Olympus has released details of the latest additions to its popular Stylus compact camera line, the Stylus TG-850 Tough model and the Stylus SP-100EE super-zoom model, which are scheduled for release in March.
The Stylus TG-850 Tough is the first Tough camera with a flip-up LCD monitor. (Source: Olympus.)
The new Stylus TG-850 Tough is waterproof to 10 metres, shock-proof to 2.1 metres, freeze-proof down to -10℃ and crush-proof to 100 kg, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Its 3-inch LCD monitor has a resolution of 460,000 dots and can be tilted through 180 degrees. This makes it easy for users to capture low angle shots and self portraits. The lens covers a 5x optical zoom range, equivalent to 21-105mm in 35mm format for additional versatility. A new prism with a high refractive index and also Super HR elements were used in the lens design to make the camera more compact than previous models. The TG-850 Tough is expected to sell for an RRP of $399.
The Stylus SP-100EE with its 50x optical zoom lens extended and pop-up flash raised. (Source: Olympus.)
The Stylus SP-100EE is equipped with a powerful 50x zoom lens (24mm to 1200mm at 35mm equivalent) and is the first super-zoom camera with a dot sight to make it easy to frame distant subjects without losing them. The double ‘E’ (EE) on the end of the product name stands for ‘Eagle’s Eye’. A built-in Super Resolution Zoom enables users to double the focal length range and achieve a maximum ratio of 100x which extends the super telephoto range to 2400mm (equivalent). At such extreme magnification, it can be difficult to find the subject on the rear monitor or in the viewfinder. The dot sight, a ‘first’ in a super-zoom digicam, fulfils the role of Zoom Framing Assist, making it easier to capture distant subjects.
The SP-100EE boasts a high-resolution (920,000 dot) Electronic View Finder (EVF) with a specially designed eyepiece that simplifies the framing of shots. It also features the same FAST AF system as found in the OM-D cameras and provides a quick start-up time after the power is turned on, speedy autofocusing and a short shutter time lag. Other features include a built-in flash, handheld night mode and interval shooting, along with compatibility with the optional Remote Cable RM-UC1. The SP-100EE is expected to sell for an RRP of $449.
Both models have 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensors, coupled to the same high-performance TruePic VII image processor as found in the flagship OM-D E-M1 model. Together they represent iHS Technology, a combination of ‘intelligence’, ‘high speed’ and ‘high-sensitivity’, the latter providing a top ISO setting of 6400. Both models come with seven Art Filters that can be used when shooting stills and also Full HD movies. They also support progressive movie recording at up to 60 frames/second and include a new Hybrid 5-axis movie image stabilisation that can counteract blurring produced when shooting movies while walking. Details will be published on the Olympus website at www.olympus.com.au.
