Center
Valley, Pa. –
unveiled four new compact digital
cameras and the next iteration in its family of Pen-style Micro Four Thirds
digital cameras as part of its offerings for the upcoming PMA Show, held Feb.
21-23.
The cameras
include the new digital Pen E-PL1 (shipping in March at a $599 estimated
retail, with M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm lens); a pair of new Stylus Tough cameras in
the 8010 (February, $399) and 6020 (February, $299.99); and a pair of SP series
models in the SP-800UZ ($349) and SP-600UZ ($249).
Olympus
also announced two new M.Zuiko ED zoom lenses for its Pen camera family in the
9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (shipping in May at $699) and the 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 (shipping
in June at $599).
The new lenses are
made with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass for superior image quality, Olympus said. They are pocket-sized to complement the
compact design of the Pen Micro Four Thirds digital cameras, including the new
E-PL1 that offers a compact body with digital-SLR attributes and HD video
recording.
The third-generation
Pen camera features a new direct-record button for HD movies and new Live Guide
functionality to simplify and learn photography techniques.
Live Guide offers
up and down arrows on the back of the camera to slide through numerous
photographic effects, make adjustments and watch them on the LCD.
The camera also
includes 19 scene-select modes, from portraits to sunset shots.
Another option is
the Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode that automatically identifies what is being
shot and adjusts settings for users to capture the best result depending on the
situation.
Other features
include face detection, in-camera panorama, iEnhance and Share (uses HDMI
connection to a TV for playback using a remote).
A new powerful pop-up
flash is added to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red eye and fill in
dark areas. The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external
flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and
FL-50R.
Other features are
a large 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, in-body image stabilization,
image autofocus, Olympus’s dust-reduction system
and the TruePic V image processor.
The camera also
adds new in-camera creative features, including six in-camera art filters: Gentle
Sepia, Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pin Hole, Grainy Film and Diorama (the filter that
makes everything look as small as the E-PL1).
The E-PL1 is available
in three new body colors: black, champagne gold and slate blue.
New SP ultra-zooms
cameras both ship in March and include the SP-800UZ with 30x wide-angle
optical-zoom, and the SP-600UZ with a 15x zoom; both have HD video recording
capability.
Both offer sleek,
titanium-colored bodies and have HDMI control, in-camera panorama and Magic
Filter to expand creativity, as well as AF tracking to keep subjects in focus
automatically.
The SP-800UZ’s 30x
(28-840mm) wide-angle optical-zoom lens and the SP-600UZ packs a 15x (28-420mm)
wide-angle optical-zoom lens enable close-ups from greater distances.
Both the SP-800UZ and
SP-600UZ shoot 720p HD videos, which can be played back on HDTV sets through an
HDMI output and control.
An AF Tracking system
in both models locks in-focus on fast-moving subjects. In-camera filters
include Magic Filter, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Fish-Eye, Drawing and Beauty mode.
Shadow-adjustment technology
captures bright shots outdoors, and the TruePic III image processor delivers superior
quality.
The SP-800UZ
offers a 14-megapixel image sensor, 3-inch LCD and lithium-ion battery power,
and the SP-600UZ offers a 12-megapixel image sensor, 2.7-inch LCD and AA
battery power.
The new Stylus
Tough 8010 and 6020 feature 14-megapixel resolution, HD 720p video capture with
HDMI output, and 5x wide-angle optical zoom lenses.
Both include AF
Tracking that locks onto moving subjects and a new Pet mode to provide proper
shoots of favorite animals.
Picture modes
include Magic Filter, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Fish Eye and Drawing.
Both are designed
for rugged use. The 8010 can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet, a depth of 33 feet
under water and 210 pounds of pressure, and the 6020 can survive a 5-foot drop
and depth of 16 feet underwater.
Both
models also include dual-image stabilization and can be controlled with a tap
on their top, back or sides for fast adjustment of settings even when wearing
gloves.
Other features are
face detection, in-camera panorama, 2.7-inch LCD screens, LED illuminator for
focus enhancement, TruePic III image processors and internal USB charging.
