Casio has just introduced the EX-Z280, a 12.1 Megapixel pocket camera with a 26mm lens along with 4X optical zoom. The real news here is Casio’s new image processor, the Exilim engine 4. It’s a dedicated chip that takes charge of all that stuff related to image processing and analysis.

Everything from smile detection to noise reduction, it’s involved with every aspect of capturing images. Another interesting feature is that the EX-Z280 also shoots 720p movies. Expect it to cost you $180.

[Ubergizmo]