1/26/2007 -- Olympus Imaging America Inc. has expanded its digital camera line with eight new models, including a rugged shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and crushproof model; and the “world’s first” digicam with 18x optical zoom.
Built for active lifestyles, the tough Stylus 770 SW is built to take photos in nearly any environment, from water at depths of up to 10 metres, to the frigid cold temperatures of winter, down to -10 degrees Celcius. It can also survive falls up to 1.5 metres, and heavy loads up to 99 kilograms; and has four custom underwater scene modes. The camera is compatible with the PT-035 underwater housing for taking photos up to 40 metres beneath the surface.
The two-centimetre thin 770 SW is constructed of lightweight, stainless steel, with rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal the interior from the elements. A built-in manometer measures water and air pressure: the depth and altitude are recorded when each image is taken, and the information is stored with each picture’s digital file. It’s equipped with a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming in the lens.
The camera has a 7.1 MP sensor, and 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD with a 140-degree viewing angle; plus Digital Image Stabilization. Olympus’ Bright Capture Technology, which supplies a brightened preview on the LCD, enables simple composition in low-light settings. An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus during macro shooting; and also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate the subject when taking low-light portraits.
Additional features include Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO image processor; 27 selectable shooting modes; and in-camera editing.
Olympus’ Stylus 770 SW will be available in March 2007 for an ESP of $449.99. It ships with Olympus Master software, a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, manual, and warranty card.
The 7.1 MP (3x optical zoom) Stylus 760 (February; $279.99) includes Dual Image Stabilization, which Olympus says combines mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with Digital Image Stabilization to ensure the clearest picture possible in any situation, whether you or your subject are moving. It comes housed in an all-weather durable metal casing with rubber gaskets (available in a variety of colours), and features Bright Capture Technology, including Bright Capture Movie. The 2.5-inch wide-view (up to 140-degrees) LCD includes a Backlight Boost Button: great for previewing and playing back images in sunny situations.
The 760 also includes a built-in help guide; in-camera editing features; three underwater scene modes (used with the PT-036 underwater housing); and Olympus Master software.
Boasting an impressive 18x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28-504 mm equivalent in 35mm photography) is the SP-550 UZ Ultra Zoom (March; $599.99), which also includes Dual Image Stabilization, high-speed sequential shooting, and pre-capture, which captures five images before the shutter button is fully depressed. It has a 7.1 MP CCD sensor, and offers 30 shooting modes; 2.5-inch LCD; in-camera editing; and Bright Capture technology. An underwater housing made specifically for this model (PT-037) is available as an optional accessory.
Olympus also expanded its entry-level FE-Series of point-and-shoot models, adding five new models: the FE-210 ($179.99), FE-220 ($229.99), FE-230 ($229.99), FE-240 ($299.99), and FE-250 ($349.99), all equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD, built-in help guide, pre-set shooting modes, and Digital Image Stabilization. The FE-230, FE-240, and FE-250 also include Bright Capture technology.
The enhanced Help Guide includes a tutorial “shooting guide” that gives users tips for achieving specific effects, like “shooting into backlight” and “adjusting colouration.” The shooting guide also sets the camera with the touch of a button.
The FE-series cameras also feature a “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images. Buttons are located on the top of the cameras, with icons for easy access to frequently used functions. Macro mode, flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad for quick use for composing images.
The FE-230 and FE-240 include Digital Image Stabilization Edit, which uses a built-in gyro sensor to track camera movement so blurry images can be fixed right in the camera. The FE-250 features a super-high ISO sensitivity (up to 3200), which extends the flash working range, enabling users to capture clear and bright subjects and backgrounds in low-light situations. The FE-230 is just 1.5 centimetre thick; and is compatible with the optional PT-038 underwater housing. The two-centimetre thin FE-240 boasts 5x optical, and is available in multiple colours. Also at just two-centimetres thin, the FE-250 provides an 8 MP sensor. All five models will be available in February.
