Casio Exilim EX-FH20 offers high-speed shooting for less money

Casio has expanded its line of high-speed Exilim cameras that debuted with the F1 in early 2008 to include a new lower cost model – the Casio Exilim EX-FH20.

With a 9.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, the FH20 provides more resolution than its faster, more advanced sibling while still offering continuous shooting at a thoroughly impressive 40 fps.

Casio has given the latest ultrazoom Exilim a 20x lens that covers an effective range of 26-520mm and a fast f/2.8-4.5 maximum aperture. All of this is accomplished in a body that's 27 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than Casio's 60 fps, 6 megapixel EX-F1.

A 3.0 inch LCD with 230,000 dots resolution joins an electronic viewfinder in providing shot composition options for the FH20. The new Exilim can shoot in the open DNG raw file format, draws power from conveniently available AA alkaline power, and utilizes SD/SDHC memory.

While the FH20's overall specs would be solid even without its performance capabilities, the star of the show in this lineup remains rapid still shooting. In this case, the FH20 can capture bursts of 7 megapixel (3072x2304) images at speeds of up to 40 fps (or 30 fps burst captures at 8 megapixels).

Additionally, the new model doesn't scrimp on high-speed video capture, either. A single button press takes the camera from its default 30 fps video recording mode to movie capture at 210, 420, or even 1000 fps at reduced resolution.

Those more interested in high quality than high speed can also opt to capture 1280x720/30 fps video instead.

Perhaps the best news to come out of the FH20 announcement involves the price: the new model should retail for around $600, making it significantly more affordable to get in on Casio's latest high-speed shooting technology. The Exilim EX-FH20 should start showing up on dealer shelves next month.

Casio Exilim EX-FH20 Specs: