Olympus: Three new Stylus digicams By
Mike Tomkins
(Thursday, August 23, 2007 - 00:01 EDT)
Continuing its announcements for the day, Olympus has unveiled three new digicam models for its Stylus series.
The Olympus Stylus 820 has a clean, pocket friendly chassis, and includes both an eight megapixel CCD image sensor and Olympus-branded 5x optical zoom lens - a more useful range than the 3x zooms in most digicams. The 820 also sports a 2.7" LCD display with a higher than average resolution of 230,000 pixels. The LCD is the sole method of framing images, given that the camera offers no form of optical viewfinder. The Olympus 820 packs its features into an all-weather metal body that can handle rain, sleet and snow. Other features include a whopping 20 scene modes, and a reasonably generous 47MB of built-in memory, and an xD-Picture card storage slot. Power for the Stylus 820 comes courtesy of a proprietary Lithium Ion battery. Connectivity consists of USB 2.0 (high-speed), A/V out (NTSC/PAL switchable) and DC input, via a multi-terminal connector. The Olympus Stylus 830 offers both hardware image stabilization and software anti-blur in a body that is is almost identically sized to the Stylus 820, although it does have a slightly smaller 2.5" LCD display. ISO sensitivity is also rather lower at a maximum of ISO 1600 (versus ISO 3200 in the Olympus 820), and internal memory is a rather less generous 15MB. One other difference of note is the Stylus 830's two underwater scene modes. Finally, the Olympus Stylus 1200 bumps sensor resolution to twelve megapixels, and the larger 2.7" LCD from the Stylus 820. These are coupled to a rather less powerful (but somewhat brighter) 3x optical zoom lens. ISO sensitivity runs to a maximum of 6400, and while the underwater modes aren't included on this model, its users will find themselves with the more generous 47MB allocation of built-in memory. The Olympus Stylus 820 ships from September 2007, priced at around US$250. The Olympus Stylus 830 and 1200 both follow from October 2007, priced at about $330 and $350 respectively. Olympus Stylus 1200 | | General | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | 1200 | Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.9" 98.1 x 56.2 x 23.0mm | Weight | 125.0 g 4.4 oz | Planned Price | $349.99 | Planned Availability | Oct 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/1.72" CCD 12.00 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels) 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.7", 230,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens (6 elements in 4 groups, 4 aspherical) 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 7.4 - 22.2mm (actual) 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.5 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | CCD Contrast Detection with iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, Full-Time AF | Focusing Range | Normal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity) Macro: 4.1" - 24" (10 cm - 60 cm) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/1000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected) | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3 | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: TBD | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+portrait, Night Scene, Night+portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Smile Shot, Beach&Snow | Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime (Motion JPEG) with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File System | FAT16 | File Format | JPEG | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | Other | Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output, DC Input) | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | OLYMPUS Master 2 | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 47.0MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | < td align="left" valign="top">Internal SpeakerYes | Tripod Mount | Yes | More Photos | | | | | | Olympus Stylus 830 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | 830 | Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.9" 99.6 x 55.1 x 24.0mm | Weight | 125.0 g 4.4 oz | Planned Price | $329.99 | Planned Availability | Oct 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.35" CCD 8.00 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 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 (8 elements in 6 groups, 4 aspherical) 5x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 6.4 - 32.0mm (actual) 36 - 180mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.0 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | CCD Contrast Detection with iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF | Focusing Range | Normal: 29" - infinity (70 cm - infinity) Macro: 1.2" - 29" (3 cm - 70 cm) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, High Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected) | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3 | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: ISO Auto: Wide: 0.66ft (0.2m) � 11.8ft. (3.6m); Tele: 2.0ft (0.6m) � 7.9ft. (2.4m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+portrait, Night Scene, Night+portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks,Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Beach&snow, Underware Wide1/2, Underwater Macro | Digital Zoom | Up to 5.6x | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | Other | Multi-Terminal (USB Connecter, Audio/Video Output, DC Input) | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | OLYMPUS Master 2 | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 14.8MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | More Photos | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Olympus Stylus 820 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Olympus | Model Number | 820 | Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.0" 96.4 x 56.4 x 24.3mm | Weight | 125.0 g 4.4 oz | Planned Price | $249.99 | Planned Availability | 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.35" CCD 8.00 megapixels (effective) | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.7", 230,000 pixels | Playback Zoom | 10.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Olympus lens (8 elements in 6 groups, 4 aspherical) 5x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 6.4 - 32.0mm (actual) 36 - 180mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.0 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | CCD Contrast Detection with iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, Full-Time AF | Focusing Range | Normal: 29" - infinity (70 cm - infinity) Macro: 1.2" - 29" (3 cm - 70 cm) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 | Shutter Speed | 4 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected) | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3 | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off Range: ISO 800: Wide: 0.66ft (0.2m) � 12.8ft. (3.9m); Tele: 2.0ft (0.6m) � 8.5ft. (2.6m) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+portrait, Night Scene, Night+portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Smile Shot, Beach&Snow | Digital Zoom | Up to 5.6x | Self Timer | Yes, 12 seconds | Movie Format | AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | xD Picture Card, Built-in | File Format | JPEG | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | Other | Multi-Terminal (USB Connecter, Audio/Video Output, DC Input) | Power | Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary LI-42B | Product Bundle | Software | OLYMPUS Master 2 | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery | Flash Memory | 47.0MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | More Photos | | | | | | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
