Olympus prepares fixed-lens Zuiko digicam

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Olympus prepares fixed-lens Zuiko digicam (UPDATED)
By Mike Tomkins
(Monday, September 20, 2010 - 09:08 EDT)

Olympus Europa Holding GmbH has today announced development of the company's first compact camera to feature a built-in Zuiko-branded lens.

Very few details are currently available on the camera, beyond the fact that the lens won't be interchangeable, but a mockup is to be shown at the biennial Photokina tradeshow, due to start tomorrow. The as-yet unnamed camera will apparently share the same accessory port design as used in Olympus' PEN E-P2 and E-PL1 single-lens direct view cameras. Information on sensor size or technology, lens focal lengths and apertures, etc. isn't currently available, nor is there any indication of a planned price point for the new design. The official press release notes Olympus Imaging President Masaharu Okubo's expectation that the camera will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2011, however.

Following are Olympus' press images showing the mockup camera.

Olympus' unnamed Zuiko-based compact camera. Photo provided by Olympus Europa Holding GmbH.

Olympus' unnamed Zuiko-based compact camera.
Photos provided by Olympus Europa Holding GmbH.

UPDATED 2010-09-20 11:28ET: Switched from the European to the US press release, and added a higher-res copy of the first camera image.

Original Source Press Release:

Olympus Developing New Flagship Compact Camera With Built-in Zuiko® Lens

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 20, 2010 – Since 1936, photographers have appreciated Olympus’s critically acclaimed Zuiko® lenses for their innovative design, high quality and superior reliability. Today, Olympus is pleased to announce that it is developing a new flagship compact camera that will be its first digital compact camera with a built-in Zuiko® lens. Olympus expects to introduce the camera in the first quarter of 2011.

Like the Olympus PEN® E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras, the new camera will include an accessory port so photographers will be able to expand its versatility by attaching optional accessories like the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set.

A prototype of the camera will be displayed this week at Photokina 2010, the world’s largest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held September 21-26 in Cologne, Germany. It will also be on display from October 28-30 at the 2010 PDN PhotoPlus Expo in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

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 people’s lives every day. These include:

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