3 depending on the type of memory card used Convenient and Multivariate Functions   • Perfect pictures and movies can be taken using one of the 31 different “BEST SHOT” *4 settings • The “Quick Shutter” function reduces mistakes by facilitating simple and easy high-speed focusing • The “Auto Macro” mode allows for automatic switching between macro mode and auto focus mode • The “Icon Help” function provides pop-up icon guidance when adjusting camera settings • The “Flash Assist” mode compensates for poorly illuminated areas of the shot *5 31 BEST SHOT scenes include “Anti Shake”, which reduces blurring caused by both shaking hands and moving subjects, as well as “High Sensitivity”, which enables bright pictures in a dim place even without the flash. Movie Functions   • Movies recorded in VGA (640x480 pixels) size, 30 frames per second (Motion JPEG) • Using the “MOTION PRINT” function, movies can be converted into a series of nine or just one snapshot for printing • Movies can be zoomed in during replay • The “Movie Editing” operation offers three ways (beginning, middle, end) to cut unwanted scenes from a movie Miscellaneous Features   • The USB cradle functions as a charger as well as a simple way to connect the camera to a personal computer and other audiovisual equipment, such as a television or DVD player. • LCD monitor brightness can be adjusted to one of two settings • Includes “Photo Loader” software which facilitates easy transfer of pictures to a PC • Menu display language can be set to Chinese (simplified and traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish • Compatible with PictBridge and USB Direct Print for direct connection to printing device • Compatible with ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) as well as PRINT Image MatchingIII

EX-Z500 Specifications

Imaging Element 1/2.5-inchsquare pixel color CCD(Total pixels;5.25 million, Effective pixels;5.0million) Image Files Format Snapshots; JPEG(Exif Ver.2.2),DCF1.0standard,DPOF compliant Movies;AVI(Motion JPEG) Audio;WAV Recording Media 8.7MB Built-in flash memory, SD Memory Card, MultimediaCard Image Size(Pixels) Snapshots; 2560×1920, 2560×1712(3:2), 2304×1728, 2048×1536, 1600×1200, 640×480 Movies; 640×480(HQ), 640×480(Normal), 320×240(LP) Data Size Snapshots Image Size (Pixels) Quality Approximate Image File Size Built-in flash memory 8.7MB SD Memory Card 256MB* 2560 × 1920 Fine Normal Economy Approx. 3.0MB 2.0MB 1.0MB Approx. 2shots 4shots 7shots Approx. 78 shots 116 shots 221shots 640 x 480 Fine Normal Economy Approx. 360KB 240KB 120KB Approx. 22 shots 33 shots 62 shots Approx. 625 shots 938 shots 1742shots Movies Image Size (Pixels) Maximum Recording Time per File Approximate Data Rate (Frame Rate) Approximate Recording Time for Built-in flash memory 8.7MB Approximate Recording Time for SD Memory Card 256MB HQ 640×480 Until memory full 10.2 megabits per second (30frames/second) 7 seconds 3 minutes and 16 seconds Normal 640×480 6.1 megabits per second (30frames/second) 11 seconds 5 minutes and 27 seconds LP 320×240 2.45 megabits per second (15frames/second) 29 seconds 13 minutes and 35 seconds * Based on Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., LTD. products. Capacity depends on card manufacturer. Lens/Focal Distance F2.7(W)to 5.2(T), f=6.2 to 18.6mm(equivalent to approximately 38 to 114mm for 35mm film) , 6lenses in 5 groups, with aspherical lens Zoom 3X optical zoom, 4X digital zoom (12X in combination with optical zoom) Focusing Contrast Detection Auto Focus, Focus Mode…Auto Focus, Macro mode, Pan Focus, Infinity mode, manual focus), AF Area…spot, multi, AF Assist Light Approximate Focus Range Auto Focus…40cm to ∞, Macro…17cm to 50cm, Infinity Mode…∞, Manual…17cm to ∞ *Using optical zoom causes the above ranges to change Exposure Control Light metering…Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot by CCD Exposure…Program AE Exposure Compensation…-2EV~+2EV (1/3EV units) Shutter CCD electronic shutter, mechanical shutter, Snapshot mode (auto)… 1/8 to 1/2000 second. Aperture F2.7/F4.3, auto switching *Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change White Balance Auto WB/ fixed (6 modes) / manual switching Sensitivity Snapshots; Auto*/ISO50/ISO100/ISO200/ISO400, Movies; Auto *Max ISO sensitivity is 800 when taking pictures with Anti Shake or High Sensitivity Recording Functions Snapshot / audio snapshot; Continuous shooting; self-timer; macro; BEST SHOT; movie with audio; Voice Recording Self-timer 10 seconds. 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer Built-in Flash Flash Modes: Auto Flash, On, Off, Red eye reduction Flash Range 0.4 to 2.4 meters (W); 0.4 to 1.3 meters (T) Viewfinder Monitor screen Monitor 2.7-inch TFT color LCD, 153,600 pixels (640×240) Timekeeping Functions Date and time…Recorded with image data; Auto Calendar…To 2049 World Time 162 cities in 32 time zones, City, Date, Time, summer time Input/Output Terminals Cradle connector USB USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) compatible Microphone Monaural Speaker Monaural Power Requirements Proprietary Rechargeable lithium ion battery(NP-40) Battery life Approx. 500 snapshots (CIPA Standards) Continuous shooting: approx. 1330 snapshots (approx 4 hr. 30 min.)* *LCD monitor ON, Flash disabled, alternating between wide-zoom and telephoto-zoom every 12 seconds Continuous playback: approx 7 hr. 50 min. (snapshots) Continuous recording: approx 3hr. 40 min. (movie) Continuous recording: approx 7 hr. 40 min. (voice recording) Dimensions 88.5 (W) x 57 (H) x 20.5 (D) mm (excluding projections, 18.6 mm at thinnest part) Weight Approximately. 112g (excluding battery and accessories) Bundled Accessories Rechargeable lithium ion battery, USB cradle, Special AC adaptor, AC power cord, USB cable, AV Cable, Strap, CD-ROM

EXILIM is a registered trademark of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. Any other company or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of those companies.