Heavy-Duty Construction Enables Cameras To Reach Depths of Up to 40 Meters, LCD Hood Cuts Down Glare for Viewing and Shooting Images

Melville, New York, March 3, 2003 – Olympus America today introduced three new heavy-duty housings to support underwater digital imaging enthusiasts. These stylish and durable transparent polycarbonate housings are for anyone looking to pursue underwater digital photography when diving, snorkeling or surfing – and they’re also ideal for use during activities that call for ultimate protection from the elements such as skiing, fishing, sailing, or even in certain industrial situations. The PT-014, PT-015, and PT-016 underwater housings are designed for use with Olympus C-50 Zoom, C-5050 Zoom and Stylus 300 or 400 digital camera models, respectively.

“With these new underwater housings, Olympus has created a way for digital photographers to include their cameras in every moment of their digital lifestyles,” said Jason Bortzfield, product manager for digital products, Olympus America, Inc. “They can now easily take our cameras along to capture the beauty of the world both above and below the seas.”

With an impressive depth limit of 40 meters, the housings allow digital photographers to chronicle snorkeling and diving expeditions with their Olympus digital cameras. The Stylus 300, Stylus 400 and C-50 Zoom digital cameras are ultra compact models that divers will feel comfortable taking with them because of their portable and lightweight design. The C-5050 Zoom adds a new dimension to underwater photography with its super bright f1.8 lens for flash-less photography in low light, and super macro mode for shooting sea creatures from only an inch away.

Stylish
All three underwater housings are made of durable transparent polycarbonate with grips and levers fashioned out of distinctive red-colored polycarbonate. The transparent nature of the housings ensures that users can view their shots with ease, as well as show off the stylish bodies of their cameras.

Innovative
The housings feature fluorite (FL) glass lens windows for greater clarity when shooting photos underwater. To reduce glare caused by sunlight on a digital camera LCD, the housings feature an LCD hood located on the outside back of the housing that makes viewing the LCD easier above and below water.

Intelligent
Olympus has thought of everything to keep digital cameras safe and dry within the housings. O-ring seals, special rubber rings engineered to fit perfectly within corresponding grooves, expand under water pressure to tighten the seal when the shells of the housings are locked. To keep the O-ring in optimal condition, the included O-ring pic removes the ring without damaging the housing or the O-ring itself. Then, silicone grease, also included, can be applied to keep the O-ring properly lubricated and maintain its condition. Furthermore, safety locks on all of the housings prevent accidental opening.

Approachable
The housings’ stainless steel nickel-plated brass mechanical control buttons, also sealed with silicon O-rings, allow full access to the cameras’ functions and menus. With the touch of levers, zoom and shutter are easily operated. For crystal clear shots, the integrated flash diffuser panel cuts down on glare from particles suspended in the water that otherwise would create a haze in the image.

Exciting
The Stylus 300 Digital and Stylus 400 Digital cameras were already all-weather cameras capable of withstanding a downpour of rain. Now, thanks to the PT-016 housing, it’s possible to take these cameras to the limit and surround them with water for hours of enjoyment in an underwater atmosphere 130 feet below the surface of the sea.

Availability
The PT-014, PT-015, and PT-016 will be available in spring of 2003.

Contents of the package:

• Case body
• O-Ring
• O-Ring pic for removal
• Silicone grease
• Silica gel (defogging agent)
• Hand strap
• LCD hood and strap
• Balance weight
• Instruction Manual
• Warranty Card

U.S. Pricing

PT 014 - C50 case – SRP: $259.95
PT 015 - C5050 case – SRP: $259.95
PT 016 - Stylus 300,400 case – SRP: $199.95

For more information contact Chris Sluka, public relations manager, 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. Review units and high-resolution images of the camera are available from Mullen Public Relations. Contact Michael Bourne, senior account executive, 978-468-8953 or [email protected].

ABOUT OLYMPUS – Nothing’s impossible.
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing optical-digital product solutions for health care and consumer segments. The company leverages R&D investment in technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines that include:

• Digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders; and
• Minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical endoscopes;
• Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
• Chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus America Inc. serves health care, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial and other service offerings and is the leading brand in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company’s market-leading consumer camera products and services business spans North and South America. Olympus America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and parent company to develop state-of-the-art products and services that are innovative, intelligent, and easy to use. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

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