The new Casio camera, called EXILIM Pro EX-F1, is equipped with an innovative CMOS sensor which allows ultra high-speed recordings. The sensor is supported by a high speed LSI processor, which enables shooting 60 frames per second. Additionally, the camera features full HD video recording at a speed of 60 fps, along with non-HD recording at a speed of between 300 to 1,200fps, allowing the user to record frames not detected by the human eye. 

The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is the first consumer level camera with such capabilities and is being marketed by Casio as the fastest camera ever made. Using this camera, a photographer will never miss the crucial moment and will be able to record still images faster than most cameras record video. To make sure the right moment is caught, the camera starts shooting even before the photographer presses the shutter release button. 

Some other features of the EXILIM Pro EX-F1 include face recognition, 7 fps photography using the built-in flash, and a built-in LED light to allow night time photography at the normal 60 fps speed. The camera has 6.0MP and a 12x optical zoom (35-420 35mm equivalent), weights about 670 g (23.5 oz.), and  measures about 13x8x13 cm in size. 

The TFOT team had a chance to see a prototype of the EXILIM Pro EX-F1 during CES 2008 and was amazed by the ability to take movie-like still images of real-live action. The camera we were shown was preloaded with 7fps images showing a break-dancing act frame by frame. However, based on our quick look, we were less impressed with the prototype itself. The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is a hybrid between a DSLR and a Super-Zoom camera. With six megapixels and 12X optical zoom, it surely is not the most advanced Super-Zoom around; and as a DSLR, it will not allow you to replace the lens, which kind of takes the edge out of the DSLR title anyway. The $999 price tag, however, is in the DSLR range. 

TFOT recently covered several camera related technologies, including Sony's hi-speed CMOS sensor, Quik Pod – the extendable handheld tripod for cameras, and a 5MP underwater digital camera mask. You can also read our CES 2008 coverage with more information about the many innovations of the show.

More information about the EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can be found on Casio's website.