Casio EXILIM EX-G1

Casio took the wraps off a very cool-looking and super tough new compact camera this morning, the EXILIM EX-G1. Shock-resistant, waterproof, and dustproof, the Casio EX-G1 is the first model in Casio's new EXILIM G brand of cameras and a companion to Casio's rugged Casio G-Shock watch and G'zOne cell phone.

Here are some of the highlights on this new entry into the already crowded tough, all-weather camera market.

Casio EXILIM EX-G1

• Only 0.78-inches thick at its slimmest point
• 12.1-megapixel image sensor
• Outer body made from stainless steel and inner body from polycarbonate
• Shock resistant to seven-foot drops
• Resistant to elements of snow, dirt, and  humidity
• Can be used in temperatures as low as 14°F
• Submergible to up to 10-feet under water
• Interval shooting and multi-image capture modes
• Available in black or red
• $299
• Ships December 2009

Though there are a lot of digital cameras out there from competing manufacturers with similar specs, the EX-G1 is the most interesting looking one we've seen so far in the rough and rugged category. (With the introduction of the EX-G1, Casio is calling this the "Endurance camera" market.)

We could see this sleek and slim looking camera appealing to a young audience of skateboarders or snowboarders. Casio also clearly has this user base in mind with much of the early marketing featuring images of that target group.

More details on the Casio EX-G1 are in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

CASIO RELEASES WORLD’S SLIMMEST SHOCK-RESISTANT DIGITAL CAMERA
EXILIM G

Casio EX-G1 is Waterproof and Dustproof, in a .78-inch, Smart Design

DOVER, NJ, November 18, 2009 – Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the release of the EX-G1 shock-resistant, waterproof, dustproof digital camera—the first in the company’s new EXILIM G brand of digital cameras.

With its smart design featuring functional beauty, the EX-G1 embodies Casio’s endurance minded features and specifications in a sleek 0.78-inch low-profile camera.

Casio first introduced the shock-resistant G-SHOCK timepiece to the world in 1983. The G-SHOCK brand remains extremely popular among consumers and adventure enthusiasts around the globe thanks to its distinctive, unique design, rugged toughness and practicality, even under severe environmental conditions. In 2000, Casio launched the G’zOne, a durable, water-resistant mobile phone.

Casio is positioning the EXILIM G brand in an “endurance” category, which demonstrates its determination to create digital cameras suitable for top athletes and adventurers. The endurance category caters to those who never quit challenging both extreme conditions and their own limits. The new model was developed to embody this brand concept, using Casio’s years of experience creating technologies for shock resistance, waterproofing and slim-line design.

The EX-G1 is designed with shock-resistant elements throughout the camera, both inside and out, creating a smart look in a slim-line camera with functional beauty. In addition to capturing high-resolution 12.1 effective megapixel images, the EX-G1 also features modes such as interval shooting and multi-image capture which utilize the camera’s endurance qualities. The interval shooting function can automatically take still photos or movies at fixed intervals, enabling users to capture great shots while engaged in active sports such as snowboarding or cycling.

“Whether it is the lifestyle that you have chosen or your career path that requires you to carry a camera tough enough to endure life’s elements, the EXILIM G EX-G1 offers an endurance level that will withstand the demands of your daily routine,” says Toshi Iguchi, senior general manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division. “The EX-G1, Casio’s toughest camera to date, is a prime example of Casio’s constant devotion to creating cameras to accommodate all levels of photographers.”

Through rigorous testing, the EX-G1 has been designed and created with a shock-resistant shell which passes drop tests including multiple falls from seven feet. Featuring a two-layer construction with a stainless steel outer-casing, the EX-G1 inner body withstands shock and water damage. The camera’s intelligent design is constructed with a resin cover to protect the body side near the shutter and a resin lens ring to protect the lens.

The technologically-advanced design features waterproof performance and corresponds to IEC/JIS Protection Class 8 (IPX8) waterproofing. The EX-G1 can be used at depths at 10 feet for 60 continuous minutes. Water will not penetrate the camera even when directly sprayed with jets of water from every direction corresponding to Protection Class 6 (IPX6). Capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 14°F, Casio’s EX-G1 boldly captures images where any adventurer goes.

The EX-G1 will hit shelves in December 2009 with an MSRP of $299.99 and will be available in black and red.