Olympus has released details of the new Stylus SH-1, a high-performance camera with a 24x optical zoom lens and 5-axis image stabilisation and the latest Tough camera, the Stylus TG-3.
Angled front view of the new Olympus Stylus SH-1 in silver. (Source: Olympus.)
Scheduled for release in May, the Stylus SH-1 has been designed for travellers and offers a focal length range equivalent to 24-600mm in 35mm format. Taking its design cues from Olympus’ PEN cameras, it features a textured leatherette wrap around a slim, brushed-aluminium body to provide a stylish look and feel. A new leather body jacket complements the premium look and feel of this superb travel-oriented camera.
Back and top views of the Stylus SH-1. (Source: Olympus.)
The SH-1 has a 1/2.3-inch type (6.17 x 4.55 mm), 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and supports ISO settings from 125 to 6400. The mode dial has settings for P, iAUTO, Photo Story, ART, SCN, Panorama, Hand-Held Starlight, Advanced Movie and M shooting modes. The 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilisation system utilises technology from the flagship OM-D E-M1 camera. Handheld macro photos with sharp results are possible due to anti-shake capability in two lateral axes of movement. Video stabilisation is markedly superior to many camcorders.
Built-in Wi-Fi enables easy image sharing and wireless shooting with a smart-phone, along with GPS encoding using information from a connected smart-phone. An Advanced Movie mode allows in-camera selection of four different types of movies: Full HD 60p, up to 240 fps super-slow motion, time-lapse movies and simultaneous full-resolution photos and video. Seven Art Filters are provided, along with PhotoStory montage shooting.
The Olympus SH-1 will be available in Silver and Black from May 2014. Recommended retail price of the SH-1 will be $449 with accessories pricing to be announced.
Angled front view of the new Stylus TG-3 in red. (Source: Olympus.)
The new Stylus TG-3 replaces the TG-2 as the flagship of the Tough range, featuring a similar 16-megapixel CMOS sensor to the SH-1 plus a fast f/2.0 lens with a wide 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) range. Waterproof functionality is equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8), enablign the TG-3 to be used at depths up to 15 metres. Thsi camera is also drop/shock-resistant to 2.1 metres, freeze-proof down to -10 degrees and crushproof to 100 kgf.
Back and top views of the Stylus TG-3. (Source: Olympus.)
Features include built-in Wi-Fi with GPS support via smart-phones, a new Variable Macro System (VMS) with up to 44.4x display magnification in the Microscope
Mode plus built-in focus-stacking, focus bracketing and underwater macro functions. The TG-3 supports the most complete system accessories of any Tough camera. Waterproof fisheye and telephoto lens converters widen and lengthen its shooting perspective, on land and underwater. For macro illumination, a new LED Light Guide accessory channels the light from the camera’s built-in white LED into a ring pattern that provides evenly distributed lighting. A new underwater housing lets you photograph underwater to a depth of 45m.
The Stylus TG-3 shown with the fisheye converter lens fitted. (Source: Olympus.)
The Olympus TG-3 will be available in Black and Red from June 2014. Recommended retail price of the TG-3 will be $499 with accessories pricing to be announced.
Details of both cameras can be found at www.olympusimaging.com.au.
