Olympus: Four new FE-series digital cameras By
Mike Tomkins
(Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 00:00 EST)
Rounding out the company's announcements for the day, Olympus has today revealed four new digital camera models for its FE-series that have approachable, beginner-friendly features.
The Olympus FE-210, FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 digicams are all slated to ship from this February, priced at between $150 and $300 depending on the model. The Olympus FE-210 marks the entry-point, combining a seven megapixel CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.5" LCD display in a compact body with power from two AA batteries. The FE-230 ($200) reduces camera size and weight significantly, increases the maximum ISO sensitivity to 1250 (vs. ISO 640 in the FE-210), adds audio to the movie mode and doubles the framerate to 30fps, as well as switching to a proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and offering an optional underwater housing. The FE-240 ($250) is somewhere in between the size of the previous two cameras, and manages to fit in an impressive 5x optical zoom lens and much of the rest of the feature-set found on the FE-230. Finally, the FE-250 bumps sensor resolution up to eight megapixels coupled to a 3x optical zoom lens, with ISO sensitivity ranging up to ISO 3200 (with the ability to bump this to ISO 10,000 equivalent at reduced resolution). Full specs and product photos follow below. Olympus FE-210 | | General | Camera Type | Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | FE-210 | Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.2" 90.0 x 62.5 x 30.5mm | Weight | 122.0 g 4.3 oz | Planned Price | $149.99 | Planned Availability | 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 7.40 megapixels (total) 7.10 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1980 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 154,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 6.3 - 18.9mm (actual) 38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | iESP / single CCD contrast detection | Focusing Range | Normal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto (64 - 640) | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: Wide: 0.33 - 12.8ft (0.1 - 3.9m), Tele: 2.0ft - 6.9ft (0.6 - 2.1m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Night & Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Sport, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Behind Glass, Auction | Digital Zoom | 4x seamless | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Time Lapse | No | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) without audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 15 frames per second | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | Connectivity | Video | Yes | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | Other | DC Input | Power | Battery Type | Alkaline or Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | 2 x AA | Product Bundle | Software | Olympus Master | Battery / Charger | 2 x AA disposable battery | Flash Memory | 7.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | No | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | More Photos | | | | | | Olympus FE-230 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | FE-230 | Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8" 90.5 x 55.0 x 19.1mm | Weight | 105.0 g 3.7 oz | Planned Price | $199.99 | Planned Availability | 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 7.40 megapixels (total) 7.10 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1980 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 115,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 6.3 - 18.9mm (actual) 38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | iESP / single CCD contrast detection | Focusing Range | Normal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto (50 - 1250) | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: Wide: 0.33 - 12.8ft (0.1 - 3.9m), Tele: 2.0ft - 6.6ft (0.6 - 2.0m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Night & Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Sport, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Behind Glass, Auction, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2, Underwater Macro | Digital Zoom | 4x seamless | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Time Lapse | No | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | Connectivity | Video | Yes | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | Other | DC Input | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | Olympus Master | Battery / Charger | 1 x LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 20.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | More Photos td> | | | | | | Olympus FE-240 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | FE-240 | Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9" 93.5 x 56.0 x 23.4mm | Weight | 115.0 g 4.0 oz | Planned Price | $249.99 | Planned Availability | 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 7.40 megapixels (total) 7.10 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1980 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 115,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens 5x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 6.4 - 32.0mm (actual) 38 - 190mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.3 (wide) / f/5.0 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | iESP / single CCD contrast detection | Focusing Range | Normal: 29" - infinity (70 cm - infinity) Macro: 1.2" - infinity (3.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto (50 - 1000) | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: Wide: 0.33 - 11.8ft (0.1 - 3.6m), Tele: 2.0ft - 7.9ft (0.6 - 2.4m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Night & Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Sport, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Behind Glass, Auction | Digital Zoom | 4x seamless | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Time Lapse | No | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | Connectivity | Video | Yes | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | Other | DC Input | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | Olympus Master | Battery / Charger | 1 x LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 20.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | More Photos | | | | | | Olympus FE-250 | | General | Camera Type | Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | FE-250 | Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9" 94.0 x 56.5 x 22.3mm | Weight | 115.0 g 4.0 oz | Planned Price | $299.99 | Planned Availability | 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/1.8" CCD 8.30 megapixels (total) 8.00 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1980 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 230,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 7.4 - 22.2mm (actual) 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.7 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | iESP / single CCD contrast detection | Focusing Range | Normal: 12" - infinity (30 cm - infinity) Macro: 4.1" - infinity (10.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto (64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400*, 10000*); *SQ mode only | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/1000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Se nsor - Auto | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: Wide: 0.98 - 14.1ft (0.3 - 4.3m), Tele: 1.6ft - 8.5ft (0.5 - 2.6m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Night & Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Sport, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Pet, Auction | Digital Zoom | 4x seamless | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Time Lapse | No | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | Connectivity | Video | Yes | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | Other | DC Input | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | Olympus Master | Battery / Charger | 1 x LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 20.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | More Photos | | | | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
NEW OLYMPUS FE-SERIES CAMERAS PROVIDE EFFORTLESS DIGITAL PICTURE TAKING Four New Extremely Easy-to-use Cameras Offer Built-in Help Guides, Large 2.5-Inch LCDs and Digital Image Stabilization CENTER VALLEY, Pa, January 25, 2007 – Olympus today unveils four new FE-series point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine slim design and easy operation to deliver impressive image quality without a steep learning curve – perfect for first-time camera owners. The FE-210, FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 all feature a 2.5-inch LCD, Built-in Help Guides, Pre-set Shooting Modes and Digital Image Stabilization. Bright Capture is also available for the first time in select FE-series cameras. Each camera offers its own unique features including: - FE-210: Built-in Help Guides, including a Shooting Guide, lets users choose the desired effect and the camera adjusts to those settings automatically.
