Dual Image Stabilization, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview Enable Users to Capture Beautiful Images Like a Pro

CENTER VALLEY, Pa, March 5, 2007 – Olympus today announced the Stylus 780, a 7.1-megapixel digital compact camera with technologies from Olympus’ next-generation digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera for taking crisp, clear photographs in a variety of active situations. The ultra compact 5x optical zoom point-and-shoot camera includes:

• Dual Image Stabilization: By combining mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with Digital Image Stabilization, the two technologies compensate for both camera shake and a moving subject – ensuring blur-free images in virtually any shooting situation;
• New Shadow Adjustment Technology enables users to preview and capture details that are hidden within shadows – perfect for outside shots in bright sun when dark shadows are prevalent or shooting in backlit situations;
• Perfect Shot Preview allows users to see the effects of various settings while previewing the shot – a great way for novice users to grow their skill sets;
• TruePicTM III: The Stylus 780 includes the new TruePic III image processor for superior image quality with truer-to-life color; and
• A large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal™ LCD and Bright Capture Technology dramatically improve composition, capture and review of images in low-light situations.

“The Stylus 780 keeps with the Stylus heritage, appealing to stylish and sophisticated digital compact users who are looking for the convenience of All-Weather durability combined with superior image quality,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Stylus 780 consumers will benefit from technologies, such as TruePic III and Shadow Adjustment Technology, which were developed for our next-generation digital SLR camera.”

Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization technology combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the image is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. By combining the two technologies, Stylus 780 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

Shadow Adjustment Technology with Face Detection Auto Focus and Auto Exposure
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas – while the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus 780 addresses this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye. Combined with Face Detection Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, the Stylus 780 captures smiles in shadows without getting a dark image in difficult lighting such as in backlight situations. The technology can also be turned-off for any shooting situation where shadows are a key element of a photograph’s drama.

Perfect Shot Preview
The Stylus 780 features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to view and select various photography effects on the multi-view screen before even snapping the shot. The new feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It’s an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

TruePic III for High-Speed Response
The Stylus 780 features a new, more powerful TruePic III image processor developed for the demanding performance of professional digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. The new processor captures beautiful images with superior quality and eliminates graininess. Even pastel colors are reproduced in true-to-life colors across the entire photograph.

Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography
There are times when a photographic opportunity is best captured with ambient light (e.g., when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting). Olympus' Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose and capture subjects on the LCD in low light. Specific scene modes for high sensitivity settings (up to ISO 2500) and rapid auto-focus enable even fast-action photos to be captured with low levels of available light. Plus, Bright Capture Movie lets you record the moments in the dark even after the candles are blown out!

Large 2.5-Inch HyperCrystal™ LCD
The Stylus 780 boasts a large, high-resolution HyperCrystal™ LCD with high contrast and anti-glare technology for clear visibility – even when composing subjects with the sun at your back. Images are viewable on the 2.5-inch LCD from 140-degrees, so photos can be composed from a range of angles and viewed by several people at once.

5x Optical Zoom in Ultra-slim Body Design
The Stylus 780 features new lens technology that enables the 5x optical zoom lens (36mm – 180mm, f3.3 – f 5.0 equivalent in 35mm photography) to bring the action five times closer, and then tucks away into a compact body less than 1-inch thick. Stylus 780 users can get 60 percent closer to their subjects than comparable digital compact cameras with 3x zoom on the market.

All-Weather Durability
Typically, moisture and photography are a bad combination, limiting outdoor photography options when rain, snow or sleet is involved. Stylus digital cameras are renowned for their ability to withstand the elements. The Stylus 780 features a metal body that is durable and lightweight with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to help ensure that rain, dust and snow won't get in the way of great photos.

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor for Superior Image Quality
The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 780 delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even when printed in large-formats – up to poster sizes as large as 16 x 20 inches.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Make It Easy to Capture Great Images
The Stylus 780 has 23 shooting modes including several pre-set scene modes such as Beach & Snow, Available Light Portrait and Sunset. The cameras also feature an AVI Movie Mode, which enables users to record VGA-quality videos with sound, limited only by the size of the xD-Picture Card™.

Built-In Help Guides
With the Help Guides function, each camera feature is easily accessible even to novice users. By simply holding down the Guide button users can access brief descriptions of each of the camera’s functions and scene modes. An improved auto-set Shooting Guide provides users with an explanation of which features to use in a given situation, and then sets the camera automatically for the selected feature in the Guide.

Stylish, Ergonomic Body Design with Large Illuminated Buttons
The body design shared by the Stylus 780 is defined by high-performance, durability and style. In addition to the All-Weather, metal body construction that made the Stylus famous, the Stylus 780 features large illuminated buttons that make the camera easy to operate, even in dark settings. The Stylus 780 is available in silver and black.

In-camera Editing
In-camera editing features such as red-eye fix, resizing, frames, text options, color brightness and saturation adjustments enable users to edit photos right in the camera.

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.

Availability
The Stylus 780 will be available in May 2007. The camera ships with: a wrist strap, WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, instruction manual, warranty card, and a CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software.

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 780 Estimated Street Price: $349.99. (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 enhance 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.