Casio today added a new category to its Exilim cameras tailored just to ruggedized models. The Exilim G series is headed up by the EX-G1 and claims the title of the thinnest toughened camera: it measures just 0.78 inches but can survive drops of 7 feet and is both dustproof as well as waterproof at depths of up to 10 feet for up to an hour. Winter travelers can also use it as it operates in temperatures as low as 14F (-10C).

As a camera, the 12.1-megapixel camera's signature feature is an interval shooting mode that captures at regular periods for those who either can't take the shot (such as snowboarders) or who want to create time-lapse videos. The camera has just a 3X optical zoom but does shoot movies in widescreen 480p, boasts fully automatic scene settings, and has an underwater scene preset. Casio helps keep the size small by taking microSDHC cards for storage.

The EX-G1 should be ready in December and will sell for $300 in black and red color options.