D-550 ZOOM features Exclusive 3 Megapixel CCD, World's First Virtual Mode Dial and Long-Life Battery Circuitry

May 8, 2002, Melville, NY--Proving once again that Nothing's Impossible, Olympus America announced today the CAMEDIA D-550 ZOOM, which offers consumers everything they're looking for in a point & shoot camera with absolutely no compromises in quality--a high resolution 3 Megapixel CCD; 2.8X optical zoom with a totally seamless 10X zoom (2.8X optical & 3.6X digital); 5 Scene Program modes with the camera world's first Virtual Mode Dial; an improved easy menu navigation system; large 1.8" LCD; and high-end imaging features in a comfortable, compact and easy-to-use stylish clamshell body for only $399.

The D-550 ZOOM is the smart choice for all kinds of photographers, from the first time buyer who wants a high-resolution digital camera with optical zoom to previous digital camera owners who want to move up to a higher resolution digital camera at an affordable price.

Picture Quality
The Olympus D-550 ZOOM uses a newly designed 3 Megapixel CCD and offers sophisticated image quality features normally found on more advanced Olympus digital cameras. Olympus' renowned high-quality 2 aspherical glass element 2.8x, 5.8-16.2mm zoom lens (36-100mm equivalent in 35mm photography) is matched to the CCD and designed for digital photography producing superior image quality. Advanced color management settings in the 5-Scene Program modes--Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+Portrait, Night Scene and Self Portrait mode--always give users optimum color and picture result. Additionally, the D-550 ZOOM features Automatic Noise Reduction technology for crisp, clean colors and sharp detail even when shooting long exposures in low light of one second and longer in the Night Scene mode. Olympus's exclusive TruePic™ technology optimizes the image quality for picture sharpness, contrast, true colors and gradation in all picture resolutions, along with Automatic Pixel Mapping, which analyzes the CCD, re-mapping it for maximum CCD performance.

New Modes
The new 3:2 Recording Mode in the D-550 ZOOM allows users to create perfectly sized 4 x 6 prints along with a variety of other popular print sizes. The 3:2 aspect ratio is the standard image ratio for conventional 35mm film cameras, and the most requested print aspect ratio for photographic framing. The exclusive Virtual Mode Dial with the 5-Scene Program Modes lets anyone easily adjust the mode with a visually supported control circle menu displayed on the LCD for maximum ease of use and "the perfect shots."

Ease Of Use
The D-550 ZOOM offers Olympus' renowned easy to use USB Auto-Connect, hassle-free for PC connectivity and downloading with most of the latest operating systems such as Windows XP and Mac OSX. Simply plug the camera into the USB port and you're ready to go.

Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most critically important features in a digital camera, and the D-550 ZOOM has extremely long battery life allowing literally hundreds of shots in normal operation with four AA alkaline batteries (while using the LCD display and flash 50% of the time). With the LCD and flash turned off, the camera can capture thousands of images using the same AA alkaline batteries. When the Olympus' long-life LB01 (CR3V) batteries are used, battery-life is extended by about 3 times for even more of your favorite photos.

The D-550 ZOOM will be available in June for $399. It comes with a 16MB SmartMedia card, USB cable, video cable, carrying strap, 4 AA alkaline batteries, CAMEDIA Master 4.0 software, manual, Quick Start Guide, and warranty card.

U.S. Pricing:
D-550 ZOOM Street Price: $399 (U.S.)
D-550 ZOOM SRP: $499 (U.S.)
Canadian Pricing:
D-550 ZOOM SRP: $599 (Canada)

For more information, contact Olympus America Inc, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, ph: (631) 844-5000 (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

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ABOUT OLYMPUS - Nothing's Impossible
Based in Melville, New York, Olympus America distributes a wide range of products for the consumer, scientific, health care, commercial and industrial markets. These include film cameras that provide the ultimate combination of performance and style, and digital cameras that produce the most realistic digital images yet available. Microcassette and digital voice recorders, binoculars, personal photo printers, medical and industrial endoscopes, biological and metallurgical microscopes and measuring instruments, clinical analyzers, and other high technology products. Olympus America is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.