THREE NEW ADDITIONS TO OLYMPUS STYLUS FAMILY BLEND STYLE AND PERFORMANCE New Digital Compact Cameras Build on More Than a Decade of All-Weather Durability, Beautiful Styling and Industry-Leading Innovation CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 23, 2007 – Olympus today proudly announces the newest additions to its Stylus family of sleek All-Weather digital compact cameras – the Stylus 820, Stylus 830 and Stylus 1200 – which combine elegant design with power, performance and reliability. Consumers are able to be a part of the action while capturing beautiful images thanks to the superior features offered in the Stylus 820, Stylus 830 and Stylus 1200. These features include Face Detection Technology, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Perfect Shot Preview, Image Stabilization, large HyperCrystalTM LCD screens and Preset Shooting Modes. The three new Stylus cameras also enable consumers to capture TV-quality video with sound, and the cameras easily connect directly to a television or LCD screen for convenient playback. Additionally, the Stylus 830 features Dual Image Stabilization, which combines mechanical Sensor-Shift Stabilization with Digital Image Stabilization to compensate for both camera shake and moving subjects – ensuring blur-free images in virtually any shooting situation. The camera also offers 5x optical zoom to bring the action closer and a large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD in a sleek, compact design. The Stylus 830 also provides illuminated buttons for easy viewing in low-light situations. The Stylus 820 and 1200 feature a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD, which is great for easily composing, editing and sharing images with friends and family. Additionally, capturing breathtaking landscapes is a snap with the in-camera panorama mode offered in the Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200. The Stylus 1200 also provides an incredible 12-megapixels for maximum image quality when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image. “Olympus continues to deliver superior optics and industry-leading innovations for an amazing digital photography experience,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new Stylus cameras offer style and sophisticated technologies for the discerning consumer.” Image Stabilization for Blur-Free Photos 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 subject 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, the Stylus 830 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation. The Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200 feature digital image stabilization (DIS) and DIS Edit, which enables the user to retouch blurry photos right in the camera. Stylish, Ergonomic Body Design and All-Weather Durability Stylus digital cameras are renowned for their high performance, style and ability to withstand the elements. The Stylus 820, Stylus 830 and Stylus 1200 feature light-weight metal bodies with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, sleet and snow will not get in the way of great photos. Additionally, the three new cameras feature ultra-compact bodies less than 1-inch thick. The Stylus 820 is offered in red, blue, black and silver. The Stylus 830 is offered in orange, green, blue, black and silver. The Stylus 1200 is offered in black and silver. Large HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 830 boasts a large, high-resolution 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD with high contrast and anti-glare technology for clear visibility, even when composing pictures in bright sunlight. The Stylus 820 and 1200 feature an even larger 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD. Images are viewable on the LCD screen from 176-degrees, so photos can be composed from a range of angles and viewed by several people at once. Face Detection Technology Face Detection Technology tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks your subjects' faces without having to press the shutter button. Shadow Adjustment Technology 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 cameras address 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. Millions of Pixels for Superior Image Quality The 8-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 820 and Stylus 830 delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even when printed in large formats. The Stylus 1200 offers a 12-megapixel image sensor – perfect for creating huge, poster-size enlargements. Optical Zoom in Ultra-Slim Body Design The Stylus 820 and Stylus 830 feature new lens technology that enables the 5x optical zoom lens (36mm – 180mm, F3.3 – F5.0 equivalent in 35mm photography) to bring the action five times closer, and then tucks away into a compact body less than 1-inch thick. The Stylus 1200 features a bright, 3x optical zoom lens (35mm – 105mm, F2.8 equivalent in 35mm photography). Perfect Shot Preview The Stylus 820, Stylus 830 and Stylus 1200 feature a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before 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 is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering. TruePic™ III Image Processor The Stylus cameras feature Olympus’ exclusive new TruePic™ III image processor developed for the demanding performance of Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos. In-Camera Panorama The Stylus 820 and 1200 feature the new in-camera panoramic photo shooting capability, which captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Users can easily do this by pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be automatically captured and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one panoramic-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together to produce an even larger panoramic image. 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 and rapid auto-focus enable even fast-action photos to be captured with low levels of available light. Plus, Bright Capture Movie lets consumers record the moments in the dark even after the candles are blown out! Preset Shooting Modes Make It Easy to Capture Great Images The Stylus cameras make it easy to take great photos in a variety of scenarios and lighting situations. Simply select the desired mode for portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action, macro and more. The Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200 offer 24 shooting modes, and the Stylus 830 offer 26 shooting modes. In-Camera Editing With the new Perfect Fix, multiple editing features can be applied at once. The Stylus 820, Stylus 830 and Stylus 1200 feature Red-Eye Fix and Lighting Fix. The Stylus 820 and 1200 also include Digital Image Stabilization Edit and other 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™ 2 Software OLYMPUS Master™ 2 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 searchable by date in Calendar view. Additionally, 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 Cases Olympus also offers premium cases in a variety of colors, including camel and red leather, and a sporty neoprene case perfect for active or outdoor situations. Availability The Stylus 820 will be available in September 2007, and the Stylus 830 and 1200 will be available in October 2007. The cameras ship with: a wrist strap, WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, manual, warranty card and a CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master 2 Software. U.S. Pricing Stylus 820 Estimated Street Price: $249.99. (U.S.) Stylus 830 Estimated Street Price: $329.99. (U.S.) Stylus 1200 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 enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include: Digital and Film Cameras as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories Digital and Microcassette Recorders 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. *Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder. © 2007 Olympus Imaging America Inc. #### |
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