- FE-230: The 0.6-inch super-slim design and durable metal body make this the most compact and portable member of the FE family. An optional underwater housing (PT-038) designed specifically for the FE-230 provides worry-free fun in the pool or ocean. Images can be captured when scuba diving down to a depth of approximately 130 feet (40 meters) below the surface.
- FE-240: A powerful 5x optical zoom in a super-slim body captures action at a distance without taking a step. This slim .79-inch camera features an all-metal body and is available in black as well as silver.
- FE-250: An 8.0-megapixel image sensor, super-high sensitivity (ISO 3200), and fast shutter speeds in a slim 0.8-inch body guarantee users bright, high-quality images even in low-light situations.
“The Olympus FE-series cameras offer the ultimate value by combining great features and ease-of-use functionality in an ultra-slim design,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “First-time digital camera users will enjoy using learn-as-you-go Help Guides and Digital Image Stabilization to capture superior images.” Easy Operation The new FE-series cameras feature an enhanced Help Guide that makes digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and any skill level. A tutorial “shooting guide” educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as “shooting into backlight” and “adjusting coloration.” The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various situations and environments, but also sets the camera with the touch of a button, making the transition from learning to taking great pictures instantaneous. The FE-series cameras also feature a “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images. Buttons are conveniently located on the top of the cameras with icons for easy access to frequently used functions – shooting, playback, zoom and delete options right at your fingertips. Macro mode, flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad for quick use for composing images. Digital Image Stabilization Mode and Edit The new FE cameras offer Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) for capturing crisp, clear pictures. DIS freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. The FE-230 and FE-240 also feature Digital Image Stabilization Edit, which uses a built-in gyro sensor to track camera movement so you can fix blurry images 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. Sharp images of fast moving subjects can also be captured in low-light settings. Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 include Bright Capture Technology, enabling users to preview and shoot images and movies in low-light environments using specific scene modes. It’s perfect for situations when flash is not appropriate to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Large 2.5-Inch LCD The large 2.5-inch LCD screens make it easier to see clear images when composing shots as well as when gathering friends and family around to view the results, all without having to lug a laptop around to present your portable photo album. My Favorites Mode The My Favorites Mode allows users to select favorite photos to show family and friends anywhere, anytime. Users can select nine photos and save them using a minimal amount of the camera’s internal memory. Pre-Set Shooting Modes Make It Easy to Capture Great Images The inclusion of pre-set shooting modes, accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the cameras, makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations, such as Sports, Fireworks, and Night Scene with Portrait. The FE-210 offers QuickTime® Movie mode and internal microphones, which enables users to create short movies that can be emailed to family and friends. The FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 capture movies at a higher resolution, providing television quality movies. The FE-210, FE-240 and FE-250 offer 16 different shooting modes, while the FE-230 features 19 shooting modes including three underwater scene modes. TruePic TURBO™ for High-Speed Response Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor enhances image quality for brilliant blue skies and accurate flesh tones and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid start-up, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 to capture information from the CCD with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. OLYMPUS Master™ Software OLYMPUS Master™ software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee? Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Olympus Premium and Sporty Carrying Cases Olympus offers premium cases in six colors, including chocolate suede and red leather. A sporty neoprene case is also available for the entire FE-series of cameras and is perfect for active or outdoor situations. Underwater Housing When using the underwater housing (PT-038), the FE-230 is perfect for the pool, snorkeling or scuba diving. The PT-038 enables scuba divers to capture photos to depths of approximately 130 feet (40 meters) beneath the surface. Availability The FE-210, FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 will be available in February 2007. The FE-210 includes: two AA Batteries, USB Cable, Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Manual, CD-ROM (includes OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Manual) and Warranty Card. The FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 include: LI-42B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Manual, CD-ROM (including OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Manual) and Warranty Card. U.S. Pricing FE-210 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.) FE-230 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.) FE-240 Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.) FE-250 Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.) ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC. Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets. Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include: - Digital and Film Cameras
- Professional SLR Imaging Systems
- Digital and Microcassette Recorders
- Personal Photo Printers
- Digital Media
- Binoculars
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com. |
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