Casio EX-TR100 Tryx turns tricks in Las Vegas

We like a dash of eccentricity in our gadgets, and the Casio Exilim EX-TR100 Tryx certainly has that. It's not as barking as Lady Gaga camerashades, but it does come in a quirky twisty-turny frame that's unlike any camera we've ever seen before.

The Tryx takes the twisty-screen styling of mini-camcorders such as the Samsung HMX-E10 and runs with it. The camera is hinged in two places: the screen is connected to the lens bit, and swivels 270 degrees, while the surrounding frame is also attached to the lens bit and spins 360 degrees.

The frame part can act like a tripod or stand, propping up the camera. When you've set the camera in place, you can wave a hand to trigger the self-timer and snap a self-portrait or group shot. You can also hold the frame to shoot at different angles -- and in either hand, so it's good for lefties too. You control things by tapping on the 3-inch touchscreen.

The actual specs are basic but the numbers are good. The 12.1-megapixel snapper has no optical zoom but a very respectable wide-angle 21mm lens, equivalent to a 35mm camera.

The Tryx also records 1080p high-definition movies or slow-motion video at up to 240fps at titchy 432x320-pixel resolution. Pictures and videos are stored on SD, SDHC and SDXC card, with an HDMI socket to connect to a hi-def TV.

UK pricing and release dates are yet to be confirmed, but we're looking forward to getting our hands on it: in a market awash with identikit compacts, the Tryx is a real breath of fresh air. For more imaging innovations, check out our look at the future of cameras.