Pioneers of Digital Photography and Scuba Diving Education Extend Partnership to Bring Underwater Photography to Recreational Divers of All Skill Levels

LAS VEGAS, October 22, 2008 – Capturing in-water images is easier than ever for scuba divers and water enthusiasts of all levels as Olympus extends its partnership with PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) as the official digital underwater photography equipment sponsor of the PADI Diving Society through December 2009. Announced today at the DEMA Show 2008 in Las Vegas, the two companies have extended their relationship and will continue to work closely together to help recreational divers capture amazing images during their scuba and snorkeling adventures.

“Olympus’ innovative cameras are designed to take incredible photographs in any setting, including underwater,” said John McGuire, product manager, Underwater and Outdoor Products, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “PADI is the obvious partner for us as it is the undisputable leader in recreational dive training and education. Additionally, our organizations share similar philosophies: commitment to quality as well as respecting and protecting the environment.”

PADI Americas Director of Marketing and Communications, Kristin Valette, concurs, “PADI maintains a strong commitment to the protection and preservation of the aquatic realm, supporting the philosophy of ‘take only pictures, leave only bubbles.’ Partnering with Olympus, a worldwide brand committed to quality and excellence, enables us to reach more divers and water enthusiasts and spread the passion for underwater photography and ocean conservation. PADI is honored to continue our partnership with Olympus.”

The partnership provides the more than 175,000 PADI Diving Society members with direct access via events to Olympus cameras for learning underwater photography skills and earning a PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty certification. It also enables Olympus and PADI to co-brand their underwater photography offerings at PADI Diving Society events around the world, including the recent PADI Photo Safari hosted in Bonaire as well as the 10th Annual Total Submersion Dive Festival and the Tahiti Dive Festival scheduled for 2009. Additional details are available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater and www.padi.com.

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 Digital SLR Imaging Systems

• 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.

About PADI
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest recreational diver training and certification organization, with more than 5300 dive centers and resorts and 130,000 dive professionals worldwide. For more than 40 years, PADI has set the standard for quality, fun and excellence in diver education. More divers participate in PADI programs than any other, making a PADI certification the most recognized and respected in the world. The PADI Diving Society is the world’s largest dive affinity group supported jointly by PADI, the world’s leader in diver education and certification, and Sport Diver magazine, the official publication of the PADI Diving Society. For more information, visit www.padi.com.

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