The EXILIM (released June 2002), was developed based on the concept of a "wearable card camera" enabling easy photography wherever the user goes, and has been recognized as a completely new type of digital camera. It has become a hit product, giving rise to many follow-up series, including products with higher resolution and richer exterior color variation. The EX-Z3 was the first high performance model of the EXILIM series featuring 3.2 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens. The EX-Z3 features a new 3-segment telescoping lens construction, and advanced high-density mounting LSI technology called a Stack Multi-Chip Module, which has enabled the realization of a compact ultra-thin camera measuring just 87 by 57 by 22.9 millimeters (minimum width of 19.7 mm).
With its integration of advanced design and performance, in 2003 the EX-Z3 became Japan's best selling digital camera.
The EX-Z3 was selected as the European Digital Mini-Camera of the Year 2003-2004 at the EISA Awards by the European Imaging & Sound Association and has an outstanding reputation around the world.