Instead of following in the footsteps of other major compact camera producers that enjoy announcing tens of models during shows and events, Casio have put their efforts into a single device, which is showcased at CES 2007.

Don't get your hopes too high, it's still a compact pocket-size camera, but at least it's packed with features and is one of the smallest on the market. In fact, Casio states that the Exilim EX-V7 is the slimmest digital camera with a 7X optical zoom lens.

Despite being an extremely compact device (as you can clearly see in the image below), the EX-V7 has a lens with variable focal length of 6.3-44.1mm or 38-266mm in 35mm terms (which translates into a 7x optical zoom, impressive for a camera like this) and it incorporates a 7.2MP 1/2.5 inch CCD.

What's even more impressive is that the new Exilim also has a true image stabilization mode, enabled by a CCD shifting mechanism, which compensates for camera movement in low light conditions. Casio also mentions some high ISO sensitivity mode, called Anti Shake DSP, but this is just a marketing trick; the real jewel is the hardware CCD shifting mechanism.

Casio have also upgraded their image processor, which is now an Exilim Engine 2.0. This new component enables, among other features, the Auto Tracking AF that keeps the subject continuously in focus until the photo is taken (not an amazing feature for DSLR users, but great for this range of cameras).

The movie part has also been extremely well taken care of, the camera using the H.264 video encoding method allowing it to record about 1.5 times longer clips, with the same capacity and same picture quality as conventional MPEG-4.

The Casio Exilim EX-V7 has one feature, exclusive to the Casio Exilim line of digital cameras in the U.S., which is almost amusing. It is called the eBay Best Shot mode and allows users to take photos at a size that is image optimized for display on eBay, allowing picture takers to more quickly and easily create photos for selling items on eBay.

The EXILIM Hi-ZOOM EX-V7 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available at retail in March and on display at Casio's Booth #9